‘I Dieted Through My Pregnancy'

Samantha Short, 30, didn’t want to sacrifice her figure while expecting

- Chloe Morgan

Sitting on my comfy sofa, I couldn’t help feel proud as my friend complimented me on how good I looked.

When I told her it was down to my strict diet and fitness regime, her expression turned to shock and anger – because I was currently four months pregnant with my second child.

I discovered I was expecting my first son Riley in February 2011 and immediately took ‘eating for two’ literally.

I’d been 8st 2lb and a size 8, but after I found out I was pregnant, I couldn’t stop myself from demolishing tubs of ice cream and a block of cheese a day.

I remember crying in the loos at work when I found stretch marks – not on my tummy from the pregnancy, but on my thighs and bum from putting on so much weight so quickly.

Piling on the pounds

I could see I was getting bigger, but couldn’t help myself. By the time Riley was born, I was a size 16 and 13st 6lb.

While I should have been enjoying being a new mum, I’d look in the mirror and feel repulsed by my appearance. I mourned my old figure, but feeling tired and down, I carried on seeking comfort in sweets and junk food.

When Riley was five months old, I had my first night out since giving birth and squeezed into a size 14 dress, but I spent the whole night feeling selfconscious and depressed.