Natalie’s story on reclaiming health, happiness and herself with Slimming World
When Natalie Dwen first walked through the doors of Andi’s Slimming World group, she did so with a 12-week GP referral and a quiet determination that something had to change.
What followed has been nothing short of inspirational. In those first 12 weeks Natalie lost an incredible 2 stone – and she didn’t stop there. By continuing her journey, she’s now reached target having lost 3 stone 2lbs, and gained so much more than weight loss along the way.
Over several challenging years, Natalie found herself facing the passing of two close family members, being medically discharged from the military due to injury, juggling the pressures of everyday family life. Little by little, she lost her way.
“It became a vicious cycle,” Natalie explains. “Convenience food, takeaways and comfort eating helped me cope in the moment, but left me feeling tired, sluggish and frustrated with the weight I was gaining.”
Being active and exercising had always been a huge part of Natalie’s life, but as the weight increased, her injury worsened and movement became harder. Food slowly replaced activity, and the cycle continued.
As the extra weight began to affect her hormones, mood and relationships and with her 40th birthday approaching alongside pre-menopause symptoms Natalie knew it was time to put herself first.
“It really felt like now or never.”
Having been a Slimming World member before, Natalie already knew that Food Optimising works. This time, she was ready to fully commit to the lifestyle not a diet, but a way of eating she could sustain long term.
“I love that nothing is off limits,” she says. “We cook proper family meals – spaghetti bolognese, curries, hearty roast dinners and so many fakeaways. And on busy days, omelettes or jacket potatoes with chilli, beans or tuna salad are perfect. If it’s planned well, nothing is off the menu… not even chocolate when the craving hits!”
Like many of us, Natalie’s busy work and family life once meant skipping packed lunches and relying on meal deals, takeaways and snacks just to get through the day. This time, she was determined to change the narrative for good.
Getting her husband Jon involved in menu planning and prep proved to be a total game changer.
“Knowing we always have something ready – even a simple meal that’s quicker than a takeaway delivery – has made all the difference. Jon has been my biggest cheerleader, and he’s noticed huge improvements in his own weight and health too.”
Fuelled by nutritious food and supported every step of the way, Natalie’s energy has returned and her love of exercise has reignited. Clothes shopping is no longer a dreaded chore, sleep has improved, and daily aches, bloating and inflammation have eased.
“I used to wake up exhausted and snooze my alarm until the last minute. Now I’m up early, fitting in a workout before the school run and work.”
Perhaps most importantly, Natalie has embraced a powerful mindset shift – letting go of perfection and focusing on progress.
“It’s about making the best choices you can in that moment and not writing off the whole day or week. It’s recognising how far you’ve come, regaining control and not giving up.”
Weekly group has become a non-negotiable part of Natalie’s routine.
“Staying to group, leaning on others and our awesome consultant Andi for support, recipes and perspective has made such a difference. It’s my hour each week to recharge, refocus and remember my why.”
Natalie’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, compassion for yourself and belief that change is possible, you really can take back control of your health – at any stage of life.
Natalie’s Slimming World consultant Andi says ‘ Natalie has made me so proud week in week out. The dedication Natalie gave to coming every week and showing up for herself. Andi was even more impressed when Natalie came back from 2 weeks in Disney World Florida with a 5lb loss. Not going without but using her new knowledge and healthy habits as well as running whilst away just shows this really is a lifestyle change.’
If you would like to join one of Andi’s Slimming World groups you can come along on a Tuesday evening 6pm or 7.30pm at HSDC Havant College or Every Friday at St Nicholas Church in Bedhampton 7.30am, 9am and 10.30am you can get in touch with Andi on 07508 856 506 or find your local group at www.slimmingworld.co.uk