A BRAND new Slimming World group gets under way at Studley Baptist Church tomorrow (Saturday).
The session with Kerry, who has been a Slimming World member for 22 years, starts at 8.30am.
Kerry achieved her chosen personal target five years ago and said she had remained at that weight since then by fully embracing Slimming Worlds Food Optimising Plan, Body Magic and using Slimming Worlds Slim for Life programme.
Kerry said: “I joined my local Slimming World group after being really unhappy for years with my weight and hiding how I felt.
“I lived on high fat/fast foods or anything you could put in the oven as I couldn’t cook and my then boyfriend moved in so we’d eat rubbish and follow those foods with copious amounts of chocolate and drank litres of coke.
“The final straw years later was at my son’s christening when I was wearing really tight size 16 trousers (refusing to buy the next size up) and a size 18 blouse I’d borrowed which was popping at the bust!
“I felt so uncomfortable then when I saw the photos and just felt sad and annoyed at myself that I’d let myself go so badly.”
‘Couldn’t believe how easy it was’
Kerry added: “After my first meeting I couldn’t believe how easy it was going to be to Food Optimise the meals I already enjoyed.
“I’ve always loved food but now I really enjoy it more because I can cook all my favourites and they are much healthier – foods like roast dinners, pizza topped chicken and anything with Slimming World chips!
“I’ve not only lost weight I’ve learnt how to keep it off by identifying my triggers and danger areas, such as knowing that if I get over tired I tend to need comfort foods so can now make things such as spaghetti bolognese or flavoured rice to comfort me and I won’t pick on high calorie foods.
“Plus planning ahead, if I know I have an occasion I can pre-look at the menu or if I have a busy day I can plan something quick, easy & filling or get one of the Slimming World meals that we sell exclusively in Iceland stores to keep me going.”
Losing weight has helped build her confidence
She added her confidence was now much better and she loved that she could wear whatever she liked, rather than just clothes that fitted.
“I actually don’t own dark ‘man clothes’ now as I used to live in them!
“I love walking now too as I used to suffer with a really bad back so couldn’t do it, but now I walk for miles and mentally that has really helped.
“Another benefit of being a member and losing weight was when I was perimenopausal.
“It can be a challenge to so many women and I’d seen the warning about weight gain so I was determined to not let that happen.
“Slimming World has an eating plan to help with the symptoms and also a support booklet and that really helped me not gain weight during that time’.”
Proudest moment
Kerry said the proudest moment for her was that, come November, she will have been her ideal weight for five years.
“I’ve changed my lifestyle for the better and am confident that, with the ongoing support of Slimming World, I will keep it off for life.”
Kerry currently runs a Slimming World group every Tuesday morning and evening in Studley so was delighted when she had the opportunity to open a Saturday morning group in the village.
“Lots of people work so a midweek morning group isn’t always an option and lots of people work shifts or in the evenings so an evening group doesn’t work for them either.
“I am hoping that by opening a Saturday morning group I will be able to help and support potential members who may not have been able to attend a midweek group.”
For more information about Kerry’s new group opening tomorrow (Saturday, September 16) at Studley Baptist Church at 8.30am, give her a call on 07928 172121 or just turn up.
