I’ll never forget the struggles that led me here. My first diet was at 15—a Pennine radio plan I followed religiously, convinced that weight loss was the only ticket to self-worth. The voice of well-meaning relatives echoed in my ears: “If you’re not careful, you’ll end up like your grandmother.”

By the time I hit adulthood, my life revolved around the scales. I wasn’t just weighed down physically—I was carrying the burden of societal expectations, self-judgment, and guilt.

I tried everything. Slimming clubs, fasting, and gruelling workouts that left me exhausted but no closer to my goals. Every diet followed the same cruel pattern: restriction, brief success, then failure. Each relapse felt like proof that I was destined to fail. I’d binge, despair, and tell myself, “Why bother?” It wasn’t just my body that was broken—my mind was too.

Then Slimpod entered my life. It wasn’t a quick fix, and it wasn’t about dieting. It was about unlearning a lifetime of unhealthy beliefs. Diet culture had taught me to demonise food, to view hunger as an enemy, and to see myself as a constant project in need of fixing.

Slimpod gently wiped the slate clean.

The early days were slow. Walking my rescue dog used to leave me breathless and aching, but I kept going. Day by day, my confidence grew. I began to climb hills and walk miles—each step strengthening not only my body but also my spirit. I realised that health wasn’t about deprivation; it was about nourishment and joy.

For the first time, I understood that food wasn’t the enemy. I stopped labelling things as “naughty” or “bad.” Instead, I started asking myself, “What does my body truly want? What will make me feel good?” Diet Coke gave way to fruit teas. Processed snacks were replaced by fresh, vibrant foods. I even challenged myself to try one new plant-based food every week. Last week? Figs. This week? Who knows!

This journey hasn’t been linear. There were setbacks—a wedding, a honeymoon, and a Christmas indulgence or two—but I never panicked. Before Slimpod, a single bad day would spiral into weeks of bingeing and self-loathing. Now, I just reset. I’ve learned to sit with my emotions rather than drown them in crisps.

When I do stumble, I remind myself: It’s one day. One moment. Not a failure.

It’s hard to explain the shift, but I’ve noticed changes beyond the physical. My head feels clearer, my heart lighter. I no longer obsess over food or fear social events. Barbecues, birthdays, weekends away—none of these derail me anymore. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance.

Recently, I attended my goddaughter’s engagement party. She told me how proud she was of my transformation and invited me to her wedding next summer. That moment sparked a new goal: to show up as my healthiest, happiest self, wearing a size 14 outfit I’ll feel fabulous in.

This journey has reminded me of who I was as a child: carefree, fearless, and alive. Back then, I climbed trees and scraped my knees without a thought for how I looked. Slimpod talks about recapturing that childhood optimism, and I think that’s right. When I close my eyes and listen to the pods, I often picture myself perched high in a tree, unburdened by life’s pressures, simply being.

Slimpod hasn’t just changed my body; it’s changed my life. I no longer live in fear of food or failure. I’ve stopped chasing thinness for others and started pursuing health for myself. My husband, who has loved me unconditionally through every stage, always said, “I just want you to be healthy so we can enjoy life together.” And now, we are.

Belly dancing, long walks, laughter-filled evenings—I don’t wait for a “perfect” body to live anymore. I live now. I embrace every moment, every challenge, every joy.

Slimpod taught me that weight is just a number, but freedom? Freedom is everything.

As I look to the future, I know this is only the beginning. Strength training is my next adventure, and I’m excited to see how it transforms me. My goals aren’t tied to scales or sizes—they’re about energy, vitality, and love.

To anyone starting this journey: stick with it. Listen to the pods, trust the process, and believe in yourself. It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about finding yourself. And when you do, you’ll realise: the weight was never just on your body. It was on your mind, your heart, your spirit. Slimpod lifts that weight, and what’s left is freedom.

I’m still learning. Still growing. Still podding. And for the first time in my life, I’m truly living.