A Belfast mum has told how she 'feels like a different woman' after losing five and a half stone.
Frances Nelson lost the weight while attending Slimming World and is continuing on her journey.
The 58-year-old is a member of the Cairnshill group and says she remembers feeling like she would never be happy in her own skin again.
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Frances has described how losing weight has made such a big difference to her life.
"My health has improved, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin," she said.
Speaking to Belfast Live, the teacher added: "I am still trying to lose weight, I haven't finished my journey yet.
"I suppose I struggled with my weight for many years. I dabbled with all sorts of slimming ideas. Weight is a burden for someone to carry and a smile can cover a lot.
"I don't think anybody is happy if they are overweight and I suppose I made a decision really that I should go do something about it and I did.
"I did start the journey a number of years ago and it has been an ongoing journey. It's not an easy fix, it's something you have to do yourself. Nothing comes easily. It's not a quick pill you have to take or anything like that. You have to do it and live it.
"I just decided that I wanted to make a change to myself and to the food that I ate."
Frances explained how she felt before her weight loss journey.
She said: "Beforehand, I felt a little bit disappointed in myself and possibly not in control of food, whereas when I began my journey I felt that I was in control and that I was able to eat well and still lose weight.
"A lot of people would probably knock Slimming World because it's not this or it's not that, but you have to be sensible on it too and you have to make sure that you balance what you eat.
"For me the plan is kind of easy because I can eat things without having to do an awful lot of weighing, measuring, things like that."
The Belfast woman added: "I suppose really what I kind of liked was I was able to be in control of what I was eating and I was able to eat. I wasn't on a 'diet'."
Frances also explained how having a goal can help you stay motivated.
"It's not been a quick fix, any of this, it's been a journey. Certainly the final stages of the last stone and a half that I've lost was [motivated by] my daughter's wedding.
"Beforehand it was kind of age related... and health related.
"I think if you have a goal, a summer or you have an event, it's something that you want to go for and personally speaking my daughter's wedding, I was the mother of the bride and I wanted to try to look my best. That helped me to be motivated the few months before that to get last stone and a half off.
"I feel better in myself and I like clothes.
"Do you know what I feel to be really honest, I don't stick out as much."
The Belfast woman also has some words of wisdom for those beginning their own journey.
"It's a journey, it's not quick fix. You have to take the time to make the change and take the time to look after yourself.
"For me in my stage of life, I was somebody who could focus on me because my children were growing up. It was time to focus on me.
"You have to realise it's going to take time but every half a pound, or every pound, it all adds up every week."
Frances said: “I know it can feel like a big step joining Slimming World because you don’t know what to expect, but, right from the first moment I walked into my group I was made to feel at ease, and the support I’ve received has been amazing. I look forward to going each week to catch up with all of my new friends – I just love it!
“I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World.
"I remember feeling like I would never be happy in my own skin again, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.
"I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at the Cairnshill group.
"My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”
Sarah-Jane Middleton who runs two Slimming World groups in the area, including the Cairnshill group, added: "I couldn't be prouder of the members smashing their goals.
“Our groups have lost nearly 500 stone in 2022...
“Having a network of people who understand and care, and who can help you learn to cope with lapses, is key to successful weight loss in the long-term."
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