31-year-old crowned Slimming World's Woman of the Year after 'eating herself slim' and losing over 11 stone

Afrik Update

Health

She added: 'I’ve realised that there’s nothing you can’t achieve if you put your mind to it.'

A mother-of-two who feared she would not live to see her children grow up has lost more than half her body weight to be named Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2012.

Claire Alsop, 31, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, ballooned to 21st 9lb and a dress size 26/28 after having her two children, Noah, six, and four-year-old Ruby.

She has lost a total of 11st 7.5lb since joining her local Slimming World club in January 2011 - despite being constantly surrounded by the celebration cakes she loves to bake for her friends and family.

She lost 8lb in her first week and has since slimmed down to 10st 1.5lb and a dress size 10/12.

                                                                    

She said: 'I always tell people that I’ve literally eaten myself thin because I have. I love hearty British food like steaks, stews, cottage pie - anything with potatoes - and I’ve still been able to eat all of my favourite meals just by cooking them a bit differently.

'It fits in perfectly with our day-to-day family life because we can all eat the same meals and I am never hungry.'

She said she has even been able to continue baking cakes without it affecting her weight loss.

She has taken up running and took part in a 10km race for a local cancer charity.

She said: 'I didn’t want my kids to be embarrassed or bullied because of my size. Now they’ve got parents they can be proud of.

'I used to let their lives pass me by but now I don’t miss anything, we’re out and about all the time - on the trampoline together or down the local park - I’ve got lots more energy.

'I’m participating in their lives now rather than spectating and they’re healthier too - they love fruit.'

She added: 'I’ve realised that there’s nothing you can’t achieve if you put your mind to it.'