Carole Bromley, 57, from York is a teacher and writer. She is married with four grown children and has been following the Eat right Healthy eating plan since February 2006.

Carole decided to shed her extra pounds after a holiday visiting her son in Australia. She realized that her weight had gradually crept up since Christmas and while she didn't obviously look overweight, she felt miserable, her confidence was low and she was concerned about her health.
In the past, she cycled to work, cut calories and went to the gym.

All were positive steps to better health but she couldn't find a lifestyle plan that was sufficiently sustainable to keep her weight off in the long term.

When asked how she feels she replied 'I feel really healthy and fit. I had a small stroke seven years ago and go for annual check-ups. Last week my cholesterol level was below 5 for the first time ever (in fact it was 4.0) and my blood pressure 'perfect'. I have more energy and go to the gym most days.

I also walk or cycle everywhere. As an added bonus at a family party recently I was told by my niece that I 'had a figure to die for'. Not sure that's true but I certainly look better - especially in a swimming costume. I notice I now choose brighter colours so maybe I don't mind being noticed either.'

In particular, she found the healthy eating plan meals 'delicious' and the plan 'clear and foolproof'. For Carole, the best thing about following the plan online 'was not having to undergo the ritual humiliation of being weighed in public and being expected to discuss my diet with other people. I couldn't face that.'

She also found the 'swift and helpful response from the team every week' encouraging and this motivated her on occasions when she felt she was slipping.

The Healthy eating plan has also changed the types of food she buys and eats. Her kitchen is now filled with far more salads, vegetables and fruit. She's started enjoying cheese and yogurt which she had previously avoided to lower her cholesterol. She's banned crisps, cakes and biscuits and now drinks more water and a lot less alcohol.

Her reward for such changes? She feels a lot better and younger. Carole said 'it's how you feel as much as how you look. I think people tend to accept that weight gain is inevitable as you get older. It isn't. You feel younger if you do something about it.'

She now feels perfectly fit and well and suspects that she may not have had the frightening experience of suffering a stroke at 50, had she been eating a healthier diet and exercising regularly.

Carole now dresses to show off her figure and doesn't feel self-conscious on the beach. Despite enjoying the meals out and the occasional glass of wine she's sticking to her main meals and has no intention of letting the extra weight creep back on.

'Thank you very much for your help and support. I recommend you to all my friends.'

Carole Bromley