I lost 130 lbs and have eaten takeaways and chocolate the whole time – I hardly exercise either
A DETERMINED mum has revealed she managed to shed 130lb without giving up takeaways or chocolate – and she hardly exercises either.
Nikki Forbes, 35, was spurred into action to lose weight after her six-year-old daughter took a sneaky photo of her sitting on the sofa.
Nikki says she was shocked by the photo and didn’t even know it was her.
The mum of four, from Newmains, Lanarkshire, knew she had to make a change then began a life-changing weight loss journey.
“I’d been looking through my pictures, and I realised that there was a picture in my photos of me sitting drinking a cup of coffee,” said Nikki.
“It was one of those moments where it hit me – I thought, ‘is that really me? Am I really that size?
“I asked the kids who’d taken the picture and my wee girl said it was her.
”I asked my husband if that was how I really looked – he said that I looked a bit different because I was sitting down, but yes.
“That was it. I quickly realised after seeing that picture that I needed to do something about it, otherwise I wouldn’t be around long enough for my children.”
Nikki began calorie counting and checking nutritional information on what she ate, trying to make smaller and healthier changes at first.
Despite not having a strict exercise regime, she was able to make progress by doing her daily errands alongside a lowered calorie intake.
And in two years, the mum managed to shed 9st 4lbs without giving up her favourite foods – taking her from a UK size 26 to around a size 12 to 14.
“I never had any hesitation with food,” said Nikki.
“If I wanted chocolate or crisps or a takeaway, I’d just have it. I never really looked at the nutritional value of food.
“Now, if everyone’s getting a takeaway, I’ll get something similar, but slightly healthier.
”Grilled chicken instead of fried, that kind of thing. I can still be involved but make little tweaks to be healthier.”
“I never cut out all the rubbish – I still have my takeaway on Sunday evening, or some chocolate or crisps, but I stay within my calorie allowance.
“Being that heavy, just walking or doing everyday tasks burns a lot of calories, so by taking in less, I lost weight.
“I lost 9st 4lbs over a period of two years. Over lockdown, I managed to maintain while a lot of people seemed to reach for food.”
Nikki is incredibly proud of her achievement – but mainly for the difference it has made to her children’s lives.
“I can run after my kids now; I can go on a swing set. I can walk up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath,” said Nikki.
“I can just do so much more. I never thought about it before, but I used to avoid doing certain things because I knew I’d be out of breath.
“It was little things, like kicking a ball around the park with my children – now, it’s me who starts the running around!”
“My daughter, the one who took the picture, wrapped her arms around my waist the other day and could put her arms right around me. That was lovely.”
Now feeling healthier and happier, Nikki has key advice for anyone in a similar position.
“Once you start, go for it. If you have a day where you fall of the wagon, don’t waste the whole week.
“One day can sometimes turn into seven – get back on that horse the next day. One day off is better than seven days off. Keep on going.”
“I’m happy with where I am now, I’m where I want to be. This might not be okay for everyone, but the way I am right now is perfect for me.”