A NEW Slimming World consultant will be starting her new weekly group in Menai Bridge next week.

Annette Bell’s new group will start at the War Memorial Hall in Menai Bridge on Monday, December 27, and continue on a weekly basis from then on.

Groups will held at 9.30am, 5pm and 7pm, with Annette able to draw on her experiences of losing weight herself as part of a Slimming World group.

She said: “So much has changed; a few years ago, my eating habits and my weight had spiralled out of control.

“Eventually, the Christmas period just became a dreadful onslaught of occasions and events entirely focussed around extravagant and excessive food – it felt like a rollercoaster that I couldn’t seem to escape.

“In the run-up to Christmas 2019, like most of us, I was busy trying to schedule in seeing as many family members and friends as possible. Being sociable and having guests was lovely, but the pressure to cook, eat and have a tipple meant that I felt out of control.

“On the big day itself, I remember that the waistband of my jeans felt like a torture device, but I had little else to wear that actually fit and looked reasonably smart.

“I joked with my husband that I might take someone’s eye out if the top button pinged off, but I was seriously unhappy.

“As soon as my guests left a few days later, I knew exactly what had to be done.”

Several years earlier, after her son was born, Annette had lost more than four stone with Slimming World, so knew that it was the only way she could change things.

She joined a new group in Holyhead, where she quickly became an inspired by her ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘friendly’ consultant, April Dario-Jones.

She said: “Without a group, my focus and drive had disappeared. I knew that I had lapsed into lots of bad habits over the months and years.

“I felt ashamed that I had regained almost two stone, but I knew that I couldn’t let this stop me from putting the brakes on.

“I decided that starting at a new group would give me a fresh outlook, and I found a group in Holyhead. As I sat with the enthusiastic and friendly consultant, April Dario-Jones, I felt nothing short of relief that I had taken this step.

“Listening to April’s new member talk, and being refreshed on the food optimising plan, I remembered how amazing it was to eat loads of great ‘free food’ without counting or measuring.

“Food optimising means eating all your favourites from chip suppers to curries with rice, pasta dishes to full cooked breakfasts. You never go hungry or feel deprived, and you still lose weight! What’s more, no food is off limits - so if you fancy a glass of wine or some chocolate, you can!

“I loved getting back into eating well again – I was cooking and trying exciting new recipes like overnight oats, curried lentil shepherd’s pie and spicy bean chilli with sweet potato wedges.

“I was particularly enjoying the social aspects of the group swapping tips and ideas with my new friends and having fun.”

Then, in March 2020, everything changed following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdown arrived and Slimming World meetings became virtual.

Annette added: “For me, the group via Zoom felt too strange and I decided to take a break. Like most people, I assumed that we’d all be back to normal in a week or two.

“As the weeks, then months passed, my motivation slipped, and the pounds piled back on.

“When restrictions finally lifted enough to have a ‘real’ group, almost a year had passed and I was disheartened to find that I had put all my weight back on, and more.

“My willpower was flagging, but some astute advice from April helped to get me back on track. I went on to lose 5lbs the following week.

“Being spurred on by my friends in group, and with the unwavering support of April, I have turned it all around. I try to never miss group, because that hour and a half once a week is sacred ‘me time’.

“If I’ve had a good week on plan, then it is great to share ideas and support others, and if my week has been bad and I have struggled, then the group understands and helps me to get perspective and get right back on track.”

“Just a few months on and I’m within touching distance of my target. Not only are my jeans fitting comfortably, but I’ve had another ‘win’ in finding a perfect fit for me too career-wise - as a new Slimming World consultant!

“My first group will be held on Monday, December 27, which seems very apt considering how, two years ago, this all started with my own desperation to get Christmas out of the way and get back in control!

“It’s probably the best gift that a person can give to themself, because they will be able to set and reach their personal goal without needing to diet, cut out foods or go hungry again – ever!

“Losing weight and feeling healthier has changed my life, and I can’t wait to help others achieve their dreams too.”