A WOMAN is taking on the responsibility of running her own Slimming World group in Kendal after reaping the rewards of the company’s food optimisation plan over the past eight years.

Debbie Owen joined a Slimming World group in Yorkshire in 2016 and has never looked back since.

She has recently been made redundant after an extensive career in the bank industry and has now decided that she wants to be in control of her own hours and to try something completely different.

Debbie said she was originally a complete bag of nerves when she first joined and was worried her weight would be shouted from the rooftops - but her concerns were soon put at ease by her consultant.

“Getting on the scales was always something that I have avoided at all costs and when forced to do it, I felt ashamed of the number staring back at me,” Debbie said.

“My consultant recognised this immediately and looked me in the eyes and said if you follow the food optimisation plan, this time next week that number will be smaller.

“I set my first interim target weight which helped me as the task no longer felt unachievable. I then left the meeting feeling empowered, encouraged and with a strong belief that I could succeed."

Debbie said she was able to enjoy unlimited amounts of real food and that she never felt deprived whilst following the food optimisation plan.

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She added: “I look forward to my time in the group each week – catching up with all of the other members and discussing how the week has been for them. It was like a whole group of new friends that had been introduced to me.

“I find the sharing of hints and tips to be extremely helpful. It helped me to identify my own triggers and dangers for the first time.

“I felt confident in cooking healthy meals for the first time in my life. I didn’t need to buy separate food or purchase pre-made meals to stick to the plan. I was still able to enjoy a cooked breakfast and dessert if I chose to.

“I reached my interim target within the first month and eight months later I achieved my goal. Despite having some setbacks, I always believed I could achieve it.

“I genuinely believe that my Slimming World experience over the years has made the difference for me.”

After recently relocating from Yorkshire to Cumbria, she now wants to be part of other people’s journey so that they too can have the support and encouragement that she received.

Debbie will host the Kendal morning sessions every Thursday from May 9 at 8:30 am and 10am at the Netherfield Cricket Club on Parkside Road.