Slimming World Friday

Cheryl hopes this will give more people the opportunity to come along to a Slimming World group and enjoy a healthier lifestyle in 2015.

One of the current members of the groups at the Lodge Hotel is Kerry Gray. She has dropped a whopping four dress sizes since joining the Slimming World group in February 2014 and has now reached her target weight.

Kerry, who wore a dress size 18 at her heaviest and is now a ‘slinky’ and a dress size 10, says she was surprised – as well as delighted – when she was announced as the Lodge Hotel Slimming World group’s winner of the Miss Slinky 2014 competition.

She adds: “When I was bigger I was really unhappy. I didn’t like what I saw when I looked in the mirror, I hated shopping for clothes and I felt self-conscious most of the time.

“I was very nervous when I first walked through the doors of the group because I expected everyone to judge me, but I needn’t have worried because everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I’ve made friends and I love swapping recipes and ideas every week.

“My Consultant Cheryl has been so supportive too, she’s positive and enthusiastic and is always at the end of the phone if I need her.”

After joining Slimming World, Kerry began following the club’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and was amazed to discover that she didn’t have to give up her favourite meals: “I actually eat the same things now as before – curries, roast dinners, pasta dishes – but they’re all made from scratch and I make healthier choices like having pasta with a tomato and vegetable sauce instead of something creamy or buttery.”

Kerry,pictured, , has also become more active and regularly enjoys using her weighted hula hoop while at home and dancing the night away when out. “Before I lost weight I would dread going out, because I could never find anything to wear and I would feel uncomfortable and out of place.

“This year I’ll be accepting invitations and instead of hiding in baggy or black clothes, I’ll be showing off my new figure – I can’t wait!”

Cheryl, who runs the The Lodge Hotel group which Kerry attends, said: “As Kerry shows whether you’ve got a little or a lot of weight to lose, slimming down can make a big difference to how you feel about yourself and really boost your confidence.

“Our eating plan is so generous that you won’t have to miss out on any of your favourite meals .

“Everyone’s welcome to join us at The Lodge Hotel every Tuesday at 9.30am, 5.30pm or 7.30pm and now on Fridays at 9.30am, they can just pop along or if they’d like more information they can call me on 07904 022 768.”