Down three stone and in the zone!
A CASTLEISLAND mother has overcome health and personal setbacks to lose over three stone in weight, and has the confidence to look in the mirror again.
Elaine Courtney (43) says she now feels a huge difference in her health and energy levels.
“We live in town and have a green area outside my door, but I was too self-conscious and felt so out of breath when I tried to play along with my daughter to use it,” she said.
Elaine came to accept that things had to change when her daughter came home one day upset that the children outside were taunting her and had called her mother ‘fat’.
As much as it felt like a cruel thing for another person to say about someone else, Elaine had to accept it was true. She had gained quite a bit of weight in recent years and was wearing size-20 clothes in some items.
“My sister-in-law had lost quite an amount of weight through Slimming World, and she encouraged me to join. I soon discovered why she had so much success.
“I absolutely loved and continue to love going to the group weekly for my catch up, chats, tips and meeting all the new members and my friends. I got to my target in a very short time and was absolutely on a high.”
For all that, Elaine’s health took a turn, and it was discovered that she had a benign brain tumour and had to undergo surgery.
She had to prioritise her health and recovery to take a step back from the group. She was gutted.
“Of course old habits die hard, and I was soon giving in to temptations, with well-wishers and visitors calling with treats.
The pounds started piling back on. My original consultant had relocated to a new town, and I was unable to drive due to my surgery, and I was very nervous about returning to the group. I was embarrassed and felt apprehensive about returning.”
But after just a few minutes on returning, Elaine could feel her love for Slimming World return.
She gave it 100 percent and lost three stone. She’s now wearing size 10-12 in clothes, and she said can look in the mirror again.
“I am super proud of my achievements and the new me! I have to say I couldn’t have done it without the support of my group,” she said.
If you would like to find out more about Slimming World visit: www.slimmingworld.ie. Alternatively, search Slimming World Co. Kerry on Facebook for local group times.