Taking control of diabetes and bagging a new career

DIABETIC mum of two, Claire Jones is excited at becoming a Slimming World consultant after losing three stone in 18 months herself.

Claire became a Slimming World member 18 months ago and has lost three stone by following Slimming World’s food optimising. Claire has had diabetes type 1 for 16 years and struggled after having children with her weight.

Before Slimming World, Claire felt uncomfortable in her own skin, not liking  the way she looked, hating pictures of herself, always insisting they were deleted.  Claire said, “I wore the same baggy tops and leggings everyday. I felt disheartened, unmotivated and tired easily playing with the children, I was struggling to keep up.”

Consequently, Claire’s health suffered as she found it difficult to maintain good glucose control of her diabetes.  

“There are now 2.2 million people living with diabetes in the UK. With Slimming World’s eating plan, ‘Food Optimising’, you can enjoy a healthy, balanced diet to help manage your diabetes,” says Slimming World. “Taking insulin or other medication need not be a barrier to losing weight. Many people with diabetes find that by losing excess weight with a healthy eating plan, and becoming more active in everyday life they need less medication, and for some people with type 2 diabetes none at all. Slimming World specialises in helping people make positive permanent lifestyle changes.”

Claire realised enough was enough, something had to change, as she didn’t want to feel this way anymore and wanted more for herself and her young family. A close friend of Claire’s had joined Slimming World and she had seen some of the Slimming World posters and adverts. 

She said, “It took me about two weeks to make that call to the consultant and go to my first Slimming World group and it was the best decision I ever made. I did feel nervous and embarrassed walking though the doors on the first session but there was absolutely no need. Slimming World is such a compassionate, kind and friendly organisation, I instantly felt welcomed and included. My consultant was supportive and there for me when I needed her.” 

Claire remarked that the group is so powerful, everyone is in the same boat, and everyone is there for each other. She has made friends for life.

Now she has become a local Slimming World consultant running a Saturday morning group in Devizes at the The Nursteed Centre.

Claire had tried diets before but it never stuck, the support wasn’t there and she lost interest quickly. This time was different, the power of the group is huge. The Slimming World plan is ‘amazing, flexible, generous and easy to follow and keep on track’ she says. Food optimising makes sense to Claire, it really works. Claire said, “I love food and I love creating new meals from the thousands of Slimming World recipes that members have access to. I eat just as much as before but I have made simple swaps to eat the right foods to help me lose weight and keep the weight off.

“I am now taking a quarter of the medication I was before Slimming World and now have good glucose control. My life has changed completely, I am three stone lighter, I swim every week, walk every day and enjoy going to bootcamp 3 times a week. I am more active with my children and I am in control of my health, weight and diet.”

Claire’s family have also embraced the Slimming World way of life, preparing family meals that the children love, firm favourites are spaghetti bolognese, salmon and stir fry and Slimming World sweet potato fries.

The  government’s new ‘Better Health’ campaign aims to support anybody who wants to reset or kick-start their way to a healthier lifestyle. So now more than ever it is so important for us not to be overweight and to be as healthy as possible, which you can achieve from becoming a Slimming World member.

Claire is keen to support, inspire everyone through their journeys and for them to achieve their personal dream targets. She said, “I want everyone to become a target member and receive lifelong membership, which many have achieved at the Devizes groups. They are an inspiration to us all to achieve that target weight. I want my group to be a safe place for members who will celebrate successes and achievements and will support one another with advice, strategies and ideas. We will welcome new members into our family with encouragement, kindness and lots of fun!’ She can’t wait to meet all existing members and welcome new members to the Devizes Saturday group.

Claire will be re-launching at the Nursteed Centre on Saturday 26th September. Please call her to book your space on 07772 994005.