Mum’s really living life to the full after shedding a perfect 10st

TEN stone lighter, Majella Dunbar from Bunclody, Co. Wexford, is now living her best life after her weight crept up following three pregnancies. She says:

WHEN I joined Unislim in 2016, I was shocked to discover I was almost 21 stone. Over the years my weight had gradually crept up, particularly during my pregnancies.

Even after my children were born, I continued to gain weight, disguising myself with baggy clothes.

I hated being asked to go to events and didn’t have much of a social life — and this was all down to my weight.

It wasn’t long before I realised that I couldn’t do what other mums could. My kids were young and active, but I wasn’t able to run around the garden with them. In fact, even going up the stairs was a struggle as I would soon become out of breath.

When it came to my eating habits, I was constantly grazing between meals, eating when I wasn’t even hungry and picking at the wrong stuff throughout the day — chocolate, crisps and I was very fond of takeaways.

A few women from my area were going to the local Unislim class and I’d seen how successful it was for them. Heart disease runs in my family and this was also playing on my mind, so I decided to bite the bullet and join.

I was nervous at my first class but decided I was going to put in the effort and do it right. Stepping on the scales was the kick I needed, I knew I was heavy but I was shocked when I weighed in.

The plan was so easy to follow and I began losing weight week by week. If I had a bad day, I’d just start again the next day. I thought to myself, if I keep chipping away at it, I will get there eventually. Now, 18 months later, I have lost an incredible 10 stone.

I don’t drive so my husband took me to my Unislim class in Carnew each week. One week he couldn’t bring me so my brother picked me up and by the time we arrived, he plucked up the courage to join too. Now we go to Unislim together and support each other.

I love my class, it’s great to pick up tips from other members and to hear their stories, it keeps me feeling inspired.

Before joining Unislim I tried to lose weight at home, however, after a few weeks I would get bored and go back to my old ways. At my class I had the encouragement from my leader and the ownership of getting up on the scales.

With Unislim, you can eat what you want to eat — you’re not depriving yourself at all and you will never feel hungry. You can have everything in moderation, even your favourite treats.

My cravings for sugary, fatty foods have gone completely. I can still have some chocolate when I like and if I am at a wedding or a special event, I’ll enjoy my day and have dessert.

I have so much more confidence now. I used to hate getting into photographs and would hide behind someone else. Now, I don’t mind the camera at all — this makeover photoshoot was a blast. I have kept a few old photos to help me stay motivated and remind me how far I have come.

I will never go back to where I was before, I have a whole new lease of life! Now, I’m out kicking around a ball and running about with the kids, my energy levels have sky-rocketed. When I was heavier I always avoided going away on holidays. Now we’re going away spending time with the kids, it’s fantastic.

Joining Unislim was the best decision I have ever made. It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change to eating healthily. My advice is to take your time, chip away at it, you will see the results come off and they will stay off. It’s been life-changing for me and it can be the same for anyone if they put their mind to it.

I lost the weight to feel healthier and happier in myself.

I was ashamed before but now I love going out and buying clothes and I am living my life.