‘My self-confidence has soared – I feel I’m at my best’
Sophie Jude, 24, a make-up artist from Nottingham, learned to cook from scratch and has lost 3st 11lbs in a year. She says,
“As a child, I loved performing on stage. But when I turned 16, I was told I’d never make it as an actress if I didn’t lose weight. I was only a size 12 and my confidence plummeted. I turned to chocolate and bread for comfort, and within months I’d gone up two dress sizes. I’d hide under baggier clothes and wear black to help me look slimmer. At 22, I fell pregnant, and told myself I was eating for two. I’d have pizza or Chinese takeaways with extra chips. After my daughter, Vogue, was born, I weighed 12st and was a size 16. I became so breathless when I carried her upstairs to bed that I knew something had to change. Plus, I wanted to feel good too. My mum persuaded me to try a Slimming World group with her. I was petrified of being with strangers in case they judged me, but they were so welcoming. At home, Mum and I worked out our meals and bought all the ingredients. Even though I’d never cooked before, it was easy to turn lean meat, fish and veg into all sorts of dishes by following Slimming World recipes. After a week of healthy eating, I’d lost 5lbs. As my fitness improved I was able to push Vogue in the pram for miles without getting out of breath. I even joined a gym! Since reaching my target weight and a size 8 – perfect for my 5ft 3 frame – my self-confidence has continued to soar and I feel like I’m at my best!”