Neil has lost 4 and a half stone!
Neil joined HLS Coventry Weight management service in July 2021. His weight had begun to affect his mental and physical health and resulted in him having to have a full hip replacement operation at the age of 54. Neil decided that he wanted to take action and with some important life events on the horizon, make some lifestyle changes to improve his health and protect his future.
‘The team gave me lots of advice in a nice and approachable way. They got me to set goals that were achievable.’
Initially Neil wanted to lose some weight for his daughters Graduation (in 4 months time) and his daughter’s wedding in the following year. Setting these shorter-term goals allowed him to take things one step at a time.
‘To go on a 100,000 mile journey you need to take the first step. HLS Coventry was my first step’
With the help of our coaches, Neil immediately got to work. ‘I loved the regular check-ins . The team made me feel like a person, remembered all my responses, were very encouraging and never critical. They never asked me why I was so large but just wanted to help.’
‘My coaches Rokaya and Daniel made the sessions lighthearted and a joy to go to, just like a meet up with a friend, with general conversation but covering all the points essential for my journey to succeed.’
Everyone’s weight loss journey is different and our Healthy lifestyle coaches provided Neil with tailored support to make sustainable changes that suited his lifestyle.
Neil shares the key pieces of advice that he has found most useful.
- Don’t go straight in for second helpings of a meal - it takes 20 minutes before your body registers that you feel full.
- Drink lots of water- it keeps you feeling full in between meals and snacks
- Keep an eye on your calorie count.
- Give yourself rewards or treats each time you achieve a target- you deserve it!
- Plan your meals- the Hairy Bikers are hero’s with easy-to-follow recipes
- You can still enjoy a drink and have treats, but just less often.
With the help and support of his coach Rokaya, Neil has lost an amazing 4 ½ stone in 4 months. Beyond the number on the scales, Neil has benefitted from the lifestyle changes he has made in several other ways.
‘My mental health has improved drastically as I greatly suffered with that. I feel like I have a new wardrobe as I can now fit into clothes that I never could before. It’s nice to hear people say how much better I look! Since planning my meals I have actually saved money and enjoy the time I spend cooking’
These achievements have only spurred Neil on to continue on his weight loss journey. He is now looking forward to attending his daughter’s wedding next year feeling much healthier, happier and fitter.
To anyone thinking of setting out on their own weight loss journey Neil’s advice is to ‘Just go for it! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and make it an enjoyable experience that you’ll look back on and feel proud of!’