I’m out of the shadows
to live life to the full
I’m out of the shadows
to live life to the full
Clare Rayner’s own story
Living Life on My Terms: How I Took Back Control
I remember the moment I knew something had to change. I was sitting outside a COVID clinic, watching a woman in a wheelchair, and realising how close I was to that fate. My husband had parked as close as possible because I could barely walk. My knees were in agony, my breath was short, and even the simplest tasks felt impossible. Living in a three-story house meant that once I climbed the stairs, I wouldn’t come back down—not because I didn’t want to, but because I physically couldn’t.
Clare before she took back control with Slimpod
I was 54 or 55 at the time, and while I loved life, there wasn’t much joy in it anymore. I was trapped in my body, in pain, and exhausted. Even keeping myself clean felt like a challenge. I wasn’t focused on how I looked; it was about how I felt. I couldn’t walk my dog, climb stairs, or enjoy everyday life. My world had shrunk, and I felt like a shadow of the person I wanted to be.
I had tried everything before—Slimming World, Weight Watchers, calorie counting. They worked for a while, but they were never sustainable. I’d lose weight for a holiday or a wedding, but then life would happen, and the weight would creep back on. The scales became my enemy. They dictated my self-worth, and every number felt like a judgment. If I lost weight, I’d reward myself with food. If I gained weight, I’d comfort myself with food. It was a vicious cycle of shame and self-sabotage.
Then one day, I saw an ad for Slimpod. I didn’t tell anyone I was trying it because I had failed so many times before. I was skeptical but desperate. Within three days, something started shifting. I found myself wanting to move more, to go outside, to do things that I had long given up on. The weight loss was happening, but more importantly, my mindset was changing.
Now, my life is completely different. My dog probably resents me because we walk about six miles a day! We go for two-mile walks in the morning and evening, and if I can fit in another two miles at lunch, I do. On weekends, my husband and I go rambling through the woods. I even have proper walking boots now—something I never thought I’d need.
I swim at least three times a week, 64 lengths each time. And the biggest shock? I’ve started running. Slowly, but I’m doing it. My goal is to run a 5K with two of my sons by the end of the year, and next year, I’m planning to join my son for the London to Brighton bike ride.
The stairs that used to be my nemesis? They don’t bother me at all now. My knee pain is gone. The excruciating pins and needles that woke me up every hour? Gone. I sleep soundly for six hours straight, which was unheard of before. But the biggest change? My mindset.
I used to worry constantly about what people thought of me. Now, I wear dresses all the time and don’t care what anyone thinks. I eat what I want without guilt. The other day, my husband and I enjoyed a lovely meal, including a crème brûlée, and instead of spiraling into shame, I just went back to my normal eating habits the next day.
Food is no longer my enemy. I don’t crave chocolate or crisps anymore. My fridge is filled with fresh food—cheese, fish, yogurt, and vegetables. I love experimenting with new recipes and trying Mediterranean-style meals. I intermittent fast naturally, stopping after 8 p.m., but I don’t feel deprived. I simply eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m satisfied.
Emotional eating used to be my go-to for stress. Now, when I feel overwhelmed, I take my dog for a walk, dive into learning Spanish, or find another way to channel my energy. My relationship with food has transformed, but more importantly, my relationship with myself has changed.
Slimpod was my last resort, and I can honestly say it saved my life. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about reclaiming your life, your happiness, and your freedom. My sister-in-law recently told me that I’ve become a ‘lovely version’ of myself, carefree and happy. And I truly feel that way.
This week, I’m going to see The Killers at the O2. Before, I would have been too scared—worried about the stairs, fitting behind a restaurant table, or just feeling out of place. Now? I’m living my life fully.
I started at size 28 and now am as size 18/16, my goal is to be a size 14, but I know I’ll get there in time. What matters most is that I’m enjoying the journey. I’m not just waiting for a number on the scale to validate me—I’m living my life now.
Thank you, Sandra and the team, we all thank you. Even my dog thanks you!
