In June 2022, Clare Kelly found herself caught between a size 16 to 18, grappling with debilitating menopausal symptoms and persistent joint pain, leading her to candidly admit that she was “in very bad shape”.
Frustrated by the relentless cycle of poor health, chronic pain, and continual weight gain that saw the scales tipping at 13 stone, Clare resolved to embark on a transformative journey.
“I started researching anti-inflammatory diets, which led me to Dr. Mosley’s books and eventually The Fast 800 programme,” Clare recounted in an interview with Express.co.uk.
The Fast 800 programme is a structured low-carb diet, heavily inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, which emphasizes the practice of intermittent fasting as a key component for wellness.
Upon discovering a free trial of the programme, Clare, who appreciates a strong sense of structure and routine, eagerly decided to immerse herself in this new approach.
After enrolling in the 12-week programme, Clare experienced a rapid transformation, shedding weight almost immediately by strategically reducing her daily calorie intake to just 800 calories.
She was able to maintain this calorie limit by meticulously following the “brilliant” 800 calorie meal plan, which allowed her to prepare her meals for the week ahead with ease.
Clare expressed her enthusiasm for the variety of recipes available, noting, “The quality and imagination behind them are fantastic,” adding to the allure of her new lifestyle.
Among her favorites are the “Tuna Mornay” and “Mozzarella Chicken,” but the bonus of engaging with the Fast 800 programme extended beyond just culinary delights to include a comprehensive exercise guide.
Joining her local gym enabled Clare to connect with a supportive community filled with individuals on similar journeys. “In autumn, I started training with a personal trainer,” Clare stated, highlighting that this pivotal decision profoundly enhanced her overall well-being.
Reflecting on her progress, Clare noted, “My joint pain has improved and my energy levels started to soar,” delivering a renewed sense of agency over her body for the first time in years.
With a sense of joy and accomplishment, Clare beamed: “I needed to buy new clothes by the end of the 12-week programme, which I was thrilled about.”
Now, at the age of 54, Clare has successfully reduced her weight from 13 stone to 11st 4lb. She emphasizes that “feeling strong is more important to me than how I look, and I’m comfortable and happy with my current shape.”
What are the key components of The Fast 800 programme that Clare Kelly found beneficial in her journey to wellness?
**Interview with Clare Kelly: A Journey to Wellness Through Diet and Fasting**
**Interviewer:** Clare, thank you for joining us today. You mentioned that back in June 2022, you were facing quite a challenging time with your health. Could you tell us more about your experience?
**Clare Kelly:** Thank you for having me! Yes, it certainly wasn’t easy. I found myself between a size 16 to 18 and struggling with debilitating menopausal symptoms and persistent joint pain. I felt like I was in very bad shape, both physically and emotionally.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly tough. At what point did you decide to make a change, and what led you to explore anti-inflammatory diets?
**Clare Kelly:** I was really frustrated with the constant cycle of poor health, chronic pain, and weight gain. At my heaviest, I weighed 13 stone, and I knew I had to do something. This frustration pushed me to research options, and that’s when I stumbled upon anti-inflammatory diets. I came across Dr. Mosley’s books, which sparked my interest in The Fast 800 programme.
**Interviewer:** The Fast 800 programme has gained popularity for its structured approach. Can you explain what it’s all about?
**Clare Kelly:** Absolutely. It’s a low-carb diet inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on whole foods and fresh ingredients. One of the key components is intermittent fasting, which helps regulate metabolism and can aid in weight loss. It’s designed to be flexible and sustainable, which really appealed to me.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned discovering a free trial of the programme. How did that impact your decision to get started?
**Clare Kelly:** The free trial was a game changer! It allowed me to experience the programme without a financial commitment upfront. Once I started, I was amazed by how quickly I felt better. It was motivating to see real changes in my health and energy levels.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful to hear! What results have you seen since you began the programme?
**Clare Kelly:** I’ve lost weight, and more importantly, my joint pain has significantly reduced. I feel more energetic and have been able to manage my menopausal symptoms much better. It’s not just about the physical change; my mental and emotional health have improved as well.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like this journey has been truly transformative for you. What advice would you give to others who might be feeling stuck in a similar situation?
**Clare Kelly:** I would say to seek out information that resonates with you, just like I did. Don’t hesitate to try new things, whether it’s dietary changes or wellness programmes. Listen to your body and be patient with yourself. Change takes time, but it’s absolutely worth it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Clare, for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your story is inspiring, and it’s great to see that positive changes are possible!
**Clare Kelly:** Thank you! I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope it helps others take that first step towards better health.