An Antrim woman has opened up about the moment she "finally bit the bullet" and began her weight loss journey that has led to her shedding 6.5st in just eight months.
Maureen Allen had thought about joining her local Slimming World group for about six months but always found an excuse not to. But she finally decided that enough was enough and went to her local group on 24th April last year.
She said: "I was firstly in shock when I was told that I could eat such a good variety of food and meals that I normally love to eat and cook myself by just making some small changes to how I cooked them. I was amazed to have lost 10lb in my first week, which motivated me so much.
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"That set me up for another week and another and the weight losses just kept coming. My favourite meals are probably things like roast dinners or cottage pie, just real good food!"
Maureen made herself a promise that she was going to stick, a decision that led to great results: "Because I didn’t give up I have now lost 6.5st in just 8 months but I couldn’t have done it alone. I tried so many times and although the hardest step for me was that first night going in alone, I can honestly say it is one of the best things I have ever done.
"The group is so welcoming, friendly and truly encouraging. The craic is great and staying for image therapy each week is so beneficial. You hear recipes, hints and tips and of course get the support that's needed. Everyone is on their own individual journey but somehow we all feel a part of each other's journey.
"I know that without the group there is no way I'd have been able to stick to a plan and feel the encouragement that I have from other members and of course our wonderful consultant Judith. I love our group and genuinely feel that the other members are my friends and I cannot thank them enough for helping me along the way.
"There can be challenging weeks because, let's face it, life gets in the way, but by following the plan you can be guaranteed those losses will come your way. It was definitely one of my better decisions and I'm looking forward to seeing more losses in the New Year! Give it a go, you might just surprise yourself."
To find your nearest group just log on to www.slimmingworld.co.uk.
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English (United States) ·