Local slimmers shed the pounds for Christmas

Members of the Lisburn City Church Slimming World group dreamed of a light Christmas when they embarked on their seasonal slim eight weeks ago. And now their winter weight-loss wishes have come true.

The challenge was part of an initiative running in all 12,000 Slimming World groups across the UK and Ireland called Love…a Slimming World Christmas, which aimed to help the club’s 700,000 members enjoy their best Christmas ever and show everyone that it’s possible to slim down with Slimming World whatever the time of year. The slimmers in the group, which is held at Lisburn City Church, Graham Gardens every Monday at 9:30am, 11:30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm, launched the campaign in October and set themselves mini targets to achieve by December 25.

Mary-Claire, who runs the group, said she’s extremely proud of all of the slimmers.

She added: “In October we asked everyone to think about what they wanted to achieve by Christmas – what would be the best Christmas gift they could give to themselves this year – and write it on a special gift tag.

“Everyone’s wishes were different, from weight-loss targets like losing a stone or reaching their target weight to other aims such as fitting into a certain outfit, being able to do something with their family for the first time or feeling good about themselves.

“Whatever it was it reminded members how important their weight loss was to them and helped to keep them focused throughout the run up to Christmas.

Julie Watson, from Lisburn, has lost 1St 6lb since the campaign began, and an impressive five stone altogether since joining Slimming World in January. “I love Christmas and New Year and I was determined not to have another year of feeling overweight and frumpy at family gatherings and parties,” she said.

“I can’t believe how different I feel in such a short space of time and I haven’t had to do anything drastic either, just make small easy changes to my eating and activity levels.

“I’ve learned how to make healthy choices and I know I’ve got the tools to be slim for life, so I’m confident I’ll be able to keep the weight off throughout the rest of Christmas and New Year, into 2015 and beyond.

“It’s reminded me that you don’t have to miss out on anything, including festive fun, when you’re losing weight with Slimming World.

“It’s been really enjoyable too – I wouldn’t be without my new friends at group each week now. I feel happier, healthier and full of confidence – it’s the best new start I could have given myself for the New Year.”

The Lisburn City Church Slimming World group is held every Monday at 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

Anyone is welcome and new members can simply pop along or call Mary-Claire on 07821174394.