Sheila has got her selfieesteem back

What a difference a year has made to Mullingar woman Sheila Ahearne, who has shed five stone in good time for Christmas 2014.

Sheila’s weight-loss journey, like many others, began in January 2014 when she decided to join Bloomfield Slimming World group.

“I had always been chubby, as a child and teenager, even though I did a lot of sports – I guess I wasn’t eating the right food,” says Sheila.

“I really started to put on weight after my son was born, I was emotional, tired and unmotivated to cook, so I ordered take-away most nights. I was always tired, had low energy, couldn’t walk far without being out of breath and sweating. I found it hard to bend down and tie my shoelaces at times.”

Aside from the physical drawbacks of her weight, Sheila noticed that her moods were affected too.

“I hated myself. I hated looking in the mirror or myself in photos. In relationships I always felt ugly and not good enough for anyone. So for years I was unhappy with my weight.”

After best friend Pamela and sister Caroline asked Sheila to join Slimming World, things turned around.

“To be honest at the first meeting I thought to myself ‘this is a load of bull’, I’m never going to be able to do this – and look at me now. I am nearly at target, I have lost all that weight in eight months, I’m so happy I joined and stuck to it.”

Consultant Sandra McGowan says that when they’re starting out people often feel they will not make it as they are used to other fad diets being unrealistic and unsustainable.

“However Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan means members enjoy eating dishes like lean meat, pasta, potatoes, fruits and vegetables and many other foods without any restriction – members also enjoy things like chocolate and Pizza,” says Sandra.

“I would be still unhappy with the way I look and with my life if I hadn’t tried Slimming World,” continues Sheila. “Everyone in the group is amazing, we are all friends and it’s great to be reaching our goals together. I now have more energy to do things with my son.

“What’s great is being in a relationship and believing my partner when he tells me I’m beautiful. I feel beautiful.

“I’m fitting into size 16 cloths again and I can tip my toes again, it’s brilliant,” she laughs.

• Bloomfield Slimming World Group Meets every Wednesday at 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Bloomfield House Hotel.