‘I shaped up at 50 – you can too!’
Janine Fordham, 50, J had struggled with her weight since she was a teenager. However, as she approached 50, the hypnotherapist from Hertfordshire made an effort to transform her body and says she’s never felt better.
Janine, who lives with her son Blake, nine, says: “Julianne Moore and Liz Hurley are so inspirational. They’re proof you don’t have to be frumpy at 50.
“I recently went to the doctor and discovered I’m post-menopausal – I hadn’t even realised! My healthy lifestyle had obviously helped to ease any symptoms.
“I dieted throughout my 20s and 30s, but didn’t know what I was doing, so would end up starving myself and then eating rubbish. It was a vicious cycle. I was 5ft 7 and I typically weighed 11st 7lbs. However, in 2008, when I was pregnant, I ballooned to 16st.”
FEELING LOW
She adds: “After I gave birth to Blake, I managed to drop to 13st 7lbs, but I felt unattractive and had no confidence. I would avoid wearing dresses and wouldn’t go swimming because I didn’t want to wear a swimsuit.
“It was only when Blake began suffering from food intolerances in 2013 that I completely overhauled my lifestyle. I cut out gluten, wheat and dairy, and instead just ate natural products – such as potatoes, fish and fresh fruit and veg.
“I also began doing an exercise DVD at home a few times a week. Initially the weight fell off and I dropped at least 3lbs each week. Within a year I’d reached 8st 13lbs.
“I now weigh 9st 7lbs and I’m a healthy size 10. An old friend of mine recently said that my bum looks better now than it ever did in my 20s – it was the best compliment!”
STRONGER
Janine adds: “Women need to embrace ageing and not think that they can’t achieve things just because they’ve hit a certain age. I can’t believe I look this good at 50 and people often think I’m lying when I tell them my age.
“I want to prove that with the right attitude and determination you can be stronger, healthier and happier than ever.”