A former KFC addict who was spending £2,600 every year on takeaways lost nearly half her bodyweight after a cruel stranger yelled abuse at her in the street.
Makeda Roberts shed 8 stone after the nasty remark from a man, which prompted her to turn her life around in January 2021.
The callous cyclist had told she was "beautiful" while cycling past, before heckling her when she turned around yelling, "I'm joking you're a fat b****".
The 27-year-old joined Slimming World last year and says she hasn't eaten chicken and chips since.
Makeda started doing home workouts during last year's lockdown, and watched as the pounds began to slip away.
By November this year, she dropped from 19st to 11st, going from a size 22 to a size 10.
Before her weight loss journey, Makeda was eating her favourite takeaway of fried chicken three times a week, costing her £50 a week.
The customer service associate, from Croydon, South London, says that she is now strangely grateful for the hurtful comment, as it empowered her to take action.
"I've always struggled with my weight but yo-yoed throughout my twenties and teenage years," she said.
"Someone in the street on a bike stopped me and shouted - 'you're beautiful'. They then turned and said: 'I'm joking you're a fat b****.'
Makeda ditched the fried food and chips for salmon and broccoli, and began working out four times a week, which has vastly improved her fitness levels.
She said: "When I left school and went to college and university, I had no self-control the pounds piled on over the years.
"Lockdown made it a lot worse. I would eat fried chicken and chips every day and a lot of fizzy drinks.
"I loved burgers, kebabs and McDonalds too, but I haven't touched junk food since I started my weight loss journey.
"I haven't eaten fried chicken, pizza and McDonalds for a year - I've forgotten what it tastes like. I have an addictive personality so I know if I had one bite of a burger that would be it."
"I still like to go out and party, but I see having a drink as my treat now," she added.
"I won't end my night with chicken and chips anymore - I will genuinely get home at 5am and cook - eggs, tinned salmon. Before I didn't know how to cook."
Makeda hasn't set foot in a gym to slim down but instead does four high intensity 30-minute 'Insanity' workouts in the comfort of her own home.
She does the ab-attack- an intense ab workout including Russian twists and planking.
Another work-out she does weekly is the max-out cardio which includes high-knees, burpees, squats, ankle taps and high jumps.
Makeda said: "People have accused me of taking pills but it is all diet and exercise - everyone is so shocked.
"I wear things I would never wear before and I've lost weight everywhere, even on my hands and feet. Some of my shoes are too big now.
"I want to help others keep pushing on and inspire them to not ever give up."
