Lynda is one of our first New You Switch Maintenance Transformation Challenge winners, and her story is a powerful reminder that transformation does not stop when the weight is lost.
After losing around 6 stone, Lynda has gone on to maintain her results, rebuild her confidence, regain her mobility, reduce her pain, and get her life back in a way she once thought might not be possible.
In this honest and uplifting interview, Lynda shares what life was like before The New You Plan, the moment she knew something had to change, how the community helped her keep going, and what maintenance looks like now.
This is Lynda’s Story…
Getting Started
Rachael: Well, hello, Lynda. How are you today?
Lynda: I’m fine, thank you. Yourself?
Rachael: Very good, thank you. I’ve been enjoying the sunshine, obviously!
Lynda: It’s a bit cloudy today, but yesterday was gorgeous.
Rachael: It was! I did have to close the windows because of the glare.
Lynda: Yeah, I know. I was walking around the house thinking, “Where do I do this?” I didn’t want that backlight.
Rachael: Anyway, congratulations for being one of our first winners within our Switch for Maintenance category in our Transformation Challenge. Very, very well done to you.
Lynda: Thank you.
“I Thought, There’s No Harm Giving It A Go”
Rachael: I think you and I have been around quite a long time together. I’ve got to know you through the groups, so I know a lot about your story.
But for those who are just exploring the idea of New You, I’d love for you to share some of your background. How did you find us, and why did you choose to start losing weight?
You are such a shining example of how to maintain, and we’ll definitely touch on that too. But for people who don’t know anything about you, can you tell us why you decided to start your New You journey?
Lynda: Well, I was on the internet, just looking through Facebook, and I came across you.
I thought, “I haven’t tried this before.” I’d tried other stuff and it didn’t work, so I thought, “There’s no harm. I’ll give it a go.”
The first week I tried it, I lost 10 pounds. So I thought, “This is good!”
Ever since then, it’s been fantastic. I’ve just sailed through it, and all the help and support has been a bonus. It’s brilliant.
I just ordered more stuff and carried on chipping away. And yes, I’ve got amazing results.
Rachael: And when was it that you started?
Lynda: I started on 7th March 2024.
Rachael: So it was literally your two-year anniversary on plan!
Lynda: Yes. I’m just going into my third year now.
Rachael: Wow. Fantastic.
The Moment Lynda Knew Something Had To Change
Rachael: Over the years, I’ve got to know you quite well from the groups, and I’ve read your story, as have the team.
What was it that really drove you? Was there a particular reason you knew you needed to lose weight?
Lynda: I was overweight, and it was affecting my bones. My spine isn’t straight anyway, and all the pressure on my body was affecting everything.
I was awake at night with pain, crying.
But the nail in the coffin, so to speak, was when I went out one day with my husband and we were crossing the road. My legs just went from underneath me in front of a van.
You just want the ground to swallow you up.
I just thought, “Something has got to be done,” because I was suffering so much with pain.
Rachael: Was that affecting other things in your life too?
Lynda: It affects everything you do.
Health-wise. Sleep-wise. It affects your whole family.
I never wanted to go out. I didn’t want to see anybody. I just wanted to stay in.
It affects every part of your life really — not just your weight, but mentally as well. It is quite hard.
Rachael: Do you think it strained your relationships with your family?
Lynda: Most definitely, yes.
People would ask, “Is it me?” And I’d say, “No, it’s not you. It’s me. It’s how I feel. I don’t want to go out.”
If I did go out, I’d put on a long coat and hide myself. I always wore dark colours to try and disguise myself a bit more.
So yes, it does affect you quite a lot.
“I Knew Something Was Missing”
Rachael: When you were at that stage, did you feel like it wasn’t really you? Like there was something else in you that wanted to come out?
Lynda: Yes. You know something is missing, and you want more, but I didn’t know how to go about it.
I’d tried previous things and I just couldn’t connect with them. Every time I tried, it felt like I put the weight back on, and things were even worse.
But it’s so different with The New You Plan.
Rachael: What about it is different?
Lynda: It’s just easy.
It’s your packets. It’s simple. Four or five packets, whatever you have to use. For me, it was four packets and four litres of water.
