SUPER slimmers across Tameside have been named Woman of the Year 2022, voted for by their fellow group members.
One ‘Woman of the Year’ is Lisa, who says “the best thing about losing weight is being pain free and not requiring my blood pressure medication, as well as the wonderful compliments I’ve had.”
Lisa was pleasantly surprised to find the support provided by the group was practical and encouraging and Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, based on the science of satiety and energy density, meant she never felt hungry or like she was on a diet.
Her friends and family have been really supportive and have encouraged her, and some have been so inspired by Lisa’s weight loss that they now attend a Slimming World Group too.
Lisa added: “I’ve gone from the occasional walk to doing a 45-minute walk three times a week and even not using the car for short journeys too, which is saving me some money on fuel too!”
Meet Leeanne, who loves cooking satisfying, healthy meals of lean meat, pasta, rice, eggs, potatoes, accompanied by lots of vegetables and stacks of fruit.
Leeanne’s three gorgeous boys love their mum’s picnics which are full of tasty, nutritious foods and great snacks too.
“It’s listening to others and talking about my own motivations and challenges that has helped me to understand myself as a slimmer better and learn to plan, so I can make changes I can keep up for life, especially when the family are involved,” said Leanne.
“I always come away from group feeling just as inspired and motivated to keep going each week, and love sharing new recipes and ideas with my friends.
“Since losing weight it’s made it much easier to keep up with my boys, running round the park, chasing them in the playcentres and taking them on long walks in the hills.”
Sinead Collins won the Women of the Year title in her group. She gained her Club 10, which is 10 per cent off her start weight, and is noticing lots of health benefits.
She said: “I like the supportive atmosphere at group, it’s a very warm welcome every time. I had gained weight in lockdown and knew I needed to lose weight but was not successful on my own.
“My confidence is returning. I feel alert and bright, my skin looks better. I love this way of eating. I never feel hungry or that I’m missing out.
“I hadn’t exercised for years so I was nervous about starting again and feeling vulnerable. I pushed myself to try something new and now do yoga and Pilates four sessions a week.”
Meet Lydia, who says: “I love being on the Social Team helping in any way I can. I have met so many really lovely people, many are friends now.
“My journey has been up and down, having reached my target in the past but then life got in the way (as well as lockdown) but with the help of group and consultant Jane I feel like I’m in control again.
“Exercise is also another thing I’ve been doing a lot more of. I play netball and for work I’m on my feet all day and walk to work and back so my steps are up too.
“What would I say to people who are scared or embarrassed or just keep putting it off? Join, now! Honestly you won’t regret it, in fact you’ll absolutely love it.”
Meet mum-of-two Ellie, who joined Cassandra’s group as she wanted to be heathier for her children and partner.
She said: “I love how easy it is to make simple changes to food and my eating habits that have helped me achieve some great results and feel so much better about myself.
“When I first joined, I was really nervous but was made to feel so welcome. I look forward to group meeting a room full of people who are all on the same journey and understand the struggles but celebrate with me every step of the way.”
• Slimming World supports hundreds of thousands of people in groups and online to lose weight and to adopt new habits to stay slim for life. Find out more on slimmingworld.co.uk or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.