Overweight for most of her life, Michelle, an Office Administrator from Co Antrim started becoming breathless in March 2016, and decided to improve her health by giving up smoking.
As a result, her weight began to increase even more, and by October 2016, she knew she had to do something to get out of the rut she had found herself in.
Lacking self-confidence and feeling “unattractive”, Michelle, now 45, was suffering with significant health problems, having been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1997, and developing Asthma by 2016. But it wasn’t until her weight began taking over her life that she decided to take action.
“I made excuses if someone asked me to go out, and I had no interest in clothes or looking after myself” she said, adding: “At the time I didn’t realise it, but looking back now, I was totally depressed. I started following the WeSlimTogether plan, but didn’t do any exercise until the 12 week challenge.”
Like so many others, Michelle had previously tried diet plans, including the WeSlimTogether plan in 2013, where she managed to lose two stone before she stopped attending and “as always, piled more weight on”.
This time, she decided she’d finally had enough, and with encouragement from her mum, who Michelle describes as “her rock”, she joined again but as an online member.
She explained: “I started in October 2016 and just followed the plan. I was really enjoying cooking fresh food again, nothing was processed. Every week I lost weight, and this kept me going, as well as the support on the Facebook page.”
Almost nine months later, Michelle has lost 4 stone 5lbs and feels “amazing”.
“Not only have I found my confidence, but I am so much healthier and happier.”
Although Michelle has achieved a lot in a short space of time, her weight loss journey wasn’t always plain sailing.
“Giving up bread was a big thing for me! And trying to exercise was a challenge, but I now enjoy going out walking and hula hooping” she said.
Finding guidance and encouragement online from her WeSlimTogether Consultants, Michelle said that ultimately, family was her inspiration.
“I had to do it for me first and foremost, but also for my kids. I wanted to be there to see them grow up. When I actually considered becoming a Consultant, that’s when I knew that I had managed to change my lifestyle, and I wanted to help others with their journey.”
“If I can do this, anyone can, and the way you feel when you achieve your goals is amazing. Losing weight has totally changed my life for the better, and I will never go back to that person who stayed at home because I was too heavy to go out and enjoy my life.”
For further information on groups or becoming a consultant visit www.weslimtogether.co.uk