If you’re going anywhere, it’s grab and go. You can take it anywhere. You can put it in your bag. I have them in the car, in the glove box.
It’s easy and really effective, with amazing results.
The Community Support
Rachael: I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I know you well from the community. Do you think that was a major factor in helping you stick to the plan?
Lynda: It’s very encouraging.
For me, I probably couldn’t have done it by myself. You need that community for help and support.
You read what other people are going through, their achievements, and like I’ve always said — real people with real results.
The community is a great help. Everybody is always there for you. If you put a comment on or ask something, somebody always answers.
Rachael: And you’re such a great source of support now too. You’ve been through it, you’re maintaining, and you’re there helping everybody along their way.
Lynda: I think because you’ve been through it yourself and had first-hand experience, you do get quite attached.
You want to help people. You want to do things to make it easier for them.
Even something as simple as saying, “Keep your water up,” because that is a major part of it as well. It all helps.
Rachael: Absolutely. It’s that voice of experience, isn’t it?
Lynda: Yes.
Rachael: When I first started, I saw people giving tips, and it really helped. It’s lovely to have people like you sticking around to give that support.
Lynda: It does help.
Even down to making different things with your meals. I used to make pancakes and tacos out of them. It’s amazing what you can make from a packet and the combinations you can do.
All of that is in the community as well, which is another bonus.
Family Support & Finding Freedom Again
Rachael: Since starting plan, how has your family supported you?
Lynda: They are supportive.
Even when we go on holiday, I take my stuff with me. They know what it means to me.
They can see I’m happy, and they say, “That’s the main thing, as long as you’re happy.” And I am very happy.
I can see myself being with The New You Plan for years.
Rachael: Lifers!
Lynda: Yes!
Rachael: I know you’ve posted pictures of your gorgeous granddaughter. Has this journey helped give you the energy to spend time with her?
Lynda: Yes, because now I can go out.
I don’t have to wait for my husband to take me out with her. I can pick her up, and I’m not in pain when I pick her up.
I can take her to school. I can pick her up. I can do all that on my own now.
Before, I needed somebody there for me — not just looking after me, but looking after both of us if I went to get her.
Now I can do all the running around. I can go down the slide with her because I can fit on it.
I can sit her on my lap and we can both go down at the same time. It’s a really nice feeling.
From Wheelchair And Walking Sticks To No Pain
Rachael: You touched on something really important there — that you don’t need anybody to help you now. At one point, you were even in a wheelchair because of your pain, weren’t you?
Lynda: Yes. I was in a wheelchair, and I had walking sticks.
I had one stick in the bedroom and one in the hallway. I remember dropping my stick and turning the other one over with the handle to try and pick it up, because I needed it to get to the bathroom.
It affected my day and night. It was my whole living really.
The pain was unreal.
Rachael: It’s incredible how much it can affect every area of your life.
Lynda: Yes, and every part of your body as well.
It affected my back, my spine, my hips, even my knees.
The plan has done so much for me. It has helped me so much.
The Doctor’s Reaction
Rachael: You said you have a spinal condition anyway. Have you seen your doctor since losing the weight? What was their reaction?
Lynda: They were amazed.
I jumped on the scales, and they were like, “That’s amazing. What do you use?”
So I told them. And they said, “I know, I’ve looked at that.”
For a doctor to say that as well!
They were in shock. But not as much shock as I was when I lost it all.
Rachael: Has it helped you come off any medication?
Lynda: Yes. I was on morphine patches and morphine liquid as well when I needed it.
I had to change the patch every week, so it was constant, and then I’d have the liquid morphine when I needed to top up.
I don’t have any of that now.
Rachael: That’s amazing. Your spinal condition hasn’t gone away, but having the weight off has made a massive difference.
Lynda: Yes.
Morphine isn’t paracetamol, is it?
Rachael: No, definitely not.
Lynda: My husband used to laugh and say if I had too much, I’d be like a heap in the corner.
But now I haven’t got any of that.
You’re not supposed to drive when you’re on it, so now I’ve got so much freedom back.
Rachael: That’s absolutely life-changing.
Lynda: It is life-changing, yes.
