A LOCAL woman is celebrating her slimming success after losing more than six stone since February this year.

Jacqui Hendra started attending Slimming World meetings in Tavistock with three of her work colleagues at the start of the year in anticipation of the birth of her grandchild.

Jacqui said that she wanted to feel confident taking photos with the new baby and that the support of her work mates spurred her on to stick to a strict diet of fresh fruit and vegetables.

She added: ‘It was great to have each other for support. I ate rubbish and felt rubbish prior to joining Slimming World.

‘I was able to swap tips with colleagues and tell each other what we’d eaten. For me variety was important – it’s important to stay focused, I didn’t even go overboard on the celebratory sins. My favourite meal is chilli con carne and I have it at least once a week.

‘The key has been lots of fresh fruit and vegetables which means I can eat tons of healthy tasty food and all the family can eat the same without putting on weight.’

Despite being strict with her diet Jacqui said that she did have weak moments.

‘Although my journey has been fairly straightforward, I won’t pretend there haven’t been struggles. Sometimes I go off the rails a bit. My Slimming World friends are brilliant at encouraging me back to food optimising and once I’m on plan again the pounds drop off.’

Jacqui said she has also experienced benefits in her fitness and energy levels.

‘Over six stone lighter I have so much energy, have all-round confidence and believe in myself. I am able to walk miles, use stairs – five or six flights before getting out of breath. I cannot begin to list the health benefits, my energy levels are massive now.

‘I has surgery on my back a few years ago and carrying the extra weight was not helping. I was on a high dosage of pain relief. Since losing the weight I am free of pain and no longer on medication.’

Jacqui said that she found it key to stick to a pre-planned menu.

‘Stick to IMAGE (Individual Motivation and Group Experience) therapy — this will keep you motivated offering great support and ideas. If you get up in the morning with determination, you’ll go to bed at night with satisfaction, plan your whole day if you want to see a loss on the scales.

‘The whole group was very warm and friendly. I want to say a big thank you to my work colleagues for being so inspiring.’

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