I’ve always found it difficult to feel confident in myself. I struggled at school because of my weight – and then, growing up with social media, I’d see so many photos of ‘perfect’ women online. Eventually, I realised that these were usually edited (and set totally unrealistic beauty standards for the average woman), but I still found myself falling into the trap of comparing myself to celebrities and women in the media. I was left feeling inadequate and ugly because I didn’t have the ‘perfect body’.
As a flight attendant, I’m fortunate enough to travel the world for my job. I often have downtime in hot countries, but wearing a bikini by the pool or on the beach used to fill me with dread. I was so unhappy with the way I looked in the mirror. Being away from home so much also made it difficult to stick to a diet. I’d make drastic changes (like cutting out carbs), which I could never keep up for long. I tried to not eat much of anything, really, and felt miserable and hungry all the time.
It sounds strange, but the catalyst for change was breaking my wrist. I was unable to work for a while, and I wanted to do something meaningful with my time off. It gave me the space to reset and focus on getting the sustainable weight loss I wanted.
My mum and I went along to our local Slimming World group together. I remember feeling worried that it wouldn’t work and nervous about what I’d see on the scales the first time I weighed in. The great thing is, even though Slimming World is in a group setting, your weight is totally private – only you, your Consultant and the person who writes it down at the scales will ever know that number.
A new way of eating
After years of starvation diets, it was a revelation to be able to have so much food with Slimming World. I also found that I was eating much more healthily. You’re encouraged to include calcium- and fibre-rich foods as part of the Food Optimising plan, and I switched to healthier snack options, too. I cooked from scratch more and ordered takeaways less often – there were so many simple recipes to choose from on the app, it was easy to find meals I fancied.
Slimming World has worked brilliantly for me – I’ve lost 1st 9½lbs (10.7kg) in 15 weeks. I do think it’s important to talk about the challenges I’ve faced along the way, though. There was one week when I had a weight gain and immediately felt like I’d blown it and wouldn’t be able to get back on track. This is where the group dynamic really came into play. I felt so supported by my Consultant and the other members in my group, and I left feeling motivated to carry on and reach my target weight.
I’ve also found it difficult living with people who buy unhealthy snacks. Being surrounded by temptation can be a real challenge, but because the Food Optimising plan is designed to be filling, I never get to the point of feeling hungry and wanting to eat everything in sight. I prep my meals in advance and use the Slimming World barcode scanner to check Syns when I’m out shopping for nibbles.
Healthy snack swaps: What would you choose?
Feeling full of life
Losing weight has given me so much more ‘bounce’ and energy. Before, I’d occasionally go to the gym, but my heart wasn’t in it and cardio workouts were a struggle. With Slimming World, you’re encouraged to try different types of activity and find something you enjoy. Now I do Zumba classes, which are so much fun and make me feel fantastic. I like listening to the Slimming World Podcast while I walk my dogs, too.
I was worried I’d struggle to maintain my weight loss once I was back at work, so I’m proud to have been at target for more than a year. Food Optimising is really flexible, so I can follow it even when I’m in the air or in a different country. Plus, with the help of my Consultant, I’ve developed strategies for situations that I do find challenging – such as being out with friends.
Learning to love myself
When I joined, I knew I wanted to change my mindset around weight and body image. I needed help to do that, and Slimming World has become that support system for me, enabling me to let go of unrealistic expectations. And it has given me an alternative to drastic diets – one that actually works in the long run.
Losing weight in a healthy way has taught me to love and look after my body. I feel so much more confident – even in a bikini! Being surrounded in group by real, genuine women (of all shapes and sizes) who motivate and uplift me has given me a new outlook on life. I’m choosing not to compare myself to others, and to be happy within myself. My biggest hope from sharing my story is that it lets other young women know that what you see on social media isn’t always real.
My message to them would be: Be kind to yourself. Try not to compare yourself to people online and, instead, find like-minded people to support you to achieve goals that are healthy and realistic.
If you’re thinking about joining Slimming World, now’s the perfect time! Become a member by 14th June to receive a FREE copy of our brand-new Slimming World’s Street Food recipe book. Find out how (terms and conditions apply).
Hannah’s day on a plate
Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | A fry-up with lots of white toast. | Scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast. |
Lunch | Nothing. | Jacket potato loaded with cheese and beans, and a big salad. |
Dinner | Oven pizza or a takeaway. | A hearty home-cooked meal like slow-cooked beef. |
Snacks | Crisps. | Fresh fruit. |
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.