It’s the London Marathon on Sunday 27th April, and as that colourful crowd of runners streams over the capital’s iconic Tower Bridge, you might just spot some of our amazing Slimming World team.
Danielle Arins, 37, has lost 3st 7lbs with Slimming World, and will be running to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“My weight had yo-yoed since my early twenties. Because I wasn’t ever overweight growing up, I didn’t really know what to do when I noticed my weight increasing. It was like my metabolism had broken overnight! My university lifestyle didn’t help – I was drinking far more than I ever had before, and turning to high-fat snacks and takeaways more often.
I tried lots of fad diets, including juice diets (which felt like starvation) and a diet that was recommended for patients set to undergo heart surgery who needed to lose weight quickly. It’s quite sad to look back and realise how desperate I was.
Being overweight damaged my confidence and self-esteem. I had an overwhelming feeling of not being in control of my relationships, my working life or my food. I was diagnosed with depression, and I remember breaking down in front of my mum one day. She encouraged me to join my local Slimming World group to help take control of my weight.
Attending group for the first time was daunting, but I knew I had to believe in myself if I was going to succeed. My Consultant welcomed me and put me at ease as we went through the eating plan together. I couldn’t believe that I’d be able to eat my favourite meals like steak and chips and still lose weight! I made some healthy changes to my day-to-day life, such as swapping out my shop-bought sandwich and crisps for lunch for soup or a homemade prawn stir-fry.
Before joining Slimming World, I was sporadic with my activity – I either went all in or did nothing whatsoever. It was never really a habit I could stick to. Slimming World has encouraged me to stay active by building my fitness levels up gradually and doing exercises that I love, like weightlifting and running.
I’m now a District Manager for Slimming World, and I love the opportunities the role has presented me. Since losing weight, my confidence has sky-rocketed, and my mindset is much better.
In April, I’ll be taking on the famous London Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. I’m keen to raise vital funds for an important charity which works to find a cure for dementia, a condition which sadly affects many families.”
You can find Danielle’s fundraising page here.
If you’re feeling inspired to give running a go, you’ll find a step-by-step training plan on our exclusive member website and app. Start today and you could join us running Race for Life this summer!
