Real Success

It’s been a tough few years for Becky Guimarães. But losing 1½st has helped
her reclaim her life, and now she’s got a new figure, a new man, and a great
new career!

“Back in 2003 I was married and pregnant – it should have been one of the happiest times of my life. However, four months into my pregnancy, my then-husband, who was Brazilian, had to return to South America to sort out his visa. He wasn’t able to return until just before our son, Andre was born. Experiencing all the wonderful milestones of my pregnancy – the first scan, feeling the baby kick – without my husband made me feel so lonely. Then, when I was almost nine months pregnant, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He spent weeks in intensive care, and my mum and I would visit him every day. Fortunately, he recovered, but it was a difficult period and I began to comfort eat during this time.

“The following year, we moved to Brazil. My son Andre was only a year old, and because the only person I could talk to in English was my husband, I felt incredibly isolated. Soon, it became clear our marriage wasn’t working, and I moved back to England for a new start. I settled back into my home town and tried to focus on the future and a new beginning.

“When I saw an ad in the paper for my local Slimming World group, it was a turning point. My confidence was at an all-time low, but I plucked up the courage to give Sarah, the Consultant, a call. I’ll never forget that first week at group: I was amazed by the other members’ weight losses and couldn’t believe how much food I could eat. I could even use my Syns to have chocolate!

“Food Optimising fits so well into my life - I never had to cook different meals for Andre. As for me, I probably eat more than ever – it’s what I eat that’s made the difference. At home I grill my meat rather than frying it, and fill my plate with lots of Free salads and vegetables. I love a roast dinner with chicken, roast potatoes, broccoli and carrots.

As I began to lose weight at a steady rate of one or two pounds a week, my confidence soared, and I started to inject more colour into my wardrobe. I’m a size 10 to 12 now – the slimmest I’ve ever been – and shopping has turned into a pleasure."

“I have loads more energy too. Now I do the 25-minute walk to school and back every day with Andre, and I also run six miles twice a week. I feel good about myself for the first time in years.

“When the chance came up to become a Slimming World Consultant and run my own group, I jumped at it! Now I get so much satisfaction from seeing my members transform.

“My life has changed so much. I have my wonderful son, a fantastic new man in my life, a new body and a great career. My weight loss may not have been dramatic, but it’s had a huge impact on the way I feel both physically and mentally. It’s also helped me move on from a difficult time emotionally, and the support I’ve had from Slimming World has been a massive part of that. I feel liberated!”