Super slimmer who shed over three stone says support is key to her weight loss success

Daily Record

01-05-2025

A super slimmer from Lanarkshire is backing research that shows weekly support is the key to long-term weight loss success. Tracey Jenkins joined the The Village Centre Slimming World group in East Kilbride and went on to lose three stone and four pounds and achieved her dream weight in November 2022. Even more impressively, she's kept the weight off ever since, proving she's made lifelong changes to her eating and activity habits. Tracey had thought about joining Slimming World for a long time before plucking up the courage to attend her first group. "I wasn't sure what to expect and was really nervous walking into the group for the first time", she said. "After that initial meeting, I realised that I wouldn't be judged as everyone was so welcoming and friendly as we are all there for the same reason. "With Slimming World, the support that I needed was there right from day one, both from my consultant and the other members in the group. Everyone in the group is really encouraging and helps to motivate you for the week ahead. "I pick up recipe ideas, different strategies for eating out and 'fakeaways' and I never miss a group. We have fun and support each other with our goals too and celebrate every achievement. I attend every week even though I have reached my dream weight over two years ago as I enjoy meeting up with everyone and hearing everyone's inspirations." 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. Tracey loves the variety of foods you can eat and still lose weight. Tracey added: "Since joining Slimming World my days are filled with healthy nutritious meals that fill me up and give me plenty of energy. My favourite meal that is a go to in our house is piri piri chicken bake. My husband does the cooking mostly so we eat the same meals so it is great to know I have had great support on my journey, even now I am at my target weight." Slimming World isn't just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. Our 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. Tracey continued: "I feel I have so much more energy now with losing over three stones and I feel fitter and healthier in myself." Hazel Milligan, who now runs The Village Centre group said: "Tracey comes to groups every single week without fail and is a great support to her fellow members. She understands their journey having been on it herself and always had a kind and supportive word to say. Our group wouldn't be the same without her." Hazel's Slimming World group is held at The Village Centre, 12 Maxwell Drive, East Kilbride, every Tuesday at 5.30pm. For more information or to join Hazel's group either pop along or call her on 07821 440225 for any joining offers. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .