Kathryn’s healthier and happier

It’s amazing isn't it...? Everyone has got dieting advice and often good advice but yet again I chose to ignore it! At a size 26 I was miserable and desperate. Friends were "doing" Slimming World but oh no, I knew better.

I embarked on a dire journey of three soups (of 411 calories) per day as I tried a well known liquid meal replacement. I dropped from a size 26 to barely fitting a size 8. Now as fantastic as that sounds and as amazing as it felt it did have draw backs.

After five months of this diet my hair started to fall out... my skin looked pale and my body resembled a lollipop as my body was far too skinny for my 5ft 7 frame. My nails were brittle and people in the street I’d not seen for ages asked if I was alright as my weight loss was alarming.

My sister had stopped talking to me as she was scared that I was damaging my body and my mum looked at me with worrying glances. But to me for a whole six months I was a size 8... So stupid when I look back on it now.

I had no idea how to maintain my weight and having lived like a recluse for five months the world was now out there and ready to see the new me! I wanted to socialise and see my friends again... but all this involved eating and drinking. I started putting back a pound here and a pound there whilst living a poor diet of grilled vegetables and powdered meal replacements. I could not maintain it - who would be able to? And then out of desperation I resorted to laxatives.

When that couldn't keep the weight off I binged uncontrollably as the misery of being a “big girl” again ran away with me. I was then back in the deep dark cave of my overweight body yet again, letting food rule my life and stopping me from enjoying my twenties.

So here I am now - a plump size 20. I’m now where I should be - with Slimming World. Three weeks in and 11lbs lighter I’m ready to be sensible and achieve my goal - of a size 12 - gradually and comfortably as I enjoy Free Foods.

Thanks Slimming World - for being the wise one and giving me back my determination to be the girl I should sensibly be!

Yours, an 11lb lighter Kathryn.

From Kathryn Webb

 

Forty, fit and fabulous!

Wow! I've just joined bodyOptimise today and I’m very impressed with what I’ve read so far.

The Extra Easy plan looks too good to be true! Many years ago I lost weight successfully on the Original Slimming World plan. Now, 13 years down the line, having just turned 40 I’m morbidly obese, my health is at risk and I feel old and frumpy. Something has got to give, and I’d rather it wasn't the seams on my blouse!

So here goes. I can't wait to get started. I can already imagine the benefits, not just for me but for my husband and children too. I may have started my 40th year fat and frumpy but I’ll be finishing it fit and fabulous!

From Jacqueline Gilmartin

 

Elaine’s graduation target

I started Slimming World at university in January 2010 and it was the best decision I ever made. My weight had meant I felt really uncomfortable with myself and hated socialising. After joining the group I lost my first stone in just under 7 weeks.

By the time I left university at the end of April I’d lost just under a stone and a half and felt much happier and at ease. However once I was back at home it became that little bit harder for me to stick to the plan. Even though I hadn't put on any weight because of the training I’d been doing for Race for Life and the marathon (Yes - the marathon - something I’d never have considered before!) I wanted to kick start my weight loss again.

I decided to join online and I can honestly say it was a brilliant decision. Here’s to reaching my target, hopefully just in time for my graduation and I’m looking forward to carrying on Food Optimising.

From Elaine Knight

 

Aimee’s looking after herself now

This is my first week with bodyOptimise - I’m sticking to the plan and can honestly say I’ve eaten better than I have in years.  Just by making shopping lists and buying my own 'special' treats in the form of fresh fruit and Mullerlight yogurts, it’s made me realise that over the years I’ve stopped caring enough about myself to really think about the stuff going into my mouth. 

I have three small children and a husband, plus a busy job... and I have put myself last routinely. Not that I’m blaming my family for me being a size 20.  But I guess I didn't believe I could incorporate healthy eating into my life. Now I’ve tried it, it seems so easy.  Meals are ready just as quickly as stopping by a take away shop and ordering my favourite dish.  I’ve always made sure my children eat balanced meals, so why not myself?! 

My wonderful husband is really encouraging me now.  The day before I joined bodyOptimise, we had a real heart to heart about why I keep ducking out of socialising. I feel insecure around slim people basically, and sadly it is down to one thing only - my size.  However, I’m full of hope for my future now, so wish me luck...!

From Aimee Armitage