A library trip that marked the start of a healthier lifestyle for Tracey

Tracey Henry, from Kinnaird in Perthshire, has lost six and a half stone in just over a year.

“At my heaviest, I weighed almost 18 stone,” says Tracey, 34.

So what made her decide to lose weight?

“Strangely, it was an innocent trip to the local library for a book that led me to start my weight loss journey,” she recalls. “I was mistaken for a slimming club member and ushered up the stairs to the slimming class.

“Needless to say, I was mortified! But that led to determination to change my life. And that very day, I went home and, after quite a few tears, I cleared out my cupboards and fridge and started my new life.”

Tracey, who lives with husband Darren and her three sons, Noah, Dylan and Zack, explains how she lost the weight: “I cut back on portions and began eating less processed foods – a back-to-basics attitude, really.

“Also, exercise has played a key role; I work out and do interval kettlebells-style training.

“The hardest thing has been to change the habits of a lifetime! Huge portions and snacks and no exercise was a hard rut to get out of!

“I used a pair of size 12 pink jeans hanging in my kitchen as motivation.”

Tracey decided to train as a nutritionist, offering consultations and meal plans to anyone who wants to lose weight.

“A good solid back-to-basics nutrition is key. It’s not about gimmicks or starving two days a week, it’s about consistently eating healthy, nutritious meals.”