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Charlene lost 29kg and found a “zest for life”
After an unexpected diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, 37-year-old Charlene found motivation to lose the weight she had gained since the birth of her son eight years ago. She knew that if she didn’t take action now, her health could deteriorate further like that of her parents, both of whom had suffered strokes. With support from The Fast 800, Charlene turned her health around and now feels stronger, more energised, and more confident than ever.
Where Charlene’s journey started
Charlene had never struggled to maintain a healthy weight until the birth of her daughter 11 years ago.
That was the first time I had ever seen myself bigger than a size eight, and to be honest, it was a shock. I became very depressed, which led to eating and drinking more because I was unhappy with how I felt in my body. I was stuck in a vicious cycle.
By the time her daughter turned two, Charlene had managed to lose the weight she had gained. However, when she became pregnant with her son in 2016, things changed once again.
During her pregnancy, Charlene was diagnosed with hypertension and later struggled with post-partum depression. Although she tried to lose weight, both her physical and mental health were suffering, and she was not in a good place emotionally or physically.
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The turning point came in March 2024, when Charlene was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes During this time, she was recommended The Fast 800 Programme which became the ultimate turning point in Charlene’s health.
Discovering The Fast 800 Programme
Charlene began with The Very Fast 800 phase of the Programme, following a low-carb, Mediterranean-style diet and eating 800 calories per day of nutrient-dense meals.
I paired that with Time Restricted Eating, fasting for between 16 and 20 hours each day, depending on how I felt, and starting my meals at lunchtime rather than eating breakfast. I also exercised at home using the guided videos on the Programme. I didn’t feel hungry, which I think was because the meals are designed to keep you full. Combined with my determination to change, I had no choice but to stick to it.
Although the lifestyle change was challenging at first, Charlene felt fully supported by her family and remained motivated by her desire to age more healthily than her parents.
Her daily meals became simple, nutritious, and protein-rich, making them easy to shop for and prepare. “I didn’t want to over complicate things because I have such a busy life. I try to make all the meals in a way that everyone will enjoy. I want to teach my family that it’s important to look after yourself now, rather than waiting until the doctors are telling you that something is wrong with your health.”
How Charlene’s diet changed
Take a look at how Charlene’s daily diet has transformed since joining the Programme:
A typical day of eating before the Programme:
- Breakfast: A full English breakfast
- Lunch: Noodles with lots of cheese, or sausages and eggs, often with a large glass of fizzy drink or glass of wine
- Dinner: Jacket potato loaded with cheese and baked beans, tuna, mayonnaise and sweetcorn, or cheese-loaded pasta bakes, sausage rolls or pizza, followed by more fizzy drinks or wine
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A typical day of eating after the Programme:
- Breakfast: Charlene skips breakfast in favour of the benefits of Time Restricted Eating
- Lunch: Soft-boiled egg, cottage cheese, chopped apple, turkey breast slices and seaweed
- Dinner: Chicken breast or salmon, sautéed tenderstem broccoli, asparagus, edamame beans and kale. Her family enjoys this same meal with a side of brown rice or couscous – now her daughter’s favourite dinner
To discover an exclusive library of healthy, delicious recipes that are easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat, sign up to The Fast 800 Programme here.
Charlene’s life-changing results
The results Charlene has achieved following her journey with The Fast 800 Programme has been beyond her expectations:
- Within weeks, her HbA1c dropped from 69 mmol/mol to 27 mmol/mol
- Her weight dropped from 94kg to her target of 65kg
- Her type 2 diabetes is now in remission
- She sleeps better, no longer snores, and her mood has improved, making her feel calmer and less irritable
- She’s more confident than ever and has a “newfound zest for life” including enjoying dressing up again now she can fit in her old clothes.
- She’s completed Bournemouth Half Marathon and can run 5km in under 32 minutes!
If you want to achieve incredible results like Charlene has, head here to find out how The Fast 800 Programme can help with your own health journey.
Charlene certainly isn’t looking back. “I’m proud to have been on The Fast 800 programme and now I’ve recruited one of my sisters and a close friend too, who have both lost weight. It’s great as we’re all experiencing it together and we can support each other along the way.”
I’d say to anyone: it’s worked for me, and if you stick to the programme and you start exercising, you’ll see a difference in 12 to 16 weeks. It will change how you look and feel – you’ll feel amazing.
We’re thrilled for Charlene, and our many other members who have found success on the Programme. It’s never too late to start, so make that first step towards change today.
