Mum loses tum - and opens own slimming group

Sally Newell of Heavitree, Exeter, feels like a new woman after shedding over two stone thanks to her local Slimming World group.

The 38 year old piled on the pounds after the arrival of her first child, Thomas, who is now 4 and has struggled with yo yo dieting ever since.

She said: "I tried lots of different ways to shift the pounds including fasting and even diet pills but just ended up miserable after each failed attempt'. After meeting up with an old school friend for coffee, she decided to take her advice and join her local Slimming World group in April 2014 and hasn't looked back since.

"I was slightly apprehensive about joining the group because I was worried that starting the diet would take all the fun out of eating. Food has always been a huge part of mine and my husband's lives and the thought of having to make huge changes filled me with dread."

Six months later and 2 stone lighter, Sally has turned her life around completely!

She said: "It was a real thrill to obtain my 2 stone award and I've regained the confidence that I had before having my children and started to enjoy clothes shopping again!"

The simple Extra Easy plan helped her drop from a size 18 to 14 whilst still enjoying her favourite meals of chilli con carne, curries and burger & chips. She said 'I thoroughly enjoyed trying out lots of new recipes and was amazed at how tasty they all are! The whole family enjoy the vast array of foods on the plan and I can honestly say that I don't miss the takeaways!'

One of the many things that Sally loves about the Slimming World plan is the support she receives in group every week.

She explained: "There is a real sense of empathy and understanding in the group and from day one you really feel as though people are there to help you along the way. I would regularly ask other members for advice and soon made many close friends who made my journey not only easier but fun too!"

Slimming World made such a difference to Sally's life that she felt inspired to pass on the message and help others to escape the misery of yo-yo dieting. Her new group is opening on the 29th December at 7:30pm at Alphington Primary School, Wheatdheaf Way, Exeter. For more information call Sally on 07957415768.