Snapshots of her little girl’s first day spurned mum on to lose weight
A mum has turned her life around after being horrified by photographs of herself on her daughter’s first day at school.
Hayley Galbraith dropped four dress sizes in a bid to set a good example to her two children, Abbie, eight, and Evie, three.
The 29- year- old looks and feels fantastic after losing four stones and ditching her baggy size 20s for size 12s, as a result of switching to a healthier lifestyle.
She said that a picture of her wearing a size 20 on her little girl’s big day tipped her over the edge.
“I was horrified when I saw the photographs and it was just the realisation I needed,” she explained.
“I felt uncomfortable in my own skin and had next to no self-esteem or confidence.
“I also wanted to be a healthier and fitter mum to my two young children.”
Hayley’s life changed when she signed up to Weight Watchers classes, which she attends at Paisley’s Pro Life gym.
She added: “Setting foot into my first meeting is one of the most daunting things I’ve ever done.
“It was admitting that I had to do something and asking for the help I needed.
“I set myself small, but significant milestones and targets to achieve.
“I wish I could say it’s an overnight success, but getting to my goal took longer than I thought it would — that was because I would allow a bad day to turn into a bad week, instead of drawing a line under it and moving on.”
Losing the weight was no mean feat for Hayley, who describes her weight loss journey as “an emotional roller coaster”.
She said: “I’ve felt every emotion possible while trying to lose weight — frustrated, elated, surprised, angry even.
“But that feeling of achievement when you get to your goal is why I do it and what makes it all worthwhile.”
Hayley, who lives with husband Les in Linwood, switched to a healthier food plan, with help from Weight Watcher meal guides. She added: “Now, I’m far more aware of what a sensible choice would be.
“For example, I have a tomato based pasta dish as opposed to a cream based dish, or, if I want a burger, I’ll cut out the bun and swap the fries.”
Hayley says that losing weight has helped her gain confidence and exercising regularly has had benefits for her health and wellbeing.
On shedding the pounds, she added: “It has given me the freedom and motivation to try running and go to the gym.
“I’ve got a new- found love for shopping and trying new clothes I would never have dreamed of previously.
“More importantly, I’m a happier me.”