Tessa’ Mind-Blowing 10st 5lbs Transformation + £10,000 Win: From Daily Pain & Hiding Away to Total Freedom
Meet our 2025 Transformation Challenge Winner Tessa!
After starting her journey in April 2024, Tessa has achieved what many think is impossible. She didn’t just lose a few pounds; she shed an incredible 10st 5.8lbs—nearly 50% of her starting body weight. Today, she has reached a healthy BMI and has been maintaining for 7 months, living a life of health, mobility, and quiet confidence.
Tessa’s journey was so impactful that she was named our Grand Prize Winner, taking home a life-changing £10,000! In this powerful interview, she talks to our Community Manager, Rachael about reversing chronic health conditions, the emotional reunion with her Dad, and why she is finally ready to embrace life at 53.
Here is her story…
The Turning Point: A New Mission to Reclaim Her Life
Rachael: Tell us about the moment you knew you had to change. What was life like before?
Tessa: I hated the way I looked and felt. I injured my back in the Army when I was 22 and had to leave my career because of it. I was so unfit that I’d be out of breath walking a tiny distance. The real turning point was a picture taken with my Dad. I realized I was going to see him again in April, and the thought of him seeing me that big again was horrible. I decided right then: I was going to do this.
Rachael: Your transformation didn’t just affect you, though – it sparked a huge change in your household!
Tessa: It really did! About six months into my journey, we went on a family holiday to Cornwall. My husband looked at me and thought, “My wife is getting a bit skinny here – I need to start doing something!” He saw how well I was doing and he got worried I was going to leave him behind! He jumped on the plan and he has lost 7 stone now as well! It’s amazing to have both of us healthy and active together. We’ve gone from a sedate lifestyle to planning bike rides and gym sessions.
Rachael: What led you to New You Plan specifically?
Tessa: An ad popped up on Facebook and I went straight to the blogs. Seeing real people with real results gave me so much encouragement. I loved how transparent it was – you could see the costs and all the meals before you even signed up! I ordered a big bundle because I knew if I put a big order in, I would have to stick to it! I arrived home from holiday on the 16th of April, and I started the very next morning. I haven’t looked back.
10 Stone GONE: “I Have a Chin Now!”
Rachael: You’ve lost over 10 stone. That is half your person! How did you stay motivated?
Tessa: I didn’t take measurements, and I wish I had, but the pictures were everything. You might go through days where you don’t think you’ve lost weight, but then you get your pictures out and put them next to each other and it’s like—wow. I remember looking and thinking, “My chin is gone! I’ve actually got a chin now which I never had to start with.” Before, it felt like my face went straight down. Even now, I still catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I have to do a second glance like – “God, that is me!” Losing 10 stone has opened up a world I thought was closed to me forever!
Rachael: And how has the weight loss changed your daily life?
Tessa: When you’re big, you can see people look at you and turn their nose down at you. Now? I’m just normal like everyone else. I can walk about and mingle and no one gives me a second look. I really like that feeling. I’ve gone from wearing big, baggy clothes to nice, fitted dresses – the only time I ever wore a dress before was when I got married! Now I’m finally wearing the dresses I’ve always dreamed of!
Reclaiming Her Health: Reversing Fatty Liver Disease
Rachael: You’ve mentioned some incredible health improvements. Can you tell us more?
Tessa: It’s been a total health overhaul. I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – and now it’s gone! I have a normal, healthy liver again. I used to have terrible reflux every night and that’s gone too. I’ve even stopped taking iron tablets because for the first time in 11 years, my levels are good just from the nutrients in the plan! Even my husband is happier! I used to snore so bad, and now I’m so quiet when I’m asleep that he actually nudges me to check on me! I am lighter now at 53 than when I joined the Army at 17 years old. It’s a total buzz to be in better shape now than I ever was.
Rachael: You kept your journey a secret from your family at first, didn’t you?
Tessa: I didn’t tell any of my family for the first 7 months! I just stuck to it here at home until I felt confident. When I finally shared the pictures and saw my Dad in person, he couldn’t believe it. I actually look small next to my Dad now, and I never remember feeling like that!
Rachael: Not only have you reclaimed your health, but you also won our £10,000 Grand Prize! How did it feel when you got that video call?
Tessa: Thank you so much, I’m over the moon with everything! I honestly couldn’t believe it when you video called me to let me know – it’s totally amazing, I really wasn’t expecting it!
Rachael: Any big plans for the winnings?
Tessa: Me and my husband are getting bikes! We’ve always enjoyed fitness and now I’m ready to give it a go. I’m finally getting a gym membership too – I always felt too big to go before, but now I’m ready to tone up. We’re also going to upgrade our holiday in Gran Canaria and get a nicer hotel, and I’m finally getting my car fixed!
Tessa’s Success Secrets: What’s in her basket?
Rachael: We have to talk about the food! What are the products you couldn’t live without?
Tessa: I honestly haven’t found anything I don’t like! That’s the truth of it. I think because there is such a huge variety, there is really something for everyone. Whether you like savory, spicy, or have a real sweet tooth, you’re covered. I loved that I could see every single meal and the cost before I even signed up – it was so transparent.
Tessa: “My absolute go-to is the Spaghetti Bolognese. I actually mix it with the Leek, Potato & Cheese Mash on top to make a ‘double combo.’ It feels like a proper, hearty meal and it’s so filling. When I’m in the mood for something sweet, I’m obsessed with the Dubai Chocolate and the Festive Shakes – they feel like such a treat, not like ‘diet’ food at all.”
Rachael: What are your top tips for someone starting their first week?
Tessa:
- Read Everything: Make sure you read the website so you know how to organize your packs.
- The “Gold Juice”: Water is the absolute key. Keep your intake up!!
Final Thoughts
Rachael: If you could sum up your journey, what would it be?
Tessa: Determination. I knew I had to do this. I needed rescuing from the lifestyle I was in and the New You Plan was my shining beacon of hope. It’s given me my life back.
Ready to Be Our Next Transformation Winner?
Feeling inspired by Tessa’s incredible health and mobility transformation?
This is your moment to step forward.
Our final Transformation Challenge deadline of the year is now open and there’s a massive £7,000 in cash prizes waiting to be won:
- £3000 for the Overall Winner
- 4 x £1000 cash prizes for our Runners Up
If you’ve already started your New You journey – or you’re ready to begin now – your story could be the next one we celebrate.
👉 Start (or restart) your plan today, commit to the process like Tessa did, and enter our final Transformation Challenge of the year before 31st December. Your story could be the one changing lives next.
