Helen Craddock
Hi, I'm Helen
A woman in her 50s who’s lost over 7 stone and is still learning how to show up for herself, one small step at a time.
This isn’t about perfection, quick fixes, or pressure.
It’s about progress, kindness, and building a life that feels good to live in.
For years, I felt stuck. Trapped in a cycle of emotional eating, shame, and feeling like real change was for other people. I lived with pain from lymphedema, carrying nearly 20 stone, my weight creeping up each year, whilst nothing I did made a impact. Then I discovered something different and for the first time, I started to believe it wasn’t too late.
I have started taking Mounjaro, a licensed drug to help treat obesity in the UK. I had been thinking about starting this treatment for quite a while and looked into this and other alternatives that are available in the UK.
There is so much misinformation about these drugs online and in the media so I hope I can help by sharing my experiences and provide you all with more information through my blog posts.
If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a message or let me know if there is anything in particular you would like me to discuss.
Please note that I am only documenting my experience, always do your own research and speak to a doctor or pharmacy for medical advice or if you have concerns whilst taking GLP1 medication.
With love, Helen 🩷
Start Here: Your First Steps
If you’re new here, welcome — I’m really glad you found your way.
This is a quiet space for women in midlife who are navigating weight loss, self-trust, and real life — imperfectly and honestly.
You might like to start with:
My Story
How I lost over 7 stone and learned that transformation is about more than numbers.
My Most Read Blog Posts
The posts readers return to when they need encouragement and perspective.
👉 One Year On. One Step at a Time. 🎉
👉 Hormones, Paddington & The Great Chocolate Crisis of 2025
👉 What No One Tells You About GLP-1 and Emotional Eating
My Digital Journal
After years of struggling with emotional eating and self-doubt, I created a gentle companion journal to support women on GLP-1 journeys.
It’s designed for reflection, self-kindness, and realistic progress — not punishment.
👉 View the Journal
What I’m Building Next
I’m beginning to share more of my journey on YouTube.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@helencraddock
One Small Step At A Time.
The
"I'm Doing This" Challenge
A 30-day self-trust boost that
feels doable (because it is)
✅ Build momentum with 5 tiny feel-good habits
✅ Learn to trust yourself again—one day at a time
✅ Finally feel like change is happening for real
Are you ready for more?
Ready to build the life of your dreams?
Let's chat
Ready to work with a coach to uplevel your life and business?
On The Blog....
My honest journey on Mounjaro (and everything in between)
All the Reasons I Didn’t Want to Try a GLP-1 Diet
(a.k.a. My Love Letter to Food and Mild Hypochondria)
The real life diary of transformation
(without losing the plot)
December On Mounjaro.
🎄 The tree is finally up
Decorating is finished.
I cannot explain the
level of satisfaction.
I, however, am knackered.
The Mindset Makeover
💛 You’re taking the injection… but what about the inner work?
If you’re on a GLP-1 journey and starting to realise that mindset, habits, and emotional wellbeing are just as important as the medication — this digital journal is for you.
Over six gentle, 4-week cycles, you’ll track progress, stay connected to your why, and build the kind of self-trust that lasts long after the weight comes off.
About Me
Listen to the
Podcast
view my
services
read the
BLOG
Let's chat
Ready to work with a coach to uplevel your life and business?
Let's learn
Learn at your own pace and make quantum leaps.
Student Love Notes
We've helped so many incredible students to find success as Virtual Assistants...
The VA Business Blueprint helped me to go from feeling completely stuck to starting my business and getting my first client!
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I enrolled in the VA Services Academy feeling completely lost - within 2 weeks I knew exactly what to offer & what to charge.
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Beginner to Booked Out was a game-changer for me. Anna and her team are incredible and I'm booked out for the next 3 months!
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New on the blog...
How to Pack Light for the Perfect Mini Break
There’s something magical about a mini break. A few days away from your usual routine, a change of scenery, good food, long walks, and that feeling of being slightly untethered from everyday life.
But somehow the packing part always feels… chaotic. Suddenly the “just a few days away” trip turns into a suitcase situation that would survive a two-week holiday.
The truth? You probably need way less than you think.
Learning to pack lightly doesn’t just make travel easier, it makes the whole experience feel calmer, more spontaneous, and a lot more fun.
✈️ Packing Light Is Easier Than You Think.
👀 Take my recent trip to Madeira...
🔥 That One Bag Will Change Everything
Packing Light Is Easier Than You Think.
Packing light isn’t about restriction or sacrificing style. It’s about being intentional.
Instead of throwing options into a suitcase “just in case”, you build a small collection of pieces that work together effortlessly.
Think layers. Think versatility. Think outfits that can go from a morning coffee walk to dinner without needing a full wardrobe change.
Once you start packing this way, travelling becomes a lot simpler, and honestly, a lot more enjoyable.
Take my recent trip to Madeira...
On a recent trip to Madeira, I challenged myself to pack in just one small bag.
No “backup” outfits. No extra shoes I’d probably never wear. Just the essentials.
And you know what? I didn’t miss anything.
Having fewer choices actually made the trip easier. Getting dressed took seconds, my bag was light enough to carry anywhere, and I never had that annoying moment of digging through layers of things I didn’t need.
It was proof that packing light isn’t about doing without, it’s about travelling smarter.
The Absolute Essentials
For most short trips, my packing list barely changes.
A versatile dress or two, a comfortable pair of trainers, a lightweight jumper, sleepwear, and a simple jacket that works with everything.
Toiletries stay minimal and travel-sized, and I always pack a reusable tote for beach days, market runs, or spontaneous shopping.
When everything works together, a tiny bag suddenly feels more than enough.
My Go-To Packing List:
Clothing
1 travel outfit (comfy but cute)
1 versatile dress or outfit for evenings
1 lightweight jumper or cardigan
1 jacket or coat depending on the weather
1 extra top
1 pair of comfortable trainers
Sleepwear
Underwear + socks
Toiletries
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Travel-size skincare essentials
Deodorant
Hairbrush or comb
Minimal makeup (if needed)
Essentials
Phone + charger
Passport or ID
Sunglasses
Small crossbody bag
Reusable tote bag
Extras (Optional but handy)
Kindle or book
Reusable water bottle
Compact umbrella
Hair clip or scrunchie
Lip balm
“Travel isn’t about how much you bring with you — it’s about how much freedom you leave room for.”
That One Bag Will Change Everything
There’s something incredibly freeing about travelling with just one bag.
No dragging heavy suitcases through train stations. No waiting around at baggage carousels. No stress about what you packed or didn’t pack.
Just grab your bag and go.
It turns travel into something lighter, physically and mentally.
And once you experience that kind of simplicity, it’s hard to go back.
3 Key Factors To Finding Your Perfect Mini-Break Bag:
Size matters (but smaller is better): your bag should be big enough for essentials but small enough that overpacking isn’t an option.
Comfort is everything: if you’ll be walking through airports, train stations, or cobbled streets, a comfortable strap and lightweight design are essential.
Style you actually love: a bag you genuinely love to carry makes the whole experience feel better. Function matters, but so does feeling good with it.
Mini breaks are meant to feel easy, spontaneous, and refreshing.
Packing lightly helps you lean into that energy, less stress, less stuff, and more room to actually enjoy where you are.
So next time you’re heading off for a few days away, try taking less than you think you need.
You might be surprised by how much better the trip feels.
Bon voyage!
Evelyn Smith xxx
