IT WAS SEEING A PHOTO OF MYSELF on holidays last year that made up my mind to join Unislim. I knew a lot about the classes, of course, because my mum Nicola is a class leader. I would help mum out at her weekly classes, but I was Reluctant to try them myself – my little bit of rebellion maybe!

I joined up last November, and I haven’t looked back. Before, I loved food, but all too often I was choosing the wrong types. I loved getting myself some chips or a nice bun on my school lunch break, and I rarely took any exercise. Now, I’ll bring a packed lunch with me, and I can’t get enough exercise! On Mondays, I’ll exercise with my mum using the Unislim resistance band; Tuesday we’ll do a keep fit class; I might go for a swim on Wednesday and on Thursday we’ll take a good walk. Friday is usually my rest day and then I’ll make sure to stretch the legs again for a good walk on Saturday and Sunday.

Combining exercise with healthy eating has meant that I have had gradual, continuous slimming success, losing a pound or so a week. I have a few pounds to go before I reach my target weight, and now I can’t wait to go on holidays this summer! Dressing up is so much fun for me now – I loved getting my photo taken for this shoot! I always loved clothes and trying new hairstyles, but I wasn’t as confident when it came to shopping. My friends loved high street shops like Topshop, but I wasn’t comfortable shopping there before. Now, I don’t have to limit my choices. I can buy really lovely clothes that are fashionable and I know that I’ll feel great in them.

I’m studying for my GCSEs at the moment, and I think my stress levels are definitely helped by being fit and maintaining a good diet. Some of my friends have said they want to join Unislim too, and I‘ve told them to go for it – I have to admit that maybe mum does know best in the end!