‘I’m fitter and more energetic!’
Abby Swartz, 37, a full-time carer, from Lincolnshire, lost 8st and 4lbs after suffering a health scare. “I’d loved animals my whole life and looking after horses growing up had been a lifelong dream. But in my early twenties we lost several horses to injuries. It was heartbreaking and took all joy out of the job. At 21, I started work as a home carer but, missing my life’s passion, I felt deflated and turned to food. I ate several chocolate croissants for breakfast, cheesy bacon turnovers for lunch, and the local Indian takeaway had memorised my regular order of a cheeseburger with spiral fries. My weight crept up and when my son Ryan was born in 2010, I was a size 24 and weighed over 19st. My joints ached so much I struggled to play with him, and I turned to chocolate for an energy fix. Doctors told me I was at risk of stroke and heart disease, and tests confirmed I had type-2 diabetes. Then when Ryan was three, he was diagnosed with autism, and I realised if I didn’t look after my health, I wouldn’t be around for him, which was terrifying. My partner Darrell saw a Facebook post for Slimming World and said he’d come along too. At the first group session everyone was so welcoming, I left feeling inspired. I filled our supermarket trolley with lean cuts of meat, fruit, veg, pasta and rice. Breakfast was a low-fat fruit yoghurt and two Slimming World high-fibre bars, for lunch a jacket potato with tuna salad and dinner would be a homemade lasagne with Slimming World chips and veg. I was stunned at how tasty the meals were, and, after two weeks, I’d lost half a stone. There were days when the scales wouldn’t budge, but I was reminded it doesn’t have to ruin your week and so I carried on. I soon started to think about becoming more active, so I walked one to two miles a day and felt more energised as a result. Soon I was exercising every day and after losing another 5st, I was no longer gasping for breath and my confidence soared. I had enough energy to keep up with Ryan and even began horse riding again. I continued to lose weight and eventually reached my target weight of 11st and I’d even reversed my type-2 diabetes. I’ve never felt happier!”
● Abby’s story originally featured in Slimming World Magazine. The latest issue is available to buy in groups and on the newsstand.
Yes you can… …lose weight without ever going hungry Fill up on everyday favourites like pasta, potatoes, fruit, lean meat and veggie choices, with no need to weigh or measure. It’s about cutting calories without counting calories.
…take control and become an expert in yourself
As experts in the psychology of weight loss, Slimming World will help you make lasting changes and introduce healthy habits in a way that’s personalised and sustainable.
… find a friendly, welcoming and super-supportive group
Research shows that you’re more likely to lose weight as part of a community than if you go it alone. In Slimming World groups you’ll find a safe and supportive space where your weight is always kept confidential. …build up active habits, at your own pace
Whether you’re already active, or looking for support to get started, Slimming World’s physical activity programme meets you where you are right now. Plus, exclusive member workout videos are all part of your membership. …fit all this around you and your lifestyle Get 24/7 access to our members-only app and website, with 1,800 delicious recipes, mindset-reset tools, inspirational success stories, progress tracking, plus the Slimming World barcode scanner to help you make great food choices in seconds. Yes, you can reach your dream weight and stay there without ever having to say “no” to the things that you love!