Cara Young Photoshoot and Weight Loss Journey

The suspense for Cara's long awaited makeover photo-shoot pictures is over. We are pleased to announce Cara Young as the winner of the Slim & Save 2016 Summer Challenge, who lost a whopping 93 lbs, that’s 6 stones and 9lbs in 6 months during the competition and then went on to reach 112lb lost (8st to date). Her hard work and determination is plain to see in the transformation of a more determined, healthy and happy woman.

Cara shares her truly inspirational story below:

In March last year my mum passed away and even though I had struggled with my weight over the years, losing my mum led me to eating constantly, not as a comfort but as a distraction. When you are eating you are doing something which takes your mind off things for a moment but you can also do it alone, which can be ideal when you are grieving. As a result I piled on the pounds and by the end of the year I found myself at over 22st and struggling to walk without losing my breath....my toes seemed very far away!

By the end of the year I decided that I would turn the pain of losing mum into something more positive. I had been lucky enough to have had this fantastic relationship and would celebrate the good memories even while missing her and I would focus on the positive memories. So, on 1st January 2016 I started my diet as part of the positive actions I wanted to take. Even though it was cliché, it was also a good mental space to start. It's great fun to be able to say - "I have been on this diet all year" - on the 2nd of January! However, it is even more amazing to say it in July!

I set my mini goals and milestones, things like, getting past the first 5 weeks - my own personal point of failure in the past, reaching a weight lower than at any time the year before, the day my rings fit my fingers again, etc. I celebrated all the mini goals. I also rewarded myself every time I lost a stone - I bought flowers, make-up, a piece of jewelry. All these things kept me focused and by the end of August 2016 I had lost 8 stone.

In March as things were progressing I started to dream about what I would like to do if I could go and do anything. I find that with weight loss comes confidence and with confidence life starts to open up and the world becomes full of possibilities. I had always had a dream of having a smallholding, most of all – I wanted donkeys!! I started reading about smallholdings, I signed up to do a donkey course and I made plans.

In July there was an advert on Facebook for the private sale of a farm in Scotland - a petting farm with a bakery, farm shop and veg box delivery business all ready to walk into. I went to visit the farm and fell in love with the area, it's in John O'Groats - so as far north as you can go. The light and scenery is beyond description. And the farm - Puffin Croft Farm - so cute! Oh, and it has 2 donkeys, and the female donkey - well she is pregnant with her foal due in December!

From seeing the advert to moving my boxes in and starting this new life - it wasn't even 10 weeks, all really fast but such an adventure. Because I lost weight I was able to dream and I managed to achieve the dream I always wanted. A dream that requires me to be physically fit because it is hard work! I am not at my ideal weight yet but I am healthy and strong and getting fitter every day. Most of all though, I am happy!

This weight loss story was life changing. The weight loss gave Cara the confidence to chase her dreams and change her lifestyle for good. We wish her every success for continued health and happiness on her farm. Huge congratulations on your efforts from all at Slim & Save.