Three women who lost nearly 14 stone between them to start new Slimming World groups
Georgenna Butler, Helen Mason and Becka White who are all set to start new Slimming World groups in the coming days. Photo: Slimming World.
Three slimmers who have transformed their lives by losing nearly 14 stone between them are using their success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives for the better.
Georgenna Butler, Helen Mason and Becka White, have been trained as Slimming World consultants after attending local groups that helped them lose weight and adopt a healthy new relationship with food.
Georgeena is returning to the role after a taking a two-year break to support and care for her 29-year-old son who lost his life-long battle to cystic fibrosis and renal failure in March this year.
The 52-year-old, who has lost 4.5 stones with Slimming World, said ‘ After the loss of my son, I knew that he would have wanted me to return to the role that I loved and had such passion for.
“During the two years that I was caring for my son I found myself full of stress and sadness and I found comfort once again in food. knowing that I loved Slimming World and the award-winning food optimising plan I found myself walking back through the doors as a member. As soon as I walked back through the door, I knew I was at home, there was no ounce of judgement and I am happily on my way back to my target weight.”
“When I found out my old group was forced to close after I had left, I knew that it was the right thing to re-apply and reopen my group in Great Conard.
“There are one in four people struggling with their weight in Suffolk and I can’t wait to welcome members along to my group once again.”
Helen, from Bury St Edmunds, joined Slimming World in 2017 after returning from a holiday in France weighing 19 stone and bulging out of her clothes.
“I was suffering with my health and knew I needed to make a doctor appointment. I was embarrassed about my weight and the fear of the doctor seeing my weight prevented me from seeking the medical support I needed,” said the 55-year-old.
“Embarrassed about my weight I tried to lose weight alone at home. I lost half a stone initially but had put myself on a restrictive diet that wasn’t sensible, sustainable or enjoyable. That’s when I went online and found a Slimming World group.
“I chose a Saturday morning group as I knew I would be able to commit to group weekly and there would be very few valid reasons to miss group, I even persuaded my husband to join me.
“My first step into group was nerve racking but as soon as I met the group and the consultant Kelly I felt a huge sense of relief. Hearing the other members sharing their stories, experinces and food ideas left me feeling inspired to get started.
“I made simple swaps like oil to cooking spray, sugar to sweetener and tinned tuna in oil to tuna in brine. I was able to adapt my family favourite recipes and enjoy a cooked breakfast, roast dinner, lasagna and chips. I never felt hungry and with a huge variety on offer I never got bored.
“The weekly group session played a huge part in my motivation, and I was able to let go of the past and discover who I was as a slimmer.
“I have lost 5.5 stones and achieved my target weight in 2018, I am delighted that I have maintained my weight loss ever since. I have a new found confidence and now enjoy shopping.”
And mum of two Becka, from Stowmarket, joined Slimming World in November 2022 after the birth of her second child.
She said: “I had been struggling with my weight for many years and after the birth of my second child I knew that I needed to make some changes. I felt unfit and was struggling with my health. I wanted to be a role model for my children and ensure that they grow up enjoying a varied diet that is healthy, and not processed.
“Before Slimming World I relied on frozen ready meals. We would enjoy a takeaway at least once a week and there was never any fruit or vegetables in my shopping.
“I have made simple swaps and we are cooking from scratch. I love making tai green curry, tikka masala and pasta dishes like Cajun chicken pasta and linguine in a spicy tomato sauce. I have found the plan at Slimming World easy and because you can enjoy over 350 free foods unlimited, I never feel hungry.”
Becka, 33, added: “I have included my children in my journey and the great news is they eat the meals too, meaning I don’t have to cook two meals a night, My three-year-old daughter helps me chop the vegetables and it’s such a lovely way to spend time togther.
“After losing 3.5 stone I feel so much better. I no longer suffer with heartburn and tummy ache. Slimming World has changed my life and I’m so grateful I can enjoy life to the fullest with my girls and enjoy eating food that makes me feel better.”
All three women are to run their own Slimming World groups in the coming days.
Rebecca opens a new group at the Blackbourne Community Centre, in Elmswell, on Monday, July 24, at 5.30pm. Contact her on 07543 265232.
Georgeena starts in Wednesday, July 26, at the Stevenson Centre, Great Conard, at 9.15am. For more information call 07825 222989.
And Helen starts on Friday, June 28, at Southgate Community Centre, Bury St Edmunds, at 9.30am and 11am. Call 07355 810381.