A mum says her life has ‘changed so much’ after losing nearly five stone through Slimming World’s food optimisation plan.

Sonia Pearson realised her health was deteriorating and affecting her family life when her seven-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a disability.

The 36-year-old mother of one from Barrow said she needed to make changes in her life to keep up with her daughter’s energy levels.

As a result, she joined Tracey Needham’s St Aidan’s Slimming World group on Tuesdays at 11am.

Before walking into her first group session, Sonia said she remembered feeling 'awful, disgusting and not the role model' she wanted to be for her daughter.

She found simple jobs like walking upstairs left her out of breath and found her asthma was becoming increasingly worse.

“My life has changed so much,” said Sonia. "There is so much more I can do now.

“I absolutely love going to the gym. Before I wouldn’t have dreamt of trying the different classes.

“I’ve taken up running now which has been massive especially with my asthma. I can now just about keep up with my daughter, especially if she decides to run around the toy shop.

“My health has improved vastly too. I don’t get colds and I barely use my inhalers. I have so much more energy and don’t feel sluggish anymore.”

Slimming World’s Food Optimising includes all the staples of a healthy, balanced diet, including lean meat, many meat replacements, fish, eggs, rice, pasta, potatoes, beans and lentils, as well as fruit and vegetables, so the plan can be personalised to likes, dislikes and dietary requirements.

Sonia added: “With Food Optimising, I know that nothing is ever off limits. I don’t miss out on treats or takeaways because now I make my own ‘fakeaway’ curry for myself and my husband which he prefers.

"Another firm family favourite is Beef Rigatoni and Marry Me Chicken Pasta.”

Sonia says she is now ‘very close’ to reaching her Personal Achievement Target and that with further support she will be able to maintain it and be slim for life.

Paying tribute to her achievement Tracey, Sonia’s Slimming World Consultant, said: “I am so proud of Sonia. She is a young mum with lots going on in her life but she’s made small changes each week which have brought her continued success.

“I can’t describe how much she has grown in confidence. That beautiful smile has always been there but now it shines, along with her confidence, just that little bit brighter.”