A woman has managed to lose over five stone by making a few simple changes to her diet.
Angela, from Hampshire, admitted she never had "a great relationship with food,” as she shared her weight loss transformation.
She explained: “After the birth of my second child I fell very ill with leukaemia. My marriage broke down, I lost my hearing due to the cancer treatment, and I wasn’t able to do my job anymore.
"I was feeling low, and the weight crept on, my blood pressure was high, and I had a number of health issues. When I moved area with my children and new partner Phil, I made the decision to lose weight and start taking care of myself.
“I tried to lose weight in the first lockdown, but I couldn’t do it on my own and I knew I needed the support of a group."
This is when Angela decided to join Slimming World.
She explained: “I was slightly nervous going to my first group and couldn’t believe it when I stood on the scales to find I was 18 stone 4.5 pounds. I cried when I realised my BMI was in the obese category.
“Emma and the other members were so kind and welcoming, though, and they put me right at ease. From the moment I arrived, I felt no judgement, only acceptance.
"Going to group has been a lifesaver for me, it has helped me to set goals, understand where I might trip up on my weight-loss journey, and put plans in place to make sure I continue to lose weight."
Angela admitted that before starting her weight loss journey, "she didn’t really pay attention" to what she was eating.
"But now I really enjoy trying new Slimming World recipes, and I never feel hungry.
"I’ve been able to adapt Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan to create meals my family enjoy, and make healthy swaps, like using leaner meat and less oil.
“For a long time I’ve been unable to even walk to the end of my road without getting out of breath, but with the support from my Slimming World group, I started introducing exercise slowly, and now I enjoy going swimming three to four times a week, and when I can’t go you’ll find me going for a long walk."
She continued: “I’m still on my weight-loss journey, but I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.
"I always wore leggings before with large, baggy tops as nothing else fitted me, now I’ve lost weight I enjoy trying on clothes and really think about what I want to wear.
"Slimming World has given me the confidence in myself to continue making healthy changes and choices, and the energy to do all the things I want to.”
Emma Jones, from Slimming World group, said: “Angela has fully embraced Slimming World’s Food Optimising and physical activity Body Magic programmes and is doing incredibly well.
"She is such an inspiration to our group and I’m so proud of how far she’s come.”
Diet before
Breakfast: Toast and cake
Lunch: Sandwich, crisps, a fizzy drink and chocolate
Dinner: Breaded chicken with ketchup served on a roll or with chips
Snacks: Cake, chocolate, ice cream and sugary sweets
Diet after
Breakfast: Yoghurt and fruit or mushroom omelette
Lunch: Baked potato with baked beans or salad
Dinner: Cajun chicken with lots of veg and rice
Snacks: Fruit and cereal bars
