Katy Sutherland always struggled with her weight but could usually keep it in check, until she started comfort eating after her mum died.
Losing Jackie in 2017 was a huge blow for Katy who found herself turning to food to help her cope with the grief.
Soon afterwards the pandemic struck plunging the 31-year-old into a deeper crisis, struggling because she could not meet up with family or friends.
‘I basically ate my emotions’
“Everyone was working at home and we weren’t seeing anyone or doing anything,” Katy, of Conon Bridge, says.
“And I basically ate my emotions. I turned to food as a comfort – I would eat it and feel rubbish afterwards.
“It was just a horrible vicious circle and self-sabotage. I knew I shouldn’t really be doing it, but would do it anyway.”
But the accountant didn’t notice how much weight she was piling on until she saw a photo of herself out on a walk.
“I was absolutely horrified, ” she said. “It wasn’t a particularly challenging walk but I was knackered and my back and knees were sore.”
Looking at her bank statements also shocked Katy because it was clear just how much money she was spending on takeaway deliveries.
Alerts often arrived from her bank to let her know her top monthly spends had been on JustEat.
“That was the turning point for me when I knew I needed to do something,” she said.
‘I wanted to see a quick result’
Weighing 15 stone 3lbs (96kg) and a dress size 16 at her heaviest, Katy tried various diets over the next few weeks but struggled to shift the pounds quickly enough.
After previously losing a stone on the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, she reached out to her old consultant for help to get a faster weight loss.
The plan focuses on the individual client and offers dieters a range of weight loss products that can’t be bought online or in high street stores.
“I wanted to see a result quickly that would motivate me and keep me going,” Katy, who struggles with anxiety, explains.
“I had a [size 12] dress that I wanted to fit into that had been hanging in my wardrobe for ages.
“It’s a beautiful dress and it still had the tag hanging on it.
“When I tried it on at the start of my journey it was stuck on my head and I struggled to get it off.”
Katy, who lives with her 31-year-old partner Mike, was determined to shift the weight and started planning out her meals.
Eating out at restaurants was never a problem because she’d choose her dish from the online menu before heading out then make sure she was the first person to order.
That way she wouldn’t get tempted by other people’s food choices and it was easier to avoid being tempted by high-calorie side orders too.
Fast weight loss: Katy lost the pounds but has gained a new life
Not only did Katy lose three stones – reaching her target weight in just three months – but she also gained more confidence and took on a new part-time job.
Now, after starting her training in October, she also works as a consultant helping other slimmers with the 1:1 Diet and hopes to eventually turn it into a full-time career.
Katy reached her target weight – 12 stone 2lbs (77kg) – in December and was so delighted she finally fitted into her favourite dress she wore it to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
The pretty sparkly dress was the big motivation for Katy to lose weight and get healthier.
“Sometimes if I was struggling and wanted to eat lots of food I would hang it up on the mirror in my hall for the weekend,” she said.
“And every time I walked past to go to the kitchen it would be there as a reminder.”
Katy has shared some tops tips on how to lose and maintain your weight loss.
- Make sure you drink enough water – people often confuse their stomach rumbling for hunger rather than being thirsty
- Keep a food diary – not only will it help you reflect on what you’re eating you can also work out if certain foods make you feel bloated and are best to avoid
She is now looking to recruit new members for the team to work as consultants and is also offering a free consultation for new clients.
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Every Friday lunchtime we highlight an incredible story about recovery, overcoming illness and bravery.
Have you overcome a health challenge, lost weight or got fit and are now in a position to help others by talking about your journey?
We’d love to hear from you as we look to offer information, insight and inspiration through our content.
You can get in touch by emailing me at charlotte.thomson@ajl.co.uk
