Celebrating not one, not two, but three awards in only 11 months

Looking back at my wedding photos, just over a year and a half later, I couldn’t help but notice how different I looked. Somewhere between the excitement of the newlywed life and the busyness of everyday routines, the weight just crept on.

My clothes felt tight and I had gone from a size 12 to a size 16. It was a shock to me how quickly life can shift when you stop paying attention to yourself.

I find the food optimising plan quick and easy to follow. I usually have my three healthy extra choices a day, and between 5 and 10 swips a day. I like to batch cook my favourite meals so that when I don’t have time to cook from scratch, I can simply grab a portion of bolognese sauce, chilli, chicken curry, or diet cola chicken from the freezer.

My husband enjoys all the meals I make and eats the same food as me. When family visit, I always cook a Slimming World meal. It helps me stay on track and means I can enjoy the food without feeling guilty about eating unhealthily.

Since meeting my husband in 2013, my family has grown to include our five children and parents who live across the country. When visiting them which takes up most weekends. I used to feel it was only polite to eat what they prepare. However, I noticed that I wasn’t eating as much during these visits.

To help manage this, I began bringing my healthy option foods. I explained to them that I had been making great progress with my healthy eating plan. I also asked for their support, as I can be quite a particular eater and losing weight is very important to me. After a few visits, they became familiar with my dietary habits and have been very understanding and supports since.

Staying on track is the key to keeping the weight off and this time, I’m more determined than ever! I’ve reached my target previously, but each time I gained a little after a holiday or special occasion and felt too embarrassed to come back to group.

This time, it’s different. I’ve learned that staying connected and attending group every week is what truly helps me maintain my progress. With the amazing support from Clair and everyone in the Woodston Thursday morning group, I know I can keep the weight off for good!

There came a point when I realised my weight was really affecting my health. Simple things like climbing the stairs or going for a walk would leave me out of breath, and even doing the housework was starting to take its toll on my back. I knew something had to change.

I began by walking a little more each day and eventually joined the gym to help build my fitness. After about six months, I decided to cancel my membership and finally dusted off the treadmill I’d bought two years earlier - one that had barely been used!

At first, I could only manage 5km, but I kept challenging myself, increasing the distance week by week until I reached 10km. Now, I try to run most days for between 30 and 60 minutes - something I never would have believed possible before. Running has become a huge part of my life, and it’s such an incredible reminder of how far I’ve come, both physically and mentally.

Going to group each week and staying is absolutely key to losing weight. Whether you’re having a good week or a bad one, it’s so important to stay in group.

The support and advice you get from Clair and the other members is invaluable, everyone genuinely wants you to succeed and reach your goal. In group, people really understand how you feel. My family and husband are supportive, but they don’t truly know what it’s like to be in my shoes on this journey,

If you would like to join one of the Woodston Slimming World groups, they are on Wednesdays at 5.30pm & 7pm and Thursdays 9.30am at Oundle Road Baptist Church, Woodston.

For more details contact Clair on 07734 859 470