Natalie Evans is celebrating being crowned Slimming World Woman of the Year for Keswick.
She joined the town’s weight loss programme in November 2023 after receiving some worrying blood tests indicating she had fatty liver disease, which could lead to diabetes and strokes.
“At age 32, with an 11-year-old son this terrified me into doing something about it!” said Natalie. “I had been hiding from pictures and avoiding mirrors for quite some time.
“I was also due to get married in Easter 2024 and set myself a one stone goal so that I’d feel confident having my arms out on the big day as well as feeling a little less camera shy for the wedding photographer.
“We jetted off to New York straight after for our honeymoon and enjoyed ourselves greatly. At this point I had noticed significant changes in my eating habits and while enjoying food out there, I wasn’t eating everything in sight just for the sake of it.
“After our honeymoon, someone in the group mentioned the Couch to 5km programme. I began this and by week nine I was able to run for 30 minutes straight and actually enjoyed it!
“I also joined a dance fit group in January and still go every Monday evening. I now have more energy, feel happier and more confident. I am still in disbelief at how I look- often asking my husband- is that actually what I look like now?
“I even asked him to take pictures of me on our latest date night! I’ve always enjoyed walking my dog, both alone and with my family and notice a considerable difference in the distance and speed I can cover in the wonderful Keswick scenery.
“I am now three-and-a-half stone lighter, healthier, happier and much more confident.”
She said that she could not have achieved the weight loss without the help of Slimming World consultant Sharon Johnson and other members of the Keswick group who never failed to inspire her and put a smile on her face week every week.
“They are a fantastic network of fantastic, positive people who I’m proud to say are now friends,” she said.
Sharon said: “I am extremely proud of what Natalie has achieved, she has done so well and enjoyed the process along the way.”
The Keswick Slimming World groups are held on Thursdays at The Quaker House at 8.30am and 10am. For more information, the group can be found on Facebook.
