The real kicker was that it was my earnings as a football coach that had led to me gaining weight in the first place. Having money in my pocket meant I could eat takeaways whenever I wanted and go out with my mates more often. I hadn\u2019t been slim at school, but it hadn\u2019t really bothered me \u2013 until my weight crept up so much it got in the way of my football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Aaron](\"http:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Pic2-AaronSnares-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nQuitting the beautiful game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBy the time my weight had crept up past 28st, I no longer recognised myself as the confident midfielder I used to be. I couldn\u2019t help but compare myself to the other coaches I\u2019d spent the previous four years with on Brentford FC\u2019s community programme. In my eyes, they made better role models than me. So, at 20 years old, I quit the game I loved forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Aaron](\"http:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Pic4-AaronSnares-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAaron\u2019s slimming scoreline<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWeight<\/strong>
30st 2\u00bdlbs vs 13st 13\u00bdlbs<\/p>\n\n\n\nClothing size<\/strong>
6XL vs large<\/p>\n\n\n\nWaist size<\/strong>
62ins vs 32ins<\/p>\n\n\n\nCollar size<\/strong>
24ins vs 16\u00bdins<\/p>\n\n\n\nShoe size<\/strong>
11 vs 9<\/p>\n\n\n\nWarming up with Body Magic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt was six years before I even thought about setting foot on a pitch again. By then, I\u2019d lost just over 10st with Slimming World after joining my local group in January 2017, and I felt ready to get more active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Aaron](\"http:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Pic5-AaronSnares-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nMy Consultant, Georgina, explained how I could gradually build up my activity levels with Body Magic<\/a> and earn awards to show my progress. I loved getting weight loss awards during my journey, and the thought of having more certificates to put on my wall made me feel excited about getting moving again. Georgina knew that having goals to aim for helped me stay motivated and, that week, she challenged me to walk for 20 minutes every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe hardest part was getting out of the house. It was the first time I\u2019d done anything active regularly since quitting coaching and the insults I\u2019d experienced on the pitch were still stuck in my head. I thought people would laugh if they saw me walking down the street, so I found the quietest part of my local park to walk around instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE ON THE BLOG: How to overcome your Body Magic barriers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlthough I was shattered after 20 minutes, I was proud of myself for getting moving, and no one noticed me as I was walking. I gradually built up from there, my walks eventually turning into jogs \u2013 sometimes I\u2019d even stop off to use the park\u2019s outdoor gym along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walking around and seeing people having a kick-about on the grass got me thinking that I might be ready to get back into the game myself. So, in September 2017, I rejoined my local team, Petersham Pumas FC, in the Kingston and District Saturday League, as their new keeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Aaron](\"http:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Pic1-AaronSnares-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAaron\u2019s football fuel-up<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore I joined Slimming World, I always told myself that I didn\u2019t have time to cook \u2013 now I love being in the kitchen. Georgina and the other members in group have given me loads of ideas for simple meals \u2013 including some fantastic fakeaway recipes. I\u2019m always surprised by how easy they are to make \u2013 and they taste much better than a takeaway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sticky chicken<\/a>
Beef stroganoff<\/a>
Creamy garlic chicken<\/a>
Vegetarian chilli<\/a>
Spaghetti bolognese<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMORE ON THE BLOG: Discover a taste of Slimming World fakeaways<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBack in the game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAfter playing my first match, I couldn\u2019t believe how good it felt to be on the pitch again. And I really enjoyed being a goalkeeper, even more than being an outfield player. By then, I\u2019d lost over 13st, which definitely made it easier for me to dive into saves and jump high to clear corners, and I felt my judgement and agility coming along with every training session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To cap off my return to football, we won our final game of the season and became league champions! Playing my part in an amazing season with the lads made me so grateful for my weight loss \u2013 I loved being on a team again, and I wouldn\u2019t even have tried out with them if I\u2019d been at my biggest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Aaron](\"http:\/\/slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Pic3-AaronSnares-SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDuring my long break from football, something had felt off, and I wasn\u2019t sure what. Now, I realised it was that I\u2019d been missing the game that had been in my blood since my childhood days of watching Dagenham and Redbridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, my playing career is on hold due to the pandemic, but I\u2019m keeping in shape by playing five-a-side with my mates and hopefully I\u2019ll be able to join a new team next season. I feel like I can handle anything life throws at me now \u2013 bring it on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE ON THE BLOG: Our beginner\u2019s guide to outdoor sports<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to start playing football<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPlay in the garden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never exercised before \u2013 or it\u2019s been a while \u2013 kicking a ball around your garden can be a great way to build up your confidence and fitness. Five to 10 minutes of doing keep-me-ups should get you feeling warmer and breathing faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organise your own friendly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nStudies show exercising with others boosts our motivation to exercise \u2013 as well as making it more fun! \u2013 and inviting your mates to the park for an informal match could help to kick-start your fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try walking football<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis slowed-down version of the game is played at walking pace, making it low impact and kinder to your joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join a team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBeing part of a sports team is a fantastic way to make a commitment to getting active. And you don\u2019t have to take it too seriously \u2013 there are plenty of amateur teams who have a \u2018just for fun\u2019 approach to playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE FOR MEMBERS: You\u2019ll find lots of Body Magic information and inspiration on the exclusive member website<\/a>, including\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Support to help you work towards your Body Magic awards<\/li>
