An East Kilbride woman who could “barely walk” has told how she is now pain-free after dropping four dress sizes in six months.
Hazel Milligan joined her local Slimming World group in April 2024, and has lost an amazing two stone seven pounds, taking her from a size 18 to a comfortable size 10.
Before joining the group, Hazel said she had no confidence in herself and was embarrassed to return to the group after previously putting all her weight back on, reports the Daily Record.
Hazel said: “I had a very bad ankle and could hardly walk and was taking Naproxen from the doctor to relieve the pain.
“I re-joined our local group to support my husband on his weight loss journey and it’s changed my life too!
“I love attending group every week for support, motivation and food ideas plus it feels great to know I am not alone. I felt so silly for not returning to group sooner than I did, especially having lost seven pounds in my first week after enjoying some of our family favourite meals.
“The group is always warm and friendly and there’s loads of buzz and banter too. My consultant always listens, is understanding and so supportive. I knew I wanted to be that for others too and be that support and motivation for them.”
Hazel Milligan joined her local Slimming World group in East Kilbride in April 2024, losing 2 stone 7lbs in 6 months taking her from a size 18 to a comfortable size 10.
(Image: East Kilbride News)
As someone who was overweight, Hazel says she is all too familiar with the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, she will be there to support every one of her members all the way to their chosen target weight.
She added: “Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.
“That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun as well as recipe ideas to help people still be able to socialise, have their family favourites and never miss out.”
The Food Optimising plan encourages members to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, so they are never hungry, and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation.
Hazel continued: “Since joining Slimming World, I have never been hungry. I love making pizza using flatbreads and having loads of homemade chips and salad on the side.
“The family love it when I make my cajun chicken pasta and a firm favourite in our house is spaghetti bolognese. I love that I don’t have to cook separate meals, we all love the same delicious, filling food and we are healthier for it.
Slimmer Hazel Milligan before pics
(Image: East Kilbride News)
“I feel happier now than I did when I joined Slimming World. Clothes that I wore years ago, before I gained weight, fit again and I even have bags of clothes that are too big for me now that were comfortable before, some were even too tight.
“Before Slimming World, I had no routine and after going a whole day without eating, I would have a micro burger and chips or a quick ready meal filled with all the wrong things.
“Now, I find it easier to make a meal plan for the week with the support and ideas from others in the group and then head on my weekly food shop to help keep me prepared. I still enjoy chocolate and even enjoy alcohol socially, but now I am more in control.”
Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too.
“Their Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running. Everything counts – from walking to gardening to washing the car.
“As mentioned before, I could hardly walk with the pain in my ankle but now, thanks to losing weight, the pain is pretty much non existent and I am no longer having to take medication to help”, said Hazel.
“I can now enjoy walks again and can dance the night away on a night out.”
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Hazel trained as a consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire. Members are now getting ready to welcome Hazel as their new consultant when she takes over the Village group on Tuesday, January 28.
The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three.
With the news that 33 per cent of the South Lanarkshire population is now overweight or obese, and Hazel says her new role has never been more important.
Emma Johnston, who supports Hazel as a team developer for Slimming World, says: “Slimming World consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others. With Hazel’s kind heart and warm nature, alongside her experience as a slimmer, I have no doubt she will help support members to achieve their dream weight and keep it off for life.”
Hazel’s Slimming World group will be held in The Village Centre, 12 Maxwell Drive, East Kilbride. For more information or to join Hazel’s group either pop along on January 14, 21 or 28 or call her on 07821 440225 for any joining offers.
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