Weight loss win for Daisy
A2 0 - Y E AR- O L D woman from Southport has lots to celebrate after losing 4st 10lbs to reach the finals of a national slimming competition where she met Olympic silver medallist and British 400m record holder Iwan Thomas.
Daisy Baglin was delighted to make the final 30 in Slimming World’s Young Slimmer of the Year 2016 competition out of all the 16 to 21-yearolds who attend Slimming World’s 14,000 groups across the UK and Ireland. The competition recognises the enormous achievements of young people in making longterm lifestyle changes to become fitter, healthier and happier.
Daisy, who joined the Kew Slimming World group in July last year, said: “When I was bigger, I always felt as though I didn’t fit in and that was really hard. It seemed like all of my friends were slim, happy and loving life, while I just spent all my time worrying about my weight.
“At first I was nervous at the idea of joining Slimming World because I thought that my friends or family might tease me or that the people at the group would judge me for being overweight at such a young age.
“I shouldn’t have worried, though, because everyone was really lovely and my friends and family are very proud of my weight loss. It made me think about how active I am, too, so I’ve taken up swimming and tennis as well and I really enjoy it.it I loved all of the food that’s on the plan, too.
“I can still have burgers, chips, curries and chocolate – I just have to make some healthy swaps, like switching white bread for wholemeal. Understanding my relationship with food has been a real eye opener and I’ve learned how to cook a bit.
“I feel as though I’ll be able to keep up this healthy way of life forever – which is something I never thought I would say! I’ve got so much more confidence now, too, and don’t feel like the ‘odd one out’ any more, which feels great.”
Since that first visit, Daisy has lost 4st 10lbs, going from 13st 10lbs to 9st, and feels amazing. Her fellow Kew group members voted for her to represent them in the Young Slimmer of the Year 2016 competition and she was one of 30 young people invited to the semi-finals, which were held at Slimming World’s head office, in Alfreton, Derbyshire.
It was there she met Iwan Thomas, who went to Slimming World to make the day special for the part.
Iwan, an Olympic medallist, World Gold medallist and European and Commonwealth Champion, was blown away by Daisy’s achievements.
He said: “It was a real honour to meet all of the young slimmers who made it to the semi-finals of the competition; they’ve achieved so much and should be really proud.
“Obviously health, fitness and nutrition have formed a huge part of my life and my career, so it’s a pleasure to see that so many young people have turned their lives around by eating healthily and taking up exercise.”
Sheila Bolton, who runs the Kew Slimming World youngsters taking group which Daisy attends, said: “I’m so proud of Daisy. What she’s achieved is so much more than just losing weight. The changes Daisy has made now have given her the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and develop new active habits that will stand her in good stead for the rest of her life.
“Most of all, it’s given her the self-belief to achieve her dreams.
“Anyone who wants to lose weight – whatever their age – and wants to know more about the difference that Slimming World can make is welcome to pop along to my group at Kew Evangelical Church, or call me on 07968 046 107 for more details.”