A SALTNEY mum who piled on the weight after having two children is delighted at shedding seven stone.

Helen Thomas, 38, a secondary school teacher, joined a Slimming World class just over a year ago on January 12, 2018, having become self-conscious about her image.

She explained: “I have lost weight in the past but having had two children since then, I gradually piled weight on.

“It was all too easy to hide myself behind them, making sure I wasn’t in photos by taking them, and keeping myself in the background.

“However, as they have grown, I struggled to find the energy to keep up and wanted to not hit 40 being overweight.”

Having joined the class in Hawarden, having said for three years she was going to do so, Helen gradually shed the weight and on November 30 last year had lost seven stone.

Helen said: “I found a group on a Friday in Hawarden and went on my own. I was shocked by how much I actually weighed and made a promise to myself that this was the last time the scales would read so high!

“Slimming World was the right choice for me as I liked cooking and enjoyed trying new recipes. I read the books, made my shopping lists, bought a few gadgets, expanded my herbs and spices collection, and got stuck in. It’s about changing the way you eat for life and I must say, my tastes have changed. Making sensible choices with food and ensuring a balanced diet makes me feel in control and happier.

“I feel full of energy for my two children and know that I am now healthier and enjoying the new me.

“I stayed to group most weeks and I found this really boosted my weight loss. I got lots of ideas of recipes and just talking about the plan and our losses inspired me. I also displayed all of my certificates in the kitchen which enabled me to stay focused.

“I knew there wasn’t anything that I couldn’t have, but that making good choices enabled me to have more.

“Maintaining the weight I have lost provides its own challenges as I can no longer be motivated by my weight loss, however I can gain my motivation from my friends who feel inspired by how well I have done.”