Emily Brackett’s 2st 4lbs weight loss completely reshaped her relationship with food and gave her a whole new confidence. Emily shares her life-changing weight loss story with us…
“In my family, I was the only one who worried about their weight. Everyone else, including my sister, seemed to eat whatever they wanted without gaining an ounce, whereas I can’t remember ever feeling comfortable in my body.
“In my pursuit of a slimming fix, I spent a time and money on just about every diet available, including meal-replacement milkshakes that ruined all the most pleasurable aspects of eating, like eating out with other people. I’d lose about 7lbs or so, but then gain it straight back as I hadn’t really learnt anything from it.
“I saw foods as ‘good’ and ‘bad’. I’d find it difficult to eat anything ‘bad’ without feeling guilty. So if I’d had one biscuit I’d think ‘I’ve blown my entire diet now, so I may as well finish the lot.’ And if I went out for a pizza with friends, I’d never enjoy myself at the table. I imagined they were judging me and thinking: ‘Why is Emily eating all that when she needs to lose weight?’
“One day I bumped into my friend Dom, who I hadn’t seen for ages. She’d lost loads of weight and looked amazing, so I immediately asked how she did it. When she explained how Slimming World worked I didn’t think it was right for me. The eating plan sounded complicated and going to group sounded like a public admission of failure.
“After a weekend away where I felt unhappy with myself the whole time, I decided to give Slimming World a go. I couldn’t believe how wrong I was about group - I was made to feel so welcome by my Consultant, Marian.
“I realised that when you’re actually doing the plan, as opposed to being told about it, it isn’t complicated at all. There was so much Free Food I could eat – all my diet rules were being turned on their head. I didn’t need to eat ‘special’ foods or give up curry. I just made some simple changes. Instead of takeaways, I made my own version of Slimming World curries and nobody noticed they were ‘healthy’ versions. And I’d always liked jacket potatoes, but I swapped the butter and piled-high-cheese for beans or tuna.
“One day, during Image Therapy, Marian asked us to write down a reason why we were slimming, to keep close for when we were having a wobble. I said I wanted to be able to share clothes with my sister, who has always been so effortlessly slim. Since reaching my target I’ve been able to steal all my sister’s clothes!
“I haven’t had the biggest weight loss, but I’ve changed beyond recognition. I am now someone who enjoys her body and her clothes. I don’t hide in baggy jumpers, I wear stylish outfits and feel comfortable – all the time. I’ll eat pizza in public without a twinge of guilt and I don’t mind who sees me. Best of all, I’m someone who is now fully able to feel happy in her own skin.”