I no longer worry if I will fit in the cinema seat, or if the parking bay is wide enough...
MUM LOSES NINE-AND-HALF STONE AFTER JOINING SLIMMING PLAN TO SUPPORT FRIEND
A WOMAN lost nine-and-a-half stone after making the life-changing decision to support a friend on a new weight loss venture.
Clare Ward dropped eight dress sizes in two years while following a Slimming World plan – going from a size 28 down to a size 12/14.
The 47-year-old suffered with health issues before she started the diet, battling an extreme case of acid reflux.
The mum, from Earl Shilton, said she started each day coughing until she vomited – an act she was ashamed of when holidaying with friends and extended family.
Clare said she did not realise the impact the decision would have on her life after joining a new group during the first lockdown in 2020.
Two years later, she is loving life and has even followed in her friend’s footsteps by becoming a consultant running her own group.
Wearing masks during the pandemic was difficult for Clare, as was any form of physical activity, because she struggled to catch her breath.
Living in a bungalow meant the only time she needed to climb any stairs was at work – and when nobody was around she would take the lift, even though it was just one flight.
The increasing lack of mobility inspired her to make a change after a friend signed up to become a consultant with Slimming World.
Clare said: “When I agreed to support my newly-trained Slimming
World consultant friend in her venture, I didn’t realise just what an impact that decision would have on me and my life.
“Fast forward by almost two years and by following the Slimming World plan I have lost a huge nineand-a-half stone and gone from a clothes size 28 to a size 12/14.
“I’m now following in my friend’s footsteps by becoming a consultant and running my own group.
“I have to admit that when I walked in to my very first session it was a strange experience because it was a new group opening just after the first lockdown so there were no existing members, but there was a real sense of community, everyone joining the new members’ talk and finding out together about how food optimising worked and could be adapted to suit everyone’s lifestyle.
“We were all embarking on our
journey at the same time which gave it a real sense of adventure”.
After her first meeting, Clare lost six-and-a-half pounds on that first week - and the losses just kept on coming.
The busy mum began creating meal plans the entire family could enjoy, while receiving weight loss awards for her consistent efforts.
She said: “I was feeling completely in control and loving every second.
“The support from my consultant and members of the group was amazing, as the weight loss awards kept coming the cheers and applause from everyone in the group really boosted morale and I was starting to see just how much I had achieved.”
The weight loss consultant said now she has started to appreciate the little things she is able to do.
She no longer has to rely on her daughter to reach the kitchen cupboard, or make sure she has enough space to get out when parking her car.
She added: “When booking family holidays I would never agree to an overseas trip as I was terrified I wouldn’t fit on a plane seat. This has all changed.
“I no longer worry about whether I will fit in the seat at the cinema, whether the chairs in the meeting room will be strong enough to hold my weight or if a parking bay is wide enough for me.
“I’m so glad that through the simple act of agreeing to help my friend I have given myself a healthier and happier life, one that I am thrilled to share with my family.
“I am forever grateful to her for getting me to start my Slimming World journey and I look forward to being able to help others reach their dream weight”.
Clare’s group meets on Thursdays at St Jude Parish Hall, High Street, Earl Shilton. To join, turn up on the day or call her on 07531 642 150.