‘I lost 161/2 st and I’m happier than ever’
bank manager B Samantha Charles, 27, who lives in Wallington, Surrey, with fiancé David Quigley has transformed her body.she says, “I feel very lucky. I’m finally happy after nearly 20 years of struggling with my weight. And it’s all down to my New Year’s resolution. “I was morbidly obese, a size 34 and 27½st, even though I’m only 5ft 4. I’d already been warned by my doctor that my heart could fail before I hit 30. I was terrified, but I struggled to diet. I’d snack on pasties and pizza most nights, polished off with crisps and chocolate.
SNAP DECISION
“Then, on New Year’s Eve 2014, feeling fed up and worried about my health, I vowed to change. I was heavier than I’d ever been, had no motivation and felt depressed. So the next day, I quit smoking, ditched Red Bull, which I was hooked on, and started watching what I ate. I signed up to the Cambridge Weight Plan, following a low-calorie, but balanced programme. “It was an extreme diet and it wasn’t easy. The first week, I swore at my boss and walked out of work as I was so grumpy, tired and hungry. Luckily, they were very understanding. But, after that first week, something clicked and it wasn’t so hard. I had loads more energy and didn’t even think about – or miss – treats. I lost 2st in the first month, which was all the incentive I needed. I posted my progress on social media and the encouraging comments kept me on track.
“My diet even brought me love. Although David lived down the road, we’d never met. He was on the same weight-loss plan and after he commented on one of my Facebook pictures, we started chatting. A few weeks later, we met up. He was handsome, kind and thoughtful and, by October 2015, we were a couple.
LIFE CHANGING
“By January 2016, I was 14st lighter and my New Year’s resolution was to be fitter and join a gym. I started doing weight training, combined with a diet of bran flakes for breakfast, a banana, chicken with pasta and pesto for lunch, houmous and crackers, then roasted vegetables for dinner.
“A couple of months later, I hit 11st and a size 14. I’d lost 2½st.
“Last December, David and I got engaged. I’d been married before and had to wear a size 34 dress. We’re now planning our wedding and it’s amazing to know I’ll be able to wear my dream dress. Setting my resolution changed everything. I met the love of my life and have never felt happier.”