A mum who went on an amazing weight loss journey and transformed her health and body is now on a mission to help others. Donna Kelly lost four stones and went down four dress sizes - from a size 20 to a slender size 12.
The 49-year-old has tried a number of fad diets to shed weight over the years, but nothing seemed to get results. Then she joined Slimming World and noticed the weight drop off, Edinburgh Live reports.
She said: “Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet.
"The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself."
Sharing before and after pictures of her transformation, Donna was determined to help others like herself see results, and has now trained up as a coach to run other groups in Edinburgh. Set to start her Currie group on July 27, Donna said her role has never been more important.
She said: "Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the country. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. After losing nearly 4st myself and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.
“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost my weight without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.
* Donna’s Slimming World group will be held at Currie Community Centre in Edinburgh every Wednesday at 7pm from July 27. For more information or to join the group either pop along on Wednesday, July 27, or call her on 07881 564989.
