‘I was in crippling pain every day but this diet turned my life around’

A mother, Carrie Grover, has shared her inspiring journey of how switching to a healthier diet helped her overcome intense stomach pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Carrie, 42, from Pembrey, used to suffer from excruciating stomach cramps and had to deal with the consequences of a poor diet, including anxiety, skin issues, and weight gain. She revealed that the constant pain and discomfort made her yearn for a change in her lifestyle.

Carrie explained, “I’ve battled with my weight since I was a teenager and tried all the diets you can think of, including cabbage soup, yuk!” Despite her efforts, her weight continued to increase over the years, reaching a size 24 and 18 stone. However, everything changed when she joined a Slimming World group at the encouragement of her cousins in England. In her first week, she lost 6lb, which motivated her to continue on her journey.

Before adopting a healthier lifestyle, Carrie’s diet consisted of skipping breakfast, indulging in pastries and takeaways for lunch, and snacking throughout the day. Now, she prioritises balanced meals, prepping breakfast the night before, enjoying nutritious lunches and dinners, and opting for healthier snack options like fruits, ham, and pickles.

Through her dedication to Slimming World, Carrie managed to shed seven stone in a year, transforming from a size 24 to a size 10. She noticed improvements in her health, skin, and overall well-being. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic and regaining some weight, Carrie reconnected with Slimming World in January and is now on track to reach her initial weight loss goals.

Rejoining the Slimming World programme not only helped Carrie physically but also mentally. She praised the support and encouragement she receives from the group and her consultant, crediting them with her progress. Feeling empowered by her own transformation, Carrie is now preparing to launch her own Slimming World group to help others achieve their health goals and experience the same positive changes she has.

Carrie’s inspiring story serves as a testament to the transformative power of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Her journey from debilitating pain to living pain-free daily showcases the profound impact that making positive changes can have on one’s overall well-being.