19/12/2025
💫 𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕦𝕡𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕚𝕥 𝕤𝕚𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕕. 𝕊𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕦𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣! ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝔸𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖🎉
As we approach the end of the year, time for a bit of reflection, and hopefully my journey can help and inspire others xx
Like many people that join a Slimming World group, my weight has been a struggle most of my life. In time of stress and troubles food would always be my comfort, reaching for carb rich foods. The world of “Yo-Yo” dieting had become a way of life.
In June 2023 I had to have minor surgery, and the anesthetist was concerned about the risks of the anaesthetic. Post procedure gave me lots of time to reflect on my health, and decided enough was enough, I had to do something about my general health and my mental well-being.
In October 2023 I decided to join the Slimming World group in Sturminster Newton. There is always a fear of stepping through the door for the first time, especially when you are on your own. From the very first meeting, the “newbie” talk with Gail, and the welcoming and non-judgmental way the group was conducted, my fears and apprehension soon disappeared.
Apart from changing my eating habits, it has been a gradual process to teach myself to change the relationship that I had with food and comfort in times of stress and frustration. Now I try and keep free food grab bits in the fridge, instead of a biscuit or bag of crisps.
My attitude and relationship with dieting have changed, I now control the food, not the food control me. If I want a scrummy jam doughnut, then I have it, as for me this stops the craving taking over, and almost being obsessive.
Another crucial thing for me was to break my weight loss into mini targets, giving me hills to climb as opposed to the mountain that can seem an impossible challenge.
Now, 26 months later, I have lost just over 6.5 stone, reducing both my weight and BMI by 32%. I have dropped 5 sizes in clothing, my confidence is returning, and activity is easier and more enjoyable. I have joined the SW social team, and enjoy passing on my experiences to help guide them in their journey.
I am still on my journey, but not yet set a target weight as for me this has been about reaching a place where I feel at my best, and I know I can maintain.
For anyone that is apprehensive about taking the first step through the door of a Slimming World group, I would encourage them to start their journey. Whether you have 10lbs to lose or 10 stone, you are always welcomed, treated with kindness and supported through your journey.
