Dedicated Diet Club

We find out how our dedicated dieters art doing on their plans from Tesco Diets – and smooth out their weight-loss niggles.

The GYM HATER

It can be difficult to squeeze in workouts – but Tesco Diets helps make it easier to find the time to keep fit NAME: GENEVIEVE WESTOBY, AGE: 26, ORIGINAL DRESS SIZE: 14

“With the GI plan, I get to eat more than I normally would, which seems too good to be true! My main difficulty is fitting 30 minutes of cardio in every day, especially as I don’t get home until 9pm.”

EXPERT HELP Genevieve finds the Gi plan fulfilling because it contains foods to help maintain stable blood sugar levels between meals, thus reducing hunger. Any exercise will help in boosting her metabolism. As long as she aims to do 30 minutes of exercise throughout the day, a few minutes here or there will be just as effective as long exercise sessions and much easier to fit into her hectic schedule.

THE PARTY BINGER

Is it possible to party and still lose weight?

NAME: SARAH ASHFORD, AGE: 29, ORIGINAL DRESS SIZE: 12

“My diet really fits in with my lifestyle – I can eat what I like, within reason, as long as I stay within my plan’s limit. It’s only my busy social life that gets in the way – it’s not always easy turning down nibbles!

EXPERT HELP Sarah’s found the perfect plan to fit in with her social life. She can still enjoy meals out and the occasional after-work drink without damaging her diet. But if she chooses too many higher-total foods, she’ll find that her allowance is quickly used up. Instead of indulging in sugary or fatty nibbles, Sarah should aim to eat nutritious lower-total snacks such as dried fruit, crackers and low fat yoghurts.

The COMFORT EATER

It sounds impossible – but you can treat yourself and lose weight!

NAME: RUTH PEATCEY, AGE: 33, ORIGINAL DRESS: 16

“I’m happy to say I’ve already lost a few pounds. I’m actually finding the diet quite easy, and I don’t have to put having fun on hold to lose weight. The website is fantastic – I email in my weekly weigh-ins and write comments on how I’m doing. It really got into it. You even get emails back, giving tailored advice. My biggest hurdle so units a week and, although I’m not a big drinker, it’s actually been quite hard to stay inside that limit.”

EXPERT HELP Ruth has really settled into her plan and this is reflected in the great progress she’s made. She’s discovered healthy eating does not need to be a chore. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional tipple as long as she’s careful about what she chooses. White wine spritzers or spirits mixed with diet drinks are lower in calories than beer or cider. I would also recommend having a glass of water between every alcoholic drink.

The NON STICKER

Think no diet can work for you? Tesco Diets really can make it happed

NAME: DONNA GOH, AGE:26, ORIGINAL DRESS SIZE: 12

“So for, I’ve found the website really easy to use, with a fantastic support element. The light choices plan is simple, with great recipes that don’t take too long to prepare. I know exactly what I’m allowed to eat, and the experts have given me an exercise plan too, which is a great motivator. I especially like the fact that there’s a phone number you can call for instant support. I think my biggest sticking point will be chocolate and the odd takeaway – and the fact that now, I have to eat three meals a day. I’m used to doing things like skipping breakfast and dinner and just having a big lunch, so this really is a complete lifestyle change for me.”

EXPERT HELP The plan has offered Donna the guidance she needed to revamp her eating habits. Now she knows what she needs to eat to meet her nutritional requirements, she can see just how easy and satisfying it can be to eat healthily. The varied, balanced diet she’s following will reduce the temptation to eat chocolate and other junk foods. If Donna is finding her cravings are getting the better of her, it would be a good idea to eat small meals regularly throughout the day – it’s the best way to reduce hunger and the likelihood of cheating.