Every now and then, a member comes along who truly lights up the room – and for our group, that’s John! 🌟 John first joined Adrian's Slimming World back when he was running groups at Belvoir Park Golf Club . From the very beginning, he threw himself not just into his own journey, but into helping others too. He became an active member of our Social Team , arriving early every week to help set up the room, welcome members at the pay desk, and make everyone feel at home. His bubbly, jolly, and upbeat attitude was infectious – the sort of energy that lifts the whole group. But John’s contribution didn’t stop there. He regularly shared his food and snack ideas , and soon after, he discovered a brand-new passion – running . His enthusiasm for this new hobby inspired others to try it too, encouraging members not just to stay on plan, but to give Body Magic a go. (For those who don’t know – Body Magic is Slimming World’s way of celebrating every step of physical activity, from short walks to marathons, as part of your weight loss and wellbeing journey 🏅). John has now smashed through his Platinum Body Magic award with his weekly Parkruns, regular training, and commitment to staying active. And while he’s out there speeding ahead, the rest of us are cheering him on – from waybehind! (Go on John, save some energy for us at the back! 😂). John’s warm heart, non-judgemental encouragement, and friendly advice have helped so many members on their own journeys. He’s living proof of how powerful Slimming World’s food optimising and Body Magic can be when you embrace it fully – not to mention the support you get (and give) in group each week. John, we’re beyond proud of you – and can’t wait to see where your running shoes (and that big smile) take you next. 🏃‍♂️💨✨

When you first meet Ruth , you’re instantly struck by her bubbly personality, infectious laugh and warm smile. But what makes Ruth truly inspiring is her incredible journey – she’s lost over 7 stone with Slimming World and, in her own words, she’s completely changed her life. Ruth is now proudly at Target , and she shows every week in our Castlereagh Evening group that slimming success is all about balance and enjoying life. Her favourite meals include cajun chicken pasta and loaded fries 😋 – proof that Food Optimising doesn’t mean missing out on delicious food! For snacks, she loves keeping it realistic and flexible with grapes, low-Syn crisps like Wotsits, or a little sweet treat with mini bags of Maryland Cookies. Ruth’s Body Magic comes in the form of walking and the occasional run 🏃‍♀️ – she loves that she can fit it in around her busy lifestyle. And busy she is! Not only is Ruth a cherished member of our group, but she’s also our weigh-in superstar , supporting members each week with empathy, encouragement and a smile. Having been through the journey herself, Ruth knows just how much every single pound lost means. She’s ably supported on the weigh desk by her lovely sister Colette (another inspiration!) and her niece Tatyana – together they all make quite the dream team. Beyond Slimming World, Ruth is a talented businesswoman, running Salon One – Luxury Nails in Castlereagh 💅. Many of our members proudly sport Ruth’s stunning nail designs, showing off her creativity and flair. And let’s not forget Ruth’s love for holidays ☀️✈️ – she travels abroad a few times each year, soaking up the sun and the sights. Even after a trip away, Ruth hops back on the scales, and if there’s been a little gain, she’s straight back on track. That determination and dedication is what has kept her in Target and what makes her such a role model in group. Ruth’s advice to new members? Aim for small goals – they all add up. And remember, this isn’t a diet. It’s a new way of life . ✨ Ruth, we are so proud of you – not just for your amazing 7 stone weight loss, but for the kindness, encouragement and joy you bring to our Castlereagh group every single week. You are an inspiration to us all! ✨

Hold onto your taste buds, because something delicious is coming to group w/b 22 September … and it’s going to be a real crowd-pleaser ! 🙌 Say hello to our brand-new Apple Crumble & Custard Hi-Fi bar – the perfect little slice of pudding heaven in a wrapper. 🍏🥧🍮 Sweet, comforting, and only 3 Syns each! 💖 Why our members LOVE Hi-Fi bars Guilt-free treat – satisfy your sweet tooth without going off plan 😇 Perfect with a cuppa ☕ Slimming World exclusive – you won’t find them in the shops! 🛒 Great to keep in your bag for when temptation strikes 👜 🔄 A clever swap for high-Syn snacks Why spend your Syns on… 🍫 Galaxy Ripple – 8.5 Syns 🍪 KitKat Chunky – 12 Syns 🥧 Mr Kipling Apple Pie – 11.5 Syns …when you can have that comforting apple crumble & custard flavour for just 3 Syns ? 🙌 These little beauties are proof that you really can have your cake (well… Hi-Fi bar 😉) and eat it! 📅 Mark your diaries: Available in group only from week beginning 22 September . Get ready to grab a box (or two!) before they vanish… because trust me, they will! 💬 What will you enjoy yours with – a coffee, a Slimming World hot chocolate, or straight from the wrapper?

