Terri Powell lost a remarkable 40lbs to get the body of her dreams and become fitter and healthier than ever. Terri’s completely changed her attitude to food – and to life. She shares her amazing journey with us...
“Working as a flight attendant when you’re overweight can be hard. I hated squeezing past people in the aisle and I dreaded standing up and doing the pre-flight safety demonstration as I knew all eyes would be on me! After 17 years I decided to give up my dream job – I felt like I represented a poor public image – all because of my weight!
“I’ve been 15-25lbs overweight ever since my 20s and I struggled to lose the baby weight I gained when I had my daughter. I’d developed bad eating habits and I’d start the day with a greasy breakfast of fried eggs, fatty bacon, and buttery toast, or if couldn’t be bothered to cook, I’d grab a burrito from Sonic or a McMuffin! I thought nothing of having breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a fast-food restaurant and I’d snack on chocolate, candy bars, and ice-cream!
“As a result of my junk-food diet I had high cholesterol and suffered from serious bouts of asthma that lasted for months at a time. I’ve always loved the great outdoors but I struggled to climb up hills with my family – I always felt like I was holding them back!
I’d tried so many weight loss plans – I struggled to keep track of points, and measuring everything all the time got old and boring. I knew deep down that I needed something different – I needed a new way of thinking and eating with a support network that’d help me do it – I found the solution with Slimming World!
“With Slimming World’s flexible Food Optimising eating plan I can eat unlimited Free Foods and still lose weight! No catches, no gimmicks – just everyday ingredients like vegetables, lean meats, pasta, and potatoes. I’ve swapped my fast-food takeouts for sandwiches piled high with turkey and salad and I snack on melon, blueberries, and grapes.
“Food Optimising fits into family life so easily and my husband and daughter eat exactly the same as I do. Instead of making cheese-laden lasagnes, enchiladas, or macaroni, we enjoy fresh seafood with tomato spaghetti or baked chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans. I love frozen fat-free yogurts and enjoy them most evenings with fresh fruit – it tastes like I’m eating a luxurious dessert!
“When it came to exercise I’d always been an ‘all or nothing’ kind of girl. I’d be in the gym non-stop for two weeks followed by months of doing nothing – simply because I felt guilty that I’d missed a day! I’ve learned that even a little activity is better than none and still counts as Body Magic. Since losing weight I have so much more energy and love exploring the local countryside and taking part in outdoor activities with my family.
“At Slimming World the support and encouragement gives me the confidence to believe in myself and I’ve finally learned that I can still be healthy and lose weight in the midst of the chaos that life sometimes brings!
“After years and years of self-sabotage I finally feel in complete control of my life. Finally I’ve arrived. This is me and I’ve never felt so good!”