Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
How I lost 8st
weight dozens with of images Slimming of people World. who had lost Iwondered if maybe it was time to try looking at what I was eating rather than relying on exercise alone. I found my nearest Slimming World group and, although I felt a little nervous as I walked into the hall a few days later, I was buzzing knowing that I was doing Something for me, and for Albert. Even when I saw that I weighed 21st 11½lb – more than I’d expected – that didn’t burst my bubble. My Consultant, Joanne, seemed absolutely sure I’d be much happier with the number I saw the following week.
Whereas I used to head for the bakery aisle first, now I filled my trolley with lots of lean meat, reduced-fat cheese, eggs, skimmed milk, fresh fruit, vegetables, and a bottle of low-calorie cooking spray. From then on, I decided to give up buying my morning muffins and made my own cooked breakfasts with eggs and lean back bacon. For lunch I had leftovers from the previous night’s dinner – anything from a tasty home-made curry or stir-fry to roast chicken or spaghetti bolognese, all cooked the Slimming World way without adding any oil, and always with lots of vegetables such as broccoli and carrots.
In my first week, I lost 9lb, and afterwards, I went straight round to my nan and grandad’s house to tell them the good news – this became a tradition.
Within four months, I got my 4½st award, and we chatted about what an achievement it would be when I got to 5st. “You can do it Claire,” Grandad said, and I knew he was right.
Then, a week later, at the end of December 2015, he suddenly passed away after developing pneumonia. I was crushed. I felt so sad that he wouldn’t be there to celebrate my 5st award.
A few weeks later, I stepped on the scales and realised I’d done it – I’d lost five stone. As I passed the 7st mark, the pains in my legs disappeared and, one day, I ran up the stairs without feeling breathless for the first time in years.
Each day I woke up feeling upbeat, determined to enjoy the day.
Nearly a year after I’d joined Slimming World, and 8st lighter, I was at the playground with Albert when, without a second thought, I raced up a climbing frame. It was only as I got to the top and looked down at my little boy, giggling away, I realised I’d become the mum I wanted my son to have. My confidence had truly grown in every
aspect of my life. And, when I told Mum I was applying for a nursing degree at the University of Wolverhampton, her exact words were ‘Finally!’
Now as I look back on the old, unhappy me, I don’t get upset or sad – instead I feel grateful that the real me has made an appearance.