Dolores’ voice of an angel lives on
Julie ditches yo-yo diets to shed pounds
ON the first anniversary of her tragic death, pain lingers for Cranberries singer Dolores O’riordan’s army of fans.
The musical icon stole the hearts of a nation with her powerful voice and gentle soul.
Ireland’s princess of rock had a string of global smash hits during her illustrious career, but still kept her feet firmly on the ground.
The Limerick songstress put her home town of Ballybricken on the map.
Behind the hardened rock chic image, Dolores was a very religious woman.
She may be gone, but the music which thrilled the world will live forever.
Julie knew she had to lose weight JULIE Fitzpatrick began piling on the pounds comfort eating following a bereavement but after losing 17 stone she’s feeling better than ever.
The Laois woman used to weigh 30 stone but since signing up for Unislim in Portlaoise she hasn’t looked back.
Julie admits she was always overweight and tried every diet under the sun which led to yo-yo weight loss over the years.
She told RSVP Live: “I would set myself a goal for a wedding or Christmas but as soon as the event was over the weight would go back on.
“In 2009 I lost seven stone but put 10 stone on the following year, that’s the way I was, up and down over the years.”
Sadly, Julie’s dad died in 2015 which resulted in a three-stone gain and extreme health worries.
She decided to do something about her size after simple tasks like walking became difficult for her.
Julie said: “I was eating through my grief and pretty soon I realised I was a heart attack waiting to happen. My health was deteriorating and I knew if I didn’t do something about my weight I wouldn’t be around for much longer.
“It came to a stage that even walking across the room had me out of breath.
“It was in January 2016 I made the decision it was time to make a change. “I walked into my local Unislim class in Portlaoise and got a big shock when I stepped on the scales and saw my weight but I knew my leader Breda would support me every step of the way.
“I started cooking for myself and focused on eating enough – I learned you must eat more to lose weight.
“I eat three meals and two healthy snacks every day – I am never hungry and I don’t deprive myself of anything.
“I am in control of food now whereas before the food was controlling me.
“I am so proud of myself and of what I have achieved. I know my dad is looking down at me smiling and saying, ‘I am so proud of you’.”
How much Julie weighed before she decided to live healthier lifestyle