Nicki Richardson-Aktolga, 54, was a weight-loss consultant with a spicy secret until she finally changed her old ways
As I waved goodbye to my last client of the day, there was just one thing on my mind – chicken jalfrezi with pilau rice and a Peshwari naan.
We had our local Indian restaurant on speed dial and I shouted to my son, Alex, ‘Go and grab us a takeaway, love.’
Aged 49, I’d spent my day working as an award-winning The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan consultant, coaching women to stay on-plan and avoid temptation. But the one person I couldn’t help was myself as I was 16 stone and a dress size 20 to 22.
I’d battled with my weight all my life and always turned to food for comfort.
In 2007, after my relationship with Alex’s dad broke down and I became a single mum, I dropped 6st on the plan and overhauled my life. When I married my now-husband Levent in April 2009, I wore a size 10 wedding dress.
Over the next decade, as a consultant, I helped thousands of people lose weight. I was good at my job – so good, in fact, that I became one of the company’s leading consultants, with a team of hundreds across the UK and Northern Ireland.
But on the inside I was struggling after severe endometriosis left me in constant pain and in 2016, I had a total hysterectomy, which plunged me straight into a medical menopause, aged 43.
For comfort, I snacked on sweeties and made cheese toasties for lunch and sent Alex, 18, straight out to grab an Indian takeaway as soon as my last client of the day left.
By November 2019, I’d accepted a Diamond Champion award for the success I’d had with my clients. I wore a size 16 dress to the ceremony and felt frumpy, not sexy.
Conscious of my size, I used every excuse under the sun. I told clients I’d been put on new medication, or I had to eat because I felt dizzy.
Meanwhile, I started a new diet every Monday, jotting down my starting weight and drawing a progress chart on my white board, before immediately falling off the wagon. My clients were doing great but I was failing and it made me miserable.
By the time Covid hit in early 2020, I had severe stomach problems and struggled to digest my food properly. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Bile Acid Malabsorption, IBS and Diverticulitis. When a doctor suggested I try protein shakes to build up my strength, I had a brainwave – my house was full of The 1:1 by Cambridge Weight Plan products! The bars, soups and shakes are all nutritionally balanced, so it was the sign I needed to get back on plan.
Within four months, from that May to August, I’d lost nearly 5st and my bowel symptoms were easing, I felt better and stronger.
But in 2022, after falling down a flight of stairs, I suffered another blip. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a crumbling spine. Once again I began to eat my emotions, developing an obsession with Drumstick sweeties and buttermilk mints. I could eat a pack a day.
Back on the scales in January 2024, I’d nudged up to 13st 12lb. But this time I wasn’t going to lose control. Back on plan with no cheating, I set myself a target of being two stone down for a holiday to Las Vegas that summer.
This time, I also worked on my mindset. I told myself that despite suffering periods of ill health, there was no point stressing about the things I couldn’t change. I made the most of my good days and boosted myself with positive affirmations.
My cup-half-full attitude really resonated with my clients too. At The 1:1 by Cambridge Weight Plan awards in November 2024, I wore a size 10 gown and felt amazing.
I was given the award for Diamond Elite Champion, out of 6000 consultants, and was so proud of myself and how I’d come.
Now, I’m down to 10st 4lb and a size 8 to 10 – I haven’t been that slim since my wedding day!
I’m so proud of my weight loss journey, despite its ups and downs, and I think I’m living proof that no matter what happens, you can fall off the wagon and get back on again. I’m a woman in my 50s with chronic illnesses and I can still lose weight and boost my health.
These days, I no longer feel like a hypocrite when I’m working with my clients. They know I’m authentic because I’ve walked the walk and earned my stripes the hard way.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the plan, find Nicki on Facebook by searching for Nicki Richardson-Aktolga