Less is more for Frome’s ‘Women of the Year’ slimmers

AFTER losing 9 st 5 1/2lb between them and winning a slimming competition, the only thing that’s big about Lyn and Kate nowadays are their beaming smiles.

Lyn and Kate, from Frome, lost weight with their local Slimming World group in Frome and Lyn has dropped from 20st 3lb to 14st 1 1/2lb; and Kate has dropped from 14 st 8 1/5lb to 11st 4lb, and their transformations haven’t gone unrecognised as they have both just been named the Frome 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. Lyn and Kate was voted by the members of the Frome Cricket Club Evening group.

Lyn joined Slimming World after struggling with her size for the last 33 years. She said, “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 6 st 4lb I’m the happiest I’ve been in years! But I haven’t finished yet as I am going to lose 10 stone in total.”

These days, Lyn 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.

Lyn said, “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 still eat all the same meals that I did before but now I cook and prepare them differently.

“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club – they don’t know what to expect. I was really frightened about making that first step in the door. But from the minute I walked into Slimming World, the support I’ve received from my consultant Debbie Hills and the rest of the group has been brilliant.”

Kate joined Slimming World after becoming more increasingly unhappy and embarrassed about her size. Kate said, “I was a bit embarrassed about going to a group. On my first night I was amazed to meet people who had lost so much weight, and if they had reached their target, were maintaining. I knew that first night that Slimming World was going to work for me.

“I am a member of Frome Running Club and was finding it hard to keep up with the ‘girlies’ (my running friends) but with my continued weight loss my times are continuously improving. When I joined Slimming World I weighed 14st 8 1/2lb, but not anymore as I am now proud to say that I have lost 3st 4lb to date and am very close to my target, which I know I WILL maintain.

“My main ambition in life is to run a marathon every year and one day try to do a triathlon. Well this year it happened…I ran London Marathon earlier in the year in an amazing 4 1/2 hours and raised £1,434.80 for Positive Action on Cancer. I love my Tuesday evenings at Slimming World, we have a good giggle and Debbie is an amazing support to us all. The foods great too, as I can still have my favourite Chicken Korma and Pilau rice.”

Debbie, who runs the Frome group said, “I’m so proud of Lyn and Kate. Not only do they look fabulous, they have improved their health and are bursting with energy. They are a huge inspiration to everyone in our group.”

The Frome Slimming World group is held every Tuesday at 5.15pm or 7.15pm at Frome Cricket Club. To join or find out more call Debbie Hills on 01373 472327 or 07849 536189.

Below: Kate, before and after and Lyn, before and after