Sandy finds a new mindset

Slimming World success story

Sandy Baldwin has been attending Slimming World since 2016 and to date has lost nine stone – and that is despite a setback during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she admits that she lost her way a little, and the weight started to creep back up.

She said: “I felt so annoyed because the old negative feelings started to emerge – my confidence was at an all-time low. I was tired and feeling sluggish all the time. I knew something had to change. I needed to find belief in myself again. I needed to forgive myself.”

Sandy went back to Cathriona Tobin’s Slimming World group and has lost 4st 0.5Ib since August 2022, taking her total weight loss to nine stone.

“I made the decision to go back to Slimming World as I knew that their Food Optimising Plan works. I won’t lie – I felt so nervous walking back through the doors, but I needn’t have worried, because as soon as I walked through the door I felt so welcomed and understood by my consultant, Cathriona Tobin.

“There was no judgement, only care. I love the group because of the support, the hints and tips, all wrapped up with great fun as well. The group atmosphere is warm and supportive.”

Sandy says that Food Optimising gives her freedom as she can focus on their Free Foods to help her lose weight. “The Free Foods are bulking, filling foods. As Cathriona talked me through Food Optimising, I realised that it wasn’t about eating less or denying myself. I knew it would take a deep-set shift in my mindset, but I was looking forward to it.

“I used to cook from jars – now I cook from scratch. I started with a big batch of Bolognese sauce, made with lean mince, chopped veg and canned tomatoes, and once I’d got the hang of that, it was easy to make other favourites.

“Instead of skipping breakfast, I am having eggs and cereal. I can have my favourite foods, like curries, Bolognese and the best thing ever is all the family love the changes too. For my treats I love an Aero bar and a pink gin or two.”

Cathriona, Sandy’s Slimming World consultant, explained that Food Optimising is a Slimming World eating plan that allows flexibility and allows members to be in control of how, when and what they eat.

“They have the freedom that comes with the hundreds of Free Foods they can choose from – according to their own and their families’ likes and preferences, requirements and budgets – instead of being told what they can’t eat or how many calories they should stick to.

Sandy said: “As I was losing weight, I could feel my confidence beginning to shine through, and energy levels rising every week. I remember going shopping for the first time since losing weight and there were so many choices. It felt like such freedom.

“With each week that passed, I was getting closer and closer to my target weight, something I didn’t believe could happen during Coivd. It has helped me realise that if I set my mind to something, I can do it.

“My social confidence is flying too, and I know the friendly supportive network I have found in the group has made all the difference. It feels like I finally have the life I’d always wanted.”