Slimming: Adderley Green mum lost three stone after joining her friend on a diet plan

AFTER trying several weight loss programmes over the years without much success, Ruth, aged 39, was determined to hit her target this time.

After hearing success stories from people who tried the Slimming World plan, which provides dieting regimes emphasising eating in moderation, Ruth gave it a go.

And since last August she has dropped from 14st 7lb to 11st 7lb, while still being able to enjoy her meals.

She said: "I loved my food and had noticeably put on weight since having my children.

"Being busy with them and going back to work, I found myself eating and snacking on convenience foods instead of eating properly. I had less time to exercise and it became less of a priority.

"I saw some pictures of myself that made me stop and think enough is enough.

"I always knew I was overweight, but generally felt ok with myself, although I never felt I could wear the clothes I wanted to, especially for special occasions.

"I used to play volleyball but was always 'the larger one' on the team and felt self-conscious.

"As an older mum, I wanted to make sure that I was fit and healthy and around for my kids as they grew up.

"I wanted to have the energy and be active and have fun with them.

"I wanted to be fit and feel nice for my husband too, but mostly I wanted to do it for myself this time."

Ruth said support from the group consultant and other members has kept her on track and motivated.

"I lost 5lb in my first week, and just over one stone in a month. After a couple of months I really felt like I was starting to make headway and clothes started to feel looser and people commented that they could see a difference in my appearance," she said.

"It wasn't hard to stick to the plan. I didn't see it as a diet. To me, it was just a healthier way of living and eating, and I really enjoyed it.

"I have never eaten so well and felt so full and satisfied. I have been able to have the treats that I wanted as it's all managed very well." Not only did it take her confidence levels to new highs, but an entire lifestyle revamp changed Ruth's life for the better.

She said: "I can't believe I've dropped three dress sizes and lost the combined weight of my two children, which is hard to get my head around, especially when I pick them both up and struggle to do so.

"It's hard to believe I was actually carrying that weight on my person under my skin.

"Now I have more energy and I started exercising more too. I am going to 'Zumba with Maura' at Cheadle Guildhall on a Tuesday night and have also started jogging, and I am now aiming to run the Race for Life at Trentham in June.

"The weight loss has made a very positive difference to me and I am really proud of myself for having reached my goal."

Ruth's husband Darren, aged 41, said: "Ruth's being a whole lot happier since she lost weight. I am so proud of her. She is amazing."

Inspired by his wife's success, Darren went on to lose three stone himself.

"Our lifestyle has changed completely. We are much more active now. We cancelled the TV subscription because all the movies we recorded were just clogging up the hard drive and we don't have time to watch them," he said.

Ruth's best friend, Samantha Denton, aged 38, has also seen significant success using the Slimming World plan, which helped her shed three stone, making it six stone between the pair in less than a year.

Ruth said: "I still go to the group and stay when I can to ensure I maintain my weight loss.

"Being a Target member, I help to inspire others who, too, are on a journey of weight loss and life changes too..

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