Real Success

Simon Rainbird, from Chelmsford has lost an astonishing 14st 4lbs through Food Optimising to truly transform his life. Virtually house-bound at his heaviest, Simon made the decision to join his local Slimming World group – and has become quite a celebrity since!

how it all began

“When I was at my heaviest my weight caused many embarrassing incidents. I went to Prague for a short break and as usual I had to ask for a seat belt extension on the plane. However the seat I was in wasn’t compatible with the extension so another couple had to be moved so that I could fit in the seat, which drew a lot of attention. Another time, when I went to America, I queued for roller coasters in the theme parks only to get to the front and be told (in front of loads of people) I was too fat to ride.

“My family were really worried that I was on a downward spiral that would end up with me being house-bound or even dead, as I was literally eating myself to death.

“The last straw was an ankle injury that I couldn’t explain. At first I put it down to a knock but when it happened again a few months later I took it as a warning sign that my body was on the verge of giving up! I was 27 years old and virtually confined to my home. I consulted my doctor who suggested I join a slimming group. I found my local Slimming World group and the rest is history!

“I was embarrassed and shy about joining at first. I always thought slimming classes were full of women. I was also worried it would be like Fat Fighters on Little Britain! I needn’t have worried though – as soon as I walked through the door I was made to feel welcome. No-one commented on my size and everyone talked to me.

"When I lost 18lbs in my first week I could have cart-wheeled (if my arms would have held up!)"

about Food Optimising

“I have an enormous appetite and being able to eat large quantities of Free Foods without worrying about my weight is fantastic. I like the way my diet has changed completely – it’s so healthy and I really look forward to every meal.

“I like the Green choice best as it’s so easy to knock together a quick snack when I’m hungry (I love Free chips!). On Original days my fiancée makes mean burgers from lean beef mince. We’ll look through the Food Optimising book together and try something different from it each week.

“I regularly eat out, at least once a month. I love Harvester as the food fits in so well with Food Optimising and I can pile up my plate

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from the salad cart too! I also have the occasional take-away, like a Chinese or a pizza and use Flexible Syns.”

losing weight

“I’m like a new man and I’m determined to reach my target and stay there. I’ve really got into Body Magic. I never used to do any exercise before. I have 3 dogs and would never take them for a walk – I always left it for others to do. Now I love taking them for long walks. I am a gym member and go 4-5 times a week. I’ve also bought a bike and regularly cycle - I used to love cycling when I was young but then I passed my driving test and it all went by the by.

“I’m becoming a local celeb among the gym crowd and in the Slimming World groups that my Consultant runs. The members in her other groups took some convincing that I existed as my weight losses have been extraordinary at times (averaging over a stone a month)!”

the results

“My life has improved so much since losing weight - the list is endless. I’m no longer stared at in the street, I can fit into a bath instead of having showers all the time, my stomach no longer touches the steering wheel in my car when I drive, the seatbelt in my mum’s car will go around me, I don't break things I sit on or have to worry that I won't fit in a seat at the cinema/theatre or on public transport. Health-wise I get no aches and pains in my joints, I no longer suffer with breathing difficulties and I can walk up a flight of stairs without needing to sit down at the top.

“I’ve found a new lease of life thanks to Slimming World. Now I can’t wait to marry my girlfriend of 7 years and start a family – knowing I’ll be around to see my children grow up”.

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.