A Cambuslang slimmer has shed over 10 stones as part of a personal challenge to slim down for the festive season.
John Bryson, of the Halfway’s Slimming World group, joined 18 months ago and always dreamed of a lighter New Year when he embarked on a Countdown to New Year weight-loss mission at the end of October.
Members of the group held a party on December 18 to celebrate his success as well as their own. They lost 56 stones, 12-and-a-half pounds between them since they began their challenge at the end of October – a perfect New Year reward to themselves and their loved ones!
John, from Bullionslaw Drive, lost an amazing 13 lbs during the 12-week campaign and an impressive 10 st 4lbs altogether since joining Slimming World in May 2011.
He said: “I love Christmas and New Year and I was determined not to have another year of feeling overweight at family gatherings and parties. I can’t believe how different I look and feel in such a short time and I haven’t had to do anything drastic either, just make small easy changes to my eating and activity levels.
“I now work out at the local gym and have the tools to be healthy for life now.Because no food is banned at Slimming World, I still enjoy my favourite treats and a few beers with my friends.
“I have recently had a promotion at work, and am now driving a company car! I’m in such a great place now I know I’ll be able to enjoy myself over the party season and manage my weight throughout with the support I get at group.
“I am well on my way to my ultimate dream target, so watch this space.
“We’ve had such a great time at Slimming World too, sharing recipes, tips and encouragement to reach our goals.
“ We’d never have lost so much weight without each other’s support and I wouldn’t be without my new friends at group each week now.
“ I feel happier, healthier and full of confidence – slimming down is the best new start I could have given myself.”
Mari Guthrie, who runs the group, says: “Some people thought we were bonkers holding a New Year party three months before January 1, and we surprised even more people when we said that there was still plenty of time for people to lose a stone or more before 2013 and make their dreams come true.
“But the Halfway Slimming World group are proof that we were right. They’re starting 2013 looking and feeling fabulous and they love it.”
More than 60 per cent of the UK population are overweight or obese and Slimming World help hundreds of thousands of people to make a healthy change every week.
The group meet every Tuesday at 5.30 pm and 7.30pm at The Sun Inn.
New members can pop along on the day, call Mari on 07909 981 774 or visit www.slimmingworld.com for more information.
