Welcome to Just Average Jen. I am the author Jen Mellor, based in Nottingham, UK. I’ve spent 10 years sharing my personal journey with Slimming World, weight loss, and confidence, creating easy recipes, realistic tips, and honest advice that works in everyday life. Using both my knowledge and lived experience, I aim to help you become your own cheerleader and build a happy, healthy lifestyle that feels sustainable and achievable.
Whether your goal is weight loss, bolstering confidence or self-acceptance, I have the tools and experience to help you. In time, and with my support, you can soon be your greatest cheerleader and best friend.
Who I am
Hi, I’m Jen Mellor, the creator of Just Average Jen.
I’ve been sharing my journey with weight loss, healthy living, confidence and wellbeing online for more than 10 years. Through this blog, I share realistic advice, healthy recipes, exercise tips and honest product reviews based on my own experiences.
Unlike many health websites, I’m not a nutritionist or doctor. I’m simply someone who has experienced the highs and lows of weight loss, lost more than 10 stone, regained weight, and learned that being healthy isn’t about being perfect.
My aim is to help ordinary people make sustainable changes without guilt, extremes or unrealistic expectations.
Quick Facts About Jen
- Based in Nottinghamshire, UK
- Blogger since 2014
- Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology
- Author of My 12 Weeks to a Better Me Journal
- Featured in national media
- Loves travel, photography, gin and chocolate
- Believes healthy living should fit around real life
- Survivor of domestic abuse (my experience)
- Parent of an adult son with autism
My Weight Loss Story
Here are a few articles that share different elements of my weight loss story you may find helpful
Why Readers Trust My Advice
I believe the best advice comes from real experience, honesty and a willingness to keep learning. While I am not a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist, I have spent more than 10 years sharing my own experiences of weight loss, healthy living, confidence and wellbeing through Just Average Jen.
Over the years, I have lost more than 10 stone, experienced weight regain, navigated the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. My articles are based on my personal experiences, extensive research, and conversations with experts where appropriate.
I hold a Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology, which has given me valuable insight into behaviour, motivation and the psychological aspects of making lasting lifestyle changes. I also regularly review scientific research, health guidance and reputable sources to ensure my content is accurate and up to date.
Since launching Just Average Jen, I have written thousands of articles covering weight loss, healthy recipes, exercise, self-esteem, menopause, wellbeing and everyday lifestyle topics. I have worked with a wide range of brands, reviewed products personally and shared honest opinions based on my own experiences.
Most importantly, I write for real people. I understand how difficult it can be to balance healthy living with work, family life, stress and everything else that comes with everyday life. My aim is always to provide practical, realistic advice that readers can genuinely use, without guilt, pressure or unrealistic expectations.
- Creator of Just Average Jen since 2014
- More than 10 years of blogging experience
- Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology
- Lost over 10 stone through lifestyle changes
- Personal experience of obesity, weight loss and weight regain
- Experienced product reviewer and content creator
- Featured in national and local media
- Passionate about helping people make realistic, sustainable lifestyle changes
What I Write About
Over the years, Just Average Jen has grown from a personal weight loss blog into a lifestyle website covering a wide range of topics that matter to real people. Everything I share is written with honesty, practical advice and a focus on making life a little easier.
Weight Loss and Healthy Living
Having experienced both successful weight loss and weight regain, I understand the challenges many people face. I share realistic advice, healthy habits, motivation and personal experiences to help readers find an approach that works for them.
Healthy Recipes
From family meals and slow cooker recipes to air fryer favourites and healthier versions of popular dishes, I love sharing recipes that are simple, affordable and enjoyable to eat.
Exercise and Fitness
You don’t need to be a gym enthusiast to move more. I write about beginner-friendly exercise, workouts for different abilities, ways to stay active and practical fitness tips that fit into everyday life.
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Building confidence can be just as important as losing weight. I regularly write about body confidence, self-care, mindset and learning to be kinder to yourself.
Menopause and Women’s Health
As I navigate my own health journey, I share information and personal experiences relating to menopause, hormones, wellbeing and the challenges many women face as they get older.
Weight Loss Medications and Food Noise
I write openly about obesity, food noise, weight loss medications and the realities of managing weight in a world where food is everywhere. My goal is to provide balanced, judgement-free information that helps readers feel less alone.
Product Reviews
I review products, services and experiences across health, wellbeing, travel, technology and everyday life. Every review is based on honest opinions and clearly discloses when products have been gifted or provided for review.
Travel and Days Out
I enjoy exploring the UK and beyond, sharing travel tips, accessible attractions, family-friendly destinations and practical advice to help readers make the most of their trips. Travel is a big passion of mine and I love exploring the UK and Europe. I share practical travel tips, accessible attractions, road trip ideas and honest destination guides based on my own experiences.
Family Life and Everyday Living
Life isn’t always about diets and recipes. I also write about parenting, caring responsibilities, wellbeing, money-saving ideas, home life and the everyday experiences that many readers can relate to.
Whatever the topic, my aim is always the same: to provide helpful, honest and realistic content written by someone who understands that life isn’t perfect and that healthy living should fit around real life, not the other way around.
Featured In
Over the years I have been featured in national and local media, sharing my experiences and opinions on topics including weight loss, healthy living, confidence, wellbeing and everyday life.
I have contributed to newspaper articles, radio discussions and online publications, helping to raise awareness of issues that affect ordinary people trying to live healthier and happier lives.
