A life of low self-esteem, keeping mirrors at head height and avoiding social situations has now changed; Melksham man Simon Cotton is feeling the benefits after losing six stone and regaining his confidence.
Being physically drain-ed and in constant pain, Simon had resigned himself to a life being unfit and avoiding full length mirrors and cameras. “I would avoid situations where comments could be made on my weight, so I often stuck with family and close friends who I knew would never say anything even though they worried about me,” said Simon.
Then Simon decided to brave a school reunion as it was an opportunity to see friends he hadn’t seen for many years. It was here that a cruel comment started the wheels in motion to change his life for good.
“I went to say hello to someone I hadn’t seen for 23 years and instead of the pleasant greeting I had expected I was greeted with a comment about how fat I had got.”
Simon laughed off the cruel jibe but inside it really hurt him and it is the one lasting memory of what should have been a happy evening catching up with old friends.
Not long after the reunion Simon decided he needed to do something not just to lose weight but to get fitter and feel better about himself. He discovered that a new Slimming World group had opened and after meeting the consultant by chance on a shopping trip, he decided to give it a go. “I genuinely felt excited on that first night walking into group, I felt at ease, everyone was there for the same reason and it felt so supportive.” Simon was also blown away by the lack of judgment, feeling safe and ready to start his journey to a healthier life.
Simon soon discovered that he could lose weight whilst still enjoying his favourite meals and with Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan there was the power to chose and to never go hungry. Still enjoying meals like curries, chicken chow mein, big breakfasts and chips was a revelation as the pounds started to drop off “I had been a yo-yo dieter in the past but this felt like something that I could sustain and I have!”
Losing six stone hasn’t come without its ups and downs but Simon has had the support of his consultant Carmen and his fellow members all the way through to motivate when the weeks got tougher and to celebrate the fabulous results with him. “It was so important for me to stay to group and get all the help and support I needed each week,” says Simon.
“I feel so different now, my confidence has increased, I have a new found love of cooking and I love to pose for a photograph rather than hide in the shadows! I can also walk to town and back without feeling out of breath or pained – it really has changed my life.”
Simon is so thankful that he now wants to help share how he feels with Melksham and he has become a Slimming World Consultant himself. “I just want everyone to feel as amazing as I do now, so if you are reading this thinking that you can’t, please know that I believe you can and I will support you every step of the way.”
Simon’s group opens on Tuesday 30th May at 7.30pm at Melksham Riverside Club SN12 6LP. For more information please contact Simon on 07743 406199. Or Search Facebook Slimming World Melksham Riverside.
