Determined slimmers in Galway refused to let the Covid-19 difficulties stop them from sticking to their weight-loss goals over the last few months.
Maura O’Connor, who runs the Menlo Park Slimming World group every Wednesday morning, the Clarinbridge group every Wednesday evening, and the Gort groups every Thursday, said: “Our Slimming World promise is to run our groups 52 weeks of the year to ensure members’ slimming success. With the extremely difficult Covid-19 conditions, it’s more important than ever to be there for them and give them the fantastic support they have signed up for. During lockdown, we had to run our groups virtually, and I’m so proud of how my members have been there for each other. However, there is nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups.”
She said the health and safety of members has been her top priority since returning to the physical group meetings. “Members will find a few things have changed in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident, and comfortable as they possibly can," she added. "This includes appropriate social distancing, hygiene measures, and shorter sessions, which we’ll be asking members to book in to before attending. What hasn’t changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness, and the joy of being ‘in it together’ week on week."
One member who has really embraced that Slimming World feeling and turned ‘lockdown into slimdown’ is Colette Doyle. She joined the Menlo Park group at the end of January after having gained a lot of weight in the previous three years. “I joined Slimming World because I didn't like the way I felt in my clothes, I had lost my confidence and was starting to shy away from the camera," she said. "I had developed a bad relationship with food when I was in college, eating too many takeaways and going on nights out. Last Christmas my size 16 clothes were getting too tight and I was determined to do something about it.”
Colette had almost a stone and a half lost when Slimming World had to suspend their real-life groups. That did not stop her though, she was determined to keep going no matter what. She continued losing weight with the help of the virtual Slimming World group, and in July she received her four stone award.
“I really enjoy Slimming World and it has changed my life for the better," she said. "I am not yet where I want to be, but I am enjoying the journey and I have gone from a size 16 to size 10-12. Using the Slimming World magazine and some recipe books, I like to search for new ideas. My favourite dinners are salmon curry, beef satay, and Diet Coke chicken. The Slimming World Food Optimising eating plan has made me really enjoy cooking, and with my new energy I love going walking again.”
Maura said: “I’m so thrilled for Colette and what she has achieved over the past few months, and I can’t wait to present her with her Target award. I’m also really proud of all of my members who between them have lost over 91 stone since we returned to real-life groups a month ago. And as well as loving ‘that feeling’ of being back together with our existing Slimming World members, we can’t wait to welcome new members too. Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight Covid-19.”
Maura’s Slimming World groups are in the Menlo Park Hotel on Wednesday mornings, the Brothers of Charity, Kilcornan, Clarinbridge, on Wednesday evenings, and Gort Community Centre every Thursday morning and evening. Booking is essential due to Covid-19 restrictions. Call/text 087 2768935 for more information or find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/slimmingworldwithmaura
