Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I lost 18st after canning habit of 15 colas a day
Karina’s diet switch ‘was a life saver’
CHAMPION slimmer Karina Dunford is dressed to impress after losing two-thirds of her body weight and shrinking from a size 32 to a trim 10.
Karina admits to “eating myself to death” for years on a diet of fry-ups, takeaways and 15 cans of cola a day after becoming trapped in a cycle of depression. Weighing 29st 8lbs at her heaviest, her confidence was so low she “just wanted to stay in every day”, while husband Ian had to help her wash and dress. But Karina lost 18st after transforming her diet with help from a weight-loss group and now weighs 11st 2lbs. “I was so unhappy and my health was getting worse by the day,” said the 37-year-old who has been crowned Slimming World’s Greatest Loser. “I was eating takeaways, especially Chinese, every night and comfort eating chocolate. “I had a rough time. I felt I embarrassed my family.
“I was bullied and felt no one cared about me”.
CONFIDENCE
After multiple failed diets Karina, from Bridgend, South Wales, found her local Slimming World group and, in January 2018, plucked up the courage to attend.
Two years of dedication to the regime gave her a new outlook on life, as well as a new diet.
She said: “I have the confidence to do things for myself and Ian doesn’t have to care for me.
“I go to the gym, do workouts, go swimming and take long walks.
“I plan my meals. My favourites are spaghetti Bolognese or chilli con carne with lots of vegetables.”
Karina has even persuaded her mum and brother to join up.
Rhian, who runs the group, praised Karina as “the most determined member” adding: “It’s wonderful to see how much happier and more confident she is.”