An embarrassing encounter forced me to overhaul my diet — but lucky for me, cheese and burgers were still on the menu. By Chelsey Bishop, 39
Getting on to the rollercoaster at Universal Orlando with my partner Mike, I excitedly pulled the safety lap bar towards me.
Only, it wouldn’t fit over my stomach.
‘I’m sorry,’ the attendant said. ‘You can’t ride this.’
Everyone’s eyes were on me as I did the walk of shame towards the exit.
Growing up, I was picked on because of my size, which knocked my confidence — and only made me eat more.
When I started working, I’d order doughnuts and an iced caramel latte every morning.
By the time I was 33, I was 24st 2lb, a size 30, and it was taking its toll on my health. I’d get breathless, and suffered from sleep apnoea, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and panic attacks.
My heart often felt like it was beating out of my chest, and as my dad had died from heart failure, I was terrified the same would happen to me.
Now, the rollercoaster was the final straw. I needed to change for good.
Back home, I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw two separate posts from women who’d lost over seven stone through keto, a low-carb, high-fat diet.
If they can do it, I can too, I thought.
Researching the diet, I was stunned to discover cheese, burgers and eggs would still be on the menu.
Inspired, I cut out carbs and sugar, swapping my beloved fries for a side salad and swerving sugar-laden coffees.
The first week was tough as my body detoxed from sugar, but I powered through with sugar-free chocolate to curb my cravings. By week two, the weight was starting to come off.
Worried I wouldn’t succeed, I only told Mike about my diet.
But six months on, and four stone lighter, my clothes began to feel loose and my health was improving. I was no longer pre-diabetic or on blood pressure medication.
Walking was so much easier that I began going for a wander on my lunch break.
When I’d been dieting a year and had lost 7st 1lb, I posted my transformation photos on Instagram.
I was hesitant at first, but after clicking upload, the likes and supportive messages came pouring in.
It inspired me to share more, and soon thousands were following my progress. I couldn’t believe it!
Three years on, I reached 11 stone, a size 8-10, and I’ve since maintained that.
For me, keto is a lifestyle, but I’m relaxed about it and am less strict on the weekends or special occasions. It’s all about balance.
I’ve since been back to Universal Orlando and it felt incredible to finally ride the rollercoaster I’d been booted off the last time.
For 30 years, I felt helpless about my weight, but now I’m half the woman I used to be and living life to the full.
Diet before
Breakfast: doughnuts and coffee
Lunch: burger and fries or sandwich and crisps
Dinner: fried chicken and potatoes or burritos
Snacks: chocolate, sweets, crisps
Diet now
Breakfast: Egg McMuffin without bun or hard-boiled egg
Lunch: burger without bun and side salad
Dinner: Cobb salad or steak and green beans
Snacks: cucumber and cream, tuna or deli meats and cheese
Stats
Height: 5ft 3in
Before: 24st 2lb, size 28-30
After: 11 stone, size 8-10
Total loss: 13st 2lb