Slimming Stories Around The World

Episode 10, Tom Fox's mental health and weight loss battles showing resilience can be found during the darkest of times.

Today’s episode with Tom Fox shows an ability to rise up even in the darkest times. Having tasted success with a weight loss of 8 stone 5lb Tom knew he wanted to get back on track with his eating habits but under the strain of experiencing mental health issues the ability to do this was extremely difficult indeed. In 2019 Tom had been diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression, and Body Dysmorphia Disorder. Difficulties within the workplace and a relationship breakdown had left Tom feeling out of control. So, how did Tom get back up? That is the question! When mental health bangs on your door how can we even begin to think about self-care and weight loss? This episode details the journey Tom was able to take back into healthy eating and back into the driving seat. Currently, Tom has lost over 4 stone and you can follow his weight loss and fitness antics on Instagram. Such a breath of fresh air! @fightfatwithtom.

Episode 9, Claire Oldham - West - part 1. My not so secret slimming diary aged 44 and a quarter, the first weight in after Christmas.

The first weigh-in after Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year! With bloated bellies and a wardrobe full of good intentions, we walk the green mile destination unknown. Does this sound dramatic enough!? In fact, we have all most likely over-indulged over Christmas and would have had to either have lived like a saint or caught the flu to have escaped a gain on the scales. Today's episode is all about honesty facing the new year and looking at our focus and goal setting. I have made the brave decision to document my weight loss for 2020 in part 1 of my “not so secret slimming diary”. In January after we step on the scales our good intentions are set in stone. I’m unsure it's due to the fact that we've eaten our body weight in chocolate that encourages a healthy lifestyle or the realization that living off such a high-calorie intake isn't all what its cracked up to be! I promise to update the podcast with regular updates as I tackle my food baby! There will be moments of temper and calm, wobbles and resistance as I face my weight issues head-on in 2020.

Episode 8, Gina Dean has lost over 8 stone with Slimming World and welcomes in the new year in full health.

Collapsing on the floor within a Marks and Spencers changing room was a great day for Gina! Moment’s before Gina had chosen a pair of size 8 jeans to try on and amidst the excitement and screams of exhilaration that the jeans actual fit Gina had found herself in a giggling heap on the changing room floor! Rewind 12 months earlier and size 8 jeans would have been a far cry from the dress size that Gina had grown accustomed to. A family wedding and an unflattering photo having avoided so many photo opportunities gave Gina a wake-up call to take action. Gina explains how she had been overweight for 20 years and excess weight had caused her health problems, feeling out of breath and experiencing pain in her knees became a daily occurrence. Having lost over 8 stone in weight with Slimming World and feeling fit and healthy running and Zumba are frequently on Gina's time table. Half Italian Gina was able to enjoy her recent holiday to Italy soaking up the sights in her beautiful new wardrobe and enjoying a flight with so much leg space! Fastened in her seat belt and feeling the space that surrounded her brought Gina to tears, happy tears that were symbolic of a new lifestyle for Gina without restrictions.

Episode 7, Johanna Peralta shares her Keto weight loss.

Johanna Peralta knew things had to change, her eating habits had been poor for as long as she could remember and feeling unable to stick to any healthy eating plan had a negative impact on her confidence.

The help came in the form of a neighbor who had followed the Keto plan and rather than quickly dive into making changes Johanna took time to research this new way of eating to see if this was something that would work for her. Johanna confessed to having tried the maple syrup “Beyonce” diet along with Slim Fast. Nothing had worked like Keto did and now Johnna is mentoring others around the Keto way of life or as Johanna would like to call it “latina_livin_keto”.Trying out new recipes is now one of Johanna's passions so much so that she has dedicated an Instagram account to posting beautifully prepared tasty Keto-friendly meals, the cheesecake looks amazing!

You can find Johanna on Instagram at latina_livin_keto or contact Johanna for 121 mentoring email address: johanna@latinalivinketo.com 

Episode 6, Aoife Larking lost over 14 stone and climbed Ireland's highest mountain.

Has your doctor ever encouraged you to improve your health by losing a few pounds? If so you will be able to relate to Aoife Larking my guest on this week’s podcast. It’s fair to say that Aoife’s doctor cut straight to the point when announcing that if Aoife didn’t do anything about her eating habit's that her friends and family would be carrying her out in a box! Harsh, shocking words that hit home to Aoife that shook Aoife into taking action and finding sanctuary with Slimming World. Aoife was 25 stone 9lb when she stepped on the scales at her 1st weigh-in and has had an astonishing weight loss of 14 stone 10lb. Aoife's weight loss and her mobility around the stairs in her home resulted in a fall midway through her weight loss journey but this didn’t stop Aoife. After falling on her staircase suffering a break to her pelvis, tailbone and fractured femur Aoife didn’t give in and the weight loss continued. 

