A Brecon mum says joining Slimming World has transformed both her health and her finances, helping her save more than £100 a week on takeaways while rebuilding her confidence.

Whitley Lloyd, 34, turned to food for comfort after the death of her nan at the age of 24, at one point relying on up to four takeaways a week costing around £30 each.

She said she did not initially realise how much she was spending.

“I didn’t realise how much it all added up. Looking back now, it’s shocking to think about how much money I was spending,” she said.

Before joining Slimming World, Whitley said her eating habits were irregular, often skipping meals during the day before relying on convenience food in the evening.

“Before Slimming World, I’d barely eat during the day, only to end up having takeaways and snacks late at night,” she said. “I used to think takeaways were a treat, yet I found I wasn’t enjoying them anymore – they were making me feel poorly and giving me headaches.”

Since joining her local group in Brecon, Whitley has swapped regular takeaways for home-cooked meals and “fakeaways”, and says she has discovered a new confidence in cooking from scratch.

“When I think I was spending up to £500 a month on takeaways and now I’ve only had four takeaways this year, I’m not only saving money – I’m also proud of the fantastic healthy meals I can cook,” she said.

Her experience reflects wider findings from a UK-wide poll which suggests many people underestimate the cost of convenience food, with 60 per cent spending up to £50 a week on takeaways and high-fat convenience foods, and 29 per cent spending over £100 a month on frozen items like nuggets and chips.

The survey also found that 47 per cent of people believe they would save significantly by cutting back, although 20 per cent said they lack confidence cooking from scratch.

For Whitley, the turning point came when she saw a photograph of herself at a family event. Encouraged by a friend, she joined Slimming World and says it “changed everything”.

At the time, she weighed 15st 9lbs and is now 10st 11lbs.

She said her first week with Slimming World brought immediate results.

“That first week I threw myself into the healthy eating plan and I lost 5lbs. It was a huge moment for me,” she said. “For the first time, I realised losing weight was possible.”

With support from her consultant Jo Thomas and fellow group members, Whitley learned to plan meals and cook using low-cost ingredients, something she says has helped her stay consistent.

“I’ve had struggles along the way, yet Jo’s helped me spot my danger times – like when I’m going out with the girls, Jo’s helped me realise I can still enjoy those night outs and stay on plan by being more mindful of what I’m eating or drinking,” explained Whitley.

With food inflation continuing to affect households across the UK, many people believe that healthy eating is more expensive. But Whitley found this wasn’t the case though.

“I’ve lost weight by eating delicous, satisfying meals, saved money and discovered I’m a really good cook,” she said. “My most recent success was a vegetable madras - it was amazing. My dad’s a real foodie and he always asks when I’m making his favourite Slimming World meals.”

Whitley, who lives with her husband Sean and her daughter Aleena, 12, has gone from a size 18 to a size 10.

She has also completed Couch to 5K, something she says she never believed she would achieve.

“I used to get out of breath doing almost anything – even just going up the stairs. I’d previously worked as a hairdresser and being on my feet all day, I’d end each shift in so much pain,” she said. “Since losing weight and gradually becoming more active with Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme, I was able to complete Couch to 5k. I cried when I finished it. I never believed I’d be able to do something like that. I’m happier, healthier and truly myself again. Slimming World didn’t just help me lose weight – it gave me back my spark, my confidence and control of my finances.”

Jo Thomas runs the Brecon Slimming World group that Whitley attends. She said: “I could burst with pride for Whitley. When she first walked into group, she was so nervous and unsure of herself. The confidence she has now, the joy she brings into group, the way she’s taken control of her life and reduced her spending – it’s honestly inspiring. Whitley’s success shows exactly what’s possible when you’ve got the right support behind you.

“By joining a Slimming World group, you get a full year of support for around the same cost as just one month of weight-loss injections – it just goes to show real transformation doesn’t have to break the bank.”

Alex Clark, Registered Nutritionist at Slimming World, said: “Whitley’s story captures exactly what we’re seeing in our research. So many of us are juggling busy lives and tight budgets so it’s completely understandable that convenience foods and takeaways can feel like the easiest option. Some might believe they’re the cheaper option too, when in fact ordering a takeaway can mean spending upwards of £30 on one meal.

“Our findings show – and what Whitley has found – is that with the right support, cooking from scratch can be just as convenient, far more fulfilling and significantly less expensive. Small changes can lead to big savings and even bigger health benefits.

“Whitley’s journey shows that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a real difference – just the right encouragement and support.”

Whitley attends Jo Thomas’ Slimming World group in Brecon. You can contact Jo on 07411891480 for more information.

To join your local Slimming World group or sign up online for more recipes, guidance and support, you can visit the website www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call the number 0344 897 8000.