Woman of the Year in group is such a special time for us 💖. It’s our chance to shine a big, bright spotlight on everything that makes our women amazing. We celebrate: ✨ Those with incredible weight losses ✨ Those who show up week after week ✨ Those who share ideas, tips and recipes ✨ Those who are always there to support a fellow member ✨ Those who’ve overcome personal hurdles with courage and strength ✨ Those who inspire others to keep going, even when the going gets tough 💪 It’s not just about weight loss — it’s about the woman in group who inspires you most 💕. And here’s the best bit… the winner isn’t picked by me, your Consultant. It’s chosen by you, the group 🙌. The week before the final, members select their finalists. I then count up the votes and, on finals week, we have the absolute honour of crowning our Woman of the Year and our finalist. (We call them finalists because, in our eyes, they’re all winners 🏆.) On the big night, members hear the stories of these incredible women — the food they love to eat 🍲, the challenges they’ve overcome, the new life they’re leading, and the ways that losing weight with Slimming World has changed their world for the better 🌈. It’s such a feel-good week — a week where everyone leaves group walking 10 feet tall, thinking “I can do this. I can get to my dream weight and stay there for life!” 💪✨ Just look at some of the inspiring things our members said when nominating… Member quotes: “She motivates me every week. Full of great ideas, including tips for low syn wine 🍷👌😀” “Motivating and supportive in group.” “Her continued commitment and staying power with Slimming World over the years.” “Always so supportive and encouraging.” “Very positive and honest. Tries hard to stay focused. Inspires me to keep going.” “Worked diligently, reaching target and losing 3st 3lbs! Inspirational!” “I am very aware of the weight loss she has achieved and she is to be congratulated.” “Dedication to coming to group and maintaining target.” “She is just amazing and has inspired me and many in our group.” “Such a determined woman and so nice and friendly to everyone who attends group.” “Always positive, encouraging and warm.” “Always greeted with a smile. Nothing is too much trouble.” “Gives me a reason to keep going and brings a bit of banter to group.” “A brilliant friend and the one who got me started with Slimming World — I’d be lost without her.” “Brilliant weight loss and shares advice and suggestions with the rest of the group.” “Enthusiastic and wants to succeed.” “Because she is amazing.” “Such an inspiration after what she’s been through. She’s stuck at it.” “Shared her struggles and given members encouragement. You’ll often find her home-grown vegetables in the Slimmer of the Week basket! 🙂” “She is at target and contributes so much to the group through tips, crafting gifts and home-grown produce.” “Very friendly as soon as you come in and puts photos on the group page for inspiration.” “Has done so well and always stays to group no matter what.” “Has done so well even when she had trouble at home — still came to group every week ❤️.” “Determined.” “At group every week and losing consistently — even on holidays she’s in the zone!” “Battled bowel cancer, attained target and smiled throughout.” “Always smiling, willing to help others, committed to weight loss and an inspiration to many ⭐️.” “Very positive person who has embraced Slimming World 100% and encourages others.” “Always ready to contribute helpfully to any discussion in class — always very positive.” “For her warm welcome and encouragement every week (and the occasional motivating frown!).” “Incredible — has inspired me to keep moving forward to my target.” “Gives inspiration through great weight loss and ability to keep on track!” “Such a lovely and friendly person, always smiling and loves a chat.” “An inspiration to me and our family!” “My biggest helper and supporter I could ever ask for.” “Always makes an effort to attend group, always smiling, shares her week of food and loses weight.” “Keeps everyone entertained and has been a great support to me.” “Inclusive, good weight loss, kind, makes great cuppa.” “Always jolly, non-judgemental and witty — makes weigh-in less threatening.” “She inspires me to work hard at Slimming World. She is kind and helpful to others.” “A lovely lady.” “Really nice and chats with everyone when they go to get their coffee.

