A mum who gained weight following the birth of her daughters has revealed how she managed to lose more than two stone.
Lisa Rockett piled on the pounds after welcoming her two children into the world – seeing her weight increase to 13.5st.
The 56-year-old had struggled with her size for years but just couldn’t find a way to shift the extra three stone she had gained.
READ MORE: 'My itchy skin turned out to be something utterly harrowing'
The mum-of-two, from Audenshaw, was a dress size 16 when she finally decided she needed to make major changes to her life.
Lisa signed up to Greater Manchester and Cheshire slimming group Beeweighed in January 2019 and watched as the pounds dropped off – so far losing an incredible 2.5st.
“I’d always struggled with my weight and I put on around three stone after having kids years ago and never really lost it,” the NHS mental health worker told the Manchester Evening News.
“I struggled getting it off so it was for myself, for my health, to try and lose weight and to just look and feel good.
“It was my lack of exercise and eating habits. Now, my eating habits have completely changed. I went away last year to Mexico and it was nice to feel nice in a bikini.”
Lisa says her biggest downfall used to be snacking on unhealthy foods like crisps and chocolate. She now credits calorie counting and regular exercise for her transformation – but believes the key is not to be too restrictive when it comes to dieting.
“I’m really aware of what I’m eating now,” she continued. “Sometimes I will still have cheat days or go out for meals, but it’s always in the back of my mind to be healthy and pick healthy choices. It’s just little things like swapping milk to skimmed milk.
“I was snacking on the wrong things. Working in the mental health sector in the NHS, it’s hard to take breaks. I was picking on all the wrong things.”
Lisa says slimming group Beeweighed has been a massive part of her weight loss success. “The support spurs you on each week,” she added. “It’s like my little escape on a Saturday morning. I love to go and have a chat and have a brew.
“I was looking at some pictures of myself thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t realise I was that big’. You think you’re okay until you try something on and it doesn’t fit. It’s always holiday times.
“I feel miles better. My confidence is a lot better and I feel good in clothes – I just feel better all round.”
Lynda Leadbetter, owner of Beeweighed, which offers online classes, said: “Lisa is a true inspiration. She’s done extremely well and looks amazing. She’s a valued member of our Beeweighed Denton group regularly giving advice to fellow members. I’m very proud of her.”
