A woman who lost six stone after suffering jibes over her weight one Christmas says she now feels like a better mum.

“You’ve put on weight” Deal mum Callie Carden was told in December 2016 and she was shocked to see the scales tip to 15 and a half stone - an unhealthy measurement for her 5’ 3” frame.

She vowed to lose the six stone she’d piled on since having her two daughters and signed up to the Terri Ann 123 Diet Plan which she’d seen advertised on Facebook.

After 18 months, Ms Carden hit her target weight of 10 stone and now she enjoys being a healthy 9 stone 11lbs - in a size 8 dress.

This Christmas she’s encouraging others to make that important diet change.

She said: “I feel like I’m a better mum to my children.

“I feel so much happier and content and my energy levels are so much better – I’ve even managed to start work as a midday primary school supervisor.”

Yo-yo dieter Callie did manage to lose some of her baby weight in 2012 through walking and healthy eating.

But she piled on the pounds again through a combination of caring for her daughter, who had been newly diagnosed with autism after suffering anxiety and behaviour issues, and taking medication for her debilitating fibromyalgia.

She said: “During those four years my own health was the last thing on my mind as looking after my daughter was my main priority.”

She comfort ate while grappling with her health challenges which made her feel depressed.

"But I had to focus on my children rather than worrying about how I looked,” she said.

Callie coped by hiding the scales but eventually enough was enough and she knew it was time to change her habits.

“I was appalled when I saw I weighed 15st 4lbs, the heaviest I had ever weighed in my life. I knew I had to do something.”

Out went the huge plates of pasta and bolognese with garlic bread and in came Terri Ann Nunns’s plan which was founded in 2011.”

The plan comprises three stages: Users limit starchy carbohydrates and increase protein, vegetable and healthy fat intake.

Ms Carden said: “When I first started the plan, I found it difficult to get my head around but after a while it did get easier and after 9 months, I had lost 4st.

“This spurred me on and in 2018 I finally reached my target weight.

“I’ve kept it off ever since.”

She added: “The best part is that real meals are encouraged, as well as lots of protein, vegetables and fruit, so I felt like I was making positive changes without depriving myself or feeling like I was eating rabbit food. Following the diet has helped me get back control of my life – I truly feel like I’ve gained back my confidence and strength. It’s even helped me get my fibromyalgia under control as well.”