Being featured in the media has allowed me to share my personal experiences with a wider audience and support others who may be facing similar challenges.
You can see some of my media appearances and features on my media page.
Over the years I have been invited to comment on weight loss, healthy living, confidence and lifestyle topics across national and local media.
- The Telegraph
- Metro
- The Sun
- The Mirror
- The Daily Mail
- The Daily Express
- Mansfield Chad
- Talk Radio
- BBC Radio Nottingham
- and more.
Why I Started Just Average Jen
I got tired of seeing weight loss advice aimed at perfect people with unlimited time, money and motivation.
Real life is messier than that.
Most of us are juggling work, family, stress and everyday challenges.
Just Average Jen is about finding realistic ways to be healthier, happier and kinder to yourself without striving for perfection.
Why am I perfect to help you?
With my knowledge and experience, I want to help everyone to realise that they are in charge of their destiny. Instead of spending years of your life hating yourself, why not embrace the differences and accept and love the person you are?
Loving yourself may initially seem challenging and hating yourself effortlessly, but I will help you change that narrative and recognise you are lovable and can be happy.
Striving for perfection is the fastest way to feel like a failure. You don’t need to be the best at anything; you don’t need to change for anyone. Happiness will be there when you love who you already are.
More about me
I studied psychology at university and have since done extensive research and read about the importance of self-belief, and feel that I have the experience to help you.
I didn’t use to love myself; in fact, I absolutely hated myself, even after losing over 10 stone in weight and dropping from dress size 30 to size 6.
Whilst currently a plus-size lady and usually wearing bright clothes, I am usually recognisable! I am unapologetically me, and you can be whoever you want to be, too. Wear what you want to, do what you want, and be your best friend!
I love cooking healthy meals, and sharing those is a big part of Just Average Jen. I am a vegetarian, so I have a lot of experience in cooking vegetarian meals and adapting recipes to make them vegetarian.
My Fiancé Stuart, and son, Ben, both eat meat, although due to Ben’s severe allergies, I often adapt recipes and meal ideas for him too.
Whilst being physically healthy is important to me, it is also important for me to be mentally healthy too, so I don’t place too much importance on my weight anymore, but more on how I am feeling as a person.
This video about my weight loss from size 30 to size 8 is a great place to start.
How I Research My Articles
Trust is important to me, and I take care to ensure the information I share is accurate, helpful and easy to understand.
Many of my articles are based on my own lived experiences, including weight loss, weight regain, obesity, confidence, healthy living, menopause, caring responsibilities and everyday life challenges. However, I don’t rely solely on personal experience.
When writing articles I regularly refer to trusted sources such as NHS guidance, government health information, reputable organisations and scientific research where appropriate. For product reviews, I aim to test products personally whenever possible so I can provide honest feedback based on real use.
Health information changes over time, so I also review and update older articles to help ensure they remain relevant and accurate for readers.
My goal has always been simple: to provide realistic, practical advice that helps people make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Check out my Journal I designed and published!
My 12 Weeks to a Better Me Journal
Buy Now →Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight has Jen lost?
Over the years I have lost more than 10 stone through lifestyle changes, healthier habits and finding approaches that worked for me. Like many people, my journey hasn’t been straightforward, and I have also experienced weight regain. This is one reason I focus on realistic, sustainable healthy living rather than quick fixes.
Is Jen a nutritionist or dietitian?
No, I am not a nutritionist or dietitian. I share my personal experiences, research and opinions based on my own health and weight loss journey. Where appropriate, I refer to reputable sources and always encourage readers to seek professional medical advice for individual health concerns.
Does Jen still follow Slimming World?
I have followed Slimming World at different times throughout my weight loss journey and have shared many Slimming World-friendly recipes and tips over the years. However, I believe there is no single approach that works for everyone, and I now focus on finding a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable and realistic for me personally.
Has Jen used weight loss medication?
Yes. I am open about my experiences with weight loss medication and discuss topics such as obesity, food noise and medications where relevant. I believe honest conversations help reduce stigma and can help others feel less alone in their own journeys.
Does Jen review products herself?
Yes, wherever possible I personally test and review products before writing about them. My reviews are always based on my genuine experience and honest opinion. If a product has been gifted or provided for review, this is clearly disclosed within the article.
Can brands work with Just Average Jen?
Absolutely. I regularly work with brands on sponsored content, product reviews, social media campaigns, advertising and other collaborations that are relevant to my audience. If you are interested in working together, please visit my contact page or get in touch to discuss opportunities.
What is Just Average Jen about?
Just Average Jen is a lifestyle blog focused on healthy living, weight loss, recipes, wellbeing, confidence, exercise, travel and everyday life. My aim is to share practical advice, honest experiences, and realistic tips that help readers live happier, healthier lives.
Where is Jen based?
I am based in Nottinghamshire, UK, although I write about topics and experiences relevant to readers across the UK and beyond.
Why is the website called Just Average Jen?
The name came from the idea that most of us are ordinary people trying to do our best. I’m not a celebrity, fitness model or health expert with a perfect life. I’m just Jen, sharing my experiences in the hope that they help others facing similar challenges.
Thanks for visiting Just Average Jen.
Whether you’re here for weight loss support, healthy recipes, confidence tips or simply a friendly place to feel understood, I’m glad you’re here.
I hope something on the site helps you realise that you don’t need to be perfect to be happy, healthy and confident.