Chepstow couple lose seven stone with Slimming World
Gerwyn and Sarah Lewis, from Chepstow, were motivated to change their lifestyle after a candid photo highlighted their weight gain.
The couple, who married in 2006, admitted they were struggling with their size, with Sarah having difficulty moving, breathing, and leaving the house.
The photo that changed everything for Gerwyn (Image: Supplied) In April 2024, they joined a Slimming World group in St Arvans, Chepstow, where they learned about "Food Optimising" and how changes in mindset and eating habits, alongside increased physical activity, could help them lose weight.
Gerwyn had been in the habit of buying several chocolate bars a day from a vending machine at work, while Sarah had become reclusive, comfort-eating to "feel better."
Sarah admitted she was comfort-eating to 'feel better' (Image: Supplied) After joining Slimming World, the couple overhauled their diet.
Gerwyn, who enjoys cooking, took charge of the new menu.
Crumpets with butter for breakfast were replaced with porridge.
Lunch became lean ham, pickles, and fruit instead of leftovers, and dinners of ready meals or heavily-buttered home-cooked meals were replaced with fish, salads, and omelettes.
Snacks of crisps and chocolate were replaced with tubs of blueberries or carrot sticks.
The couple also began walking their dogs more frequently.
Gerwyn hit his target weight in September, shedding three stone in six months, while Sarah reached her target weight a year after they joined the group, losing just over four stone.
Gerwyn shed four stone in six months through Slimming World (Image: Supplied) Having lost a total of seven stone between them, the couple have now reached the finals of Slimming World's Two Together competition.
This competition recognises couples who have lost weight together, with the winners receiving the title and £1,500 each.
Sarah said: "We feel so much better. I love going out now. We still go to group and weigh, we aim to stay slim for life, and we still follow the plan but are now maintaining our weight.
"Sitting in group now feels amazing. It's great to be able to suggest ideas and support other members who are losing weight.
"My biggest advice is, never give up, it's my mantra."
Sarah now has a new zest for life (Image: Supplied) She added how important the support from Gerwyn was, calling him "the chef of the house," and emphasised the importance of supporting each other on their weight loss journey.
Gerwyn said: "If it wasn't for that initial photograph, I really don't know where we would be.
"Our health was taking a battering, I didn't see myself as big, and Sarah was becoming more and more reclusive.
"I'm so pleased we took the plunge and joined Slimming World; I really do think it has saved our lives."
The couple now enjoy more active lives, with Gerwyn recently taking up fly fishing, which Sarah also hopes to learn.
The dogs are walked more often, and the couple spend time in their caravan.
Their newfound zest for life is evident in their voices as they describe their lifestyle changes.
For those interested in joining Slimming World, groups meet at Memorial Hall, St Arvans on Wednesdays at 5.30pm and 7pm.
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