Alma was one of the very first members to join Slimming World when groups opened in Texas. Now, 55lbs lighter and enjoying a fit and healthy lifestyle, Alma’s become one of the first American Consultants. Read her story here…
After around 15 years of being overweight, I was used to it. I’d always said I wanted people to like me for who I was – not how much I weighed. Besides, there was so much pressure in my life, that eating was a break from it all. My mom had become very ill, so I ate to combat the stress and when she passed away, I ate for comfort… and became the heaviest I’d ever been.
The final straw came when my doctor told me that my blood pressure was very high and if I couldn’t bring it down, I’d need medication. My mom had high blood pressure and diabetes. I wondered: ‘is it my turn? Am I going down the same road?’
Not long after I heard that a lady was opening up a new weight loss program that was new to the US, Slimming World from England. I discovered that they were very popular in the UK and had been around for 40 years. I’d tried so many other diets – counting points, diet pills, shakes and even starvation to lose those pounds, but they left me hungry and bored, I thought I’d check this one out!
At my first Slimming World group I met a bubbly woman with an English accent, who told me all about the healthy eating plan and I was hooked – I could eat fries, meat, pasta and a huge list of food without limits! I was eager to try it so I bought awesome food from the grocery store and went home and ate and ate and ate! I could eat bananas, yogurt, lasagna and lots of foods I loved. The first week I lost an incredible 10lbs!
I was sold on this new way of eating! I was never hungry, I didn’t have to count everything or write it all down – I’d never had so much freedom on a plan ever. I continued to lose weight and my group that inspired me all the way.
I hadn’t been a size 8-10 for at least 15 years, and my husband Bill is delighted. We all eat more healthily at home now because my husband and two kids eat what I eat. And – great news – my blood pressure is normal again.
I’ve reached my target, I’ve become one of the first Consultants in the United States and I can’t wait to share this absolutely life changing program with others!