A mum-of-two from Stoke-on-Trent has shared her inspiring weight loss journey after shedding an impressive 6st 10lbs. Sarah, 41, shared that her weight gain began after the tragic loss of her father in 2012, which led her toward comfort eating. She recalls feeling ashamed and frustrated with her weight, struggling with her self-image and trying various quick-fix diets that never truly worked for her.
It was in 2013, as she prepared for her wedding after 13 years with her partner Lee, that Sarah decided to make a significant change. She joined Slimming World, where she found a supportive community that helped shift her mindset towards healthy living. Initially embarrassed to return, she quickly realized that she was in a welcoming environment.
Listening to the consultant helped Sarah recognize the importance of building new habits. Instead of just aiming for quick weight loss, she focused on adopting a healthy lifestyle. She began meal planning and learning to recognize her trigger foods, allowing her to make substantial changes without feeling deprived.
By the time her wedding day arrived, Sarah had already lost 3st, which filled her with confidence. Over the next few years, she continued to maintain her new lifestyle, embracing cooking homemade meals every day. From chicken stir-fries to taco nights, Sarah enjoys making delicious meals that her whole family can share, making it easy to stick to her new routine.
Though the journey has had its challenges, with occasional struggles to maintain her weight, Sarah emphasizes the importance of attending her weekly support group, which encourages her to cherish non-scale victories, such as trying new fitness classes and gaining wardrobe confidence.
Sarah now enjoys life to the fullest, participating in family activities that she once avoided due to her weight. Additionally, her relationship with her husband has flourished, allowing them to enjoy date nights without feeling self-conscious. Most importantly, Sarah is grateful to be around for her family, making cherished memories together.
Here are some changes Sarah made to her diet:
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with peaches, strawberries, and plums.
- Lunch: Homemade salad with skinless chicken or quiche and couscous.
- Dinner: Slimming World diet cola chicken, stir-fries, or homemade steak with chips.
- Snacks: Fat-free yogurt with fruit and a half-pint of lager or glass of prosecco.
This inspiring story illustrates that with the right support and mindset, anyone can turn their life around and achieve their weight loss goals.
Source: The Mirror
