WE all find excuses to put off weight loss but new mum Leanne Beveridge is proof there is no time like the present.

I may as well start after Christmas or Easter, I am off on holiday or even a pregnancy can be reasons to put off getting on the scales.

But the mum-of-one from Ardleigh embarked on her journey to staying healthy and losing three stone while she was four months pregnant with her first child.

And she is now embracing a new healthier lifestyle as mum to baby Annabelle as well as launching her own slimming group in a bid to support and help others in a similar position.

Leanne, 23, says at first she slipped into the idea she needed to eat for two and gradually her cravings took over and she felt the pounds creeping on.

She says: "I didn't want to be an unhealthy mum so I knew four months into my pregnancy something had to change."

Despite working and keeping active during that time Leanne says she felt bloated, tired and slight anxious she was going to become too big towards the end of her pregnancy due to over-eating rather than expecting a baby.

Having decided to join Slimming World - which is the only healthy eating plan currently to be endorsed by the Royal College of Midwives for pregnant and breastfeeding mums - she checked with her mid wife and then began to follow its food optimising plan.

On the plan no foods are banned but members are encouraged to fill up on free, healthy foods including lean meat, fruit and vegetable and minimise their calorie-filled treats.

These form syns, which are restricted to between 10 and 15 a day while there is also the option of having one fibre and one dairy-based healthy extra each day.

Leanne says she soon began to feel better, less tired and bloated and with clearer skin.

She worked right up to her due date.

Leanne adds: "After seeking advice from my midwife, I joined a new group in Colchester and sat through the new members talk which I found exciting, interesting and thorough.

"My Consultant Emma gave me extra advice leaflets on pregnancy and breastfeeding.”

Leanne stayed to group every week where she says she received motivation, support, ideas and recipes.

"I loved feeling supported and that everyone was there for the same reason.

"We could laugh and cry together as everyone understands how each other feels. I joined the social team to get to know the members and help others, always looking out for new members who like me on their first night, often feel nervous.”

After Christmas and heading towards her due date in April, the pounds slowly crept on but Leanne continued to feel proud of herself and the healthy changes she was making to her eating habits.

"I weighed on 13th April hitting my heaviest 14st 3lb, my daughter Annabelle arrived safely three days later and I returned to group the following week losing 8lb.”

Overall she had only put on 1st 9Ib during her pregnancy - below the average weight gain of two stones.

capitalising on that eight pounds in the first week Leanne has now shed 3st and half a pound to get to just over 11stone - she now hopes to achieve a new goal of reaching 10st 7Ib in the new year.

Leanne says the plan suits her and her family.

"I love the fact we can eat as a family; our favourites are spaghetti bolognese, slow cooked pulled pork, cottage pie topped with swede, traditional English fry up and a good old Sunday roast packed with vegetables.

"I can also have treat sized chocolates, wine and crisps guilt free.

"I eat lots more fruit and vegetables now than I used to and drink plenty more water or sugar free squash.

"Also I’m eating more food in general because on the Slimming World plan it’s classed as free food so I know it’s unlimited and there’s no weighing or measuring to be done.

"Slimming world has helped me think more about what to eat and I now find better options in food, making positive changes in life for good, oil to fry light, white bread to brown, normal bacon rashers with visible fat on to bacon medallions and sugar to sweetener.

"Little changes made in the family for the best and everyone’s happy."

As a result of her achievements Leanne was nominated for the Slimming World Woman of the Year title having lost her weight in 19 weeks after her daughter's birth and dropping two dress sizes.

Now a lifetime target member she wants to inspire and help others achieve their weight loss goals.

Her group opens on Thursday January 4 at Acorn Hall, Harwich Road in Colchester with sessions at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

For further information, please call or text Leanne on 07880 354718.