WEIGH to go Tracey!

Local woman Tracey O’Neill felt like this for 24 years. She tried every diet going, starved herself and put herself through every humiliation known to dieters. Nothing worked.

Tracey had almost resigned herself to the fact that she was always going to be overweight and just tried to fade into the backgrounds. She was used to children shouting nasty things and laughing at her. That was just the way she thought it had to be.

Then, two years ago, just before her 40th birthday, Tracey decided enough was enough.

She had reached a size 28-30 in clothes size and her legs, feet and knees were constantly swollen and sore and she decided that she didn’t want to have to use a walking stick at 40. She decided to give one last diet one last go.

She decided to give Slimming World a go. She hadn’t tried it before, so off she went.

She was nervous and dreading having to get onto a set of scales in front of everyone. But when she walked through the door, she was welcomed and directed to the New Members Circle.

She met Donna her consultant, who explained the all she had to do was sit, relax and listen and decide if she wanted to join or not at the end of the group.

Tracey said: “I was convinced Slimming World was just going to be a different version of all the other diets and groups I tried before. But from walking in the door, I knew something was different!

“When Donna started telling me that I was allowed to eat and went on to talk about the lists and lists filling, satisfying Free Foods I was allowed to eat without feeling guilty, I couldn’t believe it.

“For years, I’d been denying myself foods I liked, and now I was going to be able to eat as much fruit and veg, potatoes and pasta, meat and fish as I wanted.

“It really sounded too good to be true! Then as Donna continued to go through the book I discovered I could have my treats, my bags of crisps too and didn’t need to feel guilty!

“I thoroughly enjoyed the group. I couldn’t believe how friendly and supportive everyone was to each other. Whether they’d had a good week or not, everyone left with a smile on their face and a determination to lose more weight next week. I was definitely joining.

“Although I was still a bit embarrassed walking up to the scales, it was fine. It was all kept completely confidential and my consultant explained that Slimming World is there to help people lose weight and they don’t care what shape, size or age you are!”

“I left the group, armed with my Food Optimising book and headed off slightly more hopeful than I’d been in years. When I reread the book at home, I realised that the plan really was as easy as it seemed!

“I could eat unlimited amounts of family friendly foods and the whole family could eat the same healthy, satisfying foods as me. If it was listed as a free food in my book, I just had to limit it, but I could still have it!”

Two years later and Tracey is barely recognisable, and not just her physical appearance!

Tracey added: “In two years I have lost 6 stone 8.5 lbs! Almost 7 stone! I never thought I could do it but I have and without ever being hungry! I am slimmer that I have been since my teens! I regularly go to the gym and have lots of hobbies. Better than that though is that I no longer lack confidence. I know I am worth something! I have loads of confidence, feel just brilliant and am so proud of all my achievements.”

Since last July, Tracey has been running a very successful Slimming World Group, in Ballymena North Recreation Centre, 120 Cushendall Road, on Thursday nights at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, and has upwards of 135 members who have lost a staggering 215 stones to date.

Tracey added: “I am very proud of each and everyone of them. I am so excited that I’ve been given this opportunity to help people change their lives the way I have changed mine.

“On Wednesday, January 12 I will be opening a new group in Cullybackey High School, 44 Pottinger Street, Cullybackey at 7.30pm and I am so looking forward to helping people achieve the weight loss they want.”

To find out more about Slimming World and Tracey’s class, call Tracey on 07843 111 878. Or to find your nearest group call 0844 897 8000 or log onto www.slimmingworld.com