Walking Without Pain
Rachael: What did it feel like the first time you realised you could walk without pain?
Lynda: I thought, “I can do this. I’m walking and I can’t feel anything.”
It was fantastic.
Then I’d get a bit faster, and even the kids would say, “Mum, slow down, I can’t catch up with you!”
My daughter and son still say, “You don’t slow down.” And I say to my husband, “Can you walk a bit faster, love? You’re walking too slow.”
It’s an amazing feeling to be able to walk and do things that you’ve never been able to do before, things you longed to do before.
Now I can do them.
Losing 6 Stone And Reaching Goal
Rachael: When did you reach your initial weight loss goal?
Lynda: I joined in March, and I’d lost it by August.
Rachael: And how much did you lose altogether?
Lynda: Six stone one pound, maybe six stone two.
Now I’m maintaining, I hover. I might put on a pound, then lose two. But that’s fine. I’m fine with that.
Rachael: Absolutely. It’s all about balance now.
What Maintenance Looks Like Now
Rachael: Now that you’re maintaining, walk us through what a maintenance day or week looks like for you.
Lynda: I get up really early, as you probably know.
I go on the treadmill and do what I can. If I can do more, I do more. If I haven’t got time, I still do something.
Then I’ll either go out and have my breakfast while I’m out, or I’ll take a shake or a bar. Mainly a shake, because I like my shakes on the go.
Then I’ll come back and have some soup, or I’ll do myself some soup and salad.
In the evening, I’ll have a healthy protein meal. I might have cottage pie with vegetables, or lettuce with tacos.
I make sure I drink my four litres of water as well.
Then in the evening, because we’ve got a field by us with a pond, I’ll go for a walk around there.
Before, I would have just sat in the living room. Now I’m like, “Come on, we’re going,” and we’re off.
Rachael: I love it.
Lynda: I do so much more.
Fitness, Steps And The Treadmill
Rachael: In the Secret Slimmers Awards, you were nominated for Fitness Fanatic because of your treadmill!
Lynda: Yes. In the afternoons, if I’ve got time, I’ll think, “I don’t have to pick the granddaughter up yet,” and I’ll get back on the treadmill.
Rachael: Do you think fitness played a major part in your journey?
Lynda: I think it helps.
Even though it’s a treadmill and I very rarely run on it, I still do the walks. I can do the walks inside if the weather isn’t good.
Getting your steps in does help. It all plays a part.
You still lose weight because you’re on The New You Plan, but I do think getting your steps in helps too.
Waking Up Smiling
Rachael: You’re always such a smiley person in the groups, and I love seeing your selfies with your products.
You mentioned in your story that you wake up smiling now. What changed inside you?
Lynda: It’s knowing I’ve got my life back.
I wake up and think, “Right, what am I going to do today?” Because I know I can do it.
I can go out. I can do anything. I’m full of life now and full of energy.
I sleep better as well.
Sometimes I’m up at four o’clock in the morning, like this morning, thinking, “What are we going to do today?” I’ve got so many hours to do things.
I’m just so full of life now. It’s unreal.
You enjoy every day now.
It’s not feeling sad or wanting to sit there moping about. It’s totally the opposite for me now.
I’m ready and going.
Clothes, Confidence And Seeing Herself Differently
Rachael: Did it take your brain a while to catch up with your body, with how you looked in the mirror?
Lynda: Yes.
Before, if I went clothes shopping, I wouldn’t take my husband because I wouldn’t ask, “What do you think of this?”
Now I’ll go and think, “I better get that size.” And he’ll say, “What are you getting that size for? Get the smaller one.”
I’ll take both just in case, then I have to say, “Can you get me a size smaller?” because we were both wrong!
It’s an amazing feeling knowing you can go into any shop and pick something up. You don’t have to go to the bigger size shops anymore.
Rachael: Your transformation pictures are amazing. You can tell you love clothes shopping now.
Lynda: I always try to make an effort because now I can.
I can wear nice clothes. It’s a whole different feeling. I think, “Oh yes, I can wear that now!”
“It Changed My Life”
Rachael: I’ve got a sentence for you to finish: Losing six stone didn’t just change my body…
Lynda: It changed my life.
