Adam gets fizzical to lose 9 stone in a year
SLIMMER’S UNUSUAL DIETING TIP
POKEMON Go, gym sessions, portion control and chicken stir fries cooked in Diet Coke were part of a lifestyle overhaul which helped a Nottinghamshire carer shift an incredible nine stone in just over a year.
At his heaviest Adam Birkett, of Kirkby-in-ashfield, tipped the scales at a hefty 23st 2lb thanks to his love of second helpings, sugary cereal, snacks and extra-large portions.
The 28-year-old, who is a full-time home carer for his father, says he was never teased about his weight and believed himself to be quite content but was encouraged to lose weight by his doctor.
“If I went for a problem with my shin or a chest infection he’d end up bringing up my weight,” says Adam, who is six-feet tall.
“It did get to me. So when he suggested I try Slimming World, I thought I’d give it a go.”
At the time of joining Hannah Packer’s group at The Ashwood Centre, Adam’s typical daily diet included sugary cereals such as Frosties or Wheetos for breakfast, a four slice sandwich stuffed with cheese and onion for lunch, crisps and biscuits in-between and a dinner consisting of wholesome home-cooked grub such as spaghetti bolognese - but served up in colossal portions. Adam would wash everything down with plenty of full-fat fizzy pop.
“I wasn’t eating bad stuff,” says Adam, who is now down to 14st.
“I always had home-cooked, wholesome meals. I only had takeaway once a week. It was over-eating that was the problem.”
Shy by nature, Adam was apprehensive about joining a Slimming World class at first, but on taking part in his first class he met a chap who had recently lost nine stone and used him as his inspiration.
He says: “When I first stood on the scales I was so nervous. I weighed 23st 2lb. I was determined I was going to do this and in my first week I lost 7lbs and I felt amazing.”
Following the plan meant Adam ditched cooking with oil and started making his dinners with at least 30 percent of fresh produce. He swapped fullfat pop for diet versions and cut down his portion sizes.
Now his daily diet includes Bran Flakes for breakfast, a salad for lunch and lasagne or spaghetti bolognese for dinner. His favourite however, is a more unusual dish.
“Diet Coke chicken. It’s the first thing I recommend to anyone starting the plan. It’s like a Chinese stir-fry but you cook the chicken with Diet Coke.”
Adam also increased his exercise and joined a local gym. Signing-up to outdoor virtual collecting game Pokemon Go also helped Adam increase his daily step count.
Now, at almost half his heaviest body weight, Adam says he has more energy to play with his nephew and no longer has breathing or movement issues.
He adds: “My life has completely changed and I am never looking back. I couldn’t have done this without the help and support of the whole group.”
Class leader Hannah Packer says: “Adam joined me at my group as a very shy guy. I’m so immensely proud of how well he has done and I’m very privileged to see how he has changed in so many ways - all for the better.”