LOCAL practice nurse Tracy Fordham is starting 2017 two stone and four pounds lighter and is launching her own Slimming World group in Melksham this week.
Tracy and her husband Mark had always considered themselves as reasonably healthy, cooking from scratch and keeping quite active but when Mark suffered a critical illness in January 2012 it made them mindfully reflect on their lives.
“Mark suffered pneumonia and the potentially fatal condition of the prolapse of two heart valves which, considering there was no history of heart disease, came as a massive shock,” says Tracy. “It made us both realise that we needed to reassess our lives to ensure our future health and wellbeing.”
Tracy became aware of her own health and fitness levels, trying Zumba classes and seeing that she was more red-faced and breathless than anyone else in the class, which really affected her confidence.
Tracey says, “I realised I was becoming withdrawn and tearful at the smallest of things. I knew I needed to lose some weight and that just compounded my misery. I had heard of Slimming World before so decided it was the right time to join a group and see what happened.”
“Walking into group on that first night was a nervous experience, but I was reassured by the other members, everyone with a story to tell and their own mountain to climb, but all together with no judgment or humiliation, just a really safe place to get the support I needed.”
Tracy used to skip breakfast and then be so hungry that she would snack on crisps and shop-bought sandwiches. Now, since learning about Slimming World’s Food Optimising, she has made a few changes to ensure she has delicious, filling food ready for when hunger strikes.
“I love the fact that I can still cook family favourites like spaghetti bolognese, curries and even burgers and chips without feeling guilty. The great thing about food optimising is that nothing is denied. With just a few changes to how I am cooking I can follow recipes from all the Slimming World recipe books and magazines, plus we share lots of ideas in group too.”
Since joining the group, Tracy and Mark are now both target members and are enjoying their new lifestyle.
“It was so good that we got to choose our own target weight,” Tracy said. “It lifted the pressure and made my route to target enjoyable rather than stressful.”
Now 2st4lb lighter, Tracy wants to inspire others by sharing everything she has learnt in order to help those who may be feeling like she did and is excited to be starting a brand new career as a Slimming World consultant.
She added, “I feel fantastic now. I am more energetic, don’t get so red faced or out of breath, I feel so much more confident and look better in my clothes! So much so that I want to share this feeling with the people of Melksham.”
Tracy’s sessions are on Thursdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Forest & Sandridge Primary School on Cranesbill Road. For more information contact Tracy on 07553 192784.
