Less is more for local ‘Woman of the Year’

After losing 8 st and winning a slimming competition, the only thing that’s big about Pamela Kane nowadays is her beaming smile.

Pamela, from Antrim, lost over eight stones in just two years with her local Slimming World group in Templepatrick Primary School.

And her transformation hasn’t gone unrecognised as Pamela has just been named the Templepatrick group’s Woman of the Year 2013.

Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of women in making long-term healthy lifestyle changes for themselves and their families.

Pamela was voted by the members of the Templepatrick group to be their representative in the regional competition.

Pamela said: “I started to put on weight after leaving school, then after having my son, I put on more weight to the point that in the last few years it really did become a health issue for me.

“I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry and miserable. Slimming World is completely different, I never have to go hungry and after losing 8 st I’m the happiest I’ve been in years.”

The 32-year-old started following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which is based on satisfying even the largest of appetites so slimmers never feel deprived or hungry.

Now, Pamela fills up on everyday foods like fruit and veg, lean meat and fish, pasta, potatoes, rice and pulses without having to weigh or measure them because they’re all filling yet naturally low in calories and fat.

She’s cut out many of the convenience foods and sugary snacks she used to rely on, and loves trying out all the delicious healthy recipes she picks up from other members at her Slimming World group.

She added: “My family and friends are all amazed how much I can eat and still lose weight. I cook for them now and they can’t believe it’s all healthy food because it tastes so good.

“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club – they don’t know what to expect. But from the minute I walked into Slimming World, the support I’ve received from my original Consultant Judith Johnston and for the last year, my Consultant Donna Conlan and the rest of the group has been brilliant.

“At first I was extremely nervous, especially about stepping on the scales, but straightaway I was made to feel welcome and now it’s like a night out with friends. I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s like havinga crowd of cheerleaders on your side, when you’re doing well they spur you on further and when you’re struggling they motivate you to keep going.

“I never dreamt I could achieve so much. I’ve gone from a size 24 to a 8/10 and it’s made such a huge difference – it’s changed my life. I’ve got so much more energy and I can do things now that I couldn’t before.

“My fitness has improved – I enjoy being active now rather than thinking of it as a chore. I feel like a winner already, so being voted the Templepatrick group’s Woman of the Year 2013 is just the icing on the cake.”

Pamela went forward to the regional finals of the competition and was crowned Northern Ireland West’s Slimming World Woman of the Year.

She is now going to Slimming World’s Head Office to take part in the National Semi-Finals which puts her in the running for the national title. The national Slimming World Woman of the Year 2013 will be announced in November and the winner will take home a £5,000!

Donna Conlan, who runs the Templepatrick group, said: “I’m so proud of Pamela. Not only does she look fabulous, she’s improved her health and is bursting with energy. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women in the local area to change their lives in the same way.

“It can be hard to admit that you need to do something about your weight and to ask for help, but I think Pamela shows just what’s possible when you do.”

The Templepatrick Slimming World group is held every Monday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Templepatrick Primary School. To join or find out more call Donna on 07846 141 869.

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