Slimming Stories Around The World

Episode 32, Mollie Taylor discovered cheerleading and a weight loss plan that works.

 

 

Mollie's love of clothes shopping had come to a halt, the love of clothes that Mollie once had become a distant memory when Mollie felt that her battle with food was at its worst.

Mollie had gained weight and didn't have the desire to shop for size 18/20 clothes instead she chose to buy leggings and baggy tops at her supermarket. Then came University and cheerleading. Cheerleading for Mollie was an absolute joy and having been brought up attending dance and gymnastics as a youngster cheerleading was a great fit for Mollie. Mollie found joy in cheerleading and the buzz and enthusiasm in everyone involved helped Mollie to focus on herself and her weight. Food optimizing for Mollie was easy and worked well around Mollies classes and evening cheerleading routines. The food Mollie was now turning to was nutritional and affordable and soon Mollie was losing weight and dropping dress sizes from size 20/18 to 12/14. Mollie’s friends are amazed at the foods she can now eat and recently Mollie was able to shop online for clothes she could only have ever dreamed of wearing. When was the last time you really looked forward to your fitness routine? If this episode helps you question your exercise routine and if you're looking to change things up in exchange for a regime you love and adore cheerleading could be the exercise for you.

…..And with your hands on your hips, a smile on your lips, spirit in your heart, we're ready to start!!....the podcast that is! I just couldn't resist a cheerleading slogan! Enjoy. 

If you have enjoyed listening to Mollie’s story you can follow Mollie on Instagram @sw_mollie_06 

 

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and produced by

Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

Episode 31, Amy Victoria embarked on a self-care challenge during lockdown to improve her confidence and this has proved a great investment of her time.

 

 

Amy wanted to lose weight after giving birth to her beautiful daughter. Amy's family gently guided her through the doors of her local slimming group by not taking no for an answer! However, although Amy was now a member of a slimming group Amy took some convincing that Slimming World was the right weight loss plan for her. Amy committed to two weeks on the plan but no more and the weight came off with ease. Surprised by her success Amy committed to a full month explaining that surely the weight loss would stop at this point. Now four stone 10lbs lighter Amy knew that she had chosen the right weight loss plan that worked around her busy life when working and looking after her young daughter. 

Amy chose to use lockdown as a way to challenge her issues with her confidence. Amy talks of her new love for walking in the woods with her partner and daughter and how she has found the confidence to go on her own soaking up the peace and quiet that has benefited Amy promoting a healthy state of mind.

Amy is an open book and just like her Instagram account shares an honest portrait of all that life brings to her doorstep. Amy never thought that she would have the confidence to post photos of her stretch marks but in 2020 Amy did exactly that. Amy is beautiful both inside and out and encourages other women to embrace their confidence and recognize their beauty.  

If you have enjoyed listening to Amy's story you can follow Amy on Instagram @amy_sw_journeyx

Slimming Stories podcast is written and produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

Episode 30, Steve Lodge a slimming story of resilience and hope after a time of great loss.

 

Do we ever really know what is on the other side of “are you o.k”? This is the question Steves's friend asked during a time of despair when Steve was suffering from suicidal thoughts. Before Steve had hit rock bottom he had managed a successful weight loss of 6 stone after a health scare with his heart. Steve had also discovered a love for running and on paper was taking positive steps in the right direction.

Unfortunately for Steve, his mental health had plummeted and unbeknown to him at this time Steve was about to discover his true inner strength. After confiding in his friend and seeking professional help Steve is thankfully living life to the full equipped with an armor of mental resilience. Steve went on to lose a total of 11 stone 11 and a half pounds with Slimming World and currently runs his own group as a consultant.

This episode is unapologetically raw and honest and demonstrates hope in the darkest of times.

Steve recently helped raise funds for the charity “Mind” and encourages anyone struggling with their mental health to seek help.

If you're reading this grappling for excuses why this isn't the week to start the healthy changes that your body is crying out to take a listen to Steve's story. This episode is an abundance of inspiration and clearly demonstrates that no slimming journey is without its twists and turns. Steve recalls the time when he suffered from dark thoughts as having an out-of-body experience. This story is very needed and I know this will help anyone who is struggling with isolation and who may be experiencing similar difficulties.

