A taxi driver from Baillieston has taken the ride of a lifetime after losing an incredible 6st. on his journey to a healthier life.
Since January, Neil Morrison has gone from 20st 10lbs to 14st 9.5lbs, proving that Slimming World works for men as well as women.
Like many men, Neil thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food. However, he decided to give it a try after after seeing how well his wife Sharon was eating and losing weight. After walking through the doors, Neil was pleasantly surprised to find that the support provided by the group was practical and encouraging. He also 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 to satisfy his appetite, so he didn’t have to go hungry.
Neil said: “Deep down I’d been unhappy with my weight for some time but it took me a long time to face up to it and then when I did admit to myself that I wanted to lose weight I still didn’t want to ask for help.
“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 was not the only man and everyone was so supportive. Now I look forward to going to my Slimming World group. There is lots of banter and laughter and I get some really good ideas too, from new recipe suggestions to ideas to boost my activity levels.
“I didn’t know what my mates would think about me attending Slimming World but they’ve been right behind it. Once they realised I could still have a beer they started to take an interest and when they see me eating things like steak and homemade chips, chicken curry or a roast dinner they always ask how it’s possible to eat like that and still lose weight. What really had them sitting up and paying attention though was how well I was losing weight.”
As the weight came off, Neil found he had more energy and so he was eager to use it: “I always thought that physical activity would be the best way to lose weight, but when I was at my heaviest I just wasn’t fit enough to do it. Slimming World helped me to break it down into chunks and by starting small I’ve managed to build up my activity gradually. Walking with Sharon and our kids was a great way to get started now we are all more active together going to the park and running around having fun.”
Ann Marie Nairn, who runs the Baillieston Slimming World group is incredibly proud of Neil “He has done brilliantly and we’re all amazed by his transformation. He’s a real inspiration to the group. We know that many men assume slimming clubs won’t be right for them, but Neil shows that once they come through the doors they do so well. Like Neil I would advise anyone who would like to lose weight to find the courage to take that first step.”
The Baillieston Slimming World group is held every Wednesday at St Andrews Church Old Hall at 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining the group can just pop in or for more information call Ann Marie on 07799 472489.