It was Monday 27^th September, 2010 and I settled back on the couch to watch The Apprentice on TV3. This programme would be the start of a new me. I watched as the apprentice hopefuls took on the Unislim challenge to create a menu using the Maximiser plan. I have to admit I hadn’t heard of this before and couldn’t believe the variety and quantity of foods that it was possible to eat and yet lose weight. No counting points, no cutting out food groups, I thought to myself that I would give this a go.

I said nothing at home (because I had tried so many times to lose weight on so many different diets and failed) but the next day checked out the Unislim website to see if there was a class in my area. The classes were held in Rathcoole on Wednesday at 8 pm. It would be my daughter Orlaghs 16 birthday on Wednesday 29^th, but I knew that it was now or never, so I headed down to class on my own. Tracy the class leader was there with a warm welcome and I stood on the scales weighing in it at 13 stone. That was to be the last time I would ever see that weight flashing in front of me.

The plan was explained to me and I went home with my books and folder, but more importantly my TRACKER in hand to change my eating habits and turn my life around. I was determined to lose the weight once and for all; I had set my mind to making this work , nobody could do this for me I had to do it for myself, and with this new found confidence my weight loss journey began.

Week one, down 7lbs, I was over the moon delighted at my achievement. This weight loss continued week after week, sometimes 1lb, sometimes more, I never missed a class and always stayed to see if I could pick up any hints or tips from the other class members.

By Christmas I was down to 11st, and feeling great. Out came the little black dress and I was delighted with the new me, but I hadn’t reached my target weight so continued with my journey into 2011.

On the 2^nd of March I stood on the scales and weighed in at 10st 4lbs, which had been my target and I was overjoyed. I had done it; nobody had done it for me. I had achieved my goal. I was so proud of myself, I still continue to attend class and my weight is now 10st.

I will be 48 this Christmas and have never felt better; I am eating so much healthier and taking regularly exercise. I walk tall, with my head high, I have my confidence, my pride, my self belief back, I took on a challenge and I did it. So many situations and people can knock you back in life that you sometimes being to doubt yourself. Do I look at life differently now? Well Yes I do, I am more resilient and when faced with challenges now I don’t doubt myself and my ability.

To anyone contemplating joining Unislim, I would say go for it. The plan is so versatile and easy to follow, your team leader is on hand to help and the other members in your group are a huge source of inspiration and support. CAN WE DO IT? Well to coin a phrase made famous by Barrack Obama “YES WE CAN, IS FEIDIR LINN”.