Amanda went from ‘fit to burst’ to ‘fit and fabulous’
I thought I would always be overweight.
Having tried just about every diet going without much success, my weight was beginning to spiral out of control.
It got so bad that in work I was scared to bend down in case I ripped yet another pair of trousers. At my lowest point, I weighed 16st 5lbs and was wearing size 20 clothes.
I had seen work colleagues, family and close friends lose fantastic amounts of weight with Slimming World, but the thought of going to a group filled me with dread.
I didn’t want to talk about how much I weighed. Seeing how miserable I was, my sister kept asking me to come along to her group, saying ‘give it a try, what have you got to lose?”
So on June 21 last year, I walked through the doors and was immediately blown away by how friendly everyone was.
Consultant Lorraine instantly put me at ease. She spoke about food optimising and explained how I could fill up on ‘unlimited free foods’.
It sounded too good to be true. I have a big appetite and love big plates of food – hearing I could still have my favourite meals like curry, fish and chips, pasta and a cooked breakfast in the morning, was amazing.
Nothing like the calorie counting and eating mainly lettuce from before.
Lorraine also stressed the importance of staying to group each week and how with the support from the other group members and herself, without humiliation or judgement, I could achieve my dream weight.
Sitting in the group I started to relax, I realised that everyone was just like me. I left group buzzing with new ideas and recipes and feeling for the first time in my life, that I could do this.
I went home and took my slow cooker out for the first time in years. The recipes are so quick and easy to follow, simply throw it all in and you have an amazing dinner.
Lamb Rogan Josh is one of my favourites.
On my first week, I lost 6lbs and was blown away – I have never lost so much weight in one week, ever.
I was in control and could still enjoy a packet of crisps or a biscuit, without feeling guilty, I felt totally liberated.
I attend group every week and have made some amazing friends, shared in their highs and lows and we support each other without judgement.
It’s an hour a week for me, to plan the week ahead and get some great ideas. It helps keep the fire burning and keeps me going, and I can truly say it has been the most positive thing I have ever done.
In just 44 weeks, I achieved my dream weight.
I have lost 5st and dropped five dress sizes, which means I’m now wearing a size 10, and am now a ‘target member’ at the group.
That allows me to share my experience with the new members.
Joining Slimming World has transformed my life and I am so very excited that I now have the opportunity to become a Slimming World consultant.
I would love for anyone that feels the same way I did to know that it’s okay. You can do it, you can get to your dream weight.
The hardest part is taking the first step, but you won’t regret it. I will be relaunching the group in St Mark’s Church, Telford Road, The Murray on Wednesday, July 17 at 6pm.
I really can’t wait to meet you.