St Albans, United Kingdom (PressExposure) June 08, 2010 -- In just 16 weeks, Kelly Whistance, a 23 year old student, lost 53 pounds in weight, ten centimetres from her chest measurement, 18 centimetres from her waist, 14 centimeters from her hips and went down four dress sizes - thanks to the Howard's Way very low calorie diet (VLCD).
Kelly said: "I completed the Howard's Way programme in December 2009. I dieted with total food replacement (TFR) for 12 weeks and then did the re-feeding programme for a further four weeks.
"I went down four dress sizes in 16 weeks and I now feel 'amazing'. I'm more confident and happy - and I'm proud that I've achieved my goal.
"I also feel extremely proud of myself for achieving this hurdle and getting my weight under control. I feel in control of my life again and I feel excited about the next stage of my life.
"I also feel supported by the Howard's Way team as I move forward and continue my weight loss goals.
"Physically, emotionally and mentally, enrolling on the programme was a bit of a shock to the system," she added. "The programme involved a steep learning curve - about such things as food addiction - but I received some terrific support form the Howard's Way locums.
"I also received a great deal of encouragement from my GP, who was glad that I was doing something positive about my weight," said Kelly.
"Before, I felt fat and ugly but I also felt annoyed and ashamed at myself for having let myself get to the size I was," Kelly continued. "I was massively in denial and the hardest part for me was admitting that I needed to change.
"Any difficulties I encountered with the programme were dramatically outweighed by the joy of stepping on the scales and seeing the weight shed each week.
"At first, I struggled with the impact the diet had on my social life. I realised how much a part of my life eating - and drinking - had become and, initially, I felt isolated from my friends.
"However, after settling into a routine and changing my mindset, I found that it was still possible for me to attend all of my social engagements and enjoy myself - even without food and alcohol!
"By far the best part of the programme for me was the support I received from my locums and the rest of my group," revealed Kelly.
"Having a weekly group session became extremely important to me. It was an opportunity to share achievements or receive a much needed pick-up from the other dieters.
"The Howard's Way locums were on hand at all hours and had the answers to all my questions, no matter how obscure the problem was. Another important part for me was never feeling judged or embarrassed, only encouraged and motivated.
"I absolutely love the Howard's Way maintenance bars too and I eat these on a regular basis now. Drinking four litres of water never felt like a chore and it is something that I have kept up since finishing the programme.
"Importantly for me, I was able to continue exercising three days a week and study through my exams, without ever suffering from overtiredness or lack of concentration.
"My future excites me now, with lots of opportunities ahead. My confidence has grown and I feel I could conquer anything now.
"Don't be that person that thinks they can't do it because they love food too much or do not have the willpower," Kelly counseled. "I was that girl and now I have a happy, hopeful and slim future ahead of me!"
End
To interview Kelly please contact Bob Little Press & PR (tel 01727 860405; email bob.little@boblittlepr.com)
Further information from: Penelope Howard: + 44 (0)1923 773851 / penny@croxley.demon.co.uk Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR: +44 (0)1727 860405 / bob.little@boblittlepr.com