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A first-time mom looks unrecognisable after a “horrific” photo of her last Christmas inspired her to lose about 40kg.
The photograph of Kate Gibbons (27) from Shropshire, England, on her son’s first Christmas last year was a turning point for the trading executive to stop her bad eating habits.
She suffered from ante- and post-natal depression (PND) which led to excessive snacking on biscuits and chocolate, causing her to weigh 15 stone (about 95kg).
Kate would shy away from socialising and refused to have her photograph taken with 13 month-old Louie – but when she allowed one snap, it changed everything.
She’s now a healthy 57kg and vows to never eat 3 000 calories a day again.
“While pregnant I piled on four stone, but I didn’t lose the baby fat as I was suffering from PND and would comfort eat,” Kate said.
“It’s hard for me to explain how I felt, but it was the worst time ever – you’re meant to instantly love you baby and want to show him off.
“I loved him, but I didn’t have the rush of emotions that I was supposed to, and I wanted to stay indoors with the curtains closed.
“I scoffed anything sweet and microwave meals as I couldn’t find the time to cook with a newborn.
“I didn’t realise I had put on so much weight until my partner John Hoggs (29) begged me to have at least one photo with Louie last Christmas.
“I burst into tears when I saw myself on the photo, I couldn’t believe it was me.
“After sobbing, I went on to eat 3 000 calories to make myself feel better which was my dinner, selection boxes, biscuits and anything else I could put in my mouth.”
After the Christmas festivities, Kate signed up with local consultant Heather Walker at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan and hasn’t looked back since.
She now flaunts her size eight body and looks forward to capturing every moment this Christmas on camera.
“I have tried diets before but there was always room to cheat, I needed something stricter.
“Cambridge Weight Plan has helped me change my lifestyle for the better, I have naturally dropped to 9st 8lb (about 60kg) as I am eating healthier meals that I enjoy.
"The one-to-one personalised support I received was amazing.
“The photo made me determined and I wouldn’t allow any sweet treats to touch my lips,” she said.
Kate revealed she’s now fully comfortable in her own skin.
“A lot of people have complimented me and mentioned how ‘big’ I was before, but it still upsets me as I wasn’t in a good place last year.
“I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin; I love fashion and it upset me that I could only fit into leggings and a baggy T-shirt.
“Now I’m more confident than ever and no longer feel like everyone is looking at me because of my weight.
“I can’t wait for Louie’s second Christmas and I will certainly not be hiding from the camera.”
Source: Magazine Features
