Judy Gilroy is looking forward to this Christmas party season more than most after losing 3 1/2st and being named as one of Westbury’s ‘Miss Slinky’ winners 2014.
Judy has dropped a whopping four dress sizes since joining the North Bradley Slimming World group in 2013, and now her stunning transformation has seen her fellow slimmers vote for her as their group’s representative in the national weight loss competition – Judy has since transferred to Westbury Alfred Street Slimming World group, both run by Hannah Beeson.
Judy said, “I was already really looking forward to this Christmas and finally feeling glamorous enough to wear the outfits I always dreamed of. Winning the title of Miss Slinky and reaching my Target weight this week means I have even more to celebrate and I know this festive season will be even more special.”
Slimming World’s annual Miss Slinky competition recognises those female members who have changed both inside and out by becoming healthier, slimmer and more confident – and look great in their party dress. For the first time this year the competition has a male counterpart, Mr Sleek, and the national winners of both contests will win a £2,000 cash price.
Judy, who weighed 12st 6lbs and wore a dress size 16 at her heaviest and is now a ‘slinky’ 8st 13lbs and a dress size 10, says she was surprised – as well as delighted – when she was announced as the Slimming World group’s winner.
She said, “When I was bigger I was really unhappy. I didn’t like what I saw when I looked in the mirror, I hated shopping for clothes and I felt self-conscious most of the time. Things are completely different now and I feel much more confident than I used to, I never thought anyone would ever describe me as ‘slinky’ so it’s just incredible to be Miss Slinky 2014.
“Being voted for by the other people in the group is lovely because it’s thanks to them that I’ve been able to lose the weight that I have. I was very nervous when I first walked through the doors of the group because I expected everyone to judge me, but I needn’t have worried because everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I’ve made friends and I love swapping recipes and ideas every week. My Consultant Hannah has been so supportive too, she’s positive and enthusiastic and is always at the end of the phone if I need her.”
After joining Slimming World, Judy began following the club’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and was amazed to discover that she didn’t have to give up her favourite meals. She said, “I actually eat the same things now as before – curries, roast dinners, pasta dishes – but they’re all made from scratch and I make healthier choices like having pasta with a tomato and vegetable sauce instead of something creamy or buttery.”
Judy also became more active and regularly enjoys walks with the family. As well as being an inspiration to other members in group, Judy has inspired friends and family to join Slimming World too. Judy’s sister in law has recently joined and Chris, Judy’s husband joined Hannah’s North Bradley group eight weeks ago. In that time he has already lost 2 1/2 stone and is loving the generosity of Food Optimising.
Judy added, “We have a really busy household with four children, after school clubs nearly every evening. I work part time and Chris works for the Electricity board, on call 24 hours a day. Meal planning and preparation has made a huge difference, I have cooking days where I batch cook meals and soups to keep us on track and it works brilliantly!”
Hannah Beeson who runs the North Bradley and Westbury, Alfred Street groups which Judy attends, hopes she will demonstrate to other people what’s possible with Slimming World. She said, “As Judy shows whether you’ve got a little or a lot of weight to lose, slimming down can make a big difference to how you feel about yourself and really boost your confidence.
“People might put off joining a slimming group just before Christmas, but taking that first step if you’re unhappy about your weight could be the best gift you give yourself. Our eating plan is so generous that you won’t have to miss out on any of your festive favourites and there’s lots going on in both groups so it’ll be lots of fun too – at Slimming World we know how to make Christmas extra special!
“Everyone’s welcome to join us at North Bradley School every Tuesday at 5.30 or 7.30pm, or Westbury Conservative Club, Alfred Street, every Friday morning at 9.30 or 11.30am, they can just pop along or if they’d like more information they can call me on 07909 441 466.”
Anyone wishing to join a Westbury Slimming World group can just come along to either Leigh Park Community Centre, Monday at 3.30, 5.30 or 7.30pm (Juliet- 01373 830925) or Westbury conservative Club ever Friday at 9.30 or 11.30pm (Hannah – 07909 441466).
