Leeds mum undergoes major weight loss transformation after struggling to play with her daughter

Depressed, overweight and struggling to keep up with her energetic toddler, Nicole knew something had to change. Nicole Hyde, 33, struggled with her weight most of her life, but it became particularly bad after having her daughter Olivia and the onset of post-natal depression. During this time, the Leeds[1] mum-of-one used food as a means of comfort, which saw her gain around five stone over the space of three years.

She said it got to the point where she wasn't able to chase Olivia round for more than five minutes before she would need to sit down and her health was suffering. Desperate to be an inspiration to her daughter, Nicole sought the help of Slimming World[3] to help her ditch the weight and now feels healthier than ever after dropping an impressive five and a half stone. Nicole said: "I was ashamed when I looked in the mirror, I wore baggy 'plus size' clothes to try and cover up, and my confidence and self-esteem were rock bottom.

"My daughter Olivia is my main inspiration behind changing my lifestyle, she is extremely active and loves going to soft play and trampolining, and I just couldn't keep up, exhausted and sweating after just five minutes I'd have to sit down and watch from the side, missing out on those making memoir moments. "I'd also noticed changes in my health, I knew these were due to my increase of weight, high blood pressure, liver disease and a persistent hip, things really did just need to change."

Nicole's wake-up call was the realisation she would now be influencing and shaping her daughter's future health and wellbeing - not just her own. The 33-year-old shared that by following Food Optimising with Slimming World, she has been able to make such positive changes to the whole families eating habits, whereas before, meals were convenience foods, to grab and go or even the takeaway now she loves making tasty meals from scratch.

She added: "I was surprised that actually meals are as quick to put together as waiting for a takeaway to arrive, but these meals are much more tastier, and we can enjoy all our family favourites like Chilli Con Carne, and Olivia loves cooking with me, so I'm educating her on cooking, healthy, tasty meals. To find out the latest shopping news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage[4]. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds[5].

You can sign up to our Best in Leeds newsletter here[6]. "I've also got more active, building this at my own pace, no more sitting on the side lines for me, I'm a regular swimmer, I'm out in the fresh air, walking with the dog more and even getting off the bus a few stops earlier - I love it, its invigorating the changes I've been supported to make and its made such a difference to my own wellbeing. "I'm so glad I found Slimming World the whole package, has been amazing, especially the support from my groups Consultant Kelly, she's believed in me from the start at times more than I have myself.

"I wasn't embarrassed about joining the group, but I was embarrassed about what I had let myself become, the love and support in group from everyone has been unbelievable, the ideas that are shared around meals, and strategies for going out have really encouraged me to make much better choices. "I know without this motivation and support it would have been so easy to give up on myself, I've realised it is a lifestyle change, its given me such freedom, I'm making such healthy choices without ever feeling hungry."

Get breaking news in Leeds straight to your phone

Get all the latest big and breaking Leeds news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here[7]. If you don't like our community, you can leave any time.

We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here[8].

References

1. ^ Leeds (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
2. ^ All the destinations you can fly to from Leeds Bradford Airport in 2024 (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
3. ^ Slimming World (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
4. ^ Best in Leeds homepage (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
5. ^ things to do in Leeds (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
6. ^ here (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
7. ^ by clicking here (chat.whatsapp.com)
8. ^ Read our privacy notice here (www.reachplc.com)