⭐️ Exciting Changes to our Group Format ⭐️

More than just a Slimming World group – we’re an award-winning community! 💪❤️ Just like our amazing members earn shiny certificates in group for their incredible achievements – like ½ stone, 2 stone, Club 10, and of course our famous Slimmer of the Week title 🥇 – our group itself can also be recognised with special awards. And guess what… we’ve only gone and done it again! 🎉 This month, Castlereagh has been crowned not just with one win, but two huge achievements : 🌟 We’ve got the highest Slimming World membership in the region – more people than ever are trusting us to help them on their journey. 🌟 We’ve been awarded Group of the Month – a title that recognises groups showing all-round excellence across the board. That includes: 💯 Outstanding weight losses 🌱 A warm welcome to lots of fabulous new members 🤝 Incredible support, service, and spirit in group each week It’s not just about numbers – it’s about the heart, soul and dedication that every single one of you brings to our Castlereagh family 💕. This award is a reflection of your commitment, your kindness, and the electric buzz of positivity that fills our group every Tuesday. ⚡ 🏅 Being Group of the Month means we’re leading the way – not just in slimming, but in support, in spirit, and in success! And I couldn’t be prouder to be your Consultant. So if you’re already part of our award-winning family, thank you 🙏 – you helped us earn this! And if you’re thinking about joining us… what are you waiting for? 🌈  We’re more than just a group – we’re a movement, and we’re smashing it together! 💥

Every week in our fabulous Castlereagh groups, we crown a very special someone… our Slimmer of the Week – or as we lovingly call it, our greatest loser! 👏💪 And to celebrate their smashing achievement, we present them with our glorious, overflowing Slimmer of the Week Basket! 🎁 Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s fabulous. And yes… it could be YOU! 😍 🏆 What is the Slimmer of the Week Basket? It’s a great big gift from our group to the person who’s had the biggest weight loss this week – but with a few little rules to keep it fair: ✅ You will have had the greatest loss this week in group ✅ You must’ve had a loss or a maintain the previous week 🚫 If it’s your very first weigh-in after joining last week, you’re not eligible just yet – but hang tight, your time will come! 🌟 🍇 What Goes Into the Basket? That’s where the magic of the group comes in! Members are welcome to pop an item or two into the basket — a little gift from you to the week’s superstar ✨ 💚 We love Free and Speed foods 🍎 Fresh fruit and veg, packets of rice or pasta, herbs, spices, tins, sugar-free drinks – they’re all perfect! 🧃 Even a small treat with a few Syns is more than welcome 🚫 Just skip anything that needs chilled (sorry yoghurt lovers – we don’t want a dairy disaster in the basket by the end of group! 🧀❌) You’ll find the basket at group beside the pay desk, right by where you tap your member card – it’s a sleek black basket labelled ‘Slimmer of the Week’ so you can’t miss it! 🤷 Do I Have to Bring Something? Nope! There’s absolutely no obligation to add anything to the basket – it’s totally voluntary. But if you do want to pop something in, thank you! 🙌 Just remember – this time it’s someone else’s moment to shine… next time, it could be YOURS! 🥳 🥁 And the Winner Is… At the end of Group, just after our raffle, we reveal the Slimmer of the Week! It’s such a special moment and we LOVE making a proper fuss 🎊💖 You’ll be presented with the basket and a special certificate 📜 (yes, we’re extra like that). Sometimes we have a joint SoW, and if that happens – they’ll both get certificates and can split the basket like the fabulous winners they are! So next time you see the Slimmer of the Week basket, give it a wee nod of appreciation… and maybe pop in a cheeky tin of chopped tomatoes 🍅😉 You never know – next week, you could be walking out with the lot! Let’s keep celebrating success and cheering each other on – because every single pound lost is a win, and every week brings a new chance to sparkle 💫

