My Journey: Losing 3 Stone in 4 Months - A Story of Transformation

At 51, turning 52 this year, I’ve spent the last 25 years fluctuating between 18.5 stone and 21 stone. Throughout that time, I’ve always been incredibly fit. I’ve trained in CrossFit for 15 years, pushing myself with regular sessions and an active lifestyle. I’ve tried every diet imaginable—keto, Atkins, fasting, you name it—but nothing stuck. That was, until recently.

In the last four months, I’ve achieved something I never thought possible: I lost 3 stone. It wasn’t through weight-loss drugs, steroids, or any performance-enhancing substances. In fact, I’ve taken no pills or shortcuts. The key change came from a simple but profound shift in mindset, guided by my coach, Gav Gillibrand.

For years, I’d been told that I needed to consume huge amounts of calories due to my size and my active lifestyle. When I plugged my details into apps like MyFitnessPal or Noom, I was told I could eat 2,500–3,500 calories a day based on my weight and exercise routine. But, Gav’s approach was completely different. He told me I should be eating based on my target weight—not my current weight.

That revelation was eye-opening. For the last four and a half months, I’ve been eating 1,800 calories a day, which was a huge shift. It felt daunting at first, but as I adjusted, it helped me focus on making every calorie count. I started filling up on vegetables, salads, lean meats, and cut out cheese and bread, which didn’t offer enough nutritional value to justify their calorie load.

The first two weeks were tough. I felt weak, and everyone around me questioned what I was doing. But once my body adjusted, I started to see results—and not just on the scale. My stomach shrank, I got fuller faster, and I had more energy. I’m still training five days a week, doing 90 minutes to 2.5 hours of CrossFit daily, and burning up to 1,500 calories a day, yet I’ve never felt stronger.

At the start, I had a goal of losing 20 pounds in three months. Instead, I lost 40 pounds. I began incorporating more walking into my routine, and six weeks ago, I started running. I’ve found that I actually enjoy it now—and that’s something I never thought would happen.

Another key difference this time was that I didn’t view this as a temporary "diet." With Gav’s guidance, I learned that this is a sustainable lifestyle. I’ve been on holiday, gone out for meals, and even had fish and chips, pizza, and a drink. The secret has been balance: when I indulge, I adjust the next day. It's about making trade-offs and staying mindful of my choices, without feeling deprived. This approach doesn’t restrict me; it empowers me to make conscious decisions.

One of the most profound changes has been my mental shift. During the Christmas period, I had chocolate and cakes in the house, but I didn’t feel the urge to eat them. I’m learning to be mindful of my calorie consumption, and it’s given me a better headspace. I’m no longer obsessed with food. I’ve also stopped eating processed foods altogether—replacing them with homemade meals that nourish my body.

This journey has also made me reflect on the bigger picture. I recently saw a report about weight-loss drugs being offered on the NHS. The study showed people lost about 15% of their body weight over a year with these drugs. I did it in four months—without drugs—by simply eating less and making better choices. And, I’m spending less on food. Imagine that: saving money, getting healthier, and not relying on medication.

My goal isn’t just to lose weight; it’s to become stronger, faster, and healthier. And for the first time, I can truly see the results of all the hard work I’ve put in. This isn’t the end of my journey; it’s just the beginning. I’m excited for the future.

If you’re reading this and thinking about making a change, I hope my story inspires you. It’s never too late to start. Whether you’re 19, 51, or anywhere in between, you have the power to change your lifestyle. You don’t need drastic measures or magic pills—just consistency, discipline, and a shift in mindset.

Thank you for reading and being part of my journey. I believe you can do it too.

#gavgillibrand Gav Gillibrand