How I lost over 10 stone — without ever being hungry or counting a single calorie
If you had told me three years ago that I’d be over ten stone lighter, regularly in the gym, and actually enjoying exercise, I’d never have believed you and I would have laughed in your face!
Back then, my weight held me back from so many parts of life — physically, emotionally, and socially. I was on a whole host of medication for high blood pressure (which was not controlled), kidney disease and a hiatus hernia. I had tried diet after diet, only to give up when the hunger, guilt, and restriction became too much.
Everything changed on the day that I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. That was the final straw for me. The doctor said that I had to do something or I would be back in less than a year with diabetes and all the additional health concerns that brought with it. When she mentioned ‘co-morbidities’, I cried and it was this that gave me the push I needed. That was the very day that I joined Slimming World.
I felt at home as soon as I walked in the door at group. Andi met me as I came in and she greeted me with a huge smile and introduced me to some of the members. They were friendly and chatty and made me feel like I belonged there. One member offered me a drink and showed me to the new member’s area, and this was where I knew that this was going to be the last time I was ever going to start afresh.
From that first day, I quickly realised this was not simply another “diet” — it was a lifestyle built on freedom, balance, and a fantastic community. I was encouraged to eat real food, fill my plate, and never feel deprived. Instead of cutting things out, I learned how to make smart swaps and build healthy habits that helped me get to target. The idea that I could eat until I was full and still lose weight felt revolutionary — but it worked.
Week after week, the numbers on the scales and the tape measure went down, and my confidence went up. I have made amazing friends at group who are always ready with ideas or advice. We laugh together, help each other through the good times and console each other through the more tricky times. I became part of Andi’s social team and loved having the opportunity to speak to every person that walked through the door.
Over two years, I lost more than 10 stone — but what I have gained is even more powerful. I have gained energy, self-belief, and a new passion for movement. After I had lost about two stone, I knew it was time to add some daily movement in to my life. I soon discovered a love for the gym.
What started as nervous treadmill sessions has turned into a genuine enjoyment of strength training, cardio, and pushing my own limits every single day. With the help of an amazing PT, I no longer see exercise as a punishment; it is a celebration of how far I have come and what my body can do and it amazes me every single day!
Today, I feel like a completely different person — not just in how I look, but in how I live. I no longer take any medication. I have no health concerns and, more importantly, no talk of morbidities. Slimming World taught me that healthy living is not about restriction, it’s about empowerment. It’s about finding a balance that works for you, and realising that food and fitness can bring joy, not stress.
Now, as a new Sliming World consultant, my goal is to inspire others to take that same first step. I know how scary it can be to start — to think that you will fail again, or that change is not possible because of your age or medical conditions. But it is. I am proof that with the right support, mindset, and plan, you can transform your life without ever feeling hungry or deprived.
If you are reading this and wondering whether it’s your time — it absolutely is! I want people to feel that same sense of welcome at my group that I had when I started. I want people to not feel judged, to not feel ashamed of themselves. I want people to believe that anything is possible and know that they can achieve exactly what they dream. I want people to join a community that lifts them up.
Remember: this isn’t a quick fix, it’s the start of a lifelong journey to health, happiness, and confidence. Because if I can do it — truly, anyone can.
In a time when it feels like weight loss injections are the only answer, I want people to know there are other options. The injections are a tool to be used alongside and healthy lifestyle, I truly believe Slimming Worlds Food Optimising plan helps give people the knowledge to build healthy habits and keep the weight off for life.
My brand new group is opening on Saturday, January 3 at 8am in The Stride Centre, Daffodil Way, Denvilles, PO9 2FT. Call me on 07345163008 if you would like to know more.