WHO IS SARAH LIVEING?

Take a look at these two photos on the left. They are the same person. The top one was taken in January 2005, the bottom one was taken in 2008. They are both Sarah Liveing.

I am and will always be a compulsive eater and this is an account of my weight losing journey.

In November 2004 I applied for a place on the Playtex Moonwalk to be held in June 2005. At the time I had no idea where this would lead me but I knew that if I wanted to take part and enjoy the experience I would have to lose weight.

In January 2005 the Sunday Times ran a feature on the GI diet. Their "Style" section carried glossy pictures of many of the foods one could eat as well as recipes to try. It all looked so delicious so I thought I'd give it a try. At the same time, I made a commitment to start training for the Moonwalk even though my place would not be confirmed until February.

I went power walking four times a week and continued with the GI diet and by June I had lost five stone. I was determined to keep going so I set myself another goal. I committed to take part in a triathlon at the end of August. I had to swim 750m, cycle 20K and run 5K. The training made sure that by the time I took part in that I had lost another two and a half stone.

In order to lose the final half stone I took part in a 10K run and by the November I weighed ten stone.

I am now a standard size 12 and my weight has stayed constant since November 2005 and although I am still careful about what I eat, I can afford to relax a little. I feel so fit and healthy, have much more energy and I have learned to enjoy shopping and trying on clothes. Most important of all, I have learned to like my body.

I have been on such a long journey and I believe that with the knowledge I've gained along the way, I can help make a difference to anyone who has weight to lose and I'll help you get fit too. You too can achieve these goals without having to do quite as much exercise. More evidence in the medical world is pointing to walking as being the safest form of exercise and the health benefits cover weight loss, increase in bone density, help reduce blood pressure, can be used alongside cancer treatments to help fight depression and can help self-esteem.

I've felt what you may be feeling and I know it doesn't have to be like that. It's a bit like learning to walk as a toddler. You need a hand to hold to set you on your way and I will provide that hand for you. Making that first step is the hardest part but that's what I'm here for.