A Perthshire gran who transformed her life by losing five stones in 12 months aims to use her weight loss journey to inspire others.
Morag Torrens joined her local Slimming World group in Perth about a year ago and has now trained as a consultant. And, after passing the relevant courses at Slimming World’s national training academy in Derbyshire, is 52 year-old is opening her own group at the Fair City’s North Muirton Community Centre.
The first meeting is from 7.30pm on Thursday, January 9, and gran-of-four Morag, who has three grown-up children, described her new role as a “privilege”. The former support worker said: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.
“After losing five stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.”
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Morag went on to explain: “Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone.
“I couldn’t have lost five stones without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight before and gained it again, I knew when I joined this time it had to be different.
“For the first time I set myself a target and made the commitment to myself to grab a seat in group every week and soak up that support. I know the challenges we face as slimmers and I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.
“Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.
“That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.”
Reflecting on her own experiences, Morag continued: “Before joining Slimming World, I’d tried so many different ways to lose weight, but I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life but, when I came to Slimming World, it was different.
“I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you’re never hungry and so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
“I was worried that I would need to start eating vegetables most of which I dislike, but it wasn’t the case I was able to choose the foods I enjoy.”
Morag stressed the Slimming World experience was about more than focusing on food. She added: “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat.
“Becoming more active is important too. Our ‘Body Magic’ physical activity support programme helps members build activity into their daily routine at their own pace.
“Everything counts, from walking and gardening to washing the car. I have always enjoyed walking, and have recently taken a step further completing my first Munro.
Morag’s Slimming World group every Thursday from 7.30pm, starting on January 9.
For more information, call Morag on 07809 719425 or contact Slimming World on www.slimmingworld.co.uk or 0344 897 8000.
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