I was 22st when i decided to change my life

As my friend Nicola told me her news down the phone, I looked at the empty potato chip packet in my hand and felt ashamed. It was the third I had eaten that day.

Nicola was asking “so what do you think?”

I screwed the bag up and replied “It’s worth having a go.”

She was telling me about her new diet. She had already lost two stone. I weighed nearly 22 stone and she wanted me to give it a try.

It seemed a good idea. I was 34 years old, fat and unhappy. I envied Nicola’s success and found myself scribbling down notes.  I’d tried diets before but this one was different. It involved healthier eating, light exercise and a natural supplement. I told my boyfriend I’ve decided to draw up a fitness plan. He rolled his eyes and offered me a potato chip, saying I’ve heard it all before. I replied yes, I know, but this time I’m more determined.

The next day I went to the gym. I could only manage 30 minutes of slow walking and I was panting and covered in sweat. Yet despite the exhaustion, I felt a real sense of satisfaction. I went the next day, and the day after that – soon I was going four times a week. I cut down on chocolate and ruled out any foods that weren’t freshly prepared. I reduced my weekend drinking.

The weight began to drop off. I lost three stone in four months. I was thrilled with my progress but then I had a setback. I found out that my boyfriend had been seeing someone else and I broke up with him.

Afterwards I wanted to hide away and it was hard not to slip back into my old ways. However I would not accept defeat.  I decided I would use exercise to keep me positive. I continued regime an after two months I’d dropped another 4 stone. My friends kept telling me I look great. I’d never had so much attention before.

Nicola was excited for me too. We swapped weight-loss tips and went shopping for clothes together. I was now a size 18. It was a far cry from the 28 I used to wear.  A year passed.

One evening I was out with my mates when a young man approached me. He held out his hand and said Hi I’m Lee. Soon we were chatting like old friends. At the end of the night he said, think this is the bit where I take your number. I quickly tapped it into his phone and was delighted when he rang the next day. We began dating. I’d stopped going to the gym but continued to watch what I ate. Being with him made me even more motivated to keep the weight off. Five happy months passed.

One day while I was at work he came into my office and said. Emma, I’ve got a question for you. He got down on one knee in front of everyone and said; I’ve come to ask you for our hand in marriage. When I finally found my voice, I said yes.

We began making plans. We wanted to do things properly so we decided to save up first. I didn’t mind. It gave me more time to slim so I could fit into my dream dress.

I started walking the six mile round trip to work and back every day. I joined the gym again, going four times a week, and attended fitness classes.  The big day arrived.

As the last button was fastened on my wedding dress, a smile spread across my face. I weighed 11 stone and was a size 12. It was the slimmest I’d ever been. Throughout the day everyone told me how well I had done. Some friends said I was an inspiration. It was lovely t hear. But the nicest compliment came from Lee. He said you look stunning Mrs Peters.  It’s been 10 months since the wedding and I’ll soon be a fully trained fitness instructor. I can’t wait to teach my first class this year. I am grateful for the support of my friends and family. I hope I can do the same for others.