Slimming Stories Around The World

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’s 10-Stone Weight Loss with Slimming World: Confidence Through Change

 

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  @lew_health_blog

 

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 22, Ashli Sterling had dropped from a U.K size 16 to size 8 all in time for her 2020 wedding.

 

Ashli Sterling had tried many fad diets but having previously worked as a Slimming World consultant Ashli knew that she had the tools at hand to make the necessary health changes she longed for. 2020 is due to be a big year for Ashli and amidst COVID 19 she seems to be taking all of the chaos in her stride with an exuberance of confidence Ashli explains this wasn't always the case. For Ashli dropping dress sizes from a U.K size 16 to a U.K size 8 has given her confidence a huge boost, Ashli never thought she would be halving her dress size. Ashli talks about her love for food and her desire to show others how preparing tasty food doesn't have to be complex and how taking snapshots as a blogger on Instagram played an integral part in her weight loss journey. Ashli reached her goal weight long before plans of a wedding making Ashli's success all the more sweeter with no pressure to slim down for the big day. Ashli's commitment to her weight loss gifted her with the power of choice both on her plate and in the wedding boutique.

If you have enjoyed Ashli’s Slimming Story you can follow her journey ashli_sw

 

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

 

Slimming Stories is also a Facebook Group.

Episode 21, Jessica Faulkner the most positive bride to be amidst COVID-19 shares her weight loss as a Slimming World member.

 Episode 21, Jessica Faulkner the most positive bride to be amidst COVID-19 shares her weight loss as a Slimming World member.

 

Jessica joined her local slimming group with the intention of just losing half a stone. Several stones later and with healthy eating choices embedded into her lifestyle with a newfound love for fitness inches followed the weight loss, reducing Jessica's dress size from a U.K size 22 to size 10 - 12. Jessica exuberates confidence and it's difficult to imagine Jessica ever feeling any different but during our conversation, Jessica opens up about how changes to her diet and fitness have increased her confidence and how happy she feels compared with life in a larger body. This episode was published during COVID- 19 but Jessica doesn't show any signs of overwhelm a testament to the support of a loving fiance, family, and friends. Shopping for a wedding dress had been a worry for Jessica but now in a smaller size, Jessica has the freedom to choose whatever style she finds on the rail in the wedding boutique. Being an overweight mum was something that once laid heavy on Jessica's mind but now she is free to keep up with her young daughter and shine as a role model providing healthy footsteps for daughter Felicity to follow in.

 

If you have enjoyed Jessica's Slimming Story you can follow her journey @jess.abrahams_sw

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

 

Slimming Stories is also a Facebook Group.