Inspiring Mum from Sandy loses 8 stone during pandemic thanks to Slimming World

Jess Walker, 35, started the new year healthier, happier and with ‘a whole new lease of life’ thanks to a change of diet and help from Slimming World.

After struggling with her health throughout 2019, and having a miserable Christmas with the flu, Jess was determined to tackle her weight during 2020. From 19st 4lbs she’s now a much slimmer 11st 4lbs.

She said: “My weight greatly affected how much I could do with my children, from taking them on trips out, to running after them when playing, to not being able to fit into rides at theme parks.

“Even simple things like washing their hair was hard as it was a squeeze in the bathroom and I couldn’t move freely around. I had an active life, but was trapped in a body that just couldn’t keep up with what was needed of me, and I was tired with various aches and pains much of the time.”

Thanks to Slimming World, Jess was able to alter her diet, while not feeling like she was missing out on carbs and tasty treats.

In 2019, her typical breakfast would have consisted of a big bowl of chocolate-flavoured cereal and slices of buttered white toast, whereas now Jess enjoys porridge with fat free yoghurt and some berries on top, drizzled with skinny syrup, which is healthier and still ‘packed with flavour’.

Jess said: “When you’re told not to eat carbs, you naturally want to eat carbs! With Slimming World I don’t feel that I am on a specific diet, where certain foods are dangerous, and therefore I don’t feel left out, or rebellious. I have discovered so many new recipes and foods, that after 10 months I could never go back to how I ate before.”

Thanks to advice from Slimming World, Jess can now exercise for longer, too.

She added: “I feel I have wrestled back control over my body and I feel free again.”

Lorraine Killen, district manager, said: “ Jess is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right kind of support and healthy eating plan. She is such an inspiration to others who may be struggling with their weight and mental health during lockdown.”

To find your nearest group call 0344 897 8000 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk