My weight has been a constant struggle, shaping the way I’ve experienced life and how I’ve viewed myself. I felt different growing up, and I was often picked on. I’d try to hide under oversized clothes – not only for comfort, but also because I hoped they’d make me less noticeable. I just wanted to be invisible.
At college, I tried many different diets, which often involved restricting myself and hoping for a quick fix. At first, the weight would come off, and I’d get compliments on the way I looked – but ultimately, they’d just be too hard to stick to.
University was filled with takeaways, alcohol and little exercise. Social events became a source of anxiety rather than joy. It was like I could feel the eyes of others on me – silently judging – so I’d mask my insecurities with fake confidence. Deep down, though, I always wanted to change.
‘I tried and tried... but the bar just wouldn’t close’
A holiday to Florida with my friends and partner should’ve been the most fun-filled two weeks ever – but I spent the whole time concerned with how I looked and worried about the activities we’d be doing. The final straw was when we were queuing to get on a ride. I was nervously waiting, not only for the ride itself, but to see whether I’d be able to squeeze in the seat. When it came to our turn, my worst fear came true – despite multiple attempts, the bar just wouldn’t close. I laughed as I was getting off the ride, but deep down I was really upset. When we came home, looking at the photos from the trip was the final push I needed to walk into my local Slimming World group the following week.
I felt daunted about my first night in group, as I didn’t know what to expect. But I soon discovered I had no reason to be scared. My Consultant, Claire, had a beaming smile and talked me through the healthy eating plan, Food Optimising. To be honest, it seemed too good to be true! Then she walked me over to the group and I took a seat between some lovely ladies, who I now look forward to seeing every week. As people started opening up about their struggles and successes, I realised I’d found the right place to lose weight. Everyone was open, honest and kind – it was light-hearted and there was plenty of laughter, but we also listened to how everyone was feeling. For the first time, I didn’t feel so alone.
‘You can be a real foodie – and a fakeaway queen – and lose weight!’
Discovering Food Optimising has been truly life-changing. I love that it’s not a diet – instead, it encourages you to develop a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I can eat satisfying and delicious meals without having to count every calorie! I’ve always been a big foodie, and I can still enjoy all my favourite meals, just with a few healthier swaps and small changes. After my first group, I already had everything I needed in my cupboards to start right away.
I used to order takeaways frequently, but now I’m a fakeaway queen! My partner Jake and I enjoy sweet and sour chicken with chow mein and rice, or a cheesy pitta pizza with wedges – adapted to fit in with Food Optimising. We’ve both loved trying new recipes – my all-time favourite Slimming World meal is a big bowl of chilli, packed with veggies and served with rice and cheese (sometimes using my Syns for a wrap).
‘I found my safe space in a Slimming World group’
For me, Slimming World’s support network is one of the biggest benefits of joining. It’s incredible to be surrounded by people who understand the journey and cheer me on every step of the way. Hearing other members’ experiences and celebrating their achievements inspires me and keeps me going when times are tough.
Group is a safe space for me to open up, get new ideas and share my thoughts – and Claire is always so encouraging and patient. I really look forward to my Thursday evening group. Even if I’ve had a difficult week and things haven’t gone to plan, I never feel punished or embarrassed. Instead, I’m supported – with kindness, understanding and plenty of practical tips – to get back on track.
Slimming World has also helped me become more active. I never used to enjoy exercise, but the Body Magic activity support programme has helped me see that small, consistent changes can make a huge difference. I started fitting in some extra steps by taking the stairs at work rather than the lift, and getting off the bus one stop early. Over time, those things became easier, and I began to incorporate more exercise into my routine. Now, I’ll often walk to places rather than get the bus. I’ve also joined the gym, and I’m enjoying feeling stronger and more energised.
‘There’s no such thing as a perfect slimming journey – and that’s OK!’
One hurdle I’ve had to overcome is staying consistent when life gets stressful or busy with social events. Making healthy swaps and changes when I ate out was a challenge for me – and it can be very easy to slip back into my old habits. Going to group every week helps, though. If I’ve had a busy weekend and I haven’t make those swaps, there’ll be a different result on the scales. But I know I can talk it through with my Consultant and fellow members and get ideas to help me manage that situation in the future. It’s important to understand that, no matter the result, going to group will help you get the weight loss you want next time.
A huge highlight of this year has been mine and Jake’s engagement party. He proposed to me in June (after a long walk in Cornwall), and celebrating that with family and friends was so special. I wore a beautiful white dress in a size I hadn’t seen for years, in a style I’d never imagined wearing. I felt so confident having my legs out, and we had some gorgeous photos taken – which is something I would’ve hated in the past! I could fully enjoy the party with my fiancé, without worrying what others might be thinking about me. It made me so excited for the wedding.
I’ve now lost 4½st (29kg), and my life is completely different. My younger self was insecure, sad and isolated, but now I’m happy and confident. I don’t feel the need to hide under baggy clothes any more, and I enjoy shopping! I’m more willing to step outside my comfort zone, and I'm not constantly worrying about what others are thinking and how I look. While I’m still working towards my target weight, the change in me so far has been incredible. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Abby’s day on a plate
Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | Nothing, or a few slices of white toast with lots of salted butter and an indulgent coffee. | Overnight oats or porridge oats with semi-skimmed milk, topped with sweetener and plenty of fruit. |
Lunch | A supermarket meal deal (usually a wrap or triple sandwich, chocolate and full-fat fizzy drink) with a sausage roll and a ‘share’ bag of crisps. | Shredded chicken and peppers with seasoning, served with rice, cabbage and broccoli. |
Dinner | An oven pizza, plus breaded chicken and onion rings that I’d share with Jake. | Fakeaway time! Either a burger in a bowl (with 5% fat mince, plenty of salad, cheese and burger sauce) or a low-Syn Chinese (with egg fried rice, chow mein and sweet and sour chicken). |
Snacks | Crisps, biscuits, chocolate yogurts. | Fruit, Hi-fi bars, Ryvita crackers with cheese and cucumber. |
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.