Jo Parkes, 32, only wanted to read to her little girls, but something huge was stopping her..
My weight problem had started when I went to secondary school in September 1996. It was just puppy fat at first, but embarrassed, I stopped eating around my friends.
By the time I got home I’d be starving. With both my parents at work I had free rein of the kitchen and, while my younger siblings Richard, Nicola and Jonny would have a couple of snacks, I’d binge on family sized slabs of chocolate, along with crisps and mini apple pies. Then I’d have a large helping of chilli for dinner.
Standing out
I put on about a stone a year and by the time I left school, aged 18, I weighed 19st. I hated that I couldn’t wear the same clothes as my friends and on nights out I’d feel horrendous. I looked so big next to them Finally I can read them a story and I never got chatted up by guys.
A couple of months later I started working in a local nursery close to my home in Harborough, Leicestershire. I loved my job, but being on my feet all day meant I worked up an appetite, too. So, when I got home I’d often get a takeaway – Chinese or pizza – or throw some chicken Kievs or fish fingers in the oven.
Finding love
At 5ft 3in and a size 24, my body struggled, but I felt helpless. Then, in April 2008, I was on Facebook when I came across a man named Guy and we started messaging. At 23, he was six years older and worked asa textiles manager in women’s fashion.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 24,2017-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 24,2017-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?