WEIGH BELLS RING3.
Sophie Goodman, 27, from Manchester, felt like a festive frump – but now she’s a Christmas cracker!
Striking a match, a bright flame lit up the living room. Carefully, I lit the first Hanukkah candle on our family menorah. Being Jewish, my family didn’t celebrate Christmas – but still, Hanukkah and the festive season was one of my favourite times of year.
Lighting the candles, eating traditional doughnuts, getting presents over the eight days...it was truly magical.
And on Christmas Day, I’d still sit down with Mum and Dad for a traditional yuletide turkey roast (minus the pigs in blankets!) – so I got the best of both worlds.
After all, one of the best things about the festive season was the food!
Sweet or savoury, I devoured it all.
Mum and I would pore over festive food catalogues, ordering delicious picky bits for family gatherings.
Mac and cheese balls...cheese and biscuits...yule log... I drooled as I flicked through the glossy pages.
And my love of food certainly showed on my waistline.
Tipping the scales at a massive 20st, I was squeezing into a size 22.
My weight had always been an issue, ever since I was little.
I’d just mindlessly snack 24/7 – Quavers, Dairy Milk, Maltesers...my tummy seemed to be an endless pit, and you’d rarely catch me without food in my hand.
At home, we’d have takeaways at least three times a week, and when I started working, I’d scoff down junk food all day there, too.
On my way into the office I’d stop at the local café and order two bagels –I’d eat one on the walk in, and then lie to my colleagues about having already eaten and tuck into the second at my desk.
But despite two big breakkies, by the time 11am hit, I was peckish again – heading to the M&S
My tummy seemed to be an endless pit