Laureen loses 100 pounds

After her graduation the 34-year-old from Lurgan set about shedding the weight she’d put on in the process of her studies.

Laureen has been working as classroom assistant in the Bunscoil department at St Francis for 12 years, more recently undertaking an Irish Language and Literature degree.

She said: “I put on a lot of weight when I was doing my degree. I was eating on the go and didn’t have time to cook proper food.

“I had it in my mind that losing weight would be the next focus when I finished my studies.”

The diet was put on hold when she was pregnant with her first child - Donncha - but it wasn’t long before she got back to Weightwatchers.

She said: “I lost 100 pounds over about three years in total and went down seven dress sizes. I had lost a good bit then I had my baby then I went back after he was 10 weeks.

“Donncha was one in March. I think just since I had the baby wanted to stay fit and healthy for his benefit.”

She explained the Weightwatchers diet: “Every food has a number of points attached to it.

“There’s a lot of food you don’t count so you can eat it until you’re full. It’s all about planning out your points.

“There’s nothing you’re not allowed, but you just have to keep balancing your weekly points.

“I’ve kept a pair of trousers to remind me. They act as a motivation.

Of her Weightwatchers mentor she said: “Without Bernie (Walsh) I couldn’t have done it. Family and friends are all supportive but the main support is the class.

Weightwatchers meet in the Emmanuel Church every Wednesday at 9.30am 10.45am, 12.45pm, 5.15pm and 6.30pm.