A trip to Paris to celebrate my 30th birthday should’ve been wonderful, but it ended up being a real low for me. Despite spending ages trying to get good photos, I hated how I looked in them – and I remember needing several drinks to build up the courage to head to the pool in my swimsuit. I also struggled physically, and my joints were painful after walking around all day. Even though it was hot and sunny, I covered up with baggy clothing, which caused my psoriasis to flare. Because of my size, I just found it so hard to enjoy myself.
My weight had been up and down for years – and, in 2018, I’d joined Slimming World and lost more than 2st (13kg). Then life got very busy with a new job and a house renovation, and I reverted back to old habits, grabbing anything to eat that was quick and easy after a long shift. I’d often have a full multipack of crisps for my dinner, or a share bag followed by a family-size bar of chocolate. Before long, I’d gained back the weight I’d lost.
It was January 2024, the January after my Paris trip, when I decided it was time for a fresh start. I was lucky enough to have five holidays booked for the year, and this time, I wanted to enjoy them all – and to get nice photos, instead of taking 400 and hating every single one!
Getting back into Food Optimising meant changing my mindset around food – and the key to my weight loss success has been planning. I’m back at my old job now, so I have a bit more time to plan my meals, get active and just generally take better care of myself. I love cooking and trying new recipes from the app – and if I do have a busy week coming up, I make sure I have some meals prepared in advance. When things get really busy, the Slimming World food range from Iceland is a lifesaver!
By the time my first holiday came around (Magaluf with the girls), I was 2st lighter. I lost another stone ahead of Glastonbury and Marbella in June, and I’ve just come home from an amazing holiday in Croatia – weighing 3st 4½lbs (21kg) less than I did six months ago!
To avoid going off-track with non-stop food and wine in the way I had on previous holidays, I planned in advance how I was going to approach Food Optimising while I was away. I knew I’d want some treats like cocktails and ice creams, but decided I’d steer clear of deep-fried foods and choose fresh fish and veg, fruit bowls and spirits with diet mixers. I also followed Slimming World’s SP plan the week after my holiday, filling my plate with Speed Free Foods to help boost my weight loss.
This year is the first time in a long time that I’ve enjoyed my holidays to the full, and the first time since I was 17 that I’ve worn a bikini! I’m now a size 8 and feel so much more confident in my clothes. While I was away, I was also much more active and properly explored my destinations. In Croatia, we spent a gorgeous day walking around the Plitvice Lakes – something I wouldn’t have comfortably been able to do before – and I’ve still got a trip to Portugal to look forward to. I’m feeling better at 31 than I did at 25 – and I can’t wait to start planning my travels for next year!
How I plan for the weight loss I want...
Planning really helps me to stay on track when I’m out and about, and I loved this picnic pack-up on the beach.
Instead of reaching for crisps and chocolate, a grazing board makes the perfect evening treat. This was a 10 Syn platter, which I planned into my daily Syns allowance on the Food Optimising plan.
When I know I have a busy week coming up, I make sure I have some meals and snacks ready-prepared.
Slimming World members can access hundreds of batch-cooking recipe ideas in group and on the website and app.
I also like to have some Slimming World food range meals in the freezer for an easy no-prep option, and I’m looking forward to trying Slimming World Kitchen when I'm back from Portugal!
If I’m eating out, I try to check the menu beforehand. I made this meal healthier by removing the fat from the gammon and asking for my butter on the side so I was in control.
Pancakes are one of my favourite things to make and eat. However, now I plan them into my day as a meal, rather than having them as a dessert.
I do still enjoy a good pud on occasion, though – as long as it’s planned in, you can enjoy everything in moderation with Food Optimising.
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Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.