Alice Day, a 30-year-old nursery worker from Warwick, has transformed her life by shedding an incredible 10 stone 5 pounds – dropping from a size 24 to a size 8 – after giving up her £400-a-month takeaway habit. Since joining Slimming World in 2024, Alice has lost more than half her body weight, going from 20 stone 11 pounds to her current size, and credits learning to cook from scratch with improving both her health and her bank balance.
From shame to success: Alice's turning point
Alice says the moment she walked into her first Slimming World group was a life-changing experience. “When I first walked into my Slimming World group, I felt so nervous and ashamed. To have reached the size I was at such a young age… I knew it wasn’t good,” she recalls. “I should’ve been living my best life but instead I had crippling sciatica and worried that I’d develop type 2 diabetes, which runs in my family. That day changed my life.”
At her heaviest, Alice weighed 20 stone 11 pounds. Her weight had spiralled out of control after she and her boyfriend Sam, who have been together for eight years, moved in together and fell into a routine of nightly takeaways and convenience food. “Before I knew it, my weight had spiralled out of control. I found it so hard to get back on track because planning and cooking meals wasn’t part of our routine at all. We were spending about £100 a week, which was just crazy,” she says.
Learning to cook healthy meals from scratch
With Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Alice discovered that she could still enjoy the foods she loved while losing weight. “Nothing is off limits with Slimming World, so I knew I could still have the odd takeaway if I wanted. But there were some habits I wanted to change. I really enjoyed learning to cook – even making my own ‘fakeaways’ for me and Sam to enjoy together,” she explains.
She found that planning meals and trying new recipes gave her a fresh focus. “Finding new meals to try and planning the week ahead gave me a great focus. We still had things like stir-fries and they were delicious – but cooking them from scratch meant that I was enjoying food and losing weight, which is something I never thought possible,” Alice says.
Previously, Alice had tried meal replacement diets, surviving on shakes and a tiny evening meal, but always regained the weight. “I’d stick at it for a while but as soon as I started eating normally again, I’d regain any weight that I’d lost. Slimming World taught me it didn’t have to be like that,” she adds.
Group support: a key to lasting change
The support of her Slimming World group, led by consultant Angie, was crucial to Alice’s success. “In the past, losing weight was very much a solo sport. If I was having shakes, I couldn’t eat with my boyfriend or go out for a meal. Slimming World was totally different because I was surrounded by people who were on the same journey as me. Although I felt embarrassed when I first joined, I was instantly put at ease when I met my consultant Angie and started chatting to the other members,” she says.
Alice found that the group’s encouragement kept her motivated, even during difficult weeks. “Each week as I lost weight, I was surrounded by people who cheered me on. And if I ever had a bad week, someone always had kind words to say, or a tip to help me for the week ahead. If old habits crept in when life got busy, my group taught me to go back to basics and plan some new meals to feel excited about,” she explains.
She also benefited from practical advice for social occasions. “Or if I was going out for a meal with friends, Angie would get people sharing their advice for staying on track with a healthier option – like a lean steak with a jacket potato instead of chips. Everyone’s been so supportive, I couldn’t have done it without them. And Sam has lost weight too, just from eating the same meals as me,” Alice adds.
Health improvements and a new love for exercise
As the weight came off, Alice noticed significant health improvements. Her sciatica disappeared, and physical activity became much easier. “I work with children in a nursery, so it’s a job where I’m on my feet all day. I used to struggle to get down on the floor to play with the children, but now I don’t think twice about it. My colleagues say I’m much more present now, which is so lovely to hear,” she says.
Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme also changed her attitude towards exercise. “What started as going for walks has grown into a genuine love of running, and I've recently completed my first ever 10k. It's something I never imagined I'd be capable of when I first joined, and it's shown me just how much my confidence and fitness have grown,” she reveals.
Celebrating success: Disney trip and new confidence
By the time of her 30th birthday, Alice was 8 stone lighter and celebrated with a trip to Disney World in Florida. “We were clocking up about 30,000 steps a day in the heat, but it wasn’t a problem for me at all. In the past, being that active would have exhausted me and aggravated my sciatica. Plus I’d have worried about fitting on the rides,” she recalls.
The money saved on takeaways has been put to good use. “As for the money we’ve saved on takeaways… some of that went towards the Disney trip but a lot also went on new clothes! I absolutely love shopping now – dressing in bright colours and fitted tops that I wouldn’t have dared to wear before. I’m half the size but I have double the confidence – and that’s a feeling money can’t buy,” she says.
Alice’s journey highlights that healthy living doesn’t mean missing out. “One of the biggest things Slimming World has taught me is that healthy living doesn't mean missing out. I can still enjoy holidays, meals out, concerts and time with friends without feeling guilty, because I know it's all about balance. Reaching target has shown me that I can enjoy life while maintaining the healthy habits I've built over the last two and a half years, and I think that's one of the greatest gifts Slimming World has given me,” she concludes.
