Key Highlights
- Lisa Riley lost 76kg (12st) over the past 10 years.
- Her weight loss journey involved reducing snacking, swapping takeaways for healthier choices, and incorporating gym workouts.
- Riley credits her daily food diary as a key tool in tracking her progress and making healthier choices.
- The former Emmerdale star now avoids the scales to maintain peace of mind.
Lisa Riley’s Journey to Health: A 10-Year Weight Loss Success Story
Former Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley has shared her remarkable journey from a heavier size to achieving an impressive weight loss of 76kg (12st) over the past decade. This transformation, detailed in an interview with This Morning in 2017 and subsequent appearances, highlights the dedication and lifestyle changes required for sustainable health improvements.
From Disappointment to Determination
Riley began her journey by acknowledging previous failures: “What happened was I decided to lose weight for me. Everything I had tried previously didn’t work.” Reflecting on past methods like joining Slimming World, she recognized that those attempts lacked the necessary dedication and honesty required for lasting change.
The Power of a Daily Diary
To gain a more accurate picture of her food consumption, Riley started filling out daily diaries. This practice helped her identify specific days when she made less healthy choices. According to reports from The Mirror, this method allowed her to pinpoint her vices and make conscious decisions about healthier options. As a result, she was able to reduce her dress sizes by eight.
A Balanced Approach to Diet and Exercise
Riley’s dietary overhaul included replacing unhealthy snacks with smaller portions of nutrient-dense foods and fresh ingredients. Her typical breakfast now consists of porridge and honey, while lunch might be butternut squash soup with oatcakes, and dinner is cod with roasted vegetables. Snacks include nuts, fruit, and coffee.
Physical activity has also been a crucial part of her routine. She credits yoga for maintaining her fitness and mental health: “Crazy crazy busy day… now to quieten my brain and let everything go I’ve got my private yoga session… just what’s needed…and the end of the day.” Additionally, Riley enjoys home-based cardio workouts and gym sessions most days of the week, as reported by Prima.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
To avoid constant monitoring of her weight, Riley avoids stepping on the scales. She believes that clothes and common sense can tell if she has lost weight, advising others to do the same: “You can tell if you’ve lost weight because your clothes – and common sense – will tell you, so don’t hop on and off the scales 10 times a day.”
Her dedication paid off in more ways than just physical appearance. Following an operation to remove loose skin as a result of her significant weight loss, Riley expressed newfound confidence: “I couldn’t be happier about my body now if I tried.”
Conclusion
Riley’s journey showcases the importance of personal commitment and consistent effort in achieving long-term health goals. Her story offers valuable insights for those looking to make positive changes in their own lives, emphasizing the role of detailed tracking, balanced diets, regular exercise, and a healthy mindset.
As Riley prepares to take part in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! this weekend, her inspiring story serves as an example of what can be achieved with determination and perseverance.