Meet Suzy Summerhayes, whose
date with the Big Apple kept her
flying all the way to target
‘Losing 5st opened
up my world’
C
uddled up on the sofa with my husband,
Tim, I had a bright idea. I’d just joined
Slimming World so we’d been talking
about ways to keep my motivation high...
and I’d thought of something absolutely
amazing. ‘How about when I’ve lost 5st, we go to
New York?’ I said. As I enthused about seeing Central
Park and strolling through Manhattan, I noticed Tim
really paying attention. My self-esteem had been at
rock bottom – this was the most upbeat he’d seen
me in ages. ‘It’s a deal!’ he said.
Tim and I had been together since I was 19 and
he’d watched me struggle with my weight all that
time, especially after the births of our two boys,
George and Leo. Sharing takeaways and treats was
a way we spent time as a couple. Then there were
the things we didn’t share – like when I’d nipped to
the shop, bought a family-size bar of chocolate, eaten
it in the car and only told him about it later. Even
though he was only ever supportive, in my mind I’d
linked food and shame. A friend, Sarah, had joined
Slimming World and I knew she never felt guilty
about her treats. But I couldn’t believe the plan would
work for me – not when I worked from home and
had two young children, and loved my food so much.
Soon, it was Leo’s first birthday party. I was in the
kitchen, decorating his cake with bright green icing
and eating the off-cuts. Suddenly, something inside
me shifted. As friends and family arrived, I pulled
Sarah aside and told her: ‘I’m going with you to
Slimming World tomorrow.’
At group the next morning, I listened eagerly as
other members shared their tips and, with unfailing
support from my Consultant, Anna, I started a new
routine. I swapped my usual breakfast of buttered
white toast for poached eggs, spinach and tomatoes
on wholemeal toast. For lunch I’d have a jacket potato,
beans and salad. Then, instead of an Indian takeaway
for dinner, I’d make a Slimming World curry. And, if
I still had room, I’d have fruit and a Cadbury Curly
Wurly for 6 Syns. I loved that I could still eat chocolate!
After that, there was no stopping me. I stayed
on track through three family holidays, ChristmasTim’s my rock – no matter
what size I was or state
of mind I’ve been in, he’s
helped keep me motivated.
Here we are celebrating my
success in Central Park!A new start...
I went from doing
zero exercise, to
walking the kids
to school, to
running a charity
K! Here I am with
my sister Kirsty.If I fancy a drink, I’ll
have a ml glass
of .- . vol red
wine for Syns....slicking on a
flash of bright
red lipstick. I have
so much confidence
now – I’m not afraid
to stand out.I love...
>
I’d gained weight after having
my sons, but thought I’d be too
busy with them to focus on
eating healthily. A year after
having Leo, though, I was well
on track to my slimmer future!Rimmel Moisture
Renew in Mayfair
Red Lady, £
.SLIMMING WORLD in the frame
up my world’
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