As I wrote in Sandra’s book The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control, I was a constant snacker with a serious love for chips, muffins, and chocolate. I’d tried countless diets, but nothing ever seemed to last for long. I felt stuck, trapped by my own cravings, and overwhelmed by the thought of change.

I didn’t even start losing weight for about 18 months after starting Slimpod. It took a long while for my brain to kick in and start working, but once it did, that was it. I was on a roll.

What really made a difference was when I stopped thinking of food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. I stopped dieting and started listening to my body. That sounds simple, but it was a revelation for me. When I began to understand what my body truly needed, everything shifted. The weight started coming off.

Instead of feeling like I had to swap chips for salads, I wanted to. It wasn’t about restriction anymore; it was about making choices that made me feel good.

For me, the real breakthrough came when I relaxed and let go of the pressure. I used to stress over every muffin, feeling guilty if I indulged. But once I realised that it was okay to enjoy a treat every now and then, something clicked. Giving myself permission to enjoy food actually helped me control it better. It was as if, by removing the guilt, I also removed the power food had over me.

Once I stopped and thought, “You don’t need to be dieting. Just listen to your body,” everything changed. Listening to my body was the key. If I wanted chips, I’d have them, but often I found that I didn’t. It wasn’t about willpower – I’ve never had much of that. It was my brain taking control. I swapped chips for salads not because I felt I should but because I wanted to. That shift was monumental.

I remember looking at posts in the Slimpod Facebook group and seeing all these success stories. I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t this working for me? What am I doing wrong?” But instead of giving up, I went back to the beginning and started again. I kept at it and, most importantly, I relaxed.

When I stopped pressuring myself and let go of the guilt, everything began to fall into place. I’d lose a couple of pounds, which gave me confidence, and that made it easier to keep going. The weight began to come off steadily, and for the first time, I felt in control.

It wasn’t just about the weight; it was about my health too. I have diabetes, and for years I’d been told that if I didn’t change my eating habits, I’d have to go on insulin. That thought terrified me. My doctor couldn’t believe the transformation when I returned for my check-up. I’ve been free of medication for over a year now.

It’s a wonderful feeling to go to the chemist and be asked, “Are you on any other medication?” and be able to say, “No.”

I’ve avoided insulin, my health is stable, and I feel amazing. That’s why I felt I just had to share my successful outcome with the readers of The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control.

I used to snack constantly, especially on chocolate. I had a drawer filled with chocolate and crisps for the grandchildren, but I was always dipping into it myself. I’d eat so much that I’d have to restock the drawer before they came over. Not anymore. Now, I can have a couple of squares of chocolate, feel satisfied, and stop. It’s not because I’m forcing myself to – it’s because I genuinely don’t want more.

My relationship with food has changed completely. Before, I categorised everything into ‘good’ and ‘bad’. Now, food is just food. It’s something I need to fuel my body, and I enjoy it without guilt. For example, my husband and I had a barbecue recently. I ate ribs and burgers with buns, and I didn’t feel bad about it. My body tells me when I’ve had enough, and I listen to it.

Even my social life has improved. I used to dread going out for meals because I felt pressure to order certain things or eat more than I wanted. Now, I simply order what I fancy. Sometimes it’s a salad, sometimes it’s not. The difference is that I’m making those choices for myself. I’m not restricted by diet rules anymore.

Exercise has become a big part of my life too. Before Slimpod, I couldn’t have imagined going to the gym. But when my daughter started going, I decided to join her. Now, I go twice a week and genuinely look forward to it. I also walk more, whether it’s to the gym or just around my local area. The change has been incredible.

The transformation wasn’t instant, and it wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. My brain is in control now, not my cravings.

I feel healthier, happier, and more confident than I have in years. To anyone who feels stuck like I did, I’d say this: don’t give up. Trust the process. Listen to your body, relax, and let go of the guilt. You’re capable of so much more than you think.

This journey has been about more than weight loss. It’s been about reclaiming my life. I’m finally in control, and it feels amazing. For the first time in years, I’m living the life I’ve always wanted – one filled with joy, balance, and freedom.