Nurse who consumed 6,000 calories a day loses 9 stone after huge lifestyle change

Nurse who consumed 6,000 calories a day loses 9 stone after huge lifestyle change The mum-of-two said food had become a “crutch” during difficult periods of her life before she found an approach she could maintain A nurse who once ate around 6,000 calories a day has revealed how a major lifestyle overhaul helped her lose nine stone and rediscover her confidence. Lucy Elliot, 47, from Rushden, Northamptonshire, was 20 stone at her heaviest and has since reached 11st 14lb, changing from a size 24 to a size 12. Lucy said her relationship with food was heavily influenced by her family background and difficult periods in her life. She told Talk to the Press: "My family have always been big, we grew up with my dad eating pie and chips at the rugby club and weekends were for takeaway. "I would use food as a crutch for any stress - when I lost anyone or when things got too much I would find myself snacking away with no end." After splitting from the father of her children in November 2014, Lucy said she knew she wanted to make a change. Two months later, she began going to the gym with a personal trainer, but found that exercise alone did not lead to the sustained weight loss she wanted. Lucy explained: "The gym was a good start, but it didn't sustain weight loss, I couldn't get into it. "However, I had never learnt enough about nutrition, and my personal trainer really helped me get onto a diet that suited me - so I am glad I tried that." Her former diet included English breakfasts, KFC, frozen pizzas, burgers, chips, Chinese takeaways, crisps, sugar and chocolate. Lucy instead began eating foods including Weetabix, high-protein wraps with meat, cheese and salad, and meals based around chicken, steak, potatoes and vegetables. She also found an exercise routine that fitted around her responsibilities as a nurse and mum: walking 15,000 steps every day. She now completes her walk in the morning before work and said the routine has become a regular part of her life. “I am very determined with my walking to keep me fit," Lucy admitted. "It has really worked for me and I find it enjoyable." The weight loss has also changed how Lucy feels about clothes and fashion. She said: "I used to see designer clothes in the store and ignore them because its too painful and now I love going to the shops. "Now I can wear crop tops and show my tummy - I am still getting used to my different size but I feel my confidence growing which is lovely." Lucy confessed she still has to manage cravings for fried food and chocolate when she is stressed, but remains determined to maintain the lifestyle she has developed. "I still want to eat fried food and chocolates when I am stressed because that is the easy thing to do, but I am determined to keep on with my fitness journey."