Hi @Catlover - nice to meet you 
I am sure it’s not meant to, but the “but enjoy your holiday first” almost makes it sound as though @Helen-G 's goal is going to be hard work and not enjoyable 
It’s good that you are able to share your success story on how you lost two and half stones after your stroke. Clearly what you did worked well for you and that is fantastic.
I notice you mention you cut right back on fat and reduced your salt and sugar intakes. I am not sure if you were advised to do this or you did your own research and found what works for you. The reason I am chipping in with my tuppence worth is that in recent times, there has been a shift in the thinking of the pros and cons of fatty diets and now there is a suggestion that [some] dietary fats are not bad but may good for you and even essential as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. I am not preaching or anything, but it is something we have been discussing on this forum and I thought it might be worth a mention as it may be relevant in Helen’s choices.
Below is a link to a recent post on the subject.
Just a thought.