It goes without saying that I am so grateful that Steve has agreed to share his full slimming story on my podcast. 

 

If you have enjoyed listening to Steve's story you can follow Steve on Instagram @steve_achieve

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

 

EPISODE 29 - part 2, Hayley Grocock graciously shares an insight into managing mental health while setting intentions for weight loss and fitness.

 

20 years post-operation Hayley discusses how challenging her mindset and putting in place tools to help her focus on a positive outlook is still a challenge and working progress.

Slimming World and healthy meal planning is also part of this episode if you're asking yourself how or why you would have surgery only to gain weight I thought exactly the same. Hayley explains the finer details of the gastric band procedure and this has definitely been a learning experience for me.

Hayley has been so generous in this interview to share her mental health struggles and we truly go deep into discussing mental health and how to manage this while on a slimming journey.

This episode is truly golden. If you have ever struggled with focus due to experiencing mental health issues this episode is catered just for you.

I could write a million’s words to describe my gratitude towards Hayley sharing her struggles in the hope of helping others…... so don't waste your time reading! Listen to part two of Hayley's slimming story and you will hear how exercise and a healthy lifestyle are helping Hayley beyond belief.

If you have enjoyed listening to Hayleys story you can follow Hayley on Instagram @hayleyrunlikely

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

Episode 28 - part 1, Hayley Grocock gives an insight into how running helped to manage her mental health and weight loss.

 

This week Hayley Grocock shares a refreshingly honest slimming story covering her issues with her mental health having been diagnosed with anxiety and depression 20 years ago. 

Hayley is a very busy lady and the lockdown has found her working from home in her role as a CEO of a charity while managing homeschooling with her 6-year-old son.

Hayley doesn't hold back in this episode and even discusses the “mummy wine” culture that she once felt was justified after finishing a hard day's work to help with relaxation.

Hayley is also my first guest to discuss medical intervention to aid weight loss after undergoing a gastric bypass in 2008, this is something I knew very little about and this interview was certainly a learning experience for me.

Doctors had always recommended exercise to Hayley to help with depression and at 19 stone Hayley couldn't think of anything worse than reaching for her trainers. Having now completed the London Marathon Hayley wished she had started running years ago, it seems that the medical professionals had hit the nail on the head and now Hayley would not be without her running shoes.

This is part 1 of Hayley's slimming story…….to be continued shortly.

 

If you have enjoyed listening to Hayley's story you can follow Hayley on Instagram @hayleyrunlikely

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

Episode 27 Doug Kramer shares how his he stepped on the scales at 28 stone and took back control of his health and fitness.

 

I’m so excited about today's episode. Doug Kramer is our first boxer on Slimming Stories and I'm a boxing fan!

For anyone who has attempted to box albeit in the form of a gym exercise class or within a community boxing space be assured that boxing is the most intense workout, you will find! So with Doug in peak fitness you may be thinking that today’s episode is around a fitness journey? Wrong!

Doug Kramer once weighed 28 stone and has had great success with an amazing weight loss of over 11 stones with Slimming World. Doug no longer has to shop for t-shirts in a size 6 XL and is free to shop in all stores not just for trainers as Doug explained they were once the only things that could be relied upon to fit!

Doug is setting a fantastic example for his family and his children also enjoy boxing training. Doug would previously shop with friends and feel like an outsider looking at rails full of clothes he wanted to buy but nothing was in his size. This is in stark contrast to the suit Doug has ready and waiting for his wedding day next year all set to commit to wedding vows with his stunning fiance. If you need motivation this episode is definitely for you, the dedication of Doug’s fitness regime and health focus is second to none.

Doug is the first to admit he allows for time out for special occasions but now having learned to cook tasty healthy meals he knows that being on plan is now a routine he's happy to keep. 

 

If you have enjoyed listening to Doug’s story you can follow Doug on Instagram @the_sw_journey_of_d_n_s

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

 

Episode 26, Dominique Withers sharing an insight into weight loss and fitness.

