Mother who struggled to walk at 20st reveals how old-fashioned methods like keeping a food diary helped her lose half her body weight without jabs

A mother-of-two who struggled to walk or play with her children after reaching 20st has lost nearly half her body weight in just over a year - without weight-loss jabs. 

Chanelle Cross, 36, from Nottingham, saw her weight climb to 20st 0.5lbs and a size 20 dress as she battled comfort eating, regularly tucking into crisps, chocolate, ready meals and full English breakfasts.

Left in daily pain and struggling with her confidence, Chanelle decided to take control of her health after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes sharp pain and stiffness in the bottom of her foot. 

With encouragement from her local Slimming World group, she transformed her eating habits and began exercising, eventually dropping to a size 10. 

Now, she says she is happier than ever and can keep up with her children, Melody, six, and Alistair, three. 

Chanelle said: 'I tried every diet going while I was growing up, from calorie counting to cutting out carbs and junk food altogether. 

'I've always had a big appetite and found it hard to stick to anything long enough, even when it seemed to work at first.'

The mother admitted her weight continued to rise as she struggled to break the cycle of comfort eating, but having children gave her the motivation she needed to make a lasting change. 

She said: 'I was tired of being in pain every day and not being able to walk, but it wasn't until after having my two children that I finally had the motivation.' 

Chanelle had previously attended Slimming World and discovered she could access a free 12-week membership voucher through Nottingham City Council. 

Despite initially feeling nervous about returning, the mother said consultant Hayley quickly made her feel welcome. 

She explained: 'It felt nice to be surrounded by people who are all working towards the same goal - and genuinely rooting for you.

'This time was different though. My mental and physical health was at an all-time low and I wanted to be the best version of myself, not just for me but for my family too.'  

Keeping a food diary helped Chanelle identify unhealthy habits and plan meals and snacks in advance.

As someone who enjoyed snacking, she began carrying healthier options, including fruit and Slimming World Hi-fi bars, when out with the children.

She also swapped sugary breakfasts and full English fry-ups for overnight oats and fresh berries and honey, while ready meals were replaced with home-cooked dishes. 

Her new menu includes Korean-style beef noodles, homemade pizza pasta bake, Jamaican-style patties and homemade chips.

Chanelle said the changes had transformed her relationship with food, adding: 'Instead of grabbing whatever's easiest, I make sure I have healthy options ready for the week. 

'I'm keeping track of what I eat, without having to count my calories or measure everything I eat and it's so freeing.' 

Exercise was another hurdle, particularly because of the pain in her foot. However, she discovered dance fitness videos and other workouts that made staying active more enjoyable. 

She said: 'I used to hate exercising and the pain in my foot made it difficult.

'But Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme helped me see exercising can be fun if you find the right activity for you.

'There are so many different workouts to choose from on the Slimming World app, and I like following dance fitness videos on YouTube too.

'As I lost weight, my foot pain improved and now I can walk up the stairs and run around after my kids in the park without needing to stop to catch my breath every few minutes.'