Sheila McLoughlin, who re-launched the Slimming World group in Ballyhaunis last September is delighted that, along with her members who collectively have lost a staggering 154 stone to date, she is herself now very close to her six stone weight loss target.
As a married woman with five children and working full-time, there was little room in her life to be concerned with her weight which was quickly piling on. At a routine check up with her doctor, Sheila was shocked to be told that at a size 24 she was morbidly obese and if things did not change, there would be a high risk she could develop diabetes.
That was the day Sheila decided to do something about her weight and the following week she joined Slimming World. She was nervous joining the group but was soon put at ease by Bernie, her Slimming World consultant, and other members of the group.
Sheila said: "It was wonderful to be respected and valued by an amazing group of people on the same weight loss journey as myself. In my first week, I lost four pounds. I loved the Food Optimising Plan from day one.
"Every morning, I woke up to have my full Irish breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and beans. At our weekly Slimming World meetings, it was great to hear about other members and their recipe ideas. I was amazed that I could still make my favourite dishes, but just by making slight adjustments, I could make them healthier, for example a pastry-free quiche or a pasta bake.
"Two months later, I had already lost two stone and I couldn’t believe I was eating so well while losing so much weight. Today, as I approach my six stone target and have gone from a size 24 to a size 12, I have never felt better or healthier. I have gained so much confidence in myself.
"I love my role as a Slimming World consultant and helping members lose weight and become healthier every week is very rewarding. I am very passionate about sharing my Slimming World secrets, hints, and tips with the Slimming World members here too."
If you would like to join Sheila in her Slimming World group in the Dalgan Restaurant, Upper Main Street, Ballyhaunis, just go along when there are groups every Thursday at 5pm and 7pm and Sheila will be delighted to welcome you. If you would like further information, call Sheila on (087 ) 4184581.
