Dancing with my friends at a beach party in Ibiza, I felt incredible. It was September 2022 and we were celebrating my friend's birthday. This trip had been a long time coming, something I'd been looking forward to for ages. When we'd planned it months earlier, I'd decided to use it as a goal. I'd wanted to lose weight in time for the holiday and spend the days showing off my new figure in a bikini. And now, here I was doing just that.
I'd battled with my weight for years. After having my children, Nathan in 2003 and Niamh in 2004, I weighed around 13st. I joined WeightWatchers and lost 3st, but then I stopped going to the meetings and gradually old habits crept back in. I'd eat crisps and biscuits and did little exercise, so my weight just gradually increased.
By the time I celebrated my 40th in 2009, I'd put all of the weight I'd lost back on again, plus more. I felt so self-conscious, but over the next few years my weight continued to yo-yo. It was the same unhealthy cycle. I'd return to Weight Watchers, lose weight, then stop going to meetings and start allowing myself a few too many treats.
One more won't hurt, I'd say, eating another biscuit. By then, I'd separated from the kids' dad and was single. I lost weight ahead of my 50th and, while celebrating in Benidorm with my friends, made a promise to myself.
'It's going to be different this time,' I told my best friend Julie, 42, as we lazed on sunloungers. I'm going to keep going to the meetings to make sure I keep the weight off.' I was determined but when we got home, the pandemic hit. 'How do you think you'll cope if we get locked down and you aren't able to come to meetings any more?' my WeightWatchers group leader asked.
STAYING MOTIVATED
この記事は WOMAN'S OWN の April 03, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は WOMAN'S OWN の April 03, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?