Slimming World really is for every one.

I am fortunate to have quite a few men in my groups. Today I would love to introduce you to just one of my super stars, writes Amanda Dickinson.

This is Gary's Story.

"I'm 59 years young, I'm a grandad to a wonderful grandson who I love to bits as I do my daughter and son, family is really important to me.

"I am semi retired which allows me the perfect amount of time to spend with my family and loved ones. I enjoy carp fishing which I try to do as much as possible. I like DIY and socialising with family and friends.

"I have had serious health issues over the last four years and had life changing surgery in January 2020. But firmly believe that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Gary joined my Thursday morning group in January 2021, says Amanda.

At this time groups were running virtually providing a much needed life line for many members. He called me and we had a quick chat before getting him all set up and sharing all the new member information with him.

I think it's fair to say Gary was sceptical about Slimming World and the results he could achieve.

Gary tells me "I have said this many times to my consultant, Amanda. I just thought she was giving me a sales pitch when I initially spoke to her about joining, she said you can lose this amount of weight.

"How wrong I was, thanks to her support and guidance I did lose weight but in a controlled way and this makes me feel so much more healthy and happy. But it does take commitment and self control and the need for a different mindset."

Keep reading to find out more about Gary's journey and how you could be a part of it too.

I asked Gary what the final straw was that made him come to group.

I have been a consultant for more than eight years and members usually have a moment, that one thing that gives them the courage to come to group.

Gary told me the final straw was when he was on a family video call over Christmas, as it was during lockdown many people where using this as their main way to celebrate together, "on that video call my brother in law said, jokingly, look its John Vegas that was the tipping point for me." 

Gary joined the weekly zoom meetings we had and we could see him disappearing before our eyes each week as he put in place changes to how he shopped, cooked and ate.

 "Food optimising gives me the opportunity to cook healthy meals and eat as much as I like along as its syn free, which I try to do the majority of the time."

By April Gary was two stone lighter and the world had slowly started to open up. In May I opened real life venue doors and got to meet Gary in person for the first time. I think all of the Thursday group will join in in saying we were blown away by how brilliant he looked. 

Garry went on to hit his initial target in August 2021 and with his new found confidence and his belief in Slimming World he lowered this again to achieve his final target of over four and half stone which he has maintained now for nearly a year. 

Gary says "I have fallen back in love with cooking rather than the easy option of a jar of sauce poured over something. I eat more now than I did before joining Slimming World but it's all healthy food, which I really enjoy cooking, as I had got lazy and just ate convenience food, but I really love trying out new recipes and my SW favourites. 

"I have lots of favourite meals, but I really like Carribean Pepperpot Stew (Slimming World recipe), Chinese curry, SW sweet and sour chicken and naked burrito bowl.

"I can now walk at least an hour without getting out of breath, run around after my grandson and fit into clothing that makes me look human. Before Slimming World I couldn't walk for five minutes or do any exercise without feeling breathless. I now regularly walk 17,000 steps a days o my health has improved dramatically. "

Gary adds that: "I always knew I needed to do something about my weight but didn't know were to start.

"Slimming World gave me the tools and the support to do this, so my mental and physical health have greatly improved and I'm much happier and confident with myself.

"Went from XXL SHIRTS to Medium and from xxl trousers to small, what a boost that was. I will always be grateful to slimming world and the unity of the group for being part of my journey. It's always 1 day at a time. 

"Don't stop believing in yourself and listen to the advice and support from the group and your consultant. Anything is possible if you put your mind into it."

I hope you agree what an incredible achievement this is I couldn't be prouder of Gary and the journey he has taken, says Amanda.

He still attends group regularly, although now with my Wednesday evening session. Slimming World is for MEN TOO. 

Join a group today.

Wednesday 530pm and 7pm 8th Letchworth Scout Hut 

Thursday 9am &1030am

Saturday 830am Central Methodist Church Hall 

 Amanda 07815305950