A woman who lost four and a half stone at a Wirral slimming club has enjoyed her journey so much that she has now started her own group.
Alison Liptrot is a Slimming World member at Upton Cricket Club on a Friday morning but in February 2019 something changed for the better.
Having lost near-on 4 1/2 Stones, she was determined that this time was her time to get to her dream weight.
Achieving her 2 1/2 stone target by the beginning of April spurred her on and she was so proud to then been awarded Woman of the Year in group in August.
Alison recalls how nervous she was when she first joined her group and how she didn’t need to have worried.
She said: “I wasn’t judged, I was with lovely, like-minded people that understood the battle to lose weight, I never felt alone on my journey and my relationship with food changed.
"I found staying to group key to my success as I’ve learnt so much about myself as a slimmer.
"The group has given me a real depth of understanding about the psychology of weight loss. You’re encouraged to try new foods, which helps transform old, unhealthy habits and it definitely changes your perception of food and activity.
“Loving not having to eat less is key to a slimmers success. By swapping from high calorie, unsatisfying foods & drinks such as pastries, chocolate and alcohol (which are so easy to over-consume and moreish) with no filling power, to lower in calories and more bulky foods, such as lean meats, fruit, veg and meat replacement alternatives (which are all low energy dense foods that fill you for longer) and are so easily incorporated into tasty recipes suitable for all, it can be a real family affair.”
With her daughter's wedding planned in December 2021, Alison’s weight-loss journey was ramped up, focusing on her favourite foods.
An example of this is Slimming world crust-less quiche, which is so easy to make.
Alison said: “I find batch cooking really helps and is great if you’re on a budget. I just love being able to eat as much as I want of the right foods and still lose weight.
"It has been the most rewarding achievement of my life and has meant I can now enjoy making memories and having pictures taken with my family without worrying about my health or appearance.”
Alison had often thought of one day running her own group and so when the opportunity arose, after hearing about a consultant opportunity event, she got herself booked on it and it confirmed to her that running her own group was what she definitely wanted to do.
“I can’t wait to run my own group, I am very passionate about helping others and want to pay it forward by helping others to feel the confidence that I do, it’s such a good feeling.
“The good news is that you don’t have to be nervous and you don’t have to go it alone, the principles of losing weight are quite simple, yet if it was that easy - we’d all be doing it!
Studies show that beginning your weight-loss journey alongside other slimmers brings more success than going alone - sharing the ups and the downs, having cheerleaders who are on your side, and sharing advice and tips.
Recent research revealed that people who are supported to lose weight in a group are more able to push past previous failures by remaining positive and competitive - developing more control, embracing challenges and growing confidence more than those who choose to lose weight on their own.
Anyone interested in joining Alison’s new group is welcome to come and join her on a Wednesday night, each week, at 7pm from January 26 at St Chads Church, Roslin Road, Irby CH61 3UH.
Contact Alison on 07852200116 for more information or Find your Slimming World group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk
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