- Strategies to help you overcome psychological barriers to exercise<\/li>
- An online planner that allows you to track your activity<\/li>
- Motivation and ideas in your Slimming World group or our online Community<\/li>
- How-to activity guides and videos<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAaron\u2019s slimming scoreline<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWeight<\/strong>
30st 2\u00bdlbs vs 13st 13\u00bdlbs<\/p>\n\n\n\nClothing size<\/strong>
6XL vs large<\/p>\n\n\n\nWaist size<\/strong>
62ins vs 32ins<\/p>\n\n\n\nCollar size<\/strong>
24ins vs 16\u00bdins<\/p>\n\n\n\nShoe size<\/strong>
11 vs 9<\/p>\n\n\n\nWarming up with Body Magic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt was six years before I even thought about setting foot on a pitch again. By then, I\u2019d lost just over 10st with Slimming World after joining my local group in January 2017, and I felt ready to get more active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nMy Consultant, Georgina, explained how I could gradually build up my activity levels with Body Magic<\/a> and earn awards to show my progress. I loved getting weight loss awards during my journey, and the thought of having more certificates to put on my wall made me feel excited about getting moving again. Georgina knew that having goals to aim for helped me stay motivated and, that week, she challenged me to walk for 20 minutes every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe hardest part was getting out of the house. It was the first time I\u2019d done anything active regularly since quitting coaching and the insults I\u2019d experienced on the pitch were still stuck in my head. I thought people would laugh if they saw me walking down the street, so I found the quietest part of my local park to walk around instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE ON THE BLOG: How to overcome your Body Magic barriers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlthough I was shattered after 20 minutes, I was proud of myself for getting moving, and no one noticed me as I was walking. I gradually built up from there, my walks eventually turning into jogs \u2013 sometimes I\u2019d even stop off to use the park\u2019s outdoor gym along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walking around and seeing people having a kick-about on the grass got me thinking that I might be ready to get back into the game myself. So, in September 2017, I rejoined my local team, Petersham Pumas FC, in the Kingston and District Saturday League, as their new keeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAaron\u2019s football fuel-up<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore I joined Slimming World, I always told myself that I didn\u2019t have time to cook \u2013 now I love being in the kitchen. Georgina and the other members in group have given me loads of ideas for simple meals \u2013 including some fantastic fakeaway recipes. I\u2019m always surprised by how easy they are to make \u2013 and they taste much better than a takeaway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sticky chicken<\/a>
Beef stroganoff<\/a>
Creamy garlic chicken<\/a>
Vegetarian chilli<\/a>
Spaghetti bolognese<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMORE ON THE BLOG: Discover a taste of Slimming World fakeaways<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBack in the game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAfter playing my first match, I couldn\u2019t believe how good it felt to be on the pitch again. And I really enjoyed being a goalkeeper, even more than being an outfield player. By then, I\u2019d lost over 13st, which definitely made it easier for me to dive into saves and jump high to clear corners, and I felt my judgement and agility coming along with every training session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To cap off my return to football, we won our final game of the season and became league champions! Playing my part in an amazing season with the lads made me so grateful for my weight loss \u2013 I loved being on a team again, and I wouldn\u2019t even have tried out with them if I\u2019d been at my biggest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDuring my long break from football, something had felt off, and I wasn\u2019t sure what. Now, I realised it was that I\u2019d been missing the game that had been in my blood since my childhood days of watching Dagenham and Redbridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, my playing career is on hold due to the pandemic, but I\u2019m keeping in shape by playing five-a-side with my mates and hopefully I\u2019ll be able to join a new team next season. I feel like I can handle anything life throws at me now \u2013 bring it on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE ON THE BLOG: Our beginner\u2019s guide to outdoor sports<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to start playing football<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPlay in the garden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never exercised before \u2013 or it\u2019s been a while \u2013 kicking a ball around your garden can be a great way to build up your confidence and fitness. Five to 10 minutes of doing keep-me-ups should get you feeling warmer and breathing faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organise your own friendly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nStudies show exercising with others boosts our motivation to exercise \u2013 as well as making it more fun! \u2013 and inviting your mates to the park for an informal match could help to kick-start your fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try walking football<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis slowed-down version of the game is played at walking pace, making it low impact and kinder to your joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join a team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBeing part of a sports team is a fantastic way to make a commitment to getting active. And you don\u2019t have to take it too seriously \u2013 there are plenty of amateur teams who have a \u2018just for fun\u2019 approach to playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MORE FOR MEMBERS: You\u2019ll find lots of Body Magic information and inspiration on the exclusive member website<\/a>, including\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Support to help you work towards your Body Magic awards<\/li>