The Weight's Over: Take Back Control
I’m out of the shadows
to live life to the full
I remember the moment I knew something had to change. I was sitting outside a COVID clinic, watching a woman in a wheelchair, and realising how close I was to that fate. My husband had parked as close as possible because I could barely walk. My knees were in agony, my breath was short, and even the simplest tasks felt impossible. Living in a three-story house meant that once I climbed the stairs, I wouldn’t come back down—not because I didn’t want to, but because I physically couldn’t.
Listen to Clare's episode
“I was 54 or 55 at the time, and while I loved life, there wasn’t much joy in it anymore. I was trapped in my body, in pain, and exhausted. Even keeping myself clean felt like a challenge. I wasn’t focused on how I looked; it was about how I felt. I couldn’t walk my dog, climb stairs, or enjoy everyday life. My world had shrunk, and I felt like a shadow of the person I wanted to be.”
"Then one day, I saw an ad for Slimpod. I didn’t tell anyone I was trying it because I had failed so many times before. I was skeptical but desperate. Within three days, something started shifting."
The Turning Point
I had tried everything before—Slimming World, Weight Watchers, calorie counting. They worked for a while, but they were never sustainable. I’d lose weight for a holiday or a wedding, but then life would happen, and the weight would creep back on. The scales became my enemy. They dictated my self-worth, and every number felt like a judgment. If I lost weight, I’d reward myself with food. If I gained weight, I’d comfort myself with food. It was a vicious cycle of shame and self-sabotage.
Then one day, I saw an ad for Slimpod. I didn’t tell anyone I was trying it because I had failed so many times before. I was skeptical but desperate. Within three days, something started shifting. I found myself wanting to move more, to go outside, to do things that I had long given up on. The weight loss was happening, but more importantly, my mindset was changing.
Now, my life is completely different. My dog probably resents me because we walk about six miles a day! We go for two-mile walks in the morning and evening, and if I can fit in another two miles at lunch, I do. On weekends, my husband and I go rambling through the woods. I even have proper walking boots now—something I never thought I’d need.
The Transformation: My Life is Completely Different
I swim at least three times a week, 64 lengths each time. And the biggest shock? I’ve started running. Slowly, but I’m doing it. My goal is to run a 5K with two of my sons by the end of the year, and next year, I’m planning to join my son for the London to Brighton bike ride.
The stairs that used to be my nemesis? They don’t bother me at all now. My knee pain is gone. The excruciating pins and needles that woke me up every hour? Gone. I sleep soundly for six hours straight, which was unheard of before. But the biggest change? My mindset.
Over the years, I’ve accomplished things I never dreamed possible. I ran the London Marathon, cycled across Cuba, and even competed in a duathlon with double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.
I’ve also taken on triathlons—despite my fear of open water—and completed an Ironman event. I went from struggling to walk down the street without losing my breath to calling myself an athlete.
Food Is No Longer My Enemy
Food is no longer my enemy. I don’t crave chocolate or crisps anymore. My fridge is filled with fresh food—cheese, fish, yogurt, and vegetables. I love experimenting with new recipes and trying Mediterranean-style meals. I intermittent fast naturally, stopping after 8 p.m., but I don’t feel deprived. I simply eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m satisfied.
Emotional eating used to be my go-to for stress. Now, when I feel overwhelmed, I take my dog for a walk, dive into learning Spanish, or find another way to channel my energy. My relationship with food has transformed, but more importantly, my relationship with myself has changed.
It Saved My Life
Slimpod was my last resort, and I can honestly say it saved my life. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about reclaiming your life, your happiness, and your freedom. My sister-in-law recently told me that I’ve become a ‘lovely version’ of myself, carefree and happy. And I truly feel that way.
I started at size 28 and now am as size 18/16, my goal is to be a size 14, but I know I’ll get there in time. What matters most is that I’m enjoying the journey. I’m not just waiting for a number on the scale to validate me—I’m living my life now.
Thank you, Sandra and the team, we all thank you. Even my dog thanks you!
