At 43, Andy Turner from Horsham, West Sussex shed over 13 stones after joining Slimming World.
He has lost his confidence when he got injured and broke an ankle while riding a skateboard. It was both painful and embarrassing for him when two attending female paramedics called for back up just to bring him to the ambulance.
“As a teenager, I’d just assumed I had a big build. It never stopped me from being active, whether I was skateboarding or playing football. I’d got used to the many nicknames about my size.
His turning point came when he couldn’t ride the roller coaster with her daughter due to him being too big for the seat. Her daughter though was very comforting and reassured him that they’ll try again some other time.
“The truth was that I was always letting her down like this. I couldn’t go cycling for very long with her or even play tag. I realised if I didn’t do something about my health, then I might not be around for her in the future at all.
He felt bad that he always let her daughter down, in many cases that need being active like going cycling, or playing tag. He worried that he might not be with his daughter’s future if he didn’t do something about his fitness.
“I knew about Slimming World because my mum and sister had been members over the years and it had worked for them. I wasn’t convinced it was for me, though – surely it was more for women? My wife, Natalie, sat me down and said: ‘You’re not managing to lose weight by yourself. Why don’t you give group a go?’.
The group and the consultant herself were very welcoming to Andy that gave him a relief. After not setting on a scale for a long time, his weight of 28st 9lbs caught him by surprise.
“Claire explained Food Optimising and it sounded pretty doable. I stocked up on vegetables and lean meat, and prepared food to take into work, such as chicken salad or a hearty home-made soup. And instead of my usual snacks, I had strawberries.
Without even depriving his appetite it has caught him again by surprise that he has lost 1 stone in just a week the moment he stepped on the scale.
“I loved spending time in the kitchen, creating healthy versions of my favourite foods. On takeaway nights at work, I’d bring in my Free curry and rice to enjoy while my colleagues had their takeaway curries – and I genuinely thought mine was better!
His weight loss wasn’t constantly at high reach, for some weeks he would shed 1-2 lbs, and on other weeks 4-5 lbs, but no matter the amount what mattered was that he’s progressing time after time.
“As the weeks went by, I realised going to group was a vital part of the process. Everyone was so friendly and they’d share recipe ideas and tips. My group loved my version of ‘chicken pizza’ – topped with tomatoes, garlic, oregano, chopped onions, bacon with any visible fat cut off and my Healthy Extra of reduced-fat mozzarella. It became known as ‘Andy’s pizza’!
Soon enough his friends, coworkers, and family started on complimenting his success. Within six months he weighed less than 20st, and after a year after joining Slimming World he reached his target at 15st 4lbs.
“Before Slimming World, I’d only been skateboarding every three weeks. Now, I had the confidence to do it more often. And as it counts as Body Magic, along with the walking and cycling I do. I started signing up for slalom racing again and got myself back into the UK rankings. After one race, where I came in the top three, I had to dash off and change into a suit to pick up my award as a finalist in Slimming World’s Man of the Year competition – that was quite a day!
“Before Slimming World, I’d only been skateboarding every three weeks. Now, I had the confidence to do it more often. And as it counts as Body Magic, along with the walking and cycling I do. I started signing up for slalom racing again and got myself back into the UK rankings. After one race, where I came in the top three, I had to dash off and change into a suit to pick up my award as a finalist in Slimming World’s Man of the Year competition – that was quite a day!
He’s now able to shop for clothes at regular stores and he can walk down the street confidently. He also got a recent promotion at work.
One of the biggest changes is that I’m a much more active dad now. When we go out on our bikes, I can cycle for miles – and I never get tired when I’m walking around.
“Recently, we went back to Chessington World of Adventures and this time I had no trouble getting on the rollercoaster. I sat beside Daisy and we yelled our way through the ride. Afterwards, she gave me a big hug. ‘Thanks, Dad,’ she said. ‘You’ve made my day.’ I couldn’t have felt prouder.
“I can’t imagine ever going back to my old habits. Because I know that every day I spend on plan, staying healthy and keeping fit, I’m increasing my chances of a long life sharing many good times with my family. That, for me, is the ultimate reward.”
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