'Slinky' slimmer set to sparkle
Dani Barlow is looking forward to this New Years party season more than ever before after losing 2st and being named Heavitree’s ‘Miss Slinky’ 2016.
The 22 year-old has dropped an amazing 2 dress sizes since joining the Heavitree Wednesday evening Slimming World group last January and now her impressive transformation has seen her fellow slimmers vote for her as their group’s representative in the national weight loss competition.
Dani, who is now 2 stone lighter, achieved her target weight in the summer and is now a ‘slinky’ dress size 8 , says she is delighted to have been named the Heavitree Slimming World group’s winner.
She adds: “I was already really looking forward to this New Year Eve’s and finally I am feeling comfortable enough in my own skin to enjoy socialising like I used to. Winning the title of Miss Slinky means I have even more to celebrate and I know this festive season will be even more special.”
Slimming World’s annual Miss Slinky competition recognises those female members who have changed both inside and out by becoming healthier, slimmer and more confident – and look great in their party dress. The competition also has a male counterpart, Mr Sleek, and the national winners of both contests will win a £2,000 cash price.
Dani says: “When I was bigger I often felt quite unhappy. I didn’t like what I saw when I looked in the mirror, I hated shopping for clothes and I felt self-conscious most of the time. I love that I now feel much more confident than I used to and it’s just incredible to be recognised by the group as Miss Slinky 2016.
“Being voted for it by the other people in the group is lovely because it’s thanks to them that I’ve been able to lose the weight that I have. I was very nervous when I first walked through the doors of the group last January because I expected everyone to judge me, but I needn’t have worried because everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I’ve made lots of friends and I love swapping recipes and ideas every week. My Consultant Lyndsay has been so supportive too, she’s positive and enthusiastic and is always there if I need her.”
After joining Slimming World, Dani began following the organisation’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and was amazed to discover that she didn’t have to give up her favourite meals: “I actually eat the same things now as before – curries, roast dinners, pasta dishes – but they’re all made from scratch and I still eat out too – I just make healthier choices like having pasta with a tomato and vegetable sauce instead of meals that are fried or covered in creamy sauces or dressings.”
Dani has also become more active and regularly enjoys going along to exercise classes for fun and fitness. And she’ll be putting her new-found fitness to good use on the dance floor at this year’s party: “I love that in group we get awards for weight loss and also for increasing our activity levels and I have enjoyed boosting my fitness levels which has helped with my self confidence. Before I lost weight I would dread it this time of the year, because I could never find anything to wear on nights out and I would feel uncomfortable, that’s if I didn’t make an excuse to avoid socialising completely. This year I’ll be accepting every invitation I receive and I’ll be showing off my new figure – I can’t wait!”
Lyndsay, who runs the Heavitree group which Dani attends, hopes she will demonstrate to other people what’s possible with Slimming World. She says: “As Dani shows, whether you’ve got a little or a lot of weight to lose, slimming down can make a big difference to how you feel about yourself and really boost your confidence. She’s happier, healthier and fitter than ever – the group love hearing about her new recipes every week and looking at her amazing food pictures on Instagram.
The first step if you’re unhappy about your weight is to come along to one of our friendly supportive groups, it is the best gift you give yourself this new year. Our eating plan is so generous that you won’t have to miss out on any of your favourite meals and there’s lots going on in group so it’ll be lots of fun too – at Slimming World we know how to make slimming extra special!
“Everyone’s welcome to join us at one of my award winning groups in Heavitree, Whipton or Pinhoe, they can just pop along or if they’d like more information they can call me on 07816 223803.
My groups are on every week on Tuesdays 10am at Heavitree Social Club, Wingfield Park, Wednesdays 5.30 and 7.30pm at St Michael’s C of E Primary Academy, South Lawn Terrace, Heavitree, Fridays 9.30 and 11.30 am at America Hall in Pinhoe and Saturdays 9.30 am at Whipton Labour Club, off Vaughan Road in Whipton.
For further information please contact Lyndsay for more details on 07816223803 or email lynniepooh@live.co.uk
