I lost 7st then beat the
menopause mindset
I lost 7st then beat the
menopause mindset
Rachael Buckett’s story
Three years ago, I made the decision that changed my life forever. It was a moment of clarity, a line drawn in the sand. I told myself, “This is it. This time, I’m going to achieve the healthy lifestyle and body I’ve craved for so long. From today, I’m putting myself first, investing in me, and shaping a better future.”
I wasn’t willing to live the rest of my life trapped in the miserable cycle I’d found myself in—struggling with every single movement, feeling utterly out of control with my weight and health. Something had to change, and I needed to act fast.
Outdoor girl Rachael – and how she was
As I explain in Sandra’s book, The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control, before that day, my life was a constant battle. At 19 stone (120.5kg) and a size 24, I was at my lowest point.
Every step felt like climbing a mountain, and the thought of walking any distance left me dreading the pain. My knees were giving out under the strain, and my energy levels were non-existent.
I’d reached a point where I genuinely felt like I was living in the body of an 80-year-old, even though I wasn’t yet 50. I vividly remember considering gastric surgery, believing it was my only hope to escape the trap I was in.
But deep down, I wanted to find another way—a way to regain control without going under the knife.
And then I stumbled across Slimpod. I was researching weight loss options online, desperate for something that felt achievable and sustainable, when I found Sandra’s programme.
It promised a completely different approach—something that felt gentler, more empowering, and less like a punishment. I took a leap of faith, and from the very first day, I felt something shift.
Today Rachael feels so confident
My mindset began to change, and for the first time in years, I believed I could do this. I could take control of my health. I could change my life.
Within two years, I lost an incredible 7 stone (44kg). It wasn’t just the weight loss that amazed me, though—it was the way my habits transformed. Slimpod wasn’t about dieting; it was about giving me the tools to make better choices naturally, without the constant struggle. I didn’t feel deprived.
Instead, I felt empowered. I ate less, moved more, and genuinely started to enjoy the process of taking care of myself. I became someone who wanted to exercise—a thought that would’ve seemed laughable to my old self.
Rachael on the cover of Woman’s Own
I’d start my mornings with a brisk dog walk, and then I’d add a 30-minute run to my routine. At lunchtime, I’d head out with the dog again, easily clocking 10,000 steps by the afternoon.
After work, I’d either go for a bike ride or take another long walk—some days, I’d do both! For six straight months, my daily step count averaged over 13,000, and I felt stronger and more alive than I ever had.
Exercise, which had once been a dreaded chore, became a natural and joyful part of my life.
My eating habits transformed too. I fell into 16:8 intermittent fasting early in the process, and it worked brilliantly for me. I still mostly follow that pattern today, though I’m less rigid about timings.
The key difference now is that I eat when I’m hungry, and I’m no longer controlled by cravings. I don’t binge-eat the way I used to, and even when I indulge, it’s a conscious choice—not an emotional response.
I’ve learned to delay gratification, to ask myself if I really want something, or if there’s a healthier, tastier option available. And when I do treat myself—whether it’s a slice of cake or a tube of Pringles—I enjoy it without guilt.
Rachael loves her whole new lifestyle
Gone are the days of daily chocolate bars, crisps, and ultra-processed foods. My meals now revolve around fresh, wholesome ingredients like chicken, fish, broccoli, avocado, and spinach. I’ve embraced balance and moderation, and it’s been life-changing.
I haven’t cut out carbs entirely, but I limit bread, pasta, and rice, focusing instead on protein-rich foods that fuel me for the active lifestyle I’ve grown to love. My one addiction now? Brazil nuts. They’re my go-to snack, and I savour them without shame.
But a while back, just as I was hitting my stride, the menopause arrived, bringing challenges I hadn’t anticipated. The problems didn’t start with my body—they started in my head.
For years, I’d heard people say that menopause made it impossible to lose weight, that it stole your control and derailed your progress.
At first, I resisted those ideas, but then the voice in my head started whispering doubts. You’re going to fail. All your success will unravel. You’ll fall off the wagon. And, unfortunately, I did. I went to pieces.
My healthy mindset crumbled, and before I knew it, I’d regained almost 30 pounds (13kg). I felt like all my hard work had been undone, and I was devastated.
But I wasn’t ready to give up. I reached out to Sandra, and she reminded me of something crucial: I needed to return to the things I loved most before the menopause—like exercise.
So I got moving again, one step at a time, and slowly, my positive mindset returned.
Today, my life is unrecognisable from what it was three years ago. I’ve dropped from a size 24 to a size 10, 12, or 14, depending on the shop. I no longer hide behind oversized, dark clothing. I wear bright, colourful outfits that reflect how I feel inside—confident, happy, and free.
Even my husband has noticed the change. He says I’m more self-assured, that I stand up for myself more—and he’s right. I’m no longer invisible. My opinion matters, and I know it.
I climb hills now—big hills. In the past 12 months, I’ve completed 20 Munros and about 60 other hills in total. I walk, run, and cycle regularly, and I’m working toward running a full 5k.
I still listen to my Slimpod most nights, and I mentally acknowledge my wins every day. I no longer spend my evenings glued to the sofa, mindlessly snacking and waiting for bedtime.
My time is spent doing things that bring me joy—things that make me feel alive.
Yes, there are still challenges. I have a stone left to lose, though I suspect much of it is excess skin. I’m not prepared to go under the knife, so I’ll live with it happily, knowing it’s a small price to pay for the healthier, longer life I’ve gained.
My mental health is also a work in progress, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Every day, I do things that make me proud—things that remind me of the strength and resilience I’ve discovered within myself.
Slimpod has changed my life in ways I never thought possible, which is why I was so pleased when Sandra asked me to tell my story in The Weight’s Over: Take Back Control. I
Slimpod has given me back my health, my confidence, and a future I’m excited for. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved, and I know I’ll never go back to the life I once lived. This is my life now—a life of freedom, joy, and possibility—and I’m embracing it with open arms.
