Hi I’m Clare, and this is my story...
A snap of me and my son Ben on the beach building sandcastles should have been a moment I would treasure for years to come, but looking back I was repulsed. With my buldging stomach spilling over my legs and my tshirt straining over my rolls of fat, I resembled a beached whale.
That was the image that spurred my to start my Slimmingworld journey! My weight problems started at secondary school. On top of eating Mums healthy meals I’d munch on crisps sandwiches at lunch and biscuits thoughout the day. When I left in June 2000 I was a size 18. I referred to myseld as ‘the fat friend’ - joking about it so noone else would.
Over the years my appetite got bigger and by the time I met Steve, aged 24, I was a size 20. Only, far from bothering him he’d tell me he loved me for who I was - and I grew more complacent.
After having our son Ben in August 2010 I was a size 24, which was huge for my 5ft 9in frame. I loathed my buldging belly and tried dieting but I’d soon slip in to my old ways.
The next year when Ben was a year old we went to Skegness for the day. As we built sandcastles and paddled in the sea Steve got the camera out and started snapping away. Then, a couple of months later he uploaded the photos to our home computer...
I smiled at the photo of Ben looking cute in his short and tshirt. But then saw the one of me and my face dropped. I was horrified, I looked huge.
This was when I realisedI couldnt go on like this. But before I had time to act I found out I was pregnant again and put plans on hold until I had our son Alfie in August 2012.
A month after he as born and now a size 26 I got out that hideous photo - it was the push I needed and I knew I was ready to commit. So in October that year I joined my local Slimmingworld group. The biggest shock came when I stepped on the scale and the dial sprung to 21 stone - I was mortified!
I vowed to never see that number again, and chucking out the junk food I filled the fridge with fruit, veg and lean meats. The plan meant I could still eat y favourite food, just healthier versions. Within the first month I’d shed almost 1st. Seeing fast results without going hungry spurred me on and as the stones dropped away I even took up running!
Less than a year later, in August 2013 I had lost 8st. Even when I became pregnant again I kept going with the plan. Then Charlie was born in December 2014 followed by our daughter Elouise in July 2016. And while I’m still trying to lose a bit more weight I feel happier, more confident and full of energy.
Joining my local SlimmingWorld was the first step and with their support I changed my outlook on life. Now 13st and 5lb and a size 12-14, I love being able to run around the garden with the kids, and now when Steve tells me I look great, I actually believe him. This summer when we take the kids to the beach, one things for sure - I wont be shying away from the camera.
Starting the Cinderhill group in 2016 was my next step. With all the knowledge I had gained on my own journey I couldnt wait to help others on theirs! We’ve created a wonderfully supportive enviroment with a group of people all working together towards the same goal -a healthier, confident, slimmer you.
