Clicking on social media after a lovely day out, I got a shock. It was time to get rid of that frumpy old woman for good! By Sally Cooper, 59
Arriving home from a day out at a summer fair with my daughter and grandkids, I was looking forward to putting my feet up for the evening.
Settling on the sofa, I began scrolling through Facebook and a notification popped up saying I’d been tagged in some photos.
I was surprised because I normally went out of my way to avoid cameras.
When I clicked on them, I gasped.
My daughter had snapped them without me realising and I barely recognised the old, frumpy, woman in her baggy size 18 clothes.
Do I really look like that? I thought
Mortified, I messaged my daughter and asked her to take them down.
No, we’re making memories, she replied.
I’d always struggled with my weight and was a typical yo-yo dieter.
I often found plans too restrictive and felt like I was missing out, so I’d quickly fall back into bad habits.
But seeing these photos filled me with fresh determination.
I joined my local Slimming World group in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire, and got a warm welcome at my first meeting.
Armed with lots of recipe inspiration, I began cooking meals from scratch and my hubby enjoyed them as much as I did.
I couldn’t believe how much I could eat by simply choosing healthier swaps.
There were no restrictions, so I could even have some chocolate or a glass of wine on the plan.
In the first two weeks, I lost 7lb, which spurred me on.
I also started exercising and made my aim to run the Race for Life in six months’ time.
When I attempted my first 5k, it involved a mix of jogging and walking, and I finished in 40 minutes.
But I didn’t let that stop me, and the fitter I got, the easier running became.
Then, in just 18 weeks, I’d reached a size eight.
To celebrate, I treated myself to a whole new wardrobe of brightly coloured, figure-hugging clothes.
But the benefits didn’t stop there. My mind felt more focused, my skin clearer and my hair shinier too.
I was so inspired, I became a Slimming World consultant myself. It’s been great to share my journey with my group and hopefully inspire them to achieve their goals too.
Now, I’m looking forward to celebrating my 60th birthday with my three daughters and seven grandchildren.
I’m going to have a photo shoot, to showcase all I’ve achieved. And, for the first time in years, I’ll be proud to stand in front of the camera.
Height
5ft 7in
Before
13st 11lb Size 18
After
10st 2lb Size 8
Total loss
3st 9lb
Diet before
Breakfast: McDonald’s double sausage and egg McMuffin with hash browns
Lunch: Sandwiches, crisps, chocolate bar and Coke
Dinner: Takeaway or fast food
Snacks: Crisps, pork pie, sausage rolls
Diet now
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast
Lunch: Jacket potato with cheese and beans, Diet Coke
Dinner: Salmon fillet with roasted veg and new potatoes
Snacks: Fruit, crustless quiche, boiled eggs