As I explained in The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control, We’ve always eaten healthily as a family—I’ve always cooked fresh meals. But I used to heap my plate far too high, especially with carbs. If there was pasta, I’d pile it on until I felt uncomfortably full.

Late afternoons were the worst. I’d hit a slump and crave sugar. As a nurse, I’d often come home tired and hungry, and if I found biscuits in the cupboard, I’d eat half the pack. One or two was never enough.

I wasn’t a stranger to exercise, either, but I was inconsistent. My daughter-in-law Georgia would send me workout videos, and I’d follow them half-heartedly for a few weeks. I’d make some progress, but my eating habits sabotaged me. I wasn’t increasing my weights or repetitions, and the sugar left me feeling sluggish. Honestly, I was just going through the motions without real results.

Every Christmas followed the same pattern. My husband used to joke that I’d get serious about losing weight in September, hoping to feel fit and healthy. I’d make some progress, but by October, “Christmas mode” would kick in.

I’d eat everything in sight, enjoy all the festivities, and overindulge. January always felt toxic—bloated, depressed, and back to square one.

Last year, something changed. After nine or ten months on Slimpod, Christmas was completely different. I still ate, drank, and socialised—I didn’t restrict myself—but I didn’t go overboard either.

For the first time, I felt in control. I’d enjoy one or two chocolates, then stop, knowing I’d feel terrible if I had any more. It was such a revelation.

By January, I was still the same weight I’d been before Christmas. That had never happened before! Since then, we’ve been on a few holidays, and again, it’s all about balance. I enjoy the local food, but I also make sure to stay active.

 A good walk every day is non-negotiable for me now. If I skip it, I just don’t feel right. My husband teases me about being a bit over the top with exercise, but I see it as essential. Even 30 minutes a day keeps me on track and feeling balanced.

My approach to food has completely changed. Now, if I come home hungry, I’ll reach for wholemeal toast with peanut butter instead of biscuits. I don’t deprive myself, but I think about what will nourish me.

I see sugar and junk food as toxic. My mindset has shifted—I look at food as nourishment and goodness.

I used to be an emotional eater, turning to chocolate or snacks when I felt bored, upset, or low. Now, I’ve learned to boost my mood with exercise. If I’m feeling down, I go for a walk or do something active. It works wonders.

I’ve also struggled with self-confidence over the years, but this journey has helped me with that too. I still have work to do, but I feel much more in control.

It’s funny—sometimes I think I wish I’d found Slimpod years ago. But then I wonder if it would have worked back then. Maybe I wasn’t ready. Timing is everything, and I think I needed to reach a point where I was truly ready to make a change.

Slimpod wasn’t exactly a last resort, but I was at a low point when I found it. After a boozy holiday with friends, I came back feeling toxic and bloated. I knew I had to sort myself out before summer.

Sitting on the sofa, I googled “help, I need to lose weight.” I already knew what I needed to do—eat better, cut carbs, and so on. But I couldn’t stick to anything. I had no motivation.

That’s when I stumbled across Slimpod. I read the testimonials and thought, “What do I have to lose?” Honestly, it kicked in quite quickly. I felt brilliant within days. I stopped snacking in the afternoons and slept better.

I remember going to the theatre with my sister about three days in. She bought snacks, but I wasn’t tempted at all. It was amazing to feel in control for the first time.

A year and a half later, I’m still listening to the pods two or three times a week. I don’t listen every night, but I’m scared to stop completely—it’s been such a game-changer. My brain seems to balance my food intake automatically now, and exercise has become a crucial part of my routine. Georgia still sends me workout videos, and I’ve been following them consistently for a year. I’ve increased my weights and repetitions, and I feel so much fitter.

At my heaviest, I was 86 kilos (around 13.5 stone). I’m five foot nine, so I carried it okay, but my BMI was 29—just shy of being classified as obese. Now, I’m 74 kilos (just under 11.5 stone), and my BMI is 24. It’s the lightest I’ve been since I was 25.

My husband thinks I shouldn’t lose any more, so I weigh myself regularly to make sure I’m stable. For me, the scales are a tool to stay on track.

There’s a balance to everything now. I’ve learned to enjoy food without overindulging and stay active without overdoing it. When we’re on holiday, I savour the local cuisine but make sure to move every day.

 Even when I socialise, my appetite isn’t as big as it used to be, and I naturally eat less. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about making choices that make me feel good.

Reflecting on my journey, I feel so grateful, which is why I was so happy to tell my story in Sandra’s book The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control.