SHEILA LYTTLE
JOINING WEIGHT: 12ST 8LB
CURRENT WEIGHT: 11ST 2LB
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS: 1ST 6LB
CLASS: NEWTOWNARDS, WEDNESDAY, 6.30pm
CLASS LEADER: SANDRA LEMON
THE PAST
“I had put on a bit of weight over the last couple of years and had tried somewhat unsuccessfully to lose it. When Susannah asked if I’d go with her to a Unislim class I thought it sounded like a great opportunity, not only to get healthier, but also a lovely way to spend some time with my daughter. And it didn’t disappoint at all.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
I didn’t have so much a ‘moment of truth’ as I did a goal. My husband and I were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with a Mediterranean cruise so I thought it would be great to slim down and feel great while on holidays. So, Susannah and I started going to classes and we both loved them from the very start. What’s so great about Unislim is that it’s so positive and inspirational. It’s not about counting points or penalising yourself if you slip up, it’s about having the right information to make the very best choices for you.
THE FUTURE
Apart from feeling better about the way I look, what I can’t get over is how much more energy I have these days! I don’t get out of breathe like I used to and I’m not as lethargic after work. But I suppose that’s because I have nearly two stone less to carry around with me every day which, when you think about it, is quite a physical burden. I’m so happy I took the control back of my life, and stopped blaming my middle-age spread on middle age! I’m also so thrilled I got to share in this bonding experience with my daughter... I’m so proud of her.”
SUSANNAH LYTTLE
JOINING WEIGHT: 12ST 10LB
CURRENT WEIGHT: 10ST 4LB
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS: 2ST 6LB
CLASS: NEWTOWNARDS, WEDNESDAY, 6.30pm
CLASS LEADER: SANDRA LEMON
THE PAST
“I was always one of those people who, every New Year’s Eve, swore they would exercise more, eat less and have a healthier lifestyle. But, as usual, after a few weeks of working out and dieting really hard, I’d fall back into old, bad habits.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
My moment of truth was when I went looking for my graduation dress. I had to buy a size 16 (so it would _ t my hips) and have it taken in on top. I knew then and there I had to do something. It was only when I met Nicola Bleakley, who was the class leader in Newtownards at the time, and I struck up a friendship with her, that I decided to join Unislim. She told me about all the weight she had lost and I thought, ‘If she can do it, so can I.” I decided to go to a class and I asked my mum if she would come with me. We joined in July of last year and we haven’t looked back.
THE FUTURE
I think what’s really worked for me is that I’ve learnt about portion sizes and how to manage my eating. If I go out on the weekend, I’ll head to the gym on Sunday. The real test for me was when I travelled to New Zealand in January. I was away for three months and I was a little worried, but I stuck to it. I was so proud of myself when I got home. The best bit of all? I only put on one pound the whole time I was away. I was delighted! These days I’m just so much more confident and happy. This isn’t a diet or a passing phase; this is a change of lifestyle that I don’t intend to change.”
