A Livingston mum and daughter are celebrating a happier and healthier Mother’s Day this year after losing over 10st between them.
Just eight months ago the pair were unhappy with their weight and decided to do something about it.
Mum Liz Strachan, who has lost 5st 9.5lbs said: “The final straw for me was that at 62 my size had crept up to a 22. I had no idea what weight I was as I wouldn’t even step on a set of scales.
“I was determined not to have to buy a bigger size of clothes. I started making excuses for not going out or socialising as I was embarrassed and lacked confidence due to my size.
“My eldest daughter Cheryl felt much the same and said choose a group and we will join together so we did.”
Cheryl Fowler has lost 4st 10lbs and added: “I was feeling so unhappy in myself. I had an appointment with the nurse for a review and she was mean about the weight I had put on - I actually cried when I left.
“I decided that when I went back in a year’s time I would have lost the weight I had put on so that she couldn’t say anything.”
Both Liz and Cheryl joined a Slimming World group at Geddes House in Livingston and it’s had a profound impact, with Cheryl commenting: “I feel like I have changed my life around.
“I have completely changed the way I shop, cook and eat. I now exercise and I actually enjoy the gym now.
“Body Magic is part of Slimming World’s Formula for Success and it has helped me on my journey as I have now started weight training which I never thought I would be able to do.”
Before Joining Slimming World, Liz was diagnosed with arthritis in her shoulder. She was prescribed painkillers that she had to take several times a day.
When they stopped helping, she required steroid injections but now rarely needs and pain medication and says she’s much more energetic since losing weight.
She said: “I think joining with my daughter Cheryl helped massively and also hearing other member’s tips and ideas has been key.
“Andrea our consultant is always so helpful and encouraging. It’s not just Food Optimising that gets the results it’s a mixture of all the aspects of Slimming World - the Body Magic, Image Therapy and Food Optimising - that gets you all the way to your dream target weight and makes your journey a success.”
Andrea Gibson, who runs the group that both Liz and Cheryl attend, says she’s proud of their success, commenting: “They really have done brilliantly and it’s been a pleasure to support them all the way to their target weights.”
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