‘I’m happier and more energised since slimming down’
Amanda Gibbon, 48, a sales manager and Slimming World Consultant from Newport, dropped four dress sizes in nine months from walking and diet changes. She says,
“I met my husband, Mark, ten years ago, when I was a size 12 – but over the years, my weight crept up. We enjoyed cosy nights in, often sharing packets of biscuits and creamladen ready meals, followed by more biscuits. When it came to unhealthy eating, I needed no encouragement. I worked in sales and I’d binge on crisps and pies at motorway services. Mark gained weight too, and we stopped going for meals out because we were worried people would stare. As for our love life, we kept the lights off in the bedroom. I reached breaking point when I went shopping and struggled to fit into size 18 trousers. Mark’s daughter (from a previous relationship) suggested joining a Slimming World group. Everyone was friendly and the weigh-ins were discreet – but I was shocked to learn that at 5ft 6 I weighed over 13st! I went to the supermarket after and stocked up on fruit and veg. Soon, I discovered a love of cooking and made delicious dinners from scratch using Slimming World recipes. On Sundays, Mark and I started going on short walks, then each week we challenged ourselves to walk a little further. Within nine months, I’d lost nearly 4st – and as I reached my target, I felt happier and energised. The slim and happy me is here to stay!”