Before joining Slimming World, Lesley Johnstone’s health was beginning to suffer in several serious ways.
A single photograph changed everything for Bonkle woman Lesley Johnstone.
Taken at her husband Stephen’s birthday celebration, the image stopped the 55-year-old in her tracks. She could not believe what she was seeing and in that moment she knew she needed to take control of her health and her future.
Before joining Slimming World, Lesley’s health was beginning to suffer in several serious ways.
She said: “I felt exhausted all the time, struggled with low energy and became breathless easily. I had been diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver disease, had high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and she worried these conditions would only worsen as time went on.
“The thought of getting started filled me with anxiety and I knew I could not continue as I was.”
Lesley joined Christopher’s Slimming World group in Coltness feeling nervous and unsure what to expect. But the moment she walked through the doors she was welcomed with genuine warmth and reassurance.
Those fears quickly dissolved and she felt ready to begin. Stephen, 57, decided to join at the same time so they could support one another from day one.
In the early weeks Lesley noticed small but powerful changes. She could climb the stairs without getting out of breath. Her energy began to lift.
She started to look forward to doing things again. For the first time in a long while she felt a spark of hope for the future.
She was surprised at how generous and flexible the eating plan was. Lesley had avoided pasta for years believing it was off limits, but she was delighted to learn that it is a Free Food at Slimming World.
She enjoyed satisfying portions of real food and lost weight beautifully without weighing or counting.
Some of her favourite meals quickly became family favourites too, including Marry Me Chicken, Burger in a Bowl, Slimming World style loaded fries and her go to mousse desserts, which she says helped her stay on track without feeling deprived.
She created new healthy habits that have stayed with her. She now eats more fruit, walks every day, cooks without oil and avoids butter.
Support from the group and her consultant Christopher played a huge part in her success. Christopher checked in with her during the week which helped keep her motivation high. Members shared ideas and strategies that helped them all through tricky moments.
Lesley says the real turning point came on her very first night during the new member talk which gave her the confidence to believe she really could do this.
That belief paid off. Lesley went on to lose an incredible three stone 13 pounds and transformed her confidence, her health and her outlook on life.
Stephen lost 1 stone 8 pounds alongside her and together they have rediscovered their love of walking.
Days out with their dog Mitsy are now easier and far more enjoyable.
Her incredible achievement was recognised in group when she was proudly awarded Greatest Loser, something she describes as one of the proudest moments of her journey.
As World Obesity Day approaches on March 4 there is national focus on the challenges people face with their weight and the impact it can have on wellbeing.
Lesley hopes her journey shows what is possible when people find the right support.
Now Lesley is ready to support others. She will officially open her brand new Slimming World group on Wednesday, March 18, at 7pm at the Brass Band Hall on Windsor Street in Shotts.
If you are struggling with your weight, worried about your health or simply want to feel more like yourself again, Lesley is encouraging you to come along.
She says taking that first brave step changed her entire future and she is ready to help others change theirs too.
