A Westbury slimmer has discovered less is more after losing 9st 8lbs and winning the title of Woman of the Year 2014.
Zoe Walker lost weight with her local Slimming World group in the Leigh Park Community Centre and has dropped from 19st 8lbs to 10st in just 64 weeks. Now her fellow slimmers have voted her as their representative in the annual Slimming World Woman of the Year 2014 competition.
Around one in four women in the UK and Ireland are severely overweight and at risk of suffering a range of health problems including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of women in making long-term healthy lifestyle changes for themselves and their families.
Zoe joined Slimming World in June 2013 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size. She said, “I started putting weight on from the age of seven and have been big since I was a teenager. I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry and miserable. Slimming World is completely different, I never have to miss out or feel deprived and after losing 9st 8lbs I’m the slimmest – and the happiest – I’ve been in years!”
The 32 year-old follows Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which encourages slimmers to fill up on satisfying yet healthy everyday foods like fruit and veg, lean meat and fish, pasta, potatoes, rice and pulses without having to weigh or measure. Zoe has cut out many of the convenience foods and sugary snacks she used to rely on, and loves trying out all the delicious healthy recipes she picks up from other members at her Slimming World group. She said, “My family and friends are all amazed how much I can eat and still lose weight. I cook for them now and they can’t believe it’s all healthy food because it tastes so good. I still eat all the same meals that I did before but now I cook and prepare them differently, I cook from scratch instead of relying on ready meals and convenience foods like jars of sauce.
“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect. But from the minute I walked into Slimming World, the support I’ve received from my consultant Juliet and the rest of the group has been brilliant.
“At first I was extremely nervous, especially about stepping on the scales, but straightaway I was made to feel welcome and now it’s like time out with friends. I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s like having loads of cheerleaders on your side, when you’re doing well they spur you on further and when you’re struggling they keep you going.
“I never dreamt I could achieve so much. I’ve gone from a size 24 to a size 10 and it’s made such a huge difference – it’s changed my life. I’ve got so much more energy and I can do things now that I couldn’t before. My fitness has improved – I enjoy being active now rather than thinking of it as a chore. I feel like a winner already, so being voted the Westbury Monday 3.30pm group’s Woman of the Year 2014 is just the icing on the cake.”
Now Zoe will go forward to the regional finals of the competition, putting her in the running for the national title. The national Slimming World Woman of the Year 2014 will be announced in November and the winner will take home a £5,000 cash prize.
Juliet Morgan, who runs the Monday groups in the Leigh Park Community Centre said, “I’m so proud of Zoe. Not only does she look fabulous, she’s improved her health and is bursting with energy. She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women in Westbury to change their lives in the same way. It can be hard to admit that you need to do something about your weight and to ask for help, but I think Zoe shows just what’s possible when you do.”
The Leigh Park Community Centre Slimming World group is held every Monday at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. To join or find out more call Juliet on 01373 830925.
Groups are also held in the same venue on Tuesday at 10.00am by Sarah on 07791 782479 and at the Conservative Club on Fridays at 9.30am and 11.30am with Hannah on 07909 441466.
Pictured: Zoe Walker before and after.
