Like many people, I spent lockdown sitting in front of a laptop in my jogging bottoms – and with all the video meetings and FaceTime calls happening, it was impossible not to notice the weight gain in my face. I was also really self-conscious about my stomach – and the crunch point came when the world opened up again and I discovered that none of my trousers fitted me any more. I even had to wear jogging bottoms for my mum’s 80th birthday meal. I was so embarrassed. That was when I decided to join Slimming World’s digital service, Slimming World Online.
I love the fact that I can pop on to the app at any time and have so many different recipes at my fingertips. I enjoy posting my meals on the friendly Community forum, and seeing the recipes other Slimming World Online members are making. My wife’s a Slimming World member, too, and we’ve started making our own soups, as well as some tasty meatballs. There’s a huge choice of things to cook up, so we never feel like we’re missing out.
Gary’s favourite recipes
Jamaican chicken
Gammon, chips and beans
Chicken fajitas
Boston beans
The Community is a fantastic place to get inspiration from other members, as well as sharing moments from my own journey to hopefully inspire others. I’m retired now, and I’ve been able to do much more activity since I joined Slimming World. I really enjoy long walks, hiking, running, swimming and kayaking, and I like sharing photos from my adventures (they often feature my dog, Nellie).
We have a motorhome, and being able to get away and ‘take Slimming World with me’ is a real plus. We recently did a six-week trip around Scotland, with the app to hand and our air fryer, soup maker, slow cooker and omelette maker on board! That’s one of the great things about Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan – it’s flexible enough to fit in with your lifestyle, so, whatever you’ve got planned, you can still get a great weight loss.
Gary’s top tips
Use the app to log your food every day. Even if I go over my Syns, I make sure everything is on the app, and it helps me to get back on track.
Make a meal plan. I look up recipes that will use up any leftover ingredients, so there’s no waste.
Find what motivates you. I stuck a photo on my fridge of a fit, healthy me in my wetsuit with the message ‘You can do it!’.
Don’t beat yourself up! Everyone has weeks when they don’t get the result they want. Just keep going and you’ll get there.
Enjoy your journey. It really is worth it!
I joined Slimming World Online in March 2023, and I’ve lost 1st 9½lbs so far. Although I’d like to lose a few more pounds, I already feel much fitter. You can see the difference in my stomach and face, and I’ve got lots more energy – which comes in handy with two young grandchildren.
There’s definitely no going back for me, as I’ve donated all my old clothes to charity – yes, including those dreaded jogging bottoms – and have a whole new wardrobe. Slimming World is all about healthy habits for life, and I’m now looking forward to an active retirement and a healthier future.
Gary’s day on a plate
Before | After | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | Nothing. | Fat-free yogurt with fruit and berries. |
Lunch | Pastry/pie or a sandwich meal deal. | Thin bagel with chicken and salad – or home-made soup. |
Dinner | A takeaway. | A Slimming World recipe from the app – something like meatballs with pasta and veg is a favourite. |
Snacks | Crisps and biscuits. | Boiled eggs, chicken drumsticks, fruit and/or sushi. |
Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.