Nicola Gates-O’Neill started to struggle with her weight following an injury at the age of 17. “I found it difficult to exercise due to my asthma and fibromyalgia," she said. "By the time I was 21, I was wearing size 16/18 clothes. I knew that in order to ease my health conditions, I’d need to get my weight under control.
"A co-worker recommended Slimming World and I joined in January 2020. I loved it from the moment I walked in - everyone was super friendly and I remember being amazed by the food plan, exclaiming 'I can eat pasta?'"
Nicola’s consultant Linda says that one of the biggest misconceptions people have about losing weight is that you need to deprive yourself, but that is not the case at all. “Slimming World's generous Food Optimising plan focuses on ‘Free Foods’ - low energy density foods which are low in calories per gram but very filling such as fruit and veg, fish, poultry, lean meats, potatoes, rice, and yes, pasta, so members can fill up while slimming down," she explained. "A few simple swaps can make a big difference.”
Nicola soon discovered this for herself. “Like every Irish person, I love a good fry up and I thought that was out the window, but by making small changes like swapping oil for low cal spray, having lean bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, and wholemeal toast, I was still on plan and could look forward to a loss on weigh day.”
However, the food was not even the best bit for Nicola as she found a community of people who would soon become her rock. “The one thing I love most about Slimming World is the amazing support from my consultant Linda and my fellow group members at The Ardilaun Hotel. Each week I look forward to hearing how their week went, and I love getting new tips and recipes.”
Nicola continued her Slimming World journey throughout lockdown via the virtual service, achieving her four stone award and reaching her target in June this year, but the celebrations didn’t stop there.
”I was awarded Greatest Loser 2021 and I’ve fallen in love with activity again, working through my Body Magic awards all the way to Platinum and I’ve seen a huge improvement in my health," she revealed.
Linda says that Nicola is an inspiration to everyone at group and feels honoured to be part of her journey. “Our groups are so focused on our members, motivating and inspiring each other in a friendly, supportive environment. In my role as a Slimming World consultant, I feel incredibly privileged to be able to help people develop positive lifestyle changes in a kind, caring, non judgmental, healthy, sustainable, way. It's so rewarding.”
Linda’s Slimming World groups run in The Ardilaun Hotel, Galway, on Wednesdays at 8am, 9.30am, and 5.30pm, and Killannin Community Centre, Rosscahill, on Saturdays at 9.30am. Contact Linda on 087 6577383. Find your local group at www.slimmingworld.ie
