Scrutinising myself in the navy-blue dress, I turned my size-26 figure towards the seamstress. ‘I’ll take a size 18,’ I announced. It was July last year, and I’d vowed to slim down ahead of my role as a bridesmaid at my friend Jasmine’s wedding, scheduled for this year.
Only, the seamstress flinched at my request before moving in closer. ‘Are you sure that’s a good idea?’ she whispered. And, as I looked at the other bridesmaids at the fitting, so svelte and elegant in their dresses, I began to doubt whether I had it in me to make such a change.
My tumultuous relationship with food started when I was a teenager. My stepdad’s job as a farmer meant we’d relocated frequently, and each time I started a new school, the anxiety was only alleviated by eating unhealthy comfort foods, including crisps and sausage rolls.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ANITA NAIK A PROBLEM SHARED
Mum-of-two Anita Naik has been an agony aunt for 32 years
ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
Add the wilds of Kruger National Park to your bucket list, says Amanda James
'LET'S RAISE SOME SERIOUS CASH!'
The Radio 2 DJ is among the hosts of Children In Need…
THREE WOMEN ONE DRESS
Gemma Stevens, 34, needed a wedding dress that had stood the test of time
HOW TO HAVE A SILENT NIGHT
Trouble nodding off? Waking in the early hours? Our experts can help
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on I'm a Celeb, work attire and young drivers
I THOUGHT HE'D COME TO KILL ME
For Sally Meeson, 45, the end of a relationship was the beginning of a nightmare
Loose Women IN CRISIS
With unhappy viewers and panel fall-outs, are the key characters about to be axed?
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