🍾 Coming soon to a store near you… our brand new Syn Free Slimming World White Wine! . . . sorry to break it to you, but this little dream isn’t real – and sadly, it never will be 😅 But wait! Before you click away and declare a lifetime of deprivation, let me reassure you – you can lose weight and still enjoy your favourite tipple. You absolutely can! With a few tweaks, a dash of awareness, and a pinch of control, the scales can still go down (even with a glass in hand 🥂). 🍸 The Truth About Booze and Weight Loss There’s never a moment when someone panics and says, “Oh no, I’ve eaten too many carrots!” or “Help! I can’t stop munching apples!” 😂 But when it comes to alcohol? That’s a different story. We often don’t associate drinks with weight gain because… well, they’re liquid! How bad can they be? Turns out – very. The issue isn’t just the alcohol itself, but: The volume we drink The type of alcohol we choose And the temptations that come with it – late-night nibbles, dodgy food choices, and next-day greasy cures. You may start out with a simple plan for one or two drinks… but suddenly it’s a bottle (or two), the takeaway menu is out, and the next morning you’re elbow-deep in a sausage roll. Sound familiar? 🥂 Wine, Fizz, and Glass Size Reality Checks Let’s talk wine – whether it’s white, red, rosé, Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne, it all counts. Sure, one glass might be around 6 syns … but let’s be honest, when’s the last time we stopped at one glass? That “just a wee bottle of wine” is actually 30 to 40 syns depending on strength. And here’s the kicker: A large glass of wine is 250ml – that’s a third of a bottle. Just 3 glasses = the whole bottle. 😳 And when you’re pouring at home – be honest – are you really measuring that 250ml, or is it more a case of “fill ‘er up and we’ll call it one glass”? 😆 🍻 Beer, Lager, and Cider – The Volume Game One pint of beer, lager, or cider can be 10+ syns . Now imagine four pints – that’s over 40 syns in liquid alone! Add in the usual suspects – pizza, crisps, kebabs – and the damage stacks up quicker than you can say “last orders”. 🍹 Cocktails & Shots – The Silent Syn Bombs Cocktails might look cute in their fancy glasses, but they’re little syn grenades. Most contain multiple spirits, liqueurs, fruit juice, syrups, and even cream – yikes! You could be sipping 15 syns without blinking. And that’s just your starter drink before moving onto wine or beer? Uh-oh… 🍸 Spirits – The Smarter Swap Not all drinks are created equal. A 35ml gin or vodka with diet mixer is a smarter choice at around 3.5/4 syns . If you keep it measured and stick to slimline mixers, you’re on the right track! 🙌 💡 Try a white wine spritzer with diet lemonade – doubles the volume, halves the trouble! 🧠 But Why Is Alcohol So Calorific? Alcohol is packed with empty calories – it offers no nutritional benefit, just sugar and ethanol, both of which are burned before fat. That means your body stops burning fat while it’s clearing the alcohol – a real metabolic queue jumper! And that’s before we even factor in mixers, cream, syrups, and food choices made under the influence 🫣 🤯 What About “Saving My Syns”? We all think we’re clever – “I’ll just save up my syns and go wild at the weekend!” But here’s the truth: Saving syns doesn’t work . Why? Because the second we give ourselves that permission slip, it’s game on – bottle of wine ✅, Indian takeaway ✅, slice of cake ✅. That’s your week’s syns… gone. And it’s only Friday. 🚗 Real Talk: It’s About Choice Yes, you’re an adult and you can do what you want. But here are a few ideas to help you drink smart and still see results: Be the designated driver (your mates will thank you and so will your waistline) Measure your drinks – no guessing! Choose lighter options – swap Cider/wine for Bacardi and Diet Coke or go for slimline mixers Make low-syn snacks for post-drinking munchies Decide before you go out what you’ll drink and how much Wine spritzer = smart spritzer 🍷➕🥤 Avoid rounds! They’re peer pressure with a price tag 😅 But I Love My Wine… Quote from Adrians: "So do many of us! I personally love an Aperol Spritz now and then 🍊 But I also lost 5 stone while still socialising every week. I swapped from cider to Bacardi and Diet Coke, and when my friends were queuing for cheesy chips at the chippy van, I was off to the 24-hour service station for some lean ham and cold chicken. Did I miss out? No. Did I lose weight? YES!" 🤯 The Slippery Slope of “One More” We never plan to drink too much. But one leads to another, and soon we’re saying “Oh, the bar’s closing, better get in a double round!” – sound familiar, Northern Ireland? 🙈 It’s a cultural thing, but also a learned behaviour. And what’s learned can be unlearned. 🦠 Blame It on the Pandemic? Many of us slipped into weeknight drinking during lockdown. No commute, no early alarms, just a glass to unwind. It became habit. But habits can change. You are in control of your choices now. 🧡 And Finally: It’s Not Your Fault If you’ve fallen into this spiral of drink ➡️ food ➡️ hangover ➡️ regret ➡️ repeat – please know, it’s not your fault. Forgive yourself. You’re human. The good news is: you can break the pattern . If nothing changes, nothing changes. But if you start with one small tweak this weekend… things will change 💪 You can absolutely still enjoy alcohol and lose weight – just not without awareness. Not without owning your choices. But with Slimming World, we have the support, the tools, and the freedom to choose! 🍷💃 So next time you’re planning your weekend drinks – think ahead, pour smart, snack smart, and most importantly – be kind to yourself. You’ve got this 💥