As I explain in Sandra’s book The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control, my story begins, like so many others, with struggle. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I had a blood sugar reading of 53—a stark reminder of how far I’d let things go.

I knew what the GP would say even before the appointment. “Eat less, move more,” they’d advise with an air of certainty, as if I hadn’t already heard that a thousand times before. It felt so dismissive, as though they believed I’d been deliberately ignorant all my life. But the truth? Every person carrying extra weight knows what needs to be done. The problem isn’t knowledge—it’s something deeper, something emotional.

For me, it was a lifetime of bad habits rooted in childhood trauma. I grew up surrounded by instability and discomfort, and food became my refuge.

Sugar, especially, was my solace—my quick escape from stress and sadness. It wasn’t just comfort eating; it was survival.

Over the years, I’d tried diets. Oh, how I tried! But I was terrible at sticking to them. I’d yo-yoed between losing three stone and gaining it back, never quite able to break free from the cycle of guilt and defeat. Misery seemed to go hand in hand with dieting, and I thought, “Life is too short for this kind of unhappiness.”

That’s where Slimpod came in, and everything changed. I stumbled across it while researching ways to manage my condition. At first, I was sceptical—how could listening to a few recordings and journaling my thoughts possibly make a difference?

But within weeks, I began to see results. Not just on the scales, but in my mind. Suddenly, the concept of “falling off the bandwagon” didn’t apply anymore. I wasn’t on a bandwagon to fall off of—I was just living. Slimpod’s approach aligned so perfectly with my values that I hardly noticed I was changing until the changes became undeniable.

One of the most surprising transformations came with food. For years, I’d been the person who ate out of emotion—whether I was happy, sad, or stressed.

But now I could tune into my body and listen to what it really needed.

 I stopped craving sugar so intensely. Instead of indulging in chocolate or flapjacks at service stations, I began choosing healthy, protein-packed options that left me feeling energised and strong. It wasn’t about deprivation; it was about nurturing myself. And the best part? It wasn’t hard. I wasn’t battling against myself anymore.

The effects weren’t just internal, either. By the time I returned for my next GP appointment, my blood sugar levels had dropped dramatically. From 53, I was now at 41—no longer diabetic. Even my doctor was blown away. “This is a miracle,” she said, and I couldn’t help but agree. For the first time in years, I felt in control of my health.

 I still take Metformin, a medication I’ve been on since my polycystic ovary diagnosis, but even that may soon become unnecessary. I’m in remission, and it’s thanks to the lifestyle changes inspired by Slimpod.

That’s why I was so delighted when Sandra asked me to share my experiences in The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control. What makes this journey so special isn’t just the weight loss or the improved health metrics. It’s the freedom.

I’m no longer shackled by the need to diet, the constant cycle of guilt, or the fear of failure.

I’m losing weight consistently—about three pounds a month—and for the first time, I’m okay with that. It’s not a race. It’s a process, and I know I’ll get there. At this rate, I’m already down a dress size and well on my way to my ultimate goal of size 14. And when I get there? Well, let’s just say my husband might need to start saving for the shopping sprees!

Exercise has also become a joy instead of a chore. I’ve joined a beautiful country club where I can swim, attend classes, and use the gym. It’s a privilege, I know, but it’s an investment in myself that I cherish. My days are filled with Zumba, body pump, and dog walks, and though my body sometimes protests, I repair quickly. The best part? I look forward to it. I crave movement now, something I never thought I’d say.

There have been moments of reflection along the way, moments when I realised just how far I’ve come. One day, as I was packing for a trip, I lifted my suitcase—a small, 20kg one. That’s how much weight I’ve lost so far. Carrying it up and down the stairs made me pause. This was the burden I used to carry with me every single day, and now it’s gone. The sense of lightness—both physical and emotional—is indescribable.

Slimpod has taught me so much more than just how to lose weight. It’s given me the tools to connect with my body, to understand its messages, and to respond with kindness. It’s helped me reframe my relationship with food and exercise, turning them into sources of joy rather than stress. And most importantly, it’s restored my belief in myself.

 For the first time in 40 years, I know I can do this. I’m not just hoping for change—I’m living it.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for what’s to come. Clothes shopping, once a dreaded necessity, now feels like an adventure waiting to happen. The thought of walking into “normal-sized” stores fills me with a mix of nerves and anticipation. But I know I’m ready. This is who I am now—a woman who takes care of herself, who believes in her worth, and who knows that anything is possible.

So thank you, Sandra, for sharing your magic with the world. You’ve changed my life in ways I never thought possible. And to anyone out there struggling, wondering if it’s too late or if change is even possible—I’m here to tell you it is.

If I can do it after 40 years of being the bigger girl, so can you. This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. And every step, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.

Here’s to health, happiness, and the freedom to live life on our terms.