From beached whale to beach babe!
Sam Godfrey has shed an inspirational 5st and turned her life around…
Have you ever had one of those moments where you look at a picture of yourself and finally see what you actually look like? That’s exactly what happened to me…
For years, I’d been in denial about my weight, convinced it wasn’t that bad. Then, after going on holiday, I was flicking through photos and saw just how big I’d become – so big that I felt sick.
I couldn’t believe what I’d done to myself. Thankfully, after overhauling my diet, I’ve managed to lose nearly 5st, have learnt to cook healthily, and am finally living life to the full.
Like many children, I was plump and had puppy fat from a young age. But I ate healthy roast dinners with lots of veg, cooked by my mum, Alison, and spent hours riding my bike.
But, when I reached secondary school, I was staggered by the choice the school canteen offered. I’d gorge on pizza, chips and spaghetti hoops, followed by cake and custard.
Soon, I was the biggest in my group of friends. I stood out in pictures like a sore thumb. I hated my bulging body – and my looks didn’t go unnoticed by the school bullies, either. ‘Fatty,’ they’d jeer as I walked past.
But that only made me turn to food even more. By the time I started college, I was a size 16 and incredibly self-conscious.
Still, it didn’t stop me heading to McDonald’s with friends after school, then scoffing chocolate in the evening. At that age, I had no idea how to go about losing weight.
When I was 18, I got a job in a hotel and was always on the go. I’d grab a cooked breakfast from the kitchen when I got in, then order a pizza when I’d finished. My nights off were spent on sleepovers with my mates, where we’d devour takeaways, chocolate and crisps.
Because I was moving a lot, though, my weight stayed stable. And my size didn’t stop me finding love, either. I met Damien on a night out later that year, and he never commented on my size.
Then, in 2010, I got an office job, and it couldn’t have been any more different from my previous work. Instead of being on my feet all day, I rarely left my desk, and bought calorific baguettes for lunch from the sandwich man. I couldn’t face cooking after work, so I’d treat myself to five takeaways a week.
Although no one said anything about my expanding size, I was envious of my slimmer mates. So, I tried fad diets, shakes and fitness apps, but the results weren’t quick enough to keep me motivated.
After two years, I’d reached a size 18 – far too big for my 5ft 6in height. I avoided scales at all costs, and suffered terrible sores at the top of my legs where my thighs rubbed together. By this point, I’d accepted that I was fat and it was just the way I was – and always would be.
So, in May 2015, when we jetted off to exotic Cape Verde, my suitcase was full of size-20 outfits. We messed around on the beach, and Damien took snaps of me jumping around near the sea.
It wasn’t until we caught our flight home that I looked at the photos on my phone. Flicking through, I felt sick to my stomach – disgusted that I’d let myself get so fat. I was too ashamed to say
anything to Damien, but I felt like crying.
I knew I couldn’t go on as I was. The following month, I plucked up all my courage and joined a slimming club. I was 15st 5lb, and I knew that my greed and lack of education about nutrition had caused my weight to balloon.
With the support of Damien and my mum, I changed my diet and started cooking healthy meals from scratch. It was hard at first but, by the following year, I was down to 12st. Then my weight plateaued and I couldn’t seem to shift any more.
I was determined not to leave it there so, in September 2016, I decided to join Weight Watchers.
I set my target weight at 10st 7lb, and found that the SmartPoints system worked brilliantly for me. I didn’t have to deprive myself, and could enjoy meals out with Damien – and still lose weight.
I tracked my food intake and exercise regime on the app, and posted photos of my progress on Instagram to help keep me motivated.
Now, I’m at my target weight and feel like a completely different person. I’ve worked hard to achieve my weight loss and, at a size 10, I can finally wear whatever I want. Sometimes when I’m out shopping, I walk past a mirror and don’t even recognise myself!
I always get compliments on how I look, but my looks are the least of it. My legs no longer rub together, I have energy – and confidence – in spades, and I’ve discovered a sense of willpower and determination that I never knew I had.
Losing weight was daunting, even terrifying, but it’s also the best thing I’ve ever done.
For more inspirational YES moments, visit weightwatchers. com/uk/ successstories
‘I’ve worked so hard to achieve my target’