‘Gluttony’ mum loses incredible stone after health scare

A mum landed a new job assessing oil rigs after shedding nine stone – so she was light enough for helicopter rides to offshore areas. Verity Bambury, 49, says a health scare prompted her to change her “greedy” ways.

She hit rock bottom in 2021 and vowed to kick the eating habit. Verity, from Liverpool, worked hard on her weight and is now happy and healthy – and working in a top job.

A former university lecturer, he now travels by helicopter to assess offshore oil rigs in the Irish Sea. And she said, “There’s no way she could have made anything out of these nine heavier stones.”

Mother-of-one Verity says she has always struggled with her weight – and says Christmas was particularly hard. She remembers going to do some shopping but found it to be “a nightmare” as she became sweaty and out of breath.

Verity said: “With my sweet tooth, I couldn’t resist indulging over the Yuletide season. Surrounded by temptation, I gave it my all. “Baileys, After Eights, mince pies, trifle, Christmas pudding with brandy sauce – I loved it all.”

Verity has vowed that 2020 will be her last Christmas being overweight. She said: “I thought I’d enjoy one last Christmas and then start a diet in January. “I’ve tried dieting countless times, but this time I was determined to stick with it.

“But by April 2021 I had hit rock bottom – and I knew my health was at risk. I don’t know what to do, I cried to my mother on the phone. My problem was that I was just plain greedy – I just didn’t know when to stop. And he’s seen my weight go up and up over the years.”

She weighed 21 5 lbs at her heaviest. Verity then started the Cambridge diet, also known as the 1:1 diet. She ditched her huge portions – instead opting for three meal or snack replacements a day and one low-calorie, high-protein meal as part of the Cambridge or 1:1 diet. Verity said: “It’s been hard but my partner John and mum have been so supportive, encouraging me every step of the way.

“John never commented on my weight. But he cut down on food and alcohol and lost three and a half stone. “He compliments me all the time on my weight loss and makes me feel very proud of my achievements.

“And when I lost 11lbs in the first week, and then two stone in the first month, it spurred me on.” By December 2021, Verity was losing weight fast – but worried about how to cope with the temptations of the festive period.

She said: “I allowed myself a few tasty treats in moderation, instead of scoffing at a trifle I just had a spoonful and that was enough to satisfy me. I still enjoyed all the usual Yuletide food, only a lot less food stopped me from slipping into a sparkly size 16 dress for Christmas Day.”

Two years on and Verity has maintained her weight. She said: “Now I enjoy making Christmas memories with my son Jarvis, buying festive outfits and going for a Christmas walk instead of just sitting on the sofa stuffing my face.”

Verity has even trained as a 1:1 diet consultant and aims to inspire other people struggling with their weight with her one2oneVerity brand. She said: “I will never go back to the way I was when Christmas comes.

“This year I’m going to slip into my brightest outfit and proudly pose in front of that tree.”

BEFORE THE DIET

Breakfast: toast or cereal with sugar

Lunch: meal offer – sandwich, chocolate bar and sugary drink

Dinner: large portions of spag bol with garlic bread or fajitas with cheese or takeout

Snacks: bourbon crackers, chocolate bars, sweets

AFTER THE DIET

Breakfast: fruit and yogurt

Lunch: tuna salad

Dinner: chicken with salad or fried vegetables

Snacks: A low-calorie chocolate bar