Crawley mum launches new slimming group after three stone weight loss

Holly Jones joined the Maidenbower Slimming World group a year ago and has lost more than three stone, from just over 12.5 stone to 9st 3lbs to reach her personal target.

After having two children in three years she had gained three stone. Then a battle with postnatal depression and later cancer led her to the group. She said: “I knew that I wanted to lose weight but something was missing, I couldn’t see how other slimming options would fit in with cooking for and eating with my family or provide a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Then, in November 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and began nine months of treatment, at the end of which I was a shell of my former self.”

Holly was another one and a half stone heavier; her energy levels were rock bottom and she could not recognise the person looking back at her in the mirror.

During this time her father had died from lung cancer and she had turned to chocolate and cake to numb her grief.

She said: “I had no love for food, or the inclination to make the effort and whilst staying with us during my radiotherapy my mother-in-law introduced me to Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan which encourages you to fill up on tasty, satisfying foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish.

“You are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. Soon I was once again enjoying preparing family-friendly, everyday meals such as roast dinners, curries and stir-fries that we could all enjoy.”

As Holly began to eat more healthy and satisfying meals she began to make more positive snacking choices, whilst still enjoying all of her favourite treats, like an occasional glass of wine or chocolate brownie.

She is now using her new found confidence to launch a group in Crawley Down Village Hall every Thursday at 7.30pm from July 21.

She still remembers what her first session was like and so will be the ideal support to those taking that first step.

She said: “When I walked in to my first group I was quite nervous and uncertain, I was at an all-time low emotionally and physically however I immediately felt welcomed and quickly realised the unique forward thinking, non-judgmental encouragement that Slimming World offer was just what I had been looking for. Support and reassurance really is the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone.”

To join Holly’s group just turn up or call her on 07971 262282. For more details visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk.

The weight loss has helped As she lost weight Holly became more active too. She said: “Now I am enjoying being able to be more active and have so much more energy to take the children to the park and I can fit on the swings again, or spend a day exploring the local countryside. It was such an awesome moment when I swung my four-and-a-half-year old up for a piggy back - and realised that I had lost the equivalent of his weight.”

When Holly first joined Slimming World as a member, she never dreamed that she would end up helping other people to lose weight but now she just can’t wait to get started.

“After losing 3½ stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to use the confidence and self-care values that Slimming World has given me to pass on my experience, insight and understanding so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target, find the person they are looking for in themselves and live happy.”