Ami's story

I'm 24 years old and a support consultant for a payroll software company. I've just bought my first house with my boyfriend in East Leake, Loughborough which were both so excited about (and still are!)

What's your dieting experience to date?

Other than fad diets such as the 'Special K - Drop a Dress Size', I had never really tried a diet in particular. Although the results were quick with the one I did try, it didn't take long for the weight to be put back on just as quick. I had tried cutting out things that I figured were bad for me like chocolate and cakes, but it was always a half-hearted attempt.

How has being overweight affected your life?

My confidence suffered most. I never felt nice in anything I put on in the morning, and I used to feel like people would look at me and think 'she shouldn't be wearing that'. I would choose clothes that I could hide what I didn't like about myself, I didn't want people to see how big I was because I was ashamed I had let myself get that way. I was also shocked at how un-fit I was! Exercise always filled me with dread, mainly because I didn't want to make a fool of myself as I couldn't do it!

What was the trigger that made you decide to lose weight this time?

I ordered a suit for work in my size at the time and I couldn't do the button up on the trousers. I was mortified that I was continuing to gain weight and decided enough was enough - I had to do something about it.

What appealed to you about Nutracheck?

I was introduced to it by a friend who had successfully lost weight using it and thought she looked amazing - it was the first thing I decided to try. I liked that it didn't tell me what I should and shouldn't be eating. I didn't have to follow a diet plan of foods I don't enjoy just because they are 'good for you'. I think the main thing though is that it allows you to educate yourself by choosing your diet based on things that you like. I found that this kept me motivated.

Don't use the word diet. Say instead that you're re-conditioning your body.

How have your food choices changed now compared to before?

The biggest changes are that I tend to go for the lighter option of foods where possible, more fresh fruit and vegetables and cut down on my portion sizes. I also weigh out my food as much as I can. Mostly I don't feel I have to make that choice anymore - it's automatic.

What would a typical day's food have been before for you?

Breakfast: 2 slices of toast with butter

Lunch: White baguette with ham, cheese & coleslaw, bag of crisps

Dinner: Spaghetti Bolognaise

Snacks: Crisps, chocolate, biscuits

Drinks: Lots of tea & coffee with 2 sugars

What is a typical day's food now?

Breakfast: Cereal with skimmed milk

Lunch: Ham salad sandwich on wholemeal bread

Dinner: Chicken, steamed vegetables and new potatoes.

Snacks: Apple, Satsuma, low fat yoghurt

Drinks: Less tea with no calorie sweetener, lots of water

What 3 things have changed most in your life since losing weight?

My confidence has been given a huge boost.

I have noticed a significant improvement in my fitness.

I find my mood on a daily basis has improved also.

Has there been a single thing that has really meant a lot to you?

I went to a wedding where there were a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long while and received loads of compliments which made me really happy! I also remember the first time I could fit into a pair of skinny jeans - I was so excited I bought 3 pairs in different colours!

What are your top 3 tips for someone else who is still trying to lose weight ?

Keep going! I remember hitting a phase where I didn't lose any weight for a while, even gained a pound or 2. I just made a few minor changes here and there and it started dropping again.

Be honest. Don't think to yourself 'that piece of chocolate doesn't count' or 'that bit of mayo won't do any harm' - it all adds up.

Be as active as you can, even if it's just walking everywhere possible.

How confident do you feel about keeping the weight off? Why is this?

I feel absolutely fine about keeping the weight off because I feel like I've almost trained myself into thinking a different way. It's automatic to choose the correct foods now; I don't necessarily notice that I'm making that decision. I'm also determined not to get back to how I was. The way I feel now in comparison to before is so much better - it keeps me motivated to continue the way I am.