A mum has revealed her inspiring weight loss journey after becoming determined to “look and feel good” for her wedding day – and has now lost over 10st.
Amy Keane used to struggle to run around with her kids for more than 30 seconds without becoming breathless.
At 20st 5lbs, and a UK dress size 20, the mum felt “ashamed.”
She tried out various diets, such as detoxes, but nothing seemed to stick; and cravings took over.
But when her now husband, Chris, popped the question, Amy was determined to finally lose the weight for good – and has now lost over 10st in less than two years.
“I didn’t want to just look good on my big day, I wanted to feel good, too,” the healthcare worker, from County Meath, Ireland, told What’s The Jam.
“I used to sigh whenever I watched other mums rush around after their kids, wishing I could do that as well.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t know what was healthy, I just couldn’t resist large portions.
“After already eating a big dinner, I’d make some toast covered with butter.
“I’d be so full that I couldn’t sleep properly, then I’d wake up craving comfort food.”
Amy used to eat lots of carbohydrate-heavy foods, such as bread and potatoes with lashings of butter.
She also used to snack on chocolate or frequently enjoy a takeaway.But that all changed in July 2022, when the 38-year-old sprung into action ready for her big day.
Amy, who shares her journey on Instagram, (@10stonelighter ), took on a programme called Body Slims, which involved calorie counting and committing to at least one hour of exercise per day.
She said: “I liked that there were no embarrassing weigh-ins or group meetings.
“Instead, I got motivational videos sent to my phone.
“I said goodbye to my nightly chocolate bar and filled the fridge with 10 calorie jellies or protein puddings to satisfy my sweet tooth.
“I eliminated all triggers from my house.
“Then, I slowly reintroduced them, but was never tempted, because I realised how far I had come.”
By the time their wedding rolled around in February 2023, she had lost three stone.
And while feeling great exchanging her vows, the mum wasn’t done – and kept going until reaching her current UK dress size six.
She added: “I realised that putting goals into place helped me to stay focused.
“I lost more before our wedding party back home.
“After that, I kept going so that I looked even trimmer for our family holiday.
“Now, I can run up to 15k a day without getting out of breath and I’m able to play with my kids like the other mums.
“My next goal is to run a marathon – but I’m focused on keeping the weight off, as it makes me feel so good.
“Absolutely start now – there’s no better time and it’s never too late.
“If I can do it after this long, anybody can.
“It’s the best decision I’ve made for myself and my family.”
DIET BREAKDOWN:
BEFORE:
BREAKFAST: Two slices of toast with jam or marmalade
LUNCH: Sandwich or roll with salad
DINNER: Potatoes or pasta with meat
SNACK: Chocolate bar
NOW: BREAKFAST: 40g of oats with berries and low-fat yoghurt
LUNCH: Salad and soup
DINNER: Turkey or fish with stir-fried vegetables
SNACK: Protein bar or fruit bowl
