Search Weight Loss Topics:




May 4

Mum-of-four drops over 2 stone – and now helps others to lose weight – Stoke-on-Trent Live

Claire Brough used to hate her legs. They were, she felt, the biggest part of her, and she had really bad cellulite.

Now theyre like a long-lost friend shes become reacquainted with, admitting shes learned to love them as they carry her through countless half-marathons.

Thats just one of the health benefits the 53-year-old mum-of-four has enjoyed after years of despairing over diets that didnt work and failed weight-loss plans.

But it all clicked for Claire the day she walked through the doors of a Slimming World group 22 years ago. She lost 2st 7lb, dropping from 12st to 9st 7lb, a weight she has maintained for over 20 years, enabling her to show off those pins in size 10 shorts.

This month she celebrates 21 years as a consultant, living proof the system can provide sustainable weight loss and a happier life.

When I had my fourth child, the doctor said I was like a different woman, she said.

Since then I have had people referred to my group by my GP.

Claire, from Kidsgrove, was attracted to Slimming World after learning she could still eat pasta and chocolate and lose weight.

She added: I will go through my Take 5 book and make a shopping list based on the recipes in there. I can eat really cheaply. I love things like Slimming World egg and chips. I also love using my slow cooker for things too. It doesnt have to be expensive.

But Claire also makes time for treats known as syns in Slimming World terminology.

She said: Its still important to have a treat. I have my goody drawer, which includes things like marshmallows, dark chocolate, popcorn, choc shots and hot chocolate.

I like to make myself little desserts with quark, frozen berries and choc shot. I can feel like Im having a treat but its a lot healthier.

She also cut down on alcohol, swapping a bottle of wine for water infused with cucumber and making her own ice lollies with sugar-free squash.

Claire said: I always tell my members to buy smaller bottles of wine, and the smaller cans of cocktails. Having a smaller portion is better because you can still finish it but you obviously havent had as much.

I think this is the first Easter I havent bought a bottle of Jack Daniels. I had a G&T that my daughter bought me for Mothers Day and that was it I just wanted a cup of tea after.

I also used to love Diet Coke but now I cant stand it. I really try to stick to water.

Claire also fell in love with the gym after a foot injury left her unable to be as active as she was used to. She said: I just thought, if I dont do anything, Im going to pile the weight back on and feel bad.

So I joined DW Fitness, in Tunstall, to use the pool. I saw a lady with bluetooth headphones and so I ordered some. Im a big music person festivals are my thing so with the headphones I could move about in the water. That got me through the winter.

Claire is also very aware of her mental health and loves to keep a positive mindset in everything she does, praising the Slimming World podcast for keeping her motivated.

She added: Listening to good music and going on walks is important to me - especially during our current lockdown. I also love yoga!

During the coronavirus lockdown Slimming World groups are unable to meet physically but support is still there online, with a half-price weekly fee and free online group sessions.

Claire and other consultants are still looking out for their members: When groups had to close, it felt like Id been punched in the stomach. I didnt know what to do.

But I have been putting on weekly Zoom sessions. They are about 40 minutes long and we treat it like a normal group session. Members get everything they normally would apart from walking through the doors. I even encourage them to bring a piece of fruit!

They can text me their weight and still set themselves a mini target for the next week. I can also give out our weight loss awards and post them out to members and we still do slimmer of the week.

Claire looks after the Higherland, Kidsgrove and Newcastle groups. For details about getting involved online text 07986 569076.

Go here to see the original:
Mum-of-four drops over 2 stone - and now helps others to lose weight - Stoke-on-Trent Live

Related Posts

    Your Full Name

    Your Email

    Your Phone Number

    Select your age (30+ only)

    Select Your US State

    Program Choice

    Confirm over 30 years old

    Yes

    Confirm that you resident in USA

    Yes

    This is a Serious Inquiry

    Yes

    Message:



    matomo tracker