Two inspirational slimmers are getting ready to celebrate in style this party season after winning weight loss competitions at their local Slimming World group.
Married couple Emma and Matthew Duncan have been voted as the Beccles morning and evening Slimming World group’s Miss Slinky and Mr Sleek 2014 after losing 2st 10lb and 1st 7lb respectively.
The couple both began putting weight on after Mr Duncan’s father died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Christmas Eve 2012.Slimming World’s annual Miss Slinky competition recognises those female members who have changed both inside and out by becoming healthier and happier, slimmer and more confident.
And for the first time this year the competition has a male counterpart, Mr Sleek - with the national winners of both contests winning a £2,000 cash price.
Mr Duncan, 36, dropped from a 36 inch waist to a 32 inch waist and 44 inch chest to a 40 inch chest.
He said: “The weight crept on after we turned to takeaways and convenience foods and after Emma went back to work full time, the lack of time to cook left us turning to these ‘quick’ options even more.
“Being voted for by the other members of the group is really great because it’s thanks to them and their support and our consultant Joanna Britton that we’ve been able to lose the weight that we have. As a man, joining a slimming club was a big decision and very nerve-wracking, but I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Mrs Duncan, 33, has dropped from a dress size 16 to a size 10. She said: “I was already looking forward to this Christmas and feeling glamorous enough to wear the outfits I’ve been dreaming of. Winning the title of Miss Slinky means I have even more to celebrate and I know this festive season will be even more special.”
The pair began following the club’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan, which encourages members to satisfy their appetite on healthy foods like fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean fish.
Joanna Britton, who runs both the Beccles morning and evening Slimming World groups said she was extremely proud of both slimmers.
“Christmas is a time of year for getting dressed up and having a good time. However when people are overweight they often dread it because they feel uncomfortable and out of place at parties, that’s if they don’t make an excuse to avoid socialising altogether. This year I know Emma and Matthew will feel completely different, I hope they’ll be accepting every invitation they receive and showing off their gorgeous new figures – they definitely live up to their new titles of Miss Slinky and Mr Sleek in my eyes.”
The group meets at St Luke’s Church every Tuesday at 10am or noon, or at Worlingham Primary School every Tuesday at 5.30pm or 7.30pm. New members can pop in or call Joanna on 07789740467.
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