Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
David raises a glass to his slimmer look
IAN BUNTING
For many people, Slimming World is regarded as having predominately female members – but David Buchanan is one of thousands of men loving their time with the organisation.
The Coatbridge dad has managed “to keep the weight off” without giving up his favourite foods and still tucks into “curries, steaks, burgers, roast dinners and fry-ups”, while even enjoying the odd glass of beer.
David, who attends the Slimming World group in Townhead and has lost 4st this far, said: “Like most men, I thought slimming clubs were for women and expected to be eating nothing but salad.
“But the minute I walked through the door, I realised that nothing could have been further from the truth.
“I was made very welcome; there’s a real mix of people – men and women of all ages – and we all have a great time.
“Plus, with Slimming World’s food optimising eating plan, no foods are banned; instead I’ve learned how to cook healthier versions of my favourite meals like steak pie and lasagne.”
David joined the class after trying a number of different diets; but signing up with Slimming World has helped him focus mentally after suffering from anxiety and having no self-belief and low self-esteem.
After years of yo-yo dieting, David has found a plan that works for him and attends the group every week.
He said: “My journey so far has been fantastic; seeing the results every week and learning in the class has given me a new lease of life and my journey isn’t over yet.
“Thanks to my consultant Clare and the group, I’m now much more active and have started hill walking too.
“It’s so important for me to keep fit so I can run around after my young family; we have three gorgeous children.”
Slimming World consultant Clare Bryce, who runs the Townhead group, added: “It’s great that we have so many amazing men in the class and, without a doubt, all of them have improved their health.
“Even though men tend to be more nervous when they first join, they are actually some of the most successful slimmers.
“Men tend to have more muscle mass than women do and as muscle uses up energy, it means that men often lose weight a little faster than women.
“Men also tend to be extremely focused when they start on a healthy eating plan and often see very good weight losses in the first few weeks, which motivates them to carry on and reach their targets quickly.”