Rachael: I love it. It really is as simple as that, isn’t it?
Lynda: It is. Most definitely.
It changed my life completely. It has done so much for me.
From the minute you wake up to the minute you go to bed, the things you want to do, how you sleep, how you look at everything — the big picture.
It changes everything.
Advice For Someone Feeling Stuck
Rachael: What would you say to someone who feels stuck in pain or hopelessness?
Lynda: First of all, I’d say give The New You Plan a go, because you’ve got nothing to lose.
It’s real people with real results, and they are amazing results too.
There’s a great community, great admin, and it is well worth giving it a go and pushing through.
Rachael: What has this journey given you back that you thought you may have lost?
Lynda: I didn’t have a life.
From falling over in the street, to not wanting to do anything, not wanting to go out — it has given me back so much.
My mobility. My sleep. My health. No pain.
It has given me back so much, and I’m so grateful for it.
Favourite Pack
Rachael: I always ask everybody this — what’s your favourite pack?
Lynda: I did like the Limited Edition Hocus Pocus shake!
It used to be Chocolate Brownie or the Apple and White Chocolate Bar, but that Hocus Pocus shake is fantastic. It’s just got a taste of its own.
Lynda’s Top Tips For The First Week
Rachael: What are your top tips for someone just starting out, especially getting through that first week?
Lynda: Stick with it. It does work.
Even if you’re having a bad day, don’t let it affect you. Put it behind you and carry on.
Take it day by day.
Make sure you have your four packets and your four litres of water, and you’ll get through it.
As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but you will get through this.
Rachael: That’s such an important reminder. It doesn’t happen instantaneously.
Lynda: No. We all want it to, but you put weight on quicker than you lose it.
But once you get past that point and start noticing the difference, that gives you a boost to keep going.
It is an amazing plan.
Why Taking Photos Matters
Rachael: You love taking photos now, and you always look amazing. Do you think taking pictures throughout your journey is important?
Lynda: Yes.
I didn’t have a lot of pictures from before, but now when I look back, I think, “I forgot how I was.”
I wish I’d taken more pictures along the way so I could see the progress and the end result.
I would definitely say take your pictures, because when you look back — especially if you’re having a bad day — it will push you forward.
That’s what it still does for me.
Rachael: You don’t always see it at first, do you?
Lynda: No.
But when you post them in the groups, people will say, “No, you can see it there.” That really helps.
My husband used to tell me I was losing weight, but I didn’t always see it myself.
Then I saw a friend outside the supermarket who I hadn’t seen for a while. She said, “Lyn, my God, look at you! What are you on?”
So I told her.
She said I looked amazing, and it gives you that boost. It makes you push a bit further.
“What Happens When I Lose The Weight?”
Rachael: A question that comes up a lot in the groups is, “What happens when I lose the weight? Will it all come back on?”
This is the maintenance category, and you’ve talked us through your day-to-day. What would you say to someone worried about maintaining?
Lynda: There’s no need to worry.
Everything is there. The tools are there.
It’s what you’ve learned along the way. There are so many people maintaining in the community, and you can ask them. They’re always there to help.
Caroline puts on recipes and things. There’s always somebody there.
You won’t put it all back on if you remember why you lost it in the beginning and follow what you’ve learned.
You learn so much along the way, including portion control.
Portion Control And The Packs
Rachael: When people first start, they often think, “That’s not much food.” Do you think the size of the packs helped you understand portion control for maintenance?
Lynda: Yes.
You might look at it and think there isn’t much there, but it has all the vitamins, minerals and everything you need in that packet.
Maybe that’s how we got into a bit of a mess in the first place — putting extra on your plate when you didn’t really need it.
Everything you need is in that packet.
Rachael: The hard work has been done for you.
Lynda: Exactly.
If you’ve got a busy day, you’re going to the gym, or you’re going out, you just grab and go. There’s no hassle. Everything is easy.
Snacks, Tools And Getting Through Hard Moments
Rachael: Do you think the snacks helped you?
Lynda: To start with, yes.
Then I found I didn’t really need them, so I only had them now and again.
They’re a nice treat.
I used to make the gummies as well with the water flavouring when I first started, and they helped me.
