At her heaviest Rebecca Thomas felt self-conscious about her size, suffered with swollen ankles, breathlessness and found it difficult to keep up with her young sons.
It was after seeing the success of a friend who lost weight with Slimming World that Rebecca took the plunge and joined her local Bargoed Slimming World group in February 2020 weighing 15st 7lbs (98.4kg).
Rebecca says “I followed the plan religiously the first week and didn’t expect to lose weight because I had eaten so much. I was absolutely delighted when I weighed and lost 4lbs (1.8kg).”
“I was ready to throw myself into Food Optimising and get to my target weight but then a few weeks later the UK went into lockdown and my Slimming World group had to temporarily close. Food Optimising was still so new to me and I worried that, without the support of The consultant and my fellow members, I’d slip back into my old eating habits.”
‘“Luckily the consultant told me she was launching a Slimming World virtual group! I was relieved, but also a bit nervous: I was still incredibly self-conscious about my size and I didn’t feel ready to let everyone see me on a webcam but once I joined the virtual class I looked forward to joining every week!
Rebecca began cooking meals from scratch for the whole family and eating more fruit and vegetables. She says: “I love that I can adjust the plan to suit me and the foods me and my family like. It’s great to know we’re eating healthy meals as a family as I know that I’m setting good habits for the kids for their future. Our favourite meal is Bacon, potato & onion bake. I have such a wide variety of food that I never feel restricted and I’m never hungry!”
Camilla James has recently trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire and will be taking over the Bargoed Friday morning Slimming World group on November 19.
She says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. After losing 3st (19kg) and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target and stay there for life.
“As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.”
“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love getting out In the fresh air with my dogs to get my Body Magic in! As a Consultant it’s my role to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others – it’s going to be great fun!”
Camilla’s Slimming World group will be held at St Gwladys church hall every Friday at 7.30am and 9am from November 19.
For more information or to join Camilla’s group either pop along on November 19 or call her on 07496279102.