My wake-up call came when my GP warned me that I was at a high risk of a heart attack. I was already on medication for my blood pressure and cholesterol, and also for my type 2 diabetes.
I’d begun to realise that my eating habits were out of control. Takeaways and food deliveries were a regular part of my week. Sometimes I’d wait until my wife, Nikki, left for work and then eat four or five microwave burgers in one sitting, along with big bags of crisps and sugary drinks. One day, when Nikki arrived home early, she found me ordering three breakfast muffins. She’d had no idea about the way I was eating because I’d been hiding the packaging.
As I got bigger, I attempted to lose weight using slimming shakes – and I lost a little bit, but I put it back on as soon I started eating ‘normal’ food again.
A spark of inspiration
Although I’d tried Slimming World in the past, I’d stopped going after three weeks and never really followed the plan properly. So, when Nikki said she wanted to join a group, I’ll admit I thought it would be a waste of time. But I went along with her for support.
When we got there and met Sarah, our Consultant, my view quickly changed. There was such an electric atmosphere in the group, and everything just clicked. There were lots of other guys there and I was so inspired by everyone’s journeys, it lit a fire in me.
I stayed to group, absorbing every word, and lost 8½lbs that first week. I also realised that by talking to everyone and joining in, I could actually help and inspire other people, too. It was a brilliant feeling.
I genuinely wish the sessions were longer because I love group so much. Nikki and I have made some great friends there, including Shelly and Matt, who are getting married soon with me as one of their ushers!
I’m hooked on the Food Optimising plan and understanding how I can make healthy choices. We cook from scratch nowadays, with lots of lean meat, and we love the Slimming World frozen food range. Our freezer always has a stash of Slimming World chips! Once, we even drove to an Iceland store an hour and a half away to stock up on our favourites.
Me, a gym bunny?
I led a sedentary lifestyle before I lost weight, working from home and sitting down all day. The most exercise I did was a walk at the weekend and some housework. I didn’t feel fit at all, and I’d be lucky if I could manage 10 minutes walking on a treadmill.
As the pounds started dropping off, though, I began to move more by getting up off my chair and walking around the house, then going for regular brisk walks. After a month, I realised I was enjoying exercise again – I used to work out in my 20s, but I’d stopped. Now I feel fitter than I did then, and I’m always at the gym. I walk an hour there and back, too!
I love a run along the seafront before work – it’s great being active outdoors.
At my biggest, I struggled to find clothes to fit me and just wore non-branded 4 or 5XL T-shirts, instead of things I’d have loved to put on. I felt so bad about myself that I didn’t care about my appearance. Now I’m so much more confident – and have a wardrobe full of (small and medium) clothes I really enjoy wearing, including some nice designer gear.
After eight months of going to my Slimming World group, I’d lost almost 8st and, amazingly, my health check revealed that my blood sugar levels had dropped to below the type 2 diabetes range and I could come off my medication. In fact, my health has completely turned around and I no longer need to take anything for my blood pressure or cholesterol either.
I’ve even stopped snoring! I used to snore so loudly that if I ever fell asleep during long bus, train or plane journeys, Nikki would wake me up, as the noise was embarrassing. Now she lets me sleep when we travel because I’m as quiet as a mouse!
The support I’ve had from Slimming World is incredible – and it continues to be incredible when you reach target. My relationship with food has totally changed and I’ve fully embraced new lifestyle habits, so I know I’ll be able to keep the weight off for good.
Sarah and my whole group are so supportive, they’ve changed my life both mentally and physically. I owe them so much.
Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.