 

Who wouldn't want to appear on the front cover of a slimming magazine!? This is truly a glamorous place to show up in your full transformation glory after the hard work of weight loss. This week's episode is with Dominique Withers, the cover girl of Slimming World magazine March & April edition. I love a good weight loss magazine showing a transformation story and there haven't been many months since the age of 18 that I haven't

 bought both the Weight Watchers magazine and Slimming World magazine’s not forgetting Rosemary Connely back in the 90’s! Before Instagram and Facebook magazines were our only source of inspiration outside of our slimming classes. Dominique shares her experience of the photo shoot and her slimming journey. This episode shows how losing two dress sizes can still have a positive impact on your body confidence. Dominique has also found a new love for running and how lockdown and the Instagram community has provided her with a chance to work towards new goals supporting the NHS. If you're in need of inspiration and know nothing about the Instagram community that is waiting to support and inspire you Dominque agrees that this has been a game changer.

 

If you have enjoyed listening to Dominique’s story you can follow Dominique on Instagram @slimmingworld_dominique 

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

Episode 25 Matt Towle explain's "there's nothing super about being super morbidly obese". A honest story of courage and weight loss.

 

Matt knew he was overweight and knew that this was affecting his health but other than being aware of diets that would leave him feeling deprived and miserable he knew very little about how to take the first steps to instigate change. During a routine appointment at his local surgery, Matt was unaware that the conversation that would unfold would lead to life-saving intervention. Matts G.P offered help with his weight, no lectures no judgment just help. The help came in the form of 12 free classes at a local Slimming World class and Matt accepted the offer. Matt felt that the help offered by his G.P had come at the right time and although he was due to go on a holiday abroad he wanted to take action and investigate further as he was concerned that his weight was too heavy for the scales. While abroad Matt contacted his consultant and was reassured that the scales went up to 40 stones and the rest is history! Matt weighed in at over 33 stones on his first group meeting and that was the last time he saw that number on the scales. Matt has now lost over 12 stone in weight and has discovered a newfound control over his eating habits. Another honest slimming story to help keep you feel inspired during the lockdown.

 

If you have enjoyed listening to Matt and his Slimming Story you can follow him on Instagram

 @ fat_matt_to_fab_matt

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and  produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

Episode 24 Claire Oldham - West - part 3. My not so secret slimming diary aged 44 and a quarter, April update.

Episode 24 Claire Oldham - West - part 3. My not so secret slimming diary aged 44 and a quarter, April update.

This month's episode during lockdown was the month I received both slimmer of the week and slimmer of the month certificates!! Could this be an end to my yo-yo dieting or is this a new welcomed change during a more relaxed me in the land of lockdown. This month I share my experience of giving up added sugar for Lent, yes this happened to both my surprise and my husband Martin who thought that this was an impossible task I had set myself but I did it! My last taste of a chocolate bar was the 25th of February and I have zero cravings! This is true and yes it feels very strange. I’m hoping that this isn't some magic spell that has been cast my way and that my control over all things of the sugary persuasion will remain. 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and  produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

 

Slimming Stories is also a Facebook Group.

EPISODE 23 Lewis Cowey shares his 10 stone weight loss with Slimming World and new-found confidence.

 

Lewis found himself away from his home comforts and working within the busy city of London, renowned for its fast pace Lewis was totally out of his comfort zone. Ironically Lewis had been active before moving away with work, now living alone unable to cook anything resembling a healthy meal Lewis turned his attention to convenience food. Takeaways and a few cans of beer are how Lewis enjoyed his evenings. On returning home to Sunderland Lewis was encouraged by his mum to lose weight and this is when Lewis discovered some Slimming World members who kindly helped and encouraged Lewis to take the leap of faith to join his local Slimming World Group. Work was now calling Lewis to relocate to a remote part of Northern Ireland where Lewis could rely on great food with Hotel meals at the ready. At this point, most people would have caved under the pressure of being surrounded by rich food full of flavour, fat, and calories! However, Lewis made wise choices and after losing 10 stone 1.5lb the rest is history! This story shares an incredible transformation story of the mind, body, and soul, and having discovered a newfound confidence Lewis has regained control of his life.

 

If you have enjoyed listening to Lewis and his Slimming Story you can follow him on  Instagram  @sw-lew

 

Slimming Stories podcast is written and  produced by Claire Oldham - West, you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

 

Slimming Stories is also a Facebook Group.