Following the success of Slimming World groups in Strabane where 377 stone has been lost since the start of the year, a new group opened in Sion Mills this week.
Janet Cullen, a Slimming World Consultant with six years experience of running groups in Manchester now lives here and will be taking the group. Janet is really looking forward to starting the group while continuing her own successful Slimming World journey.
Janet says, "My husband is from Bunbeg and we holidayed here for years before deciding to make the move. It was after one of these trips in 2001 when I was at my lowest point.
"I had just had my first baby and should have been enjoying being a mother for the first time. Instead I was so overweight I wasn't able to push my baby son up the steep hill from the beach. I was breastfeeding at the time so I thought it would be impossible to lose weight.
"I found out however, that with Slimming World it was still safe and healthy to follow the 'Food Optimising' programme while pregnant or breastfeeding. I joined straight away and I couldn't believe that after only six months I was at the personal target I had set for myself and weighed 3 stone 3lbs lighter. It was so easy and enjoyable that I haven't looked back since. I soon became a Consultant which fitted in perfectly with my busy life as a new mother.
"I never feel deprived and still enjoy my favourite foods like chicken fried rice and cheese on toast regularly.
"I went on to have two other children and didn't gain nearly as much weight as during my first pregnancy. I also very quickly lost my 'baby weight' after they were born. It is very important for me to know that what I was eating and my lifestyle while I was pregnant and breastfeeding was also benefiting my children."
Janet continued, "The group is opening at a great time because it is Pregnancy Health Month in September. We have lots of advice and tips for pregnant ladies and new mothers.
The old adage that pregnant women should be 'eating for two' is now an outdated concept and managing your weight healthily throughout your pregnancy and as a new mum will be of great benefit to both you and your baby.
"It's very important to eat a varied and balanced diet filled with plenty of healthy, nutritious foods, and Slimming World's Food Optimising plan makes this easy to achieve. It ensures you're getting all the nutrients and energy you and your baby need.
A healthy diet also helps you to avoid gaining excess weight during pregnancy which can affect things like your mobility, blood pressure and in some cases increase your risk of complications during birth.
"I am really excited about the new group and sharing my experience with other people in the same situation while guiding and helping them towards their own personal weight loss goals."
Rhonda Ryan, Consultant for Strabane added, "I am extremely proud of each and every member of the three groups in Strabane who have contributed to the fantastic weight losses to date.
"It is an amazing achievement and shows not only how easy and sustainable it is to follow Slimming World, but the commitment of local people to addressing the obesity crisis in Northern Ireland.
"The local demand for the programme has been great and it is wonderful to see very experienced Consultants like Janet taking groups here as the Slimming World message spreads in Northern Ireland."
Janet's group will meet every Tuesday at Sion Mills Parish Hall, Primrose Park Road, Sion Mills, at 7pm.
For further information or to join, please contact Janet on 00353749532833.
Alternatively log onto www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000 to find your nearest group.
