Category: Life

EMBRACING NON-SCALE VICTORIES

I believe we are a nation who are often fixated on numbers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth solely by the figure on the scales. However, focusing solely on weight can lead to an unhealthy obsession and disordered eating patterns which I witnessed whilst growing up with people around me.

On my journey so far I have learnt the importance of celebrating non-scale victories, and by focusing on these achievements can lead to a more positive and sustainable approach to overall well-being.


From a young age since stepping on the scales back in junior school I believed that weight was the ultimate measure of success in our health and fitness journeys. I was guilty of constantly checking the scales and scrutinising the numbers but for me this created an unnecessary stress and anxiety. I have come to realise now that weight fluctuations are common and can be influenced by various factors such as water retention, muscle gain, and hormonal changes, which may not always reflect true progress or setbacks.


Instead of solely relying on the scale, it’s essential to celebrate the non-scale victories. These victories encompass a wide range of achievements that signify progress towards a healthier lifestyle and positive self-improvement. Some of these non-scale victories for me have included:

One of my non scale victory going from a size 18 to size 10 Jean
  1. Clothing Fit: The ability to fit into smaller-sized clothes and feeling more comfortable in my favorite outfit which is a tangible sign of progress. Key thing is to remember that the numbers on clothing labels should never dictate your worth.
  2. Belt Notches: Moving down a notch on my belt is an empowering accomplishment. This achievement has certainly boosted my confidence and has motivated me to keep pushing forward.
  3. Towel Wrap: The ability to comfortably wrap a towel around my body after a shower.
  4. Increased Energy and Stamina: Started to notice a change in my energy levels. Finding that I am more active and most importantly enjoying physical activities that once upon time felt more like a chore.
  5. Improved Mood and Mental Clarity: Taking care of your my body has made such a difference to my mental health. I now feel like after going out for a walk after a long day enhances my mood, reduces stress, and increases my mental clarity.
  6. Enhanced Sleep Quality: I have seen such a difference in my sleep quality and have improved sleep patterns, which ultimately effects everything I do the following day.

To break free from the scale obsession, it’s crucial to try and to redirect your attention to overall health and well-being. By celebrating non-scale victories, we create a healthier relationship with our bodies and learn to appreciate our progress beyond mere numbers. I understand everyones journey is unique, and what matters most is the journey itself, not the destination.

Just remember that our worth goes far beyond the numbers on the scales. Embracing non-scale victories allows us to recognise our progress and appreciate the positive changes we make in our lives. By focusing on overall health, self-love, and well-being, we can achieve a balanced and sustainable approach to living our best lives. So, let’s shift our perspective, celebrate the small wins, and embrace the journey to a happier, healthier version of ourselves.

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THE HEALTHY EATING STRUGGLE ON WORK TRIPS

Maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging, especially when I find myself away with work, surrounded by fast food and limited dining options. The struggle to eat healthy when away from home is a common dilemma and for me initially was a struggle.

However, with a bit of planning and mindfulness, it is possible to make smart food choices even in the midst of a busy work schedule and for me has now become a habit.

Me making the most of the gym on a recent work trip
Bliss crispy mallow bars – go to snack bar when I am on my travels
An example of colleagues ordering desserts but I made the decision to stick to a coffee ☕️
  1. The Temptation of Fast Food:
    One of the biggest hurdles to eating healthily during work trips is the fast food restaurants that you find at every service station on your travels or home made steak pie with triple cooked chips on the side that’s on the menu in restaurant at hotel your staying in. The convenience and accessibility of these options make it all too easy to opt for greasy, high calorie meals. To combat this, I always try my best to plan ahead and research what placed are around the accommodation I am staying at. I tend to now book my accommodation depending on the options of where to eat nearby or check if staying at a hotel what the menu is like to see if there are healthier options available.
  2. Lack of Time:
    Work trips can be hectic, leaving little time for meals or food shopping. This time constraint often leads to grabbing whatever is quickest, which may not be the healthiest choice. To combat this I prepare healthy snacks in a cooler bag such as fruit, protein bars which help keep me going during the day and is super helpful if I am strapped for time. I swear by the marsh mallow bars from home bargains that are 70 calories and 2 WW points in total.
  3. Moving More:
    Long hours of travel and sitting in meetings can contribute to unhealthy eating habits. I am very conscience that on my travels I incorporate physical activity into my daily routine, even if it’s just walking around whilst on a call, a short walk during my lunch break or some quick exercises in my hotel room. I always try to see if there is a gym or a pool at the accommodation and use the facilities if time permits. Staying active has really helped me stay mindful of my food choices and prevent mindless snacking.
  4. Social Pressure:
    Work trips often involve team dinners and where unhealthy foods are at hand. While it’s great to socialise, I have learnt you don’t need to abandon your healthy eating habits completely. I have now found a balance by choosing healthier options from the menu and practicing portion control. I have found that on some occasions my habits have influenced other colleagues to make better choices as well and I am certainly not frightened to ask the restaurant for boiled potatoes instead of chips or roast potatoes which I think is really important. Having the confidence to have that conversation and asking for an alternative is something I would never had done but now is the norm that much so some of my colleagues roll their eyes before the words even get out my mouth.
  5. Limited Access to Home-Cooked Meals:
    When you’re away from home, the comfort and familiarity of home-cooked meals are missed. To address this, consider booking accommodations with with a mini-fridge or even consider a air bnb. This way, you can store and prepare some simple, healthy meals like salads or sandwiches if you have a fridge or prepare meals yourself as you would at home if staying in an air bnb.


