Real Success

Katie McDonald from Newcastle upon Tyne lost a fantastic five stones to reach target and gain the confidence to transform her life. Swapping crosswords to crossroads was just one change in Katie’s life – she tells us here about her journey.

“I started putting on weight over 20 years ago when I first met my husband. He played darts seven nights a week so I went along with him and drank four or five half pints of lager each evening, plus we usually had a fish and chip supper on the way home!

“When I became overweight I used to perspire a lot and my thighs would chafe which was really uncomfortable, especially during the summertime. I was out of breath just walking up a flight of stairs and I was worried about high blood pressure and diabetes, which is in the family on my mother's side.

“I also lost my identity - I was someone’s wife, mother, daughter or employee - but I didn’t know who I was. I only did things for other people and nothing for me, as I felt unimportant.

"I tried two difference slimming clubs to help me lose weight. The first one was far too restrictive and the second used to lock the door so no-one could come in late or leave before the end of the session!"

“Thankfully I found my local Slimming World group. When I joined it was a brand new group so everyone was in the same position as me.

“Hearing about Food Optimising and the amount of food you can eat and still lose weight was fantastic. I love my full English breakfast on a Sunday morning so the Original choice is great for that! If we go for an Italian meal I choose pasta in a tomato-based sauce. If we go for a carvery meal I usually have two types of meat and pile my plate up with the wide variety of Free vegetables. I love trying new recipes, which I sometimes take into group for the others to taste.

“I quickly started losing weight – taking the ‘motorway’ rather than the ‘scenic’ route to target. It took me 11 months to lose 5 stones. I have so much energy and I don't have a problem with taking the stairs now, in fact I choose the stairs in shops rather than the lift.

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“My hobbies used to be quite sedentary, such as watching television and doing crossword puzzles. I didn't do much exercise other than swim a few lengths of the pool on holiday to cool off. Now I attend a weekly aerobics class at my local sports centre to tone up my upper arms and inner thighs and amazingly I can still hold a conversation at the end of class! I also enjoy walking around shopping malls looking at all the clothes I can now fit into - occasionally treating myself to something new!

“The biggest result of my weight loss is having the confidence to completely change my life. I worked for Royal Mail for more than 23 years but last year I took voluntary redundancy. As I said in my leaving speech, ‘I don't know whether it’s a mid-life crisis or newly-found confidence that’s led me to this crossroads in my life.’ I’ve now been a Slimming World Consultant since June 2005 and run two groups. I’m also training to be a driving instructor! I still call in to see my old colleagues sometimes and it’s a real ego boost as everyone says how well and relaxed I look.

“I feel very confident and secure that I can maintain my weight loss because it’s a way of life to me now. When I speak to my members I always tell them I've been there and if I can do it anyone can!”

find out more

If you'd like to reveal the real you, find your nearest warm and friendly Slimming World group, where men and women are welcome.