Nine stone down — but the biggest change happened in my mind
Fourteen years ago, I joined Slimming World for the first time. Since then, my journey has been anything but straightforward.
I’ve been a member on and off, tried what feels like every diet going, and desperately searched for something that would finally work for me.
At my heaviest, I weighed *21 stone 2lbs*. Today, I weigh *12 stone 2lbs* — a loss of an incredible *9 stone*. But my story isn’t simply about losing weight.
At one point, I became so desperate to change that I opted to have a gastric sleeve. I did lose weight following the surgery, but I soon realised that losing weight wasn’t enough.
The habits, behaviours and mindset that had contributed to my weight were still there. I needed to change the way I thought about food and, more importantly, the way I behaved around it.
My journey took an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking turn when I lost my baby due to malnutrition. When I became pregnant again, I wanted to do everything I possibly could to make sure my baby was safe and well. That was when I rejoined Slimming World. This time, I told myself it would be *for the last time*.
Three years later, I can honestly say that decision changed my life. I’m now *9 stone lighter*, but the greatest achievement is the person I have become along the way.
Slimming World helped me understand that this wasn't about another quick-fix diet. It was about changing my relationship with food, changing my behaviours and developing a mindset that I could carry with me for life. And something else happened that I never expected. I became a Slimming World Consultant.
Today, I have the privilege of sharing the joy that Slimming World has brought into my own life with other people. I absolutely love supporting my amazing members, celebrating their successes, encouraging them through the difficult weeks and watching them discover what they are capable of.
I know what it feels like to start again. I know what it feels like to struggle. I know the disappointment of diets that haven't worked and the feeling that perhaps you're the problem. You're not. Sometimes we don't need another diet. We need the right support, the right tools and someone beside us who understands.
My journey started at 21 stone 2lbs. Today, at 12 stone 2lbs, I can look back and realise that losing nine stone was about so much more than a number on the scales.
*It gave me my life back — and now I get to help others find theirs.*
If you're thinking about starting your own journey, I'd love to welcome you to my Slimming World group in Eglinton. There is no judgement, no guilt and no shame — just support, friendship and the belief that you really can do this.
*Your journey could start with one decision. Mine did.*