Feeling tired after I’d only just woken up. Worrying about my high blood pressure. Getting upset about clothes that no longer fit. Every day felt like a struggle when I weighed more than 16st. And it was such a contrast to the active lifestyle I’d had growing up.

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I’d been a dancer since the age of two, and I toured the UK with a dance company after I left college. For seven years, the daily training and rigorous schedule kept me at a trim size 6-8.

That started to change when I settled into life with Graeme, who’s now my husband. I’d given up professional dancing to pursue my dream of setting up my own dance school for children. Although it was hugely rewarding, my lifestyle became a bit less active and, paired with plenty of meals out with Graeme, it meant my weight started to creep up. 

In 2020, during lockdown, my dance classes moved online. Like many people at that time, I did a lot of baking (and eating!), including banana bread and Victoria sponges. By the time we returned to in-person classes, I really lacked the energy I’d had before.

Then, life took a tragic turn when both my parents became ill. My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and then, shockingly, we found out my dad had a brain tumour. I was devastated to lose Mum in March 2021, but I didn’t have time to grieve properly as Dad had begun treatment and I’d drive for two hours every weekend to be with him. He died in July 2021, and the impact of losing both of them was huge. I turned to food for comfort and developed a ‘life’s too short’ mentality, so I ate and drank what I wanted.

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By 2022, I was a size 18 with high blood pressure and terrible sleep issues. My 40th birthday was looming, and I was just so fed up with feeling tired and grotty all the time. My clothes were getting tighter and tighter, too. I used to be so confident and bubbly, but I began to hate having my picture taken. I’d often feel embarrassed at work, especially when I met new pupils – I felt I should look like a fit and healthy dance teacher. I’d hit rock bottom and knew I needed to make a change.

My friend had joined Slimming World, and as I started to hear more, it planted a seed in my mind. I’d hesitated at first because Graeme and I had a holiday and a few other special occasions booked in, and I didn’t know how Slimming World would fit with them.

I soon discovered that with Food Optimising, socialising is not only possible, but easier than with any other weight loss method. I never feel like I’m missing out, as I just make a few tweaks to things I’d usually have – I often order a steak with a side salad instead of chips, and a Bacardi and diet cola to drink. 

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When I felt ready, I decided to switch up my activity routine. As well as dancing, I began walking regularly – and that helped me achieve my Bronze and Silver Body Magic awards. After that, I started the Couch to 5K running plan, which got me my Gold award. 

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And that wasn’t all! My GP referred me to weekly exercise classes run by our local authority, and my sister and I did the 100 skips a day challenge for Cancer Research UK in memory of our mum and dad.

Going from a tight size 18 to a comfortable 12 has meant my health has improved, too. My blood pressure is now back in the normal range and I’m sleeping better (my snoring has stopped, so Graeme is very pleased!). At work I can demonstrate dance moves more easily and I’m more agile when I’m getting up off the floor. 

People have commented that I’m holding myself a lot more confidently these days, and it’s true. And brilliantly, I’ll never have to worry again about those aeroplane seats... the world’s my oyster!

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.