I lost five stone ... – and I feel great
AN Ormskirk woman has been recognised with an award after losing five stone in just 20 months.
Diane Seddon has been named as the Ormskirk Slimming World’s ‘Woman Of The Year 2018’ after dropping from a size 20 in clothes to a size 12-14.
The competition recognises the achievements of thousands of women in making long-term healthy lifestyle changes, and the winner is voted for by other members of the group.
Diane joined the group in January 2017 after she became “increasingly unhappy” with her size.
She recalled: “I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact.
“With Slimming World it’s completely different, I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat.
“My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight. I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like spaghetti bolognese, curries and roast dinners.
“Now, I just prepare and cook them differently – and they taste so much better.
In just one week of joining, the mother-of-two lost 5lbs, and eventually a stone in eight weeks.
As she began to lose weight, the Ormskirk woman also noticed that her fitness began to improve – and she has developed a passion for running.
Diane added: “I started with the app Couch to 5k and I am now rummng several times a week. Before I joined, I found it hard to even get off the couch!”
The 50-year-old claims she feels like a “different person” looking back to when she first joined the group last year.
She said: “I feel like a different woman to the person who walked into Slimming World 20 months ago and winning ‘Woman of the Year’ is a real honour because there are so many amazing members in our group.
“I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to. “I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at our group.
“When I started out I never dreamt I’d be able to achieve all that I have. Losing the weight has made such a big difference – it’s changed my life.
“My health is better, I have more energy and I’m much happier now. I definitely feel more comfortable in my own skin.”
The grandmother-ofone is hoping that by sharing her story, she will encourage other people to join a slimming group and will reassure them that it is nothing to be scared of.
Tina Whewell, Diane’s Ormskirk Slimming World consultant, said: “I’m so proud of Diane. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible!
“She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group at Ormskirk Rugby Club and I hope she inspires other women – and men in West Lancashire to change their lives in the same way.”