A mother-of-three from Leicestershire has reversed her type 2 diabetes and lost four stone after giving up her addiction to cheese, which was costing her £1,200 a year. Lucy Castle, 35, weighed 16 stone and wore size 20 clothing before she decided to change her diet following a diabetes diagnosis in March 2024.
Lucy, from Hinckley, would routinely eat an entire baked Camembert with bread, large chunks of brie, and cover her meals with grated cheese. She also snacked on chocolate bars, crisps, and takeaways while managing her three sons, aged two, nine, and 15. She said cheese was 'wrecking my life' and that she was spending £25 a week on different varieties.
After experiencing dizziness, pins and needles, and sweating, Lucy visited her GP and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She described the diagnosis as a 'wake-up call' and decided to try the 1:1 diet, which involves consuming four meal replacement products daily. Within four months, she slimmed down to 12 stone and a size 12, and her diabetes went into remission.
Lucy now maintains her weight with home-cooked meals and healthy snacks, and occasionally indulges in cheese on crackers, but says food no longer controls her life. She has more energy to keep up with her sons and enjoys shopping for clothes. She has become a diet consultant and women's wellness coach to inspire others.
Lucy advised others: 'Believe in yourself. You can do this too. Take one day at a time, stop being hard on yourself, and practice self-love. It's not just about losing weight – it's about finding you again.'
