Diet & Fitness 

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10 reasons why you should join the Shape Up Challenge

Still deciding whether to take the plunge and set out on the path to a healthier life? Then perhaps these messages from our Shape Up message board will inspire you

1) ‘Hi all. I joined on 4th June, 2001 and was given great advice on setting small targets. I need to lose seven stone total, so I’ve aimed to lose seven pounds in two weeks. Well, I have lost 9 ½ lbs and am very pleased with myself. I have even had a family meal out and a chocolate treat without going back to being a complete chocoholic!

The added joy is that my hubby who is also around seven stone overweight is doing the Atkins diet and has lost less weight than I have. This is power to my theory that simple healthy eating is best. Thanks for the support and well done to everybody. Doesn't it help that we are all trying together?’ iVillager Timerri2000

2) ‘I did a victory dance round the room this morning as I’ve only been doing the Challenge for a week and have already lost five pounds. Now I weigh less than when I got married 2 ½ years ago. The best thing is, when you start getting bored a new week starts and the plan changes slightly so you've always got something exciting to focus on. I'm definitely not giving up – this week I went to a barbeque and had chicken and salad, and yesterday my family had a big Chinese dinner and I had a healthy eating meal – I didn't even nick a chip. I'm so pleased with myself.’ iVillager Alvy_Singer

3) ‘I just wanted to say thanks to those who have responded to my message – it's brilliant to come to the message boards and read how everyone else is doing. I am so excited about dieting, as I have tried over the past couple of years but have had no motivation at all.

Now, for whatever reason, I have really thrown myself into it and am actually enjoying myself. I lost about 10 stone five or six years ago, then met my husband and piled on the pounds. I am so much looking forward to being able to look in a mirror and see a full body view without cringing. I'll never be super-slim, but I know what I'm happy with and I'll get there. And although my lovely (super-slim) husband loves me the way I am, I will love me better when I am a few stones lighter. I don't want to be Kate Moss – I just want to get back into my knee boots and short skirt, and am planning ahead to the moment when I get a new outfit and feel the confidence to knock him dead! And this time when I lose it, it will stay off. Anyway, I am looking forward to using the boards a lot more, as they're a brilliant encouragement. See you all later.’ iVillager Girly_whirl

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