Staying committed to healthy eating during work trips can be a real challenge, but it’s essential for your overall well-being and productivity. By planning ahead, making conscious choices, and being mindful of your lifestyle, you can navigate the struggles and maintain a balanced diet on the road. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your health and make your work trips more enjoyable and fulfilling.

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MY JOURNEY SO FAR..

How it all started

The first time I was ever called fat was back in junior school where the teacher asked for all the class to step on the scales and get weighed. I remember this day like it was yesterday where the teacher announced to the full class that I was 7 and a half stone and everyone laughed and call me fat – even the teacher at the time chuckled and looked at me in the same way as all the class. From this moment I had an issue with my weight was and all started over 25 years ago.

Throughout my child hood I remember looking at my friends and my cousin particularly who I spent nearly every weekend with wishing I looked like them and wondered why I looked the way I did. Looking back this is quite sad and I would hate to think my children ever felt this way and this was before social media era.

I always remember my relationship with food and when I would feel sad about the way I looked I would eat. My Mam and Dad would always make sure that I had healthy balanced meals but it was what I consumed when they weren’t around that made the difference. My Nan and Grandad were of the generation of ‘you aren’t getting pudding unless you eat it all up’ and my Nan would spread half a block of butter on a slice of malt loaf as a snack when I got in from school.

I didn’t really ever start trying to lose weight until the last year of school when a date was set for my prom. I was adamant I didn’t want to be the fat lass on all the photos and do you know what I managed to get into a dress and for one of the first times in my teens felt good about myself and its one of few photos I look back on which I don’t hate.

Me at my prom, I am the one in the blue dress

How I got there I really don’t know however I am positive it wasn’t a healthy balanced diet and exercise and probably consisted of me starving myself or eating very little. Looking back at my last few years at school there were many of my friends that also struggled with their weight and body image however we never ever spoke about it. I always remember hearing one of my friends making themselves sick and became quite a regular thing. On reflection she was probably suffering in similar ways to me however her actions were different to mine.

THE STRUGGLE

The photo’s below show me between the ages of 14-18 and I hate them with a passion. In actual fact I found it really hard sharing them with you and when looking through the old photos at my Mams there was hardly any around of me and I think that this is due to the fact when a camera came out I ran away (well maybe not run maybe waddle)

Since my late teens, I’ve tried countless diets and exercise routines, but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t until 4 years ago (2019) that that I started to make changes to my lifestyle and lose weight for good. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it until covid struck and all the hard work I previously done went down the pan and I put 3 of the 4 stone I had lost back on.

Despite my best efforts, there were times when I felt like giving up. There were days when I would slip up and indulge in unhealthy foods or skip a workout, and then feel guilty and ashamed afterwards. It was a constant battle between my desire to lose weight and my cravings for comfort food.

But the biggest struggle for me was the emotional toll that being overweight took on my self-esteem. I often felt like. I wasn’t good enough or that people were judging me because of my size. This negative self-talk made it even harder to stay motivated and stick to my goals.

TURNING POINT

One day, something clicked for me. I realised that I was tired of feeling unhappy with my body and that I deserved to be healthy and confident again. My Mam prior to Covid used to attend a WW class and had found herself in a similar situation to me where she gained weight she had previously lost. I said I would join her and started WW at Coxhoe with the lovely Karen Wildberg back in January 2023 this is where I started focusing on the positive changes I was making instead of dwelling on my mistakes. I also found support from Karen, the class and my friends and family who encouraged me along the way.

The turning point for me was when I started seeing results. As I lost weight and gained strength, I felt more energized and confident. This positive feedback loop kept me motivated and helped me stay on track.

My Mam has been a huge support to me and has equally lost as much weight as I have and has reached her gold member status and lost 40lbs in total. I appreciate not everyone believes in classes such as WW however all I can say is so far its worked for me but the support provided has been the biggest catalyst to my success so far.

TRANSFORMATION

As I continue on my weight loss journey, I have made a lot of changes to my lifestyle. I love to cook and I now make more meals at home than I have ever done before and try involve my children as much as possible. I focus on using whole, unprocessed foods and part of the reason I started my blog is to share some of the recipes that have been part of my success.

As well as WW I have also discovered recipes from influencers on both Instagram and Facebook and also several recipe books which I will be sharing with you all. I now think about the calories I am consuming and how making healthy swaps in your life can make such a difference to your journey but recognising that food can still taste really good even when eating well.

I also started incorporating more physical activity into my daily routine, such as taking walks or doing pilates and invested in a smart watch which has personally helped me along the way.

One of the biggest changes for me was learning to listen to my body and trust my instincts. Instead of following strict rules or guidelines, I learned to pay attention to how different foods and exercises made me feel and adjust accordingly. This approach helped me find a sustainable way of living that I could maintain long-term.

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