Slimming World member from Barnham named as group’s Man of the Year after losing 4st 9lbs

A super slimmer from Barnham has been named Man of the Year 2020 by his Slimming World group after losing an incredible 4st 9lbs.
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Since joining the Yapton group in November 2018 Michael Meachin has gone from 20st 3lbs to 15st 8lbs.

Mike initially thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on diet food, but decided to give it a try after joining with his wife.

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He said: “I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight.

Michael Meachin was named Man of the Year 2020 by the Yapton Slimming World groupMichael Meachin was named Man of the Year 2020 by the Yapton Slimming World group
Michael Meachin was named Man of the Year 2020 by the Yapton Slimming World group

“When I started this journey 17 months ago, I thought I was going to lose some weight, but what I did not expect was to change the way I understand food and my own appetite.

“Through the support of my Slimming World consultant and the fellowship of the group, I have been able to change.

“Now I feel much fitter, healthier and happier.”

Mike said he had been unhappy with his weight for a while but it took a long time to admit it to himself, but he still did not want to ask for help.

Michael Meachin before and after his weight loss with the Yapton Slimming World groupMichael Meachin before and after his weight loss with the Yapton Slimming World group
Michael Meachin before and after his weight loss with the Yapton Slimming World group
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He said: “I’ve realised now though that, far from being weak, asking for help takes strength of character and getting support to make changes has given me a sense of confidence that is benefitting every aspect of my life. It was nerve-wracking walking through those doors for the first time but I wasn’t the only man there and everyone was so supportive.”

Members would usually vote for the group’s winner at a special evening – however this time around the nominations and celebrations were held online as part a virtual competition.

Slimming World introduced its new, temporary virtual service in March, after announcing it was temporarily suspending its groups in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mike said: “I was sad to hear my group had been suspended as I was worried about missing my routine of attending my weekly Slimming World group and nervous about holding on to the changes I’d made without it.

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“So I was delighted when I found out Slimming World was going virtual – now I really enjoy attending my virtual group, it’s full of that same group spirit and laughter, and all the usual advice, like new recipe suggestions and ideas to boost our activity levels, that we’ve always received – only now from the comfort of my sofa.”

“It’s been a real lifeline in helping me to hang on to those healthy habits I’ve built over the last 17 months and now I feel certain that – with the support of my group – I can manage my weight whatever life throws at me.”

Kirsty Cheyne, who runs the Yapton and Pagham Slimming World groups, said: “He has done brilliantly and we’re all in awe of his transformation.

“And while so much has changed in the last few months his determination and motivation has remained the same – he’s a real inspiration to the group.

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“I couldn’t be prouder of everything Mike’s achieved and he’s incredibly close to his final personal target weight too.”

Mike has enjoyed following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which is based on the science of satiety and energy density, enabling him to enjoy generous portions of healthy food like lean meat, pasta, rice, eggs, potatoes, fruit and veg, to satisfy his appetite, so he didn’t have to go hungry.

He said: “I love the variety of foods I can still enjoy such as steak and homemade chips, chicken curry or a roast dinner. Nothing is off limits – I can still enjoy a pint of beer.

“I’ve picked up loads more new recipes while attending my virtual group and have loved experimenting with dishes using ingredients I wouldn’t typically use, such as using butternut squash as a base to make an incredible lasagne sauce.”

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The Yapton Slimming World group is held every Wednesday with sessions at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm, and Pagham is held every Thursday at 6pm and 8.15pm. Anyone interested in joining can call Kirsty on 07881 614989.

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