Bulwell mum loses an incredible eight stone and changes her life
A Bulwell mum has lost an incredible eight stone with Slimming World after reaching a point where she no longer recognised herself.
For years, weight had been something Chanelle Cross had struggled with, but she had never imagined she would reach 20 stone.
She said: “When I saw the number on the scales, I broke down and cried, couldn’t believe that was me.”
Chanelle knew she had to make a change.
Everyday activities had become harder and she was experiencing pain in her knees, feet and back.
She was also diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, which made her even more determined to tackle her weight.
She had previously joined Slimming World and had lost three stone, but moving home meant she stopped attending the group.
Later, after having children, life became increasingly busy and old eating habits returned.
She tried Slimming World again but lockdown followed and groups moved online.
Then, a leaflet at an outdoor children’s playgroup introduced her to Thrive Nottingham, which supports people in Nottingham with weight management.
A week later, she was signed up with Hayley Stephens’ Slimming World group at Ravensworth Methodist Church in Bulwell.
She said: “Everyone was so nice and welcoming, Hayley felt like such a real and caring person.
"I felt comfortable there and I was so surprised by how much weight I lost in my first week.”
That first result gave her the confidence to keep going.
She began to notice that she had more energy and the pain in her feet began to improve.
She also discovered a genuine interest in nutrition and the science behind food, so much so that she went on to study a level two course in understanding nutrition and health.
She eventually lost an astonishing eight stone and today, she can fit comfortably into clothes she never imagined wearing.
But for her, the biggest achievement is habits she has developed.
She now plans ahead, carries her own snacks, makes food that she enjoys and feels confident saying no to foods that don’t fit with her goals.
Her next ambition is to one day become a Slimming World consultant herself.
She said: “I would love to help other people on their journey, I just need to build my confidence first.”
For more information or to join Hayley’s Bulwell group, call 07967 531555.