I was eating myself to death... so I lost 18 stone

Published date28 June 2021
Publication titleDaily Star (England)
At first Karina was too shy to say a word in the group but learned from her fellow members how to make changes to her diet and started swapping takeaways, fatty meals and junk food for homecooked meals.

Karina, who has learning disabilities used Slimming World's Easy Read resources to make healthier choices and prepare tasty, satisfying meals. "Before I joined Slimming World I was eating takeaways, especially Chinese, every night and comfort eating chocolate every day. Now my daily menu has completely changed, I plan all my meals for the week and stick with it. My favourite meals are spaghetti

Bolognese or chilli con carne with lots of vegetables. I also love the Slimming World Iceland meals and enjoy them with lots of extra veg too. I've been telling my family about healthy eating and sharing my food plans and photos with them. My mum and brother joined Slimming World too and they're both doing well."

As well as completely changing her eating habits Karina's confidence has soared as she's lost weight. "I never used to do any exercise, I would just stay in the house. Now I go to the gym, I do workouts, go swimming and take long walks.

I changed my whole life by joining Slimming World. I had a rough time when I was overweight. I felt that I embarrassed my whole family. I was bullied and felt that no one cared about me. Since losing weight my husband Ian and I

have a much better life. Now I have the confidence to do things for myself and Ian doesn't have to care for me. I'm so proud that I've reached my target weight and made so many friends at Slimming World."

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Karina Dunford, 37, lives in Bridgend with her husband Ian Height: 5ft 8ins Starting weight: 29st 8½lbs Weight now: 11st 2½lbs WEIGHT LOST: 18st 6lbs Karina attends the Bridgend Slimming World group which is run by Consultant Rhian Sassoon-Hales

Karina Dunford, 37, lives in Bridgend with her husband Ian Height: 5ft 8ins Starting weight: 29st 8½lbs Weight now: 11st 2½lbs WEIGHT LOST: 18st 6lbs Karina attends the Bridgend Slimming World group which is run by Consultant Rhian Sassoon-Hales

Boiled eggs and soldiers Serves 1, ready in 10 minutes • 2 eggs • 2 slices of wholemeal bread (from a small 400g loaf)

1 Put the eggs into a small pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook to your liking (4-5 minutes for just soft-boiled). 2 While the eggs are cooking, place the bread under the grill to toast.

3 Once the eggs are ready, crack the tops, slice

the toast into soldiers and serve.

6

Tropical porridge Serves 1, ready in 15 minutes

• 40g plain porridge oats • 350ml skimmed milk • A pinch each of ground allspice and cinnamon • ½ tsp vanilla extract • 65g fresh mango flesh, chopped into small chunks • 1 passion fruit, halved

1 Put the oats, milk, spices and vanilla extract in a small saucepan and place over a medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, then cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring continuously, until the milk thickens and the porridge oats are cooked through and soft. Alternatively, microwave everything on full power for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2 Top with the mango and the pulp and seeds of the passion fruit between two plates.

Jacket potato with mushrooms and baked beans Serves 4, ready in 30 minutes

• 4 large baking potatoes • Low-calorie cooking spray • 200g button mushrooms, chopped or thinly sliced • 2 small onions, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 x 400g cans baked beans • 2 tsp smoked paprika • A large handful of chopped fresh chives • Mixed-leaf salad, to serve

1 Wash and dry the potatoes then prick all over with a fork. Spray the potatoes with low-calorie cooking spray and microwave them for about 10-15 minutes on high, turning once halfway through. If...

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