Growing up, food was at the heart of family life. My mum cooked rich curries with poppadoms and chapatis on the side, and there was always a dessert, like trifle or gulab jamun – fried dumplings in syrup. I couldn’t get enough of Mum’s cooking... and that started to impact on my weight. 

At school I felt different from my friends. I hated PE and going out, and I struggled to find clothes in my size 18-20 in high-street shops. We didn’t have a uniform at my secondary school, and while other girls rocked fashionable jeans, I always stuck to stretchy leggings. During the summer, they’d be in crop tops, while I wore men’s baggy T-shirts I could cover up in. 

I didn’t socialise much, preferring to concentrate on my studies. Even on the school bus, I’d sit alone, trying to ignore everyone else chatting and laughing, and telling myself I was happier that way. 

I attempted all sorts of diets, but none of them lasted. I must have been 16 or 17 when I decided to try cutting out carbs. Yes, I lost a few pounds, but I missed bread and pasta so much that I gave up after a couple of weeks, and the weight went back on. 

When I went to clubs with friends, I’d cover up in my long coat or a jacket – no matter how hot I got! All I used to think about was my weight and how I looked. I wondered whether I’d ever meet someone in the future, looking the way I did. 

A few years after I’d graduated from uni, I was on a night out with friends when I got chatting to a guy called Devan. ‘Do you know, I’m sure we’ve met before,’ he said – and then the penny dropped. ‘Hey, aren’t you the girl on the bus?’ 

It turned out we’d been at school together, although in those days he’d had lots of curly hair, which was why I hadn’t recognised him. Now his head was shaved and I could tell he looked after himself, so I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that he was into weight training at the gym. I was surprised that someone like him could be interested in me. ‘There’s nothing wrong with you and there never has been,’ was his response when I said as much. In time, Devan and I went from dating to falling in love. 

Several years later, we were engaged to be married and I was happier than ever – apart from something I couldn’t get out of my mind: did I really want to feel unhappy with myself on my wedding day? I wanted to look beautiful, not uncomfortable, so I knew something had to change. For the first time, I wasn’t thinking about another quick-fix diet. I wanted a change that would last.

When I heard about Slimming World, I was sceptical, but intrigued. I’d never thought of a weight loss group as being for me, until my friend Gwen told me she’d joined and that the plan was really working for her. When I discovered my local group was run by a Consultant called Sonia, it seemed like a sign! 

Ready to keep an open mind, I walked into my first Slimming World group to find a room buzzing with warmth and positivity. The other members made me feel really welcome and, as I listened to them explaining their own reasons for being there, the idea of a group where everyone was going through a similar journey suddenly made perfect sense. 

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I decided to set myself a target weight loss of 1st (6.3kg). Sonia had explained how a few simple changes in the kitchen would make a big difference, like switching to using 1 cal cooking spray instead of regular oil. 

Adapting the curries I’d grown up with to fit in with Food Optimising turned out to be easy. And I made sure I cooked enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day, so that I wouldn’t be tempted by a supermarket sandwich meal deal. Devan was 100% behind me, and while cooking wasn’t his thing, he was always happy to help me prep. Soon he became a big fan of my slimming-friendly spaghetti bolognese, chicken tikka masala and Slimming World chips. 

I soon reached my first target, so I lowered it and reached my dream weight in June 2017. By the time our big day came around, my size-12 wedding dress had to be taken in! And on our honeymoon in Bali, it felt amazing to feel completely comfortable in my bikini on the beach. 

Back at home, I knew that staying for group support would be key to maintaining my weight and continuing to feel good about myself. And that’s exactly what I did, attending every week, even after the wonderful news that I was pregnant.

Going to group helped me carry on making healthy, balanced choices. Throughout my pregnancy, Slimming World provided plenty of support and guidance, with my eating plan tailored to ensure I was getting all the nutrients I needed. The support continued after our daughter, Aurora, arrived and while I was breastfeeding, too.

How we can help you during and after pregnancy

My next pregnancy was a very different experience. It was during the Covid pandemic, when I’d been spending most of my time indoors and my healthy habits had gradually slipped away. I was far less active than usual and often ate whatever I wanted. By the time our son, Zen, was born, I’d put on 3st (19kg) and no longer felt like myself.

After he arrived, I knew it was time to focus on boosting my confidence and rebuilding the healthy lifestyle I’d enjoyed before. I rejoined Slimming World in January 2021 with a goal of losing the weight I’d gained.

It felt great to be cooking from scratch again, and filling up on fresh fruit and vegetables. I started doing online workouts, which helped me gradually increase my activity levels. 

Now I really love being active. Last year, I completed Couch to 5K, and I love going to my weekly bhangra class. Best of all, I can fully join in with my children, whether that's running around the park, playing games or enjoying all the fun, active adventures that come with family life.

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My weight loss was slower than the first time around, but I trusted the process and knew that if I stuck with the plan, I’d get there. By September 2023, I’d reached my target. 

It inspired me to become a Slimming World Consultant, a role I absolutely loved. Supporting members as they worked towards their own slimming dreams was incredibly rewarding, and I felt privileged to be part of their journeys. Although other commitments meant I wasn’t able to continue in the role, it remains a very special chapter in my own Slimming World story.

I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. These days, my biggest motivation for maintaining my weight is Aurora and Zen. Devan and I grow our own fruit and vegetables, and the children love helping to pick fresh berries and veg for me to turn into delicious family meals. Knowing I’m giving them a healthy, happy start in life means everything to me. And feeling truly good about myself, both inside and out, is pretty amazing, too.

One of the biggest things I’ve gained from Slimming World is a healthier relationship with food. I can enjoy all the foods I love without guilt because I’ve changed my mindset around eating and learnt how to make balanced choices.

Explore the foods you can enjoy with Slimming World

I still genuinely look forward to going to group – now with my current Consultant, Tor. It’s a safe, supportive space where I can be honest, celebrate my successes and share any challenges without fear of judgement.

The whole experience has been life-changing. I have so much confidence now and feel like the best version of myself. When I think back to the quiet, withdrawn girl who sat alone on the school bus, it’s hard to believe we’re the same person. If I were invited to a school reunion tomorrow, I’d walk through the door with my head held high, proud of everything I’ve achieved and the person I’ve become.

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