\u201cAfter my daughter was born, I was diagnosed with post-natal depression and started putting on weight. This made me feel even worse, and my self-esteem was very low. I often felt exhausted, even when I hadn\u2019t done much physically during the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I noticed my clothes getting tighter, I decided to try to lose the weight I\u2019d gained. It was important to me that any changes I made to my eating habits were suitable for the whole family, as I wanted my daughter to grow up with a healthy, balanced diet. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAt the beginning of 2016, a leaflet advertising my local Slimming World group popped through my door. I went along to find out more \u2013 and I\u2019ve been a member ever since! With Slimming World\u2019s eating plan, Food Optimising, I could enjoy my favourite meals, like chilli and casseroles, while still losing weight. I often used to eat ready meals and quick snacks like crisps. Now I have much more variety in my diet, and I love trying new recipes from the Slimming World app and magazine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My Slimming World group is incredibly friendly and supportive, and attending regularly helps me stay at my target weight. I pick up so many food and meal ideas at group, as well as hearing about different and fun ways of achieving activity goals. Over the past year, I\u2019ve struggled with my motivation sometimes. Going to group always gets me back into a positive mindset and makes me feel more determined to stick to my long-term health goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was reasonably active before I joined Slimming World, and would walk a couple of miles a day. Once I was a member, I found the Body Magic programme<\/a> helped me to improve my fitness by gradually adding more activity into my daily life. After I reached my target weight, I felt confident enough to try the Couch to 5K running app. Now I run a few days a week and I’ve joined a running club. I really enjoy entering races, and completing the Pretty Muddy obstacle course at Race for Life with my daughter was a real highlight! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Save on your Race for Life entry fee with Slimming World<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alongside the running, I take my dog on long walks with my family. I like using fitness machines like the rowing machine and cross-trainer, too \u2013 and even a mini trampoline we have at home. Since I lost weight, I\u2019ve found the confidence to complete our local Go Ape high ropes course and climb the famous O2 building in London! <\/p>\n\n\n\n This month, I\u2019ll be ticking off one of my big goals as part of the Slimming World London Marathon team. I\u2019ll be running for Cancer Research UK, to help them continue their life-saving work. Members of my family have been diagnosed with cancer over the past year, and it\u2019s highlighted to me how many factors go into a cancer diagnosis, and how a treatment plan can be created for each individual case. I\u2019m proud to be able to give something back by raising funds for this worthy cause.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Llinos attends the Bridgend Slimming World group in Mid Glamorgan, run by Consultant Anne-Marie Lloyd.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find Llinos\u2019 fundraising page here.<\/a> <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re feeling inspired to give running a go, you\u2019ll find a step-by-step training plan on our exclusive member website and app. Start today<\/a> and you could join us running Race for Life this summer!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n