Sally Gunnell has revealed she used to ‘beat herself up if she ate too many calories’ and would wake up ‘feeling guilty’ after the weekend in a candid confession.
The former track-and-field star, 59, remains the only female British athlete to have held the Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth titles at the same time.
Since retiring from athletics in 1997, she has carved out a successful new path as a television presenter, keynote speaker, and wellbeing advocate.
Taking to her Instagram on Monday, Sally opened up on her relationship with calorie counting and feeling guilty after a weekend of celebration.
Sharing a series of snap from a wedding, she penned on top: ‘I used to see weekends like this as a failure…
Sally Gunnell has revealed she used to ‘beat herself up if she ate too many calories’ and would wake up ‘feeling guilty’ after the weekend in a candid confession
The former track-and-field star, 59, remains the only female British athlete to have held the Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth titles at the same time (pictured 1992)
‘This weekend I ate out for every meal, had one too many drinks on Saturday night, and danced until midnight…
‘It would be so easy to beat myself up today about this… But here is exactly why this isn’t a failure.
‘Because weekends like this are what life’s really about – making memories, celebrating with people you love, laughing until your face hurts, and being full present in the moment.
‘No calorie count can measure the value of connection. The smiles, the stories, the memories – they’re all part of a healthy life too.
‘Sometimes, you need weekends like this – guilt-free. Moments that refill your cup. Because we really can do this while on a health & fitness journey.
‘No, I don’t do this every weekend. But today , I have zero guilt , and I’m back to my usual routine – no restrictions no punishments, just balance.
‘Because a healthy lifestyle isn’t about perfection – it’s about living fully, creating memories, and realising we don’t have to put our life on hold for this.’
Alongside the post, Sally wrote: ‘I used to wake up after weekends like this feeling guilty…
Since retiring from athletics in 1997, she has carved out a successful new path as a television presenter, keynote speaker, and wellbeing advocate
Taking to her Instagram on Monday, Sally opened up on her relationship with calorie counting and feeling guilty after a weekend of celebration
Sharing a series of snap from a wedding she opened up about how weekends like this used to make her feel ‘guilty’
The star admitted she used to calorie count
But has no developed a health balance with having fun and being healthy
In the snaps, the star appeared in great sprits as she enjoyed the big day
Alongside the post, she furthered her point and asked her fans to comment if they agree
‘Trying to ‘undo’ every meal, every drink, every moment of fun.
‘But now I realise these weekends are part of a healthy life too.
‘The memories, the laughter, the connection – they matter so much more than we realise on this sustainable journey.
‘I don’t need to earn my food or make up for joy. I just get back into my routine – full heart, no guilt.
‘Because we really can do this without putting our life on hold or cutting out life’s best moments.’
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or caring for someone who is, visit https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ for advice and support.