Two slimmers who transformed their lives by losing a combined 5st (32kg) with Slimming World are set to use their positive experience to help others.
Following their respective weight-loss journeys, Vikki Jenkins and Sharon Williams have trained as Slimming World consultants at the organisation’s academy in Derbyshire and will be starting new groups in the new year.
Sharon, from Treharris, was inspired by her granddaughter to lose weight and with the support of her local group dropped down from 13st 13lbs to 10st 13lbs in just eight months.
From January 8, Sharon will be taking over and relaunching the Slimming World group at Siloh Chapel, Ystrad Mynach, on Wednesdays at 5.30pm.
Sharon said: “Before joining Slimming World, I’d tried so many different ways to lose weight, but I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate.
“I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I walked through the doors to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you’re never hungry and so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
“Some of my favourite dishes I cook are King Prawn Fried Rice, Spaghetti Bolognese, Chilli to name a few and of course I have to have my roast dinners, including roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and gravy.
“You don’t have to go without dessert either, for example, I have meringue with fresh fruit and cream and make my own custard tart and rice pudding. Its so easy to adapt ordinary recipes.”
Vikki, meanwhile, joined Slimming World in Merthyr Tydfil and lost 2st, going from 13st to 11st. However, the support she found at the group was more than personal.
She explained: “I joined Slimming World with my mum a few years ago, and she went on to lose an amazing 5.5st. Sadly, my mum is no longer with us, but she will continue to be my biggest inspiration but also, I know she would have been my biggest fan.
“To me and my mum it wasn’t just a group, it was more of an extended family. To us Slimming World made our weight loss journey so much easier because we enjoyed going and not just for the amazing support in weight loss but also the social side.
“Me and Mum have made so many friends from the group. As Mum was a big part of the group when she sadly passed day, I lent on members for support. This is why for me Slimming World is more than just a weight loss group.”
Vikki added: “With Slimming World there are recipes packed with vegetables that are not visible, so problem solved with my youngest son. There are also many options for my son who doesn’t like some meat textures, such as plant-based kebab and sausages.
“Some of our family favourites include creamy Tuscan chicken, Lasagne, bolognaise, Raco’s (a joint family invention) that you would have to come to group for the recipe. The family love desserts and that’s where Slimming World has you covered. Cheesecakes, Haribo-style sweets and lemon curd mug make.”
Vikki will lead her own group at The Aberfan Social every Thursday at 5.30pm, starting on January 9, 2025.
Both women stress the holistic benefits of Slimming World, which extends beyond diet to include the ‘Body Magic’ activity program.
Vikki incorporates simple workouts and walks into her day, while Sharon transitioned from jogging to walking to accommodate arthritis, underscoring the adaptability of the program.
Now as Consultants, Vikki and Sharon aim to share the life-changing support, understanding, and strategies that empowered them, offering their members not just weight loss guidance but a sense of community and inspiration for sustainable lifestyle changes. For more details, contact Vikki at 07724 461175 or Sharon at 07792 340844.
Consultants needed
Joanne Creese, who successfully runs Slimming World’s Ystrad Mynach group supports both Sharon and Vikki as a Consultant and Team Developer.
She said: “I am elated that Vikki and Sharon are joining the Merthyr and Caerphilly Teams. If, like Sharon and Vikki, you’re feeling inspired to make a difference, Slimming World has opportunities for past and current members or former Consultants who are keen to open a local Slimming World group.”
Becoming a self-employed Slimming World Consultant offers flexibility and can fit around other commitments. Consultants are trained in all aspects of running a successful group, from delivering Slimming World’s programme, based on the science and psychology of behaviour change, to building and promoting a local business.
Joining as a Consultant also means becoming part of a trusted brand with more than 50 years of experience. The role is both flexible and rewarding, with Consultants earning between £100 to £400 a week for ten to 20 hours of work.
• For more information about please contact Joanne on 07530 343262 or go to slimmingworld.co.uk/careers.
Interested in becoming a Slimming World Consultant?
Call Joanne on 07530 353262 for more information