Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Slimline success for thrilled Kaireen
IAN BUNTING
Alongside picking out a beautiful dress and homing in on a special venue, part of Kaireen Lewis’ wedding planning was to tackle issues with her weight.
She was persuaded to join Slimming World by her mum and sister – and has hailed it as “one of the best decisions I have ever made”.
And it’s little wonder as Kaireen has lost nearly 13st and scooped a number of awards from her groups, including woman of the year, greatest loser and Miss Slinky.
Kaireen said: “Before my wedding, I had already shed 6st 12lbs by following a calorie-controlled diet; but I had reached the stage where I wasn’t losing any more weight.
“My mum and sister convinced me to give Slimming World a go and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made; I’ve never looked back since.
“I love the fact that I can eat the exact same meals as anyone else who is not following Slimming World’s healthy eating plan.
“I committed to a lifestyle change in the way I shopped, cooked and ate to ensure I continued to follow the plan.”
Kaireen has shed an incredible 12st 12lbs and this and her group awards have helped build her confidence and enabled her to do things she “never imagined she would’ve been able to do”.
She began following Slimming World’s food optimising healthy eating plan, which encourages members to satisfy their appetite on healthy foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish and fruit and vegetables.
Kaireen said: “Slimming World members are able to lose weight without ever going hungry and still enjoy treats without feeling deprived, so there’s no need to miss out on their favourites.
“I am delighted that I can now do simple things like walking my dog and tying my shoe laces without struggling.
“I also used to struggle walking up the stairs, or even walking to the local shops and back, because I was so overweight.
“But food optimising has improved my health and I no longer rely on inhalers for my asthma, or suffer from arthritis.”
Stephen Martin, who runs the Townhead Slimming World group which Kaireen attends, says he is “extremely proud” of Kaireen.
He added: “Kaireen has been a friend of mine since we were at school and it was her who actually encouraged me to join Slimming World and, after I lost 3st, become a consultant to help others achieve their dreams.
“She is such an inspiration to the other members of our group, and to a number of groups she has attended over the years.
“I have no doubt that she’ll inspire other people to lose weight too and show that whether you’ve got a little or a lot of weight to lose, slimming down can make a big difference to how you feel about yourself and really boost your confidence.
“Kaireen is much happier, healthier and fitter and every week the group love hearing about her progress.”
Anyone who has been inspired by Kaireen is welcome to join Stephen’s group at Townhead parish church hall, on Crinan Crescent, every Saturday at 8.30am.
New members can pop along, or if they’d like more information they can call Stephen on 07847 332745 or visit www. facebook.com/TownheadSaturdayAM/