Helping each other is the key to success

A couple from Balerno who have turned their lives around by losing 16st between them have bagged a top slimming award.

The East Calder Slimming World group celebrated Charles and Laura Pennycook’s achievements as part of Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2018 competition.

Charles, and Laura, believe supporting one another on their weightloss journeys has been key to their success.

Laura, who lost eightand-a-half stone, said: “I love spending time in the kitchen, and showing my children how to cook healthy and enjoyable meals.

“When we first joined Slimming World we couldn’t believe how much food we could eat and still lose weight. Making small changes to the way we cooked our meals meant we could still enjoy all of our favourites such as chicken curry with rice and burger in a bowl with chips.

“I love sharing our new recipes with family and friends, too – they taste so great and people are always surprised to learn they’re good for them, and there are so many to choose.

“As we’ve lost weight we’ve enjoyed being more active as well, which means we do more together like cycling and taking long walks with our kids.

Charles, who is 8st, 3lb lighter since joining Slimming World, says: “We’re lucky because as well as the support we had from each other, the rest of the group have also been there for us. Every week in our group we swap recipes and if we’ve ever struggled, there has always been someone ready to suggest a new idea or remind us why we shouldn’t give up. I don’t think we could have achieved all we have without the support of our consultant Sue and the rest of the East Calder group.”

Sue Scorer, who runs the East Calder Slimming World group, says: “Charles and Laura are living proof that slimmers are more successful when they lose weight together and get support and motivation from others along their journey.

“Seeing Charles and Laura’s weight come down week after week has been a joy.

“They’re a real inspiration to the rest of the group and were all so incredibly proud of them.”

To find out more about Slimming World, pop along to the East Calder Slimming World group, which is held at The Pigeon Club every Tuesday at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm or Wednesday at 9.30am and 11.30am or call Sue on 07803520781.

You can also visit www. slimmingworld.co.uk