A nurse from Gateshead has achieved a significant health transformation by losing over seven stone in just 10 months. Debbie Houghton, who weighed 16 stone 7.5 pounds, made the decision to pursue a healthier lifestyle after facing a series of health challenges, including Fibromyalgia and Long Covid. Her journey began following a blood test that revealed she was pre-diabetic and had elevated cholesterol levels.
With the aim of improving her health without resorting to medication, Houghton joined a local Slimming World group led by Vickie Gallagher at the Ouston Community Centre in County Durham. From February to December 2022, she managed to shed an impressive seven stone 8 pounds.
Transformative Journey and Lifestyle Changes
Houghton described reaching her goal weight as “amazing,” noting a newfound enthusiasm for clothes shopping and a significant boost in her self-confidence. She shared, “I used to feel self-conscious about my weight when standing in front of a room. Not anymore!”
The shift in her eating habits played a crucial role in her success. Houghton emphasized the flexibility of the Food Optimising approach, stating, “Nothing is off limits! I still enjoy pizza, curries, chocolate, and even a gin and tonic, but with smart swaps and planning.” By preparing healthier alternatives at home, such as “fakeaways” for Indian food or pizza nights, she was able to maintain her social life without feeling deprived.
Support System and Staying Motivated
Maintaining her weight loss journey while traveling posed challenges, but Houghton remained focused. During a recent two-week holiday, she sought advice from her Slimming World group on how to make healthier choices. Upon returning home, she was pleasantly surprised to find she had lost an additional 0.5 pounds.
Houghton credits the support from her Slimming World group as invaluable, saying, “Stay with the group – the support and motivation are priceless. I’ve made new friends and look forward to every Wednesday.” Despite occasional weight fluctuations, she learned to approach setbacks with resilience, stating, “I just dusted myself off and started afresh.”
Debbie Houghton continues to attend Slimming World meetings at Ouston Community Centre every Wednesday. Those interested in joining or seeking more information can contact Vickie Gallagher at 07580109160.
Houghton’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the positive impact of a supportive community and a commitment to personal health.
