A woman’s dread of needing a seatbelt extender on her flight to Greece became the catalyst for a life changing weight loss journey. Kathryn Keeton, a 31-year-old teacher, found solace in food, indulging in a diet laden with takeaways, crisps, and cake.
But her biggest fear materialised as she prepared for her holiday, haunted by the thought of not fitting comfortably into her airplane seat.
Upon returning from her Grecian getaway, Kathryn was determined to turn her life around and joined Slimming World. In just seven months, she shed an impressive 6st 11lbs.
Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, Kathryn said: “I think it was from a mental health perspective. I felt really low and lethargic and needed to do something about it.”
She recounted her pre-holiday anxiety, saying: “I was really paranoid when I was going on holiday I would need a seatbelt extender. I worried for weeks and weeks before it. I was emotionally eating, mindlessly. I would eat a lot of takeaways just out of laziness, or eat convenience food like going to the Asda and getting a pizza.”
Kathryn reflected on her unhealthy habits, admitting: “It was when I came home that I’d really over eat. I’d maybe get a takeaway and then have a bar of chocolate or cake. Now, I’m finding more healthy ways to deal with my emotions.”
But it was after her Greek holiday Kathryn started her journey to a remarkable transformation.
She joined Slimming World last September and has since shed an impressive 6st 11lbs, owing it all to the support of her consultant and fellow group members.
In her own words, she added: “I’ve got more energy and feel more confidence. I’m doing things that I’ve never done before. I did my first triathlon a few weeks ago and signed up to my first half marathon.
“I’d say I’m definitely happier. I’ve probably got a lot more patient with people. My family have always been supportive but I think this time I’ve got a really strong support system – people in group and friends around me.”
When asked for advice, Kathryn encourages others trying to shed weight to “trust the process” and allow themselves to occasionally indulge in their favourite foods.