 A walking challenge came Aoife’s way and with improved fitness, she agreed to the challenge. Aoife had, in fact, agreed to climb the highest mountain in Ireland “Carrauntoohill”, and with no training, after all, "it was just a walk" Aoife well and truly conquered the mountain! From feeling breathless after walking 3 steps of her staircase to thousands of steps Aoife has come such a long way in more ways than one. Another wonderful lady sharing her story to inspire you into taking action….what are you waiting for!

 

Episode 5, Michelle Cook and her inspirational fitness journey.

Michelle Cook had a love of fitness and anything sports-related during her time at school. This had seemed a distant memory after Michelle had children and her needs had taken a back burner. Feeling uncomfortable in her clothes Michelle found support at her local Leisure center with regular swimming lessons, gym classes, and group cardio workouts. However, the local Council had money constraints due to government cutbacks and the village’s Leisure center had to close leaving Michelle downhearted. Then came the saving grace of a new private gym allowing Michelle to rekindle her fitness flame. Michelle’s new gym owner encouraged Michelle to take up some new challenges and the rest is history. Tough mudder and Iron man competition are now among Michelle's achievements. If you're in need of a motivational fix Michelle is just the ticket to show you all you need is a willingness to start.

Episode 4, Emma Issacs and food temptation's during the holiday season.

Life is busy in the Emma Issacs household and making time to stop and relax while taking in the holiday’s can be easier said than done. Emma works as a freelance designer and balances this with raising two young children. In this week’s episode, Emma and I talk honestly about food temptations during the holiday season and delegating some free time to switch off. Trick or treat can send cravings into overdrive as we decide like Emma a treat a day while on holiday or full blow out! I know many people have dreaded the temptations that half term brings whether away on holiday or days outs with the kids. Emma Issacs will give food for thought around the conversation we have around our children and discuss taking the pressure off as holidays are a precious time to be enjoyed. Or if your anything like my husband and I a waterpark holiday in Spain plays second fiddle to Anime, Peaky Blinders, Riverdale and YouTube! 

Episode 3, Julie Upton's running journey from lamp post to lamp post to completing the London Marathon.

Julie Upton decided to start running triggered by the loss of a loved one and wanting to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of her beloved Liz. Liz was a special lady who had helped to care for both Julie and her sister when her own mum struggled with her mental health. Taking part in “Race For Life” was Julie's way of showing Liz her gratitude in saving Julie and her sister from being taken into care and recognition for the Love she felt for Liz. Julie took action and picked up her old school trainers partially chewed by her dog and with a baseball cap to maintain her anonymity set off! To put this into perspective Julie had not just left school and was aged 33 when she thought learning to run in her old school trainers was a great idea! This was the start of Julie's running ventures and didn't start and stop from her house to the lamp post at the top of her street. Julie went on to run the London marathon surrounded by the love of her family and new running family.

Episode 2, Claire Shaw's 12 stone weight loss journey with Slimming World.

How do you even begin to plan a 12 stone weight loss, where do you even start!?

Claire Shaw has lost 12 stone following the Slimming World plan and talks us through the highs and lows of her weight loss journey. If you're in need of inspiration, if you have convinced yourself that being fit and healthy isn’t written in the stars for you then think again! Claire Shaw doesn’t stand for half measures and describes her commitment to slimming as “all or nothing”. Are you ready for momentum overload!? Introducing Claire Shaw to Slimming Stories.

Episode 1, Claire Oldham - West introducing her new podcast.

Welcome to Slimming Stories with Claire Oldham - West this is my teaser trail for my Podcast ready to launch in October 2019. 

Slimming Stories is my new passion project, when I had well and truly lost my slimming mojo in 2018 I knew something had to change. Yo-yoing up and down the scales with little resolve to exercise I was so frustrated.

My new podcast will introduce you to people who have had great success with their weight loss journeys along with people who have committed to improving their fitness with exercise.

This Podcast will do more than reveal a two page cover of a magazine weight loss story or a before and after photo. Slimming Stories will give you an insight into how its possible while sounding out my own thoughts about my journey and others who have not yet reached their goal weight.

I will be having real honest conversations about Slimming and exercise without a filter!