ALL my life, I’ve always been the biggest out of all my friends.

Although I was very active playing sports, I always found it impossible to shift any weight, that’s until I recently found the wonderful world of Slimming World (SW).

I remember one of the first things I heard was there’s no point doing all these exercises if you are not eating healthy too along with the exercise. This is something that just stuck in my head.

I finally took the plunge in January 2017 and joined my local group in Grange (located in the hall behind Grange Church). I had my daughter’s Confirmation in April so this was my push to lose the weight.

I was absolutely dreading going in on my first day but all that dread quickly passed as I was welcomed and greeted with a huge smile from my Slimming World consultant Lynda. She explained the plan so clearly and I remember leaving the group that night thinking “Is this real?”, it certainly seemed all too good to be true.

I was size 18/20 in clothes when I started — something I was not very proud of. I reached my target in August last year and now I’m wearing a size 12 in clothes. Never in my life have I been able to wear size 12 clothes so, as you can imagine, I’m ecstatic.

I even enjoy shopping for myself now — something I’ve always hated and would nearly cry at the mention of the words ‘clothes shopping’. I would make up excuses not to go to family events, parties, etc, as I hated the thought of having to get dressed up. But now that I’ve lost the weight, I’m becoming so much more confident in myself and really enjoy all these events.

I’ve a very hectic life with three kids (aged 12, three and a 23-month-old) so I was worried how would I fit Slimming World into my life. But a couple of weeks into the plan it just became a part of mine and my family’s lives. I cook meals the SW way for all my family and they love it too.

I’ve always had problems with my kids eating vegetables but now I find little hands scrummaging over to my plate to take cucumbers, spinach, etc.This plan has seriously changed all our lives for the better.

I have to say the biggest highlight for me on Slimming World was being able to go swimming with my kids for the first time as I would have never worn a swimsuit before because of my weight. I remember coming out of the changing room full of confidence as I walked to the pool with my kids. I could see them smiling with pride with me as we walked. We enjoyed it so much that day we went back again the next day.

The support I have received from Lynda on my weight loss journey has been outstanding. She is so approachable and will always be at the end of the phone if you have a question regarding the plan.

I believe staying in the group is key and has kept me on track and helped me reach my target (5st 7lbs). The support and knowledge shared with members is priceless, I can honestly say I look forward to going to my group each week.

This plan is so do-able and one thing I always say is “whatever you put into it, you’ll get out of it”, if I can do it, anyone seriously can.

If you want to join, Lydna’s groups are as follows;

Frankfield, Grange, Douglas (behind Grange Church) Thursdays 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Wilton, Scoil Ui Riada (across from University Hospital). On Tuesdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.