Growing up, I didn’t really think about what I was eating – if I fancied chocolate cake for breakfast, I’d have it. My weight crept up over the years, and it’s only when I look back that I realise how much it affected me.

In 2017, I joined my local Slimming World group weighing 15st 10lbs (99.8kg). It made all the difference being in a room with people who understood. No judgement, no being told what I should do – just support from people who’d been in my shoes. I started with small changes that actually felt realistic: I made simple, healthy swaps, found recipes I actually liked and began enjoying food again instead of feeling guilty about it.

When we went into lockdown in 2020, like so many people, my routine disappeared overnight. I tried to hold on to some of the changes I’d made, but if I’m honest, it was half-hearted. I was on furlough from work and homeschooling my then 10-year-old, Evie. To keep me occupied, I soon fell into the routine of watching a movie with a big bag of crisps and a packet of biscuits.

Around the same time, I found out I was pregnant again. As my bump grew, so did my determination to do things differently this time. I remembered what it was like being a first-time mum – forgetting breakfast, being so hungry at lunchtime, then relying on meal deals and microwave dinners. I didn’t want to repeat that cycle. I knew I needed to get myself back to my Slimming World group for the weekly support and motivation.

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I returned to Slimming World in 2021 when my younger daughter, Poppy, was four months old. Stepping on the scales was a big moment – I weighed 16st 3½lbs (103.2kg), the heaviest I’d ever been. But instead of spiralling, something clicked. This wasn’t about quick fixes – it was about making sustainable, long-term changes.

My Consultant, Hannah, understood exactly what I needed. Her support – and the warmth of the group – kept me going on the days my motivation dipped.

Even though I’d heard the new-member talk before, there were things I’d forgotten. It reminded me that Food Optimising isn’t about denying myself – it’s about eating more of what’s good for my health and weight loss.

Discover Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising

I got plenty of ideas during the group support sessions, such as making enough spag bol or chilli con carne that there’d be leftovers for the next day’s lunch (a great hack for busy mums!). The other members always had plenty of recipe suggestions, which helped to keep our mealtimes interesting. 

It’s freeing to eat the same things as my children, too. No need to make separate dinners – just normal, satisfying meals like chicken kebabs and tuna pasta bake. 

Within a couple of months, I’d lost my first stone. Even so, the thought of setting myself a dream target was daunting. Could I really keep it up and go all the way this time?

Feeling unsure, and with my determination wavering over Christmas, I chatted it through with Hannah. She suggested starting with the Club 10 award, which meant losing 10% of my body weight (1½st/9.5kg). She explained how it would bring all kinds of health benefits, including lowering my blood pressure and my risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes – so it seemed a pretty good place to start! Now I had something to aim for, I lost about half a stone (3.2kg) every month. 

By Easter, I was clutching my Club 10 certificate and ready to set a new target. Knowing I’d done it once, I decided to shoot for another stone and a half. And it worked! After almost a year, I’d thrown away all of my stretchy size 18 clothes – even my size 14 trousers were slipping down.

As the pounds dropped off and I started feeling more energetic, I decided I was ready to kick-start my activity journey – especially as I knew it would help to keep the weight off. 

Previously, I wasn’t very active. I’d completed Couch to 5K before, but stopped running as soon as I’d finished the programme. I also went through periods of going to the gym, but it never stuck for long. At Slimming World, I was encouraged to find exercises I enjoy – and I realised consistency is key.

I’ve linked my Slimming World app to my Fitbit, which keeps me motivated as I’m able to track my workouts and see my progress. I also did Couch to 5K again, but this time I kept going – I even went on to complete the 2026 TCS London Marathon as part of the Slimming World team! That’s something I’d never have thought possible five years ago.

We’ll help you build up your fitness with our active lifestyle programme

Slimming World had such a huge impact on my life that I wanted to help others feel that same confidence-shift. Supporting people to achieve their goals means the world to me, and I’m proud to make a difference in my local community.

Over the past few years, I’ve lost more than 6½st (41.3kg), been on the cover of Slimming World Magazine, run a marathon and started a brand-new career!

My advice to anyone who’s starting or restarting their slimming journey is: don’t be afraid to set yourself meaningful goals. Whatever’s on your wish list – whether it’s feeling fantastic for a special occasion, boosting your confidence at work or ticking off a fitness ambition – Slimming World will help you get there… and support you to keep the weight off for good.

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