We lost 10st BETWEEN US

When Vicky Howe and her partner Daren booked a holiday of a lifetime she knew something needed to change

- ANNA VERDON

Emotions can often get the better of us. When times get tough some people may hide under their duvet, others may go for a walk.  But for me, I turned to food. It was my safety blanket.

Growing up I’d always been a bit chubby. My mum would pile my plate high with hearty home-cooked meals – sausage and mash and Sunday roasts were my favourite.

Back in the 70s we were told never to waste food, so it was ingrained in me from an early age to always eat everything on my plate. But during my teens, I became a lot more body conscious and started eating less, which helped me lose weight.

When I met Daren on holiday in Tenerife in 1989, I was a size 12 and full of confidence. But as our relationship progressed, we became comfortable.

While we’d enjoy going out, Daren was also an excellent cook. Nights in would involve wine and pasta meals, steak and chips or a Chinese takeaway. And although at 5ft 6in I was smaller than 6ft 1in Daren, I’d easily match his portion sizes.

Overweight and miserable

Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t long until the weight started to creep on and my clothes started to feel more snug. Daren was starting to look more cuddly too but we were too happy and in love to care.