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Jan overcame her doubts and lost 19 kilos
In October 2008 I was delighted to receive an e-mail from a woman named Jan telling me of her experiences in losing weight with The Don't Go Hungry Diet.One of the things I find inspiring in Jan's e-mail is that even though she doubted whether connecting with her body would work for her, she "felt the fear and did it anyway".
As you'll read in Jan's e-mail, which she has kindly allowed me to share with you, she's certainly glad she took the plunge!
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 20:41:40
To: Dr Amanda Sainsbury-Salis
Subject: My Story
Dear Dr Amanda,
I first heard you being interviewed on Margaret Throsby's morning interview, having tried and succeeded in losing weight, then regaining it, plus more. I wondered if this could be the answer. I certainly agreed with the logic, listen to your body and to live while you are losing, but could I do it?
I am 66 years old and have tried most diets, all of which worked but were impracticable as they were not sustainable. I commenced your approach in April '08 and have lost 14 kilos; I need to lose about 30 kilos [in total].
One of my problems is that I am an "all or nothing" person, meaning, that being a rather fanatical person I am either staunchly on a "diet" or with a "to hell with it" attitude. As you can imagine I have had to change my thinking - a lot. Sometimes I find myself looking up calorie values etcetera and now that I am really feeling the weight loss wanting to weigh myself more often.
With exercising, I commenced using a walking machine and tried to achieve 8,000 steps in day. I have now hit the pavements and at night top up to 12,000 steps on the walking machine if needed.
As you can see I am on the way and want to thank you for your book and inspiration. Your monthly newsletter helps keeps me on track and a friend and I are going to book for your Brisbane session. I look forward to meeting you."
It was wonderful to meet Jan in real life at my Brisbane workshop and to hear a bit more about her journey. Seven months after starting The Don't Go Hungry Diet, she has now lost an impressive 19 kilos.
I look forward to staying in touch with Jan to help her successfully navigate the transition from weight loss to permanent weight maintenance.
Watch this space for more of Jan's story!
What our readers say...
"Dear Dr Amanda, Just a quick thank you for sending my parcel. I am totally enjoying reading what you have to say. I am wondering just how many people have 'discovered' you and if they haven't why not? As I mentioned to you briefly the other day, I have been through Fit for Life, Pritikin, Weight Watchers, Too Good To Be True and Tony Ferguson's diets and have eventually put a good deal of what I did lose back on. BUT, and this might seem a bit premature, I am SO EXCITED about starting on your 'diet'. I have never read anywhere (and my husband and I have done a great deal of reading about nutrition and weight loss), anything like you are advocating. I understand fully what you are saying and it all makes so much sense. I have never been excited about losing weight before (it has all been in the too-hard-basket) but I really am enjoying following your guidelines. If ever I am asked who I'd vote for as Australian of the Year I'd have to say you. I truly hope that more and more people 'find' you Amanda and that those who have tried and failed at all the other so-called weight loss "experts" have their lives changed and enhanced by your research and advice. Anyway, so much for the quick note! Thanks again Amanda and I congratulate you on your website. It is most informative and very user-friendly! Warm regards, Kaye Frost-Smith PS I have spent all morning making your Cottage Pie, and from licking the spoon it tastes fantastic!"