I’m happier, healthier and full of confidence after losing four stone
LUCY PRAISES SUPPORT OF WEIGHT-LOSS ORGANISATION MEMBERS
FOR Lucy Drewery, being overweight had a negative impact on every aspect of her life – from her mental health to finding clothes that fitted.
After shedding more than four stone since September 2020, she has become happier, healthier and full of confidence.
Lucy, 26, from Loughborough, who went from 17st 2lb to 13st, said: “I feel like a new woman since losing weight.
“In fact, I look so different people I haven’t seen for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person.
“I have to say, though, it’s the change on the inside that’s been the greatest – I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now.
“My weight impacted on so many aspects of my life, from struggling to find clothes to fit to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling tired and out of breath.
“Now I’m full of life and can do so much more.”
After seeing a poster, Lucy decided to join a Slimming World group.
She said: “I was so nervous before my first session and had no idea what to expect.
“I didn’t have to be worried though. Everyone there was so friendly and made me feel so welcome, especially my consultant Tina Charles
“After listening to people talk and share their experiences that week, I realised everyone there was in the same boat.
“They understood what it felt like to struggle with your weight and were all working together – and helping each other – to achieve the very thing I wanted to; to lose weight and keep it off for good.
“I have to say, I was very relieved when I found out that my weight was confidential, too – I’d had visions of having to tell everyone how much I weighed.
“I’ve made so many friends at the group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week – especially as I joined just before Slimming World went virtual.
“We still all support each other with new recipes and tips and if anyone is ever struggling, we are always there to remind each other how far we’ve come.
“Chatting things through in a group and listening to others has really helped me to understand my own challenges and motivations when it comes to losing weight. “Their support has helped me to believe in myself more. Without that, I don’t know if I’d have been able to make the changes and achieve the things I have.
“There’s nothing quite like being together in a group though and I’m so excited to be back in our real-life group and see everyone in person.”
Lucy changed her diet by swapping pizza and fried chicken for homemade stir-fries and curries.
She said: “People think to lose weight you have to go hungry, but it’s not like that at all.
“I love food and it’s never once felt like I was on a diet – in fact, people are always surprised I still eat food like pasta, potatoes and rice and can’t believe I’m losing weight eating so much delicious food, without ever feeling deprived.
“I still enjoy all my favourite meals.
“I’ve just learned how to make small changes, like using lean meat or cooking with low-calorie spray instead of oil or butter – and they taste so much better.”
Lucy, who has gone from a size 20 to a size 14, said: “I’m the fittest and happiest I’ve ever been.”
Tina, who runs the Monday Evening Loughborough Slimming World group, said: “I feel so privileged to have played a part in Lucy’s transformation.
“She has come so far, especially over the past year which has been so challenging for many of us.
“While so much has changed, Lucy’s determination and motivation has remained the same and I couldn’t be more proud of everything she has achieved – she is a real inspiration to the whole group.
“Given the links between Covid19 and obesity and the impact lockdown has had on our health and wellbeing,
“I know lots of people are worrying about their weight more than ever before, so I really hope Lucy’s weight loss shows them that now is a great time to take the first step of their journey.”
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I look so different people I haven’t seen for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person
Lucy Drewery