A mother and daughter from the UK have shared striking before-and-after photos after losing a combined 264.5 pounds, having once admitted they used to “avoid physical activity as much as possible.”
Susan Brelsforth, 62, and her 26-year-old daughter Holly said their old routine revolved around takeaways, fried meals, and convenience food.
“I’d been overweight for as long as I could remember,” Holly said, after noting her ‘weight spiralled’ in her early teens.
For Susan, a turning point came during a dream vacation to New York. The mom-of-three, who has since gone from a size 18 to a size 10, realized on that trip that something needed to change.
“I couldn’t keep up when we were climbing the Statue of Liberty,” she said.
“I was so out of breath that the others had to physically pull me along. I was so embarrassed. When I got home from the vacation, I knew I needed to make a change for good.”
Together, they have lost the equivalent of a baby elephant after signing up to their local Slimming World group.
The pair say the shift began with small, sustainable changes rather than any dramatic or restrictive plan. Slimming World’s approach focuses on Food Optimising, a flexible eating plan built around filling meals, family-friendly recipes and support in group or online.
Holly explained that their eating habits used to be heavily centered on quick, unhealthy choices.
“Before we joined, our diet had been mostly takeaways and deep-fried foods, and we’d often choose convenience over healthy options.”
Susan said their approach to food now looks very different.
“We now eat more balanced, nutritious meals and have discovered a real love for cooking.”
The pair also revealed how their daily meals have changed since starting their weight-loss journey.
Holly’s diet before:
Breakfast: White toast with butter, or four croissants with plenty of jam and large energy drink
Lunch: Takeaway doner kebab and a medium bag of chips
Dinner: Chinese takeaway or pizza with chips and a garlic bread
Snacks: Sharing bag sized crisps, a large bar of chocolate and tub of ice cream
Holly’s diet now:
Breakfast: Fruit bowl with a protein yoghurt and sugar free energy drink
Lunch: Slimming World Lunch Bowl from the food range or wholemeal toasted pitta bread with crudités and homemade or low fat houmous
Dinner: Homemade burger and chips with a mixed salad
Snacks: Slimming World Hi-Fibre bar, a small chocolate bar or low-calorie ice-cream
Susan’s diet before:
Breakfast: White toast with butter and jam
Lunch: Ham and cheese sandwich
Dinner: Takeaway Chinese or pizza with chips and chicken strips
Snacks: Large chocolate bar, a pack of biscuits and a bag of toffee popcorn
Susan’s diet now:
Breakfast: Low-fat yogurt with frozen berries or overnight oats
Lunch: Homemade chicken salad with plenty of veg and a fruit platter
Dinner: Homemade Slimming World chilli con carne with boiled rice
Snacks: Slimming World Hi-Fibre bar, fresh fruit, a small chocolate bar
Reflecting on the transformation, Holly said the experience had proved meaningful for both of them.
“It’s shown us that with the right support, real change is possible – and that it can be done without surgery or weight loss drugs.”
The mother-and-daughter duo said the biggest lesson has been that losing weight is not just about the number on the scales, but about building habits they can keep for life.