As a mum-of-three and a childminder, the ability to multitask is essential for Co Antrim woman Lesley Wilson.
Lesley, 34, from Randalstown has shed 2st 7lbs since taking the plunge and joining her local Slimming World group two years ago.
And since then, for Lesley, Slimming World has become "a way of life" and has given her "a new lease on life"!
Read more: Co Antrim grandmother on her journey to freedom and shedding four stone
After having her third child, Lesley had gained weight to the point where she no longer felt good about herself.
"I was unhappy and feeling low," she admitted. "I hated seeing myself in pictures and one day I finally decided I wanted to do something for myself.
"I knew I would have to be organised and put some effort into losing weight, but I also knew I couldn’t do it on my own. I reached out to the local Slimming World Group, and joined up.
"At no point did I realise just what I was letting myself in for. I thought I would get weighed and that would be about it.
"Instead, the consultant Elizabeth (Cooke) explained the plan to me, encouraged me to stay in the group, and has helped me to change my whole approach to food.
"I had heard people say, 'it isn’t a diet, it's a lifestyle'. I never really grasped the concept but now I have! I have learnt about myself as a slimmer, what my triggers are and how to avoid them."
She added: "I have learnt which foods fill me up, which foods take longer to digest, which foods lead down the rabbit hole and I have learnt how to protect myself and make changes to my behaviour and habits that mean for me."
For Lesley, Slimming World has become "a way of life".
"I love being organised, I prep a lot of meals and fill up my freezer. My whole family is eating healthier, so in the long run, all our lives have improved. We still eat spaghetti bolognese, cottage pie, roast dinners, stir fry, quiche and so much more.
"One of the most important things I learnt by staying in the group is how to adapt the plan around my life. I can still go out for a meal, attend a wedding, socialise with friends and enjoy a slice of birthday cake without guilt and struggling to get back on track.
"I have more energy now and feel better in general. My job looking after children is an active one, which is easier and I enjoy it more now I have a new lease on life!
"I wouldn’t miss the group for the world. I have made friends and got support and motivation by the bucketful. To be in a room filled with people who understand how you feel is priceless.
"My journey won't stop when I get to my target either, because once I do, I will swap over to an amended plan that will help me to keep off the weight I have lost. Slimming World is now my lifestyle."
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