New lease of life for Pontefract slimmer after shedding 7 stone
A dieter has been crowned woman of the year after she lost 7 stone in order to enjoy her early retirement.
After saying enough is enough of 'yoyo' dieting, Mary Brown from Pontefract decided it was time to lose some weight. Mary had plans of early retirement and wanted to travel but feared she could not enjoy it with her body size.
Mary knew she had put on a lot of weight since she had a nasty fall in 2018 , where she began overeating at a desk job - which put pressure on her injured knee. Despite being advised to get knee surgery - Mary thought losing weight would help delay the operation but first thing was to leave her job.
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Finally after both retiring, Mary and her husband David joined the Slimming World group at St Josephs Church Hall in Castleford, which in the first week Mary an amazing lost 7.5lbs - which encouraged her to attend more sessions. At the group, Mary was able to develop her love of good old fashioned cooking and was able to adapt to healthier or low/syn free recipes which helped her achieve her personal of 7 stone weight loss.
Mary knew on that first day she would achieve her target and never for one minute wavered even when on holiday. Mary said the feeling of not having to ask for a seatbelt extender on her first trip abroad after losing weight was one of the highlights of her weight loss journey.
Not only does Mary have to feel proud about the 'life changing' weight loss but she was also crowned Slimming World's 'Woman of the Year 2024'. Mary said: "I love the group sessions. I get a lot of inspiration from both my consultant Rachel and the members of the group. I have made friends for life.
“I love how simple the plan is to follow. We can eat everything in moderation. There is no calorie counting and you do not need to be a Michelin star chef to enjoy fabulously tasty meals. It is even possible to stay on plan when you enjoy a meal out or go on holiday. The Slimming World app and literature can support you whilst you are away.
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"I love the group sessions and other than when on holiday, I have stayed to every class. It is a safe place to speak about our troubles and issues with food. It is like an extended family.” Since losing 7 stone, Mary has increased her mobility and no longer needs to take regular pain relief.
Mary said “I know its not going to cure the damage to my knee, but if I can delay the surgery as long as possible, I will do. A few weeks ago, I could not believe it when I managed my personal best of 28,000 steps in one day. This is great body magic and wow it feels good.”
Body magic is Slimming Worlds very own physical activity programme; it is completely tailored to each members ability and lifestyle. It is inclusive and accessible to all and more importantly, no one is pressured into feeling they must do it.
Rachel, Mary’s consultant, says “I am so immensely proud of Mary. She honestly believed in herself and reached her Personal Achievement Target after 18 months, earlier this year. She is an inspiration to so many and is always on hand to help and encourage others. Mary thoroughly deserves this award.”
If you would like to join, the group meets on Tuesday evenings 5pm and 6.30pm, St Josephs Church Hall, Pontefract Road, Castleford, WF10 4JB and Friday mornings 7.30am, 9am and 10.30am, Airedale Methodist Church, Elizabeth Drive, Castleford, WF10 3SD
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