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Last year, mum-of-two Nikki Bailey weight 20 stone and felt helpless after suffering from arthritis, general mobility and obesity. Unable to work as a hairdresser because she couldn’t stand up for longer periods, Nikki\u2019s mental health declined, so she looked to lose weight. She embarked on the exante meal replacement diet and lost a total of 7.7st – taking her to 12st 7lb. Nikki spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about her weight loss journey.<\/p>\n
Nikki explained: \u201cI was bullied from primary school onwards for my weight because it\u2019s always been an issue. I remember always feeling different to everyone else, which really affected my mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cI lost weight several times over the years and basically tried every diet going, they worked for a short time but the minute I stopped it piled back on, until now.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy weight put my last pregnancy at risk. I was put on blood-thinning injections for the last three months of it and two months after giving birth, because my BMI meant I could have developed blood clots.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had arthritis in my hips for years and had really bad flare ups at times, especially when I was trying to be more active and lose weight.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt came to a head after I had my son in December 2021, I tried to go back to the gym and lose some weight but the pain was so severe my mobility really suffered,\u201d she revealed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat affected my mental health even more and I ended up putting on another two stone. Even changing my son\u2019s nappy would end with me in tears because of the pain.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the first three months of her diet, Nikki consumed around 800 calories a day with a mix of three of exante\u2019s nutritionally-complete meal replacement shakes, meals and other products, alongside a low-calorie healthy meal.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the diet, she said the \u201cfirst month was hard, but after that it became just what I did\u201d.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> \u201cThe pain in my hips started to ease so I kept going, I started walking more and dancing.<\/p>\n \u201cI upped my calorie intake slightly to 1,200 after three months and started having a healthy meal alongside four meal replacement products, usually chicken with vegetables or salad.<\/p>\n \u201cI carried on with this hard work, eventually losing a total of seven-and-a-half stone.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the first time in my life I\u2019ve managed to maintain my weight and I still use the products to control my calories when I need to – especially on days when I\u2019m not able to make the best meal choices,\u201d Nikki added.<\/p>\n \u201cLosing weight this time has changed just about everything in my life, I\u2019m not sad anymore, I\u2019m not in pain every day and I don\u2019t need medication.\u201d<\/p>\n In terms of her career, Nikki has \u201cpicked hairdressing back up\u201d and has new \u201cconfidence in myself\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI work part-time supporting children with behavioural and mental health issues and it\u2019s so physically demanding, I couldn\u2019t have done that before,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n \u201cThis time I was truly ready, I had to make losing weight my whole focus.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a mum and partner we sometimes feel selfish for doing something for ourselves – but we need to look after ourselves in order to look after everyone else.<\/p>\n \u201cMy relationship with my partner has changed for the better and I can be more physically involved in my children\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n As for how her approach to food is now, Nikki said she has \u201clearnt what my body does and doesn\u2019t need\u201d and I know \u201cabout proper portion control\u201d which she said she has \u201cnever had that before\u201d.<\/p>\n Anyone embarking on a low-calorie diet plan or who has a medical condition and is looking to change their diet, should seek medical advice from their GP or a healthcare professional first.<\/i><\/p>\n
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