Five stone down and a whole new life gained! Natalie’s Slimming World story
“Five stone lost but I’m reaping more than just physical rewards.”
Natalie’s Slimming World journey with Sharon has been more than inspirational, its changed her life completely. She attends Sharon’s Slimming World group in Keswick and since starting 18 months ago she s proof that with the right support and self belief anything can be achieved.
Natalie’s story
When I joined Sharon’s slimming world group in November 2023, I refused to look at the scales. I had been having some investigations at the GPs and already knew that things were not looking good and I needed to do something sharpish.
I’d had abnormal liver test results that indicated non alcoholic fatty liver disease, the GP warned that it would lead to diabetes and strokes in the future. I was buying size 22 and size 24 clothing as well as avoiding photographs and mirrors for quite some time.
With a bmi of 38, this was the largest I had ever been and I was really feeling it, walking up stairs was effort, I was dreading walking the dog and avoided inclines like they were the plague. I had brushed all of this off for months if not years, totally in denial and with the invincible mentality of a 32 year old. The seriousness of my GP results were the wake up call I so desperately needed. At the time, my son was 11 and I was due to get married in 6 months.
I felt so nervous walking into meetings, worried that I’d be shamed and judged like so many other times I had half heartedly attempted other weight loss groups and solutions. What I walked into couldn’t have been further from that. I was instantly put at ease when Sharon explained that I was to choose my target weight, it wasn’t to go off bmi or anything else.
This was my decision. Initially I set myself a stone target to reach my Easter wedding, I already had my dress and just wanted to feel a little more confident as it was a sleeveless dress (my arms hadn’t seen the light of day for at least 5 years).
By the date of my wedding, I was 2 stone lighter and had to have my dress significantly altered. I felt so confident and it was a truly amazing day. It spurred me on more, I’ve only ever set stone and half stone interim targets, I knew that if I had set a big target, I would have struggled to maintain motivated.
The certificates and stickers for milestone weight losses were fantastic motivation and kept me going. By summer 2024, I had a liver scan which concluded that non alcoholic fatty liver disease was not present, I broke down in tears to know that my health was no longer in such jeopardy.
Over the past 18 months, I’ve lost 5 stone. It hasn’t been easy, but staying to group each week has meant that I’ve been able to refocus and keep going week after week.
I feel like I could take on the world, the difference it has made to my life is indescribable.
I’ve completed the couch 2 5k programme and still regularly run, go to a weekly dance fit class, adult ballet and most recently tap dancing!
I don’t recognise myself in photographs, no longer shying away from the camera, I’m capturing the precious memories more than ever. I have more energy, more self compassion and more drive than ever before. I wanted to give back to such a supportive community that Keswick is, and have recently been made deputy mayor. I would never have dreamt of all of the things I have achieved this time two years ago.
If you are interested in changing your relationship with food in a group setting that is inclusive, welcoming and most importantly supportive, contact your local Slimming world group.
To find local groups in your area check out page 46 and 47!
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