Slimming World Success!

Back in January I took a step that changed my life.

At a size 24 I was bigger than I have ever been before and I was frightened to death of what was happening to me.

I ached all over, my feet and ankles caused me pain, my back caused me pain.

My skin and hair were awful, I had scalp psoriasis and my periods had pretty much stopped. I knew my body was in a terrible state but had no mental power to change it...

Until I stepped on to the scales at my local Slimming World group. While I'm not ready to disclose my starting weight I can give you a rough indication... It was upwards of 15 stones but less than 20 stones.

It suddenly dawned on me that my toxic relationship with food had to change before the worst happened - I suffered a heart attack.

At 28 years of ages that's a frightening prospect, but I was still convinced I wouldn't be able to pull it off and lose weight. All I could do was try my best, and that is what I vowed to do.

One week later, having followed the plan as best I could, I was faced with my first weigh in. I felt sick, I didn't want to see those numbers again, certainly didn't want to see anything higher. So I gritted my teeth and stepped on.

An 8lb loss!!! Over half a stone in a week! And I'd eaten well, good clean healthy food that was cooked from scratch and fresh. I was flabbergasted. Could I actually do this?!

The following week saw a 6.5lb loss and I celebrated with my first certificate, a loss of over 1 stone and Slimmer of the Week!  The following week also saw a 6.5lb loss and I celebrated losing 1 and a half stones in 3 weeks of healthy balanced eating. Surely it wouldn't carry on like that much longer?! I'd hit a wall?

My losses evened out and I began to average a 2lb per week loss, interspersed with the odd 3 or 4lb loss and the odd 0.5 or 1lb gain. Steady and balanced. I had the occasional wobble and hit a plateau for a few weeks but I was so determined to continue I couldn't stop. My husband had joined me in eating well and we planned menus and chose recipes we would enjoy preparing and eating. We took turns with cooking and supported each other when either one of us felt like packing it in.

And here I am now, 5 stones 1.5 pounds lighter in 7 months. I still have a way to go, but I'm getting there. I'm lighter, healthier and more confident. My skin is clearer and my psoriasis is gone! I no longer ache, my feet and ankles are fine, so is my back. I no longer suffer headaches and I can make sensible, responsible choices where meals and snacks are concerned. I've changed my attitude to food and it's fared me very well. Long may it continue. I was recently voted Woman of the Year for our Slimming World group and cried like a big baby. I've changed my hair and I can shop off the peg for the clothes I always longed to wear, instead of having to hide under clothing I disliked from specialist stores. I still have confidence issues, I'm still in the "fat friend" frame of mind but my friends are patient and loving and supportive. I will get there.

Then:

Now:

Then:

Now:

At the request of some lovely, encouraging friends I've decided to begin blogging again and start sharing some easy family recipes that can be introduced to the table without arousing suspicion! I'm more than happy to share the tasty food I eat and will crack on with posting these recipes as soon as I get the chance.

Thank you for taking the time to read this - I could have written for days but best to keep it simple otherwise you'll all end up depressed!

Loves...

Sian x