Losing weight’s strengthened our relationship
ASUPER-SLIMMING couple from Widnes are seeing a lot less of each other after losing nearly 11 stone between them,
Simon and Rea Ellison’s weight shedding achievements meant they were one of 30 couples to make it to the semifinals of a national competition.
The duo attend the Slimming World group at Moorfield Sports And Social Club.
They believe the secret of their success was receiving support from one another at home as well as in group every week.
Simon, 39, originally from Warrington, now lives in Widnes with his wife Rea and has lost 6st 7lbs.
He said: “It can take quite a lot to admit to yourself that you have a weight problem, let alone admitting it to your nearest and dearest.
“Imagine my relief when I finally spoke out and Rea said she was unhappy with her weight too and thought we should do something about it.
“Having the support of Rea was a really important part of my journey and I feel very lucky to have had her by my side.
“People think that losing weight is just eating less and moving more, but there is so much more to it than that.
“Having the right support in place is essential and I was lucky enough to not only have the support of my partner but the fabulous members of our Slimming World group, too.
“Losing weight together has definitely strengthened our relationship – we’re happier, healthier and fitter now and we’ve been on that journey together, which makes it even more special.”
Simon and Rea were voted as their Slimming World group’s Couple Of The Year 2017 by their fellow members.
Following their selection they were invited to represent Widnes at the national finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.
Rea, 34, lost 4st 6lbs. She said: “I think for a lot of people, food is a key part of a relationship. Before we lost weight we’d always talk about what was for dinner or which restaurant to pick – and that hasn’t changed.
“We’ve learned a new healthy lifestyle which doesn’t mean depriving ourselves of things we enjoy. We still have delicious meals like lasagne, chicken curry or veggie chilli – they’re just made from scratch rather than from a jar.
“And we can still eat out too; we just make sensible swaps like changing chips for a jacket potato or asking for sauces on the side.
“If anything, we probably eat better now than we ever did before! We’ve also become much more active and even started walking the dog more.
“We couldn’t believe it when we made it to the semi-finals, it’s way beyond what we could have imagined when we first decided to join Slimming World.
“We already feel like winners because we’ve won the biggest prize out there. We feel great and we know we’ve got a long, healthy, happy life to look forward to together now.
“I’d recommend Slimming World to anyone who wants to lose weight. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman or young or old, the plan works for everyone and you’re sure to get a warm welcome from the other members. Our group has always been there for us, we pick up new recipes and tips every week and they’ve really helped to keep us on track.”
While Simon and Rea made the final eight couples, they were not the overall winners of the competition.
Julie Hatton runs the Moorfield Slimming World group that Simon and Rea attend.
She added: “I’m so proud of them both. They’ve really taken it upon themselves to motivate not only each other, but the rest of the group, too.
“I’d encourage any couples who are struggling with their weight to tackle the issue together – it honestly does make the world of difference to have someone you love and trust by your side.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about Slimming World is welcome at Moorfield Sports and Social Club in Widnes or call 07748 306604. ●