If you’re struggling while cooking the family’s dinner, the gummies can help.
Then you get used to everything and it just flows. You don’t need them as much.
But the tools are there to help you through the hard times.
Rachael: That’s great advice. They’re there if you need them.
Lynda: Yes. You don’t have to rely on the snacks all the time. They’re a treat, but they’re there if you need them.
Maintaining With Support Around You
Rachael: I’ve loved refreshing my memory of your story because it’s so powerful.
You’re such a shining example in the community of how to maintain, and you’re so helpful. I know this will really encourage people who worry about what happens after weight loss.
Lynda: I was slightly worried too, but then I was doing it, and it was just remembering everything I’d learned.
You’ve done the hard work. The rest is remembering it all.
There’s so much going on in the community, and the people who have done it are still there. You only have to shout out and ask if you need help.
Rachael: Absolutely. That’s what’s so special about it.
Lynda: Yes.
And it’s nice to see Julie-Ann still part of the community too.
She drops messages in, hearts and kisses, and you think, “That’s really nice.” She’s included in it as well, which is brilliant.
“Age Doesn’t Matter — It Still Works”
Rachael: Our journeys never really end, do they?
Lynda: I don’t think they do.
It’s nice to see men joining in too, because they suffer as well.
Some men might find it embarrassing because there are a lot of women in the community, but I haven’t met a community like ours. Everybody is encouraging and helping.
Rachael: It’s lovely seeing them join in, post and share. We are a very woman-heavy group, but everyone needs encouragement.
Lynda: Yes. We’re all human at the end of the day.
Rachael: There are people from all walks of life too — younger, older, different stages of life. For your stage of life, did you think, “Will this work for me?”
Lynda: Yes, I did.
I was about 59 when I started, and I’m 61 this year.
I thought, “Is it going to work for me?”
But yes, it does. Age doesn’t matter. It will still work for you if you work with it.
Rachael: That’s such an important message. It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from.
Lynda: No. It works.
Final Words From Lynda
Rachael: I think that’s a great point to end on: it works. And you’re living proof.
Thank you so much for speaking to me today, Lynda. I’ve loved learning more, and I think your story is going to encourage so many people.
Lynda: I hope so.
That’s what it’s about — encouraging other people and letting them know everything is fine after. Everyone is still there to encourage them afterwards too.
Rachael: Absolutely. Thank you again so much for speaking to me, Lynda.
Lynda: Thank you.
Ready To Start Your Own Transformation?
Lynda’s story is proof that this journey can change so much more than your weight. With a simple system, real support, and the confidence to keep going, your New You could be closer than you think.
Simple system. Four packs a day. Real results.
Cash Prizes To Help Your Thrive – £52,000 Up for Grabs!!
This year, we’re giving away 52K in cash. £7,000 cash will be won every 2 months for our absolute favourite glow-ups! The 2026 Transformation Challenge has had an overhaul, creating opportunities for even more people to win fantastic cash prizes! And the grand finale? An epic £10,000 cash prize for one overall winner!
Customers can enter any or ALL of the following challenges:
- May & June: Summer is Coming (submit by Tuesday 30th June)
- July & Aug: Summer Slim Down (submit by Monday 31st Aug)
- Sept & Oct: Fall Focus (submit by Saturday 31st Oct)
- The £10,000 Grand Finale (submit by Monday 30th November)
- Nov & Dec: End 2026 strong (submit by Thursday 31st Dec)
You don’t have to be at your goal to enter! Entering each time will keep you motivated and on track to achieving your goal. And, if you are already at your goal and maintaining your weight loss, you can enter too!
It’s free to enter, you can join at any time and you can submit every 2 months, if you wish. Winners are announced 6 times a year. And don’t forget about our £10,000 grand finale in November 2026, in which the overall winner of the year will walk away with £10k cash.
The post 1 Powerful Breakthrough: How Lynda Lost 6st 11lbs and Changed Her Life for Good first appeared on The New You Plan.
The post 1 Powerful Breakthrough: How Lynda Lost 6st 11lbs and Changed Her Life for Good appeared first on The New You Plan.
Sam
Comments
Post a Comment