It was 2015 when our Exante ambassador Sam Bailey made a decision to make a #RealChange in her life with the help of Exante.
Since successfully losing over two stone following The Sam Bailey Plan, Sam has had a whirlwind of a year. From being cast as Mamma Morton in the UK tour of Chicago to heading stateside to record the recently released ‘Sing My Heart out’ things have been going from strength to strength so we thought what a better time than now; the year “Exante-versary” to catch up…
E: Sam, you are looking great! With such a hectic schedule how have you been keeping the weight off following your time on Exante?
S: Having such a busy lifestyle it can be a blessing and a curse when it comes to weight maintenance. As a mum, a performer and recording artist time really is of the essence, and often I can be the last person who gets a chance to eat!
There will be the times when I only have a moment to eat or where I am on the road with limited options. I take Exante products with me, such as my favourite Strawberry Jam Bar so that I always have an option however I know I haven’t been perfect 100% of the time. Sometimes it is difficult, and I have chosen something that wasn’t ideal but I’m human and real and love my food, we’ve all had those times, right?
E: What advice would you be to someone who maybe is struggling?
S: I would say don’t be too hard on yourself, and just make sure you are consistently making better choices. It’s a lifestyle change and a process of changing how you see and think about food. It’s a cliché but it really is a marathon, not a sprint, just get back up and keep going.
What you have or haven’t eaten is in the past, think about what you can do and not what you can’t change. I can empathise completely when it comes to making the right food decisions especially when you are busy and I know I’ve got it wrong but I also know how to correct it thanks to Exante.
I know to pack my Exante favourites like a Strawberry Shake (I love all things strawberry) so I turn to them instead of a stodgy sandwich whilst I’m on the go.
E: That’s great advice Sam, how are you feeling about your weight loss now?
S: I’ve fallen off the wagon a couple of times, but overall I am more confident and ease wearing the clothes I want to wear. I no longer have to shop in stores that cater to larger sizes only and I love it. I’ve always said that I don’t feel my age and so now I’m able to reflect this side of my personality in the way I dress.
I no longer hold back I look great and feel great and that positive has really changed the way I approach things, nothing seems too daunting now and I love that freedom! My body no longer controls me.
E: You’ve had a fantastic year with your career and you show no signs of slowing down!
S: I know, my feet have barely touched the ground this year but I really am enjoying every minute! I feel so lucky to have these opportunities being given to me. I am getting ready to tour the UK in 2017 which I’m very excited about. I’ll get to perform everywhere, Glasgow, Liverpool, Nottingham and even my hometown Leicester, I always love getting to see my fans across the country.
It’s all because of them and hearing them singing along is what it’s all about and I can’t wait! I am gearing myself up for what will be a gruelling schedule but I know I am in a much fitter, healthier and happier place to bring my best to a tour now.
E: That’s fantastic, we can’t wait to hear about the tour! Your mentor Sharon is back with her partner in crime Louis on the X Factor this year! Have you been watching?
S: Of course I have, I love Sharon she has been so supportive of me and my career I really do value her so much, so I think it's great seeing her back on the show! She is feisty but caring, she will give her opinion but be constructive with it! She takes on a real motherly position within the show (Sharon is also Godmother to Sam’s Daughter Miley), and I know the public and contestants will be glad to have her back.
I feel like X Factor has been given a new lease of life with Sharon back on the show. We are still in contact so I will certainly be messaging her when I’m watching the auditions, awaiting the live shows! The show completely changed my life and opened doors I never thought I’d have the key too and I can’t wait to see who will come out of the show next!
Learn more about The Sam Bailey PlanFind out more about Sam’s 2017 Tour hereSam’s latest album Sing My Heart Out is released on the 16th September 2016 and is available to pre-order here!
