Suzanne Stanley from Ormskirk in Lancashire lost a fantastic 5st 5lbs with Slimming World to give her new-found confidence. Now, as a Consultant she’s spreading the Slimming World-word to members and even to the USA! Suzanne shares her incredible journey with us…
“Thirteen years ago I moved to England from Ohio, USA to start a new life with my husband. What had seemed a great adventure soon gave way to reality. It was difficult to make friends and I was bored, lonely and doing a demoralising job.
“I then received the devastating news that, at 25, I was going through the menopause because of a condition called endometriosis. When I was told that I wouldn’t be able to have children it turned my world inside out.
“I turned to food as a comfort – I became a secret eater with a habit of getting up in the middle of the night for cheese, pickles and crisps. I piled on weight, and my hospital job made matters worse. I had to inform patients that their operations were to be cancelled - it was soul destroying work. I sat at my desk on the phone for 37 hours a week eating chocolate and crisps.
“I tried many diets to lose the weight, from fat-binding pills to shakes and faddy eating plans in a lifetime of yo-yo dieting and success that never lasted. Although my previous experience of slimming clubs left me hesitant, when I decided to join Slimming World I was given such a warm welcome that I committed myself with a 12-week Countdown course. I went on to lose 2 stones in my first two months.
“I go back to the States to visit mom and dad once a year. They’ve been on a low-fat diet for 30 years. I’ve told them about Food Optimising and they love it. It’s helped them a lot to add variety to their diet with lots of new healthy food ideas and recipes. Mom’s favourite is cauliflower and macaroni cheese.
“I love Slimming World desserts - I’m always making the chocolate cheesecake. My favourite comfort food now is Slimming World chips and curry sauce. What I really love about Food Optimising is that you never feel deprived.
I’m passionate about the difference Slimming World has brought to my life – improved health, more friends, loads of energy, a zest for new experiences and the fulfilment of helping others lose weight.
“But above all what I love about Slimming World is the feeling that at last I’ve come home. I’m at a place where I feel good and have made friends who are as close as family.”