- Strategies to help you overcome psychological barriers to exercise<\/li>
- An online planner that allows you to track your activity<\/li>
- Motivation and ideas in your Slimming World group or our online Community<\/li>
- How-to activity guides and videos<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
30st 2\u00bdlbs vs 13st 13\u00bdlbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clothing size<\/strong> Waist size<\/strong> Collar size<\/strong> Shoe size<\/strong> It was six years before I even thought about setting foot on a pitch again. By then, I\u2019d lost just over 10st with Slimming World after joining my local group in January 2017, and I felt ready to get more active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My Consultant, Georgina, explained how I could gradually build up my activity levels with Body Magic<\/a> and earn awards to show my progress. I loved getting weight loss awards during my journey, and the thought of having more certificates to put on my wall made me feel excited about getting moving again. Georgina knew that having goals to aim for helped me stay motivated and, that week, she challenged me to walk for 20 minutes every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hardest part was getting out of the house. It was the first time I\u2019d done anything active regularly since quitting coaching and the insults I\u2019d experienced on the pitch were still stuck in my head. I thought people would laugh if they saw me walking down the street, so I found the quietest part of my local park to walk around instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MORE ON THE BLOG: How to overcome your Body Magic barriers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although I was shattered after 20 minutes, I was proud of myself for getting moving, and no one noticed me as I was walking. I gradually built up from there, my walks eventually turning into jogs \u2013 sometimes I\u2019d even stop off to use the park\u2019s outdoor gym along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking around and seeing people having a kick-about on the grass got me thinking that I might be ready to get back into the game myself. So, in September 2017, I rejoined my local team, Petersham Pumas FC, in the Kingston and District Saturday League, as their new keeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before I joined Slimming World, I always told myself that I didn\u2019t have time to cook \u2013 now I love being in the kitchen. Georgina and the other members in group have given me loads of ideas for simple meals \u2013 including some fantastic fakeaway recipes. I\u2019m always surprised by how easy they are to make \u2013 and they taste much better than a takeaway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sticky chicken<\/a> MORE ON THE BLOG: Discover a taste of Slimming World fakeaways<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n After playing my first match, I couldn\u2019t believe how good it felt to be on the pitch again. And I really enjoyed being a goalkeeper, even more than being an outfield player. By then, I\u2019d lost over 13st, which definitely made it easier for me to dive into saves and jump high to clear corners, and I felt my judgement and agility coming along with every training session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To cap off my return to football, we won our final game of the season and became league champions! Playing my part in an amazing season with the lads made me so grateful for my weight loss \u2013 I loved being on a team again, and I wouldn\u2019t even have tried out with them if I\u2019d been at my biggest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During my long break from football, something had felt off, and I wasn\u2019t sure what. Now, I realised it was that I\u2019d been missing the game that had been in my blood since my childhood days of watching Dagenham and Redbridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, my playing career is on hold due to the pandemic, but I\u2019m keeping in shape by playing five-a-side with my mates and hopefully I\u2019ll be able to join a new team next season. I feel like I can handle anything life throws at me now \u2013 bring it on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n MORE ON THE BLOG: Our beginner\u2019s guide to outdoor sports<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve never exercised before \u2013 or it\u2019s been a while \u2013 kicking a ball around your garden can be a great way to build up your confidence and fitness. Five to 10 minutes of doing keep-me-ups should get you feeling warmer and breathing faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show exercising with others boosts our motivation to exercise \u2013 as well as making it more fun! \u2013 and inviting your mates to the park for an informal match could help to kick-start your fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This slowed-down version of the game is played at walking pace, making it low impact and kinder to your joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being part of a sports team is a fantastic way to make a commitment to getting active. And you don\u2019t have to take it too seriously \u2013 there are plenty of amateur teams who have a \u2018just for fun\u2019 approach to playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n MORE FOR MEMBERS: You\u2019ll find lots of Body Magic information and inspiration on the exclusive member website<\/a>, including\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
6XL vs large<\/p>\n\n\n\n
62ins vs 32ins<\/p>\n\n\n\n
24ins vs 16\u00bdins<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11 vs 9<\/p>\n\n\n\nWarming up with Body Magic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAaron\u2019s football fuel-up<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Beef stroganoff<\/a>
Creamy garlic chicken<\/a>
Vegetarian chilli<\/a>
Spaghetti bolognese<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBack in the game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to start playing football<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Play in the garden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Organise your own friendly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Try walking football<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Join a team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n