Ipswich couple Sally and Ian Watson attend consultant Liz Torrie's Wednesday evening Slimming World class at Chantry Clinic. The couple have lost over 3 stone between them and now enjoy a much more active way of life. Liz was so pleased with Sally and Ian's weight loss progress; she has put them forward to compete for this year's Slimming World Mr & Mrs title.
Ipswich24 caught up with Sally and Ian to see how they have achieved their weight loss and to find out what motivates them to stick to Food Optimising.
How did you first feel about joining Slimming World?
I: I was apprehensive to start with but the team at the class were great and we have a laugh, which made me feel more confident about going.
S: We have also made some nice new friends.
What was the final straw that made you join Slimming World?
S: Seeing Ian squeeze into a wet suit! I suggested we went to Slimming World together.
I: And I thought it would be a good idea to get sponsored to diet.
Slimming World's Food Optimising is made up of 'Red' days where you eat mainly meat and 'Green' days where you have pasta, rice and potatoes, which did you prefer?
I: I enjoy eating meat so Red days were best for me.
S: Yes, I liked Red days too
Slimming World is all about Food Optimising, what did you like best about the eating plans?
I: The portion sizes, when you have a red day you are able to eat a good size portion of meat.
S: I like the variety of foods you are able to eat.
What has been your favourite meal?
S: Salad with plenty of Free foods and fresh fruit.
I: I really enjoy Slimming World's curries.
The Slimming World plans also include Body Magic, which encourages its members to become more active. Did you find that Body Magic changed your exercise routine?
S: Yes, 110%, I now go swimming more often and I have taken up cycling. The best thing for me is I have now completed the Body Magic Gold standard!
I: Yes, I have increased my activity levels considerably and that's due to Slimming World's Body Magic.
Now you have lost your weight, what is your main ambition in life?
S: To stay fit and healthy.
I: I'd like to lose a little more weight and be able to stay slim.
What is the best thing that has happened to you as a result of your weight loss?
S: I have spent lots of money on new outfits; before I lost the weight I hated clothes shopping.
I: Getting an aeroplane seat belt round me!
Do you feel confident and secure that you can maintain your weight loss?
S: yes, providing I keep up the exercise.
I: Yes, as long as Sally keeps nagging me!
Slimming World is an easy to follow eating plan with lots of support.
To find out how Food Optimising can help you reach your weight loss goals contact Slimming World consultant Liz on 01473 728380.

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RECEIPE: Loaded Potato Skins ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scooped out jacket potatoes can be loaded with a variety of delicious fillings. Serve them as a snack or a main meal with a crisp salad or some steamed green vegetables. And don't throw away the potato flesh - use it to make the topping for a savoury dish.
Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: approx. 1 hour
For jacket potatoes you will need: 4 x 113g/4oz baking potatoes. Salt and ground black pepper
1. Scrub the potatoes and bake in a preheated over at 200ºC/400ºF/Gas Mark 6 for about 1 hour, until tender.
2. Cut each potato in half lengthways and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a little potato around the inside of each skin. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then fill the potatoes with the desired fillings.
Cheese and tomato filling
Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 tomatoes, skinned and chopped; 2 spring onions, chopped; 57g/2oz reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, grated
Method: Mix the tomatoes, spring onions and cheese together and pile into the potato skins. Pop under a preheated hot grill until golden brown and bubbling.
Cottage Cheese and pepper filling
Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 small red pepper; 1 small yellow pepper; 113g/4oz very low fat natural cottage cheese; 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
Method: Place the peppers under a preheated grill, turning until charred and blistered all over. Cut in half, remove the seeds and cut the flesh into thin strips. Mix the pepper strips with the cottage cheese and pile into the potato skins. Sprinkle with coriander.