Heald Green slimmer changes health outlook after joining Slimming World
AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH TYPE-1 DIABETES, MICHELLE HEWITT TRIED A NUMBER OF FAD DIETS UNSUCCESSFULLY BEFORE ATTENDING THE HEALD GREEN GROUP
NEARING 30, Michelle Hewitt was given a frightening diagnosis. But now, the native of Heald Green, Stockport has lost three dress sizes, is managing her condition and enjoying life to the full.
“As the doctor spoke, my head spun while I tried to take it all in,” explained Michelle. “It felt like a bad dream, but the diagnosis was real enough - type 1 diabetes.
“There I was, aged 29 and with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Was this really the way I was about to start my 30s?
“I was told I had to start using insulin and from that day onwards, my life would never be the same.
“As a result of my diabetes, my weight became unstable and I spent most of my 30s on some fad diet or other, always putting the weight back on – and more – and as a result, my average blood sugars were far too high.
“Just before I hit my 40th birthday, I decided to do something about my weight and my health.”
Michelle knew she had to turn her life around and after being advised by her doctor that a healthy, wellbalanced lifestyle would help to stabilise her blood sugars, she chose to join her local Slimming World group.
She said: “In my new frame of mind, Food Optimising was the ideal fit for me. I knew my best chance of succeeding would be to start cooking wholesome family meals from scratch.”
Michelle quickly learned lots of new and delicious recipes, ranging from diet cola chicken and rice to pasta with a meaty ragu-style sauce. Because she was eating proper hearty food, she no longer felt the need to snack on sugary foods.
STAYING POWER
A week after joining, Michelle stepped on the scales and was pleased with the result she saw. Soon, she started to reap the benefits of staying for image therapy, where she learned new recipes and also how to incorporate activity into her daily routine.
After starting to walk more, she plucked up the courage to join a gym and loved the buzz she got from the exercise.
Michelle was delighted when, after six months, she visiter he diabetes consultant to be told that her blood sugars had dropped dramatically.
Not only that, but her cholesterol had also dropped below the recommended level.
Impressed with how Slimming World had changed her life and benefitting from her new-found confidence, Michelle is now looking to help others achieve their weightloss dream. Michelle will be re-launching the Heald Green Methodist Church Slimming World group on Brown Lane every Tuesday night at 5pm and 7pm from January 8.