A SUPER slimmer from Stalybridge has been named The Bridge Inn’s Man of the Year 2021 after losing an incredible 13st 6lbs.
Since joining his Slimming World group in November 2018, Lee Broadley has gone from weighing 29st 2.5lbs to 15st 10.5lbs.
Like many men, Lee initially thought slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food.
However, he was pleasantly surprised to find the support provided by the group was practical and encouraging.
He also found that Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, based on the science of satiety and energy density, meant he never felt hungry or like he was on a diet.
Lee enjoyed satisfying, healthy meals of lean meat, pasta, rice, eggs, potatoes, accompanied by lots of vegetables and he started snacking on fruit.
He said: “Deep down I’d been unhappy with my weight for some time but it took me a long time to face up to it. And then when I did admit to myself that I wanted to lose weight I still didn’t want to ask for help.
“I’ve realised now though that admitting you need help takes strength of character and getting support to identify where I’m going wrong and to make changes has given me a sense of confidence that is benefitting every aspect of my life.
“It was nerve-wracking walking through those doors for the first time but everyone was warm and welcoming because we’re all at the group for the same reason – to lose weight and feel good.”
As Covid-19 restrictions ease, real-life Slimming World groups in certain parts of the UK and Ireland have been able to re-open.
Lee says the support and encouragement he’s continued to receive in his group which has been running virtually over the past year has helped him stay on track with his weight loss.
His fellow slimmers voted him to represent the The Bridge Inn Saturday Slimming World group in the Man of the Year 2021 competition.
He added: “I’ve loved being able to attend my virtual group during the lockdowns – it’s been a real lifeline in helping me to hang on to those healthy habits I’ve built over the last two-and-a-half years.
“There’s nothing quite like being together in group though. I’ve missed that group banter and laughter, which just isn’t the same through a screen.
“I always come away feeling just as inspired and motivated, and love sharing new recipes and ideas with my friends in the group.
“I don’t think I could have achieved all I have without the support of my consultant Maria and the rest of the Stalybridge group.
“One thing I’ve always loved about the Food Optimising plan is just how flexible and generous it is.
I love the variety of foods I can still enjoy such as steak and homemade chips, chicken curry or a roast dinner.
“The freedom of the plan means I never have to miss out and nothing is off limits – I can still enjoy a pint of beer!
“I love that I don’t have to worry about weighing and measuring everything I eat or counting calories either.”
As the weight came off, Lee found he had more energy and so he was eager to use it.
“Slimming World’s Body Magic activity programme has helped me to become more active, and by breaking it down into chunks and starting small I’ve managed to build up my activity gradually,” he said.
“I started by walking more and leaving the car behind where I could and as I got fitter, I started to push myself more, I started mountain biking again and now I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight.”
Maria, who runs the Stalybridge Slimming World group, said she is incredibly proud of Lee: “He has done brilliantly and we’re all in awe of his transformation.
“He’s achieved what he set out to do – to become healthier and happier.
“While so much has changed over the last year, his determination and motivation has never faded – he’s a real inspiration to the whole group. I couldn’t be prouder of everything Lee’s achieved.”
The national title winner for Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2021 competition will be announced in the coming months. The overall winner will receive a £4,000 cash prize.
The Stalybridge Slimming World group is held every Saturday at The Bridge Inn at 8am. Anyone interested in joining the group can call Maria on 07711 540115.
For more information about Slimming World visit slimmingworld.co.uk