A DUDLEY woman who shed more than seven stone after she ditched takeaways is now using her success help others achieve their weight loss dreams.

Kathy De Cicco joined Slimming World 15 months ago and dropped five dress sizes when she went from 21st 9lbs to 13st 4lbs.

The 53-year-old has now trained as a consultant for the weight loss organisation and will be opening her own group at Woodside Community Centre, Dudley, on Wednesday, January 3.

Explaining why she decided to join Slimming World, she said: “The final straw came when I was unable to walk anywhere other than to the car and back.

"I was feeling miserable and although I knew that losing weight would help, I had no idea how to go about it.

"Instead, I easily fell into the habit of ordering a takeaway two or three times times a week."

She continued: "After joining Slimming World - and with the help and support of the group - I discovered how easy it was to cook a 'fakeaway'.

"Making just a few healthy swaps means that you can enjoy delicious Chinese dishes and still lose weight.

"Herbs and spices can be used freely on the plan without weighing, counting or measuring, which means the recipes are full of flavour without the need for oodles of oil.

"You never have to feel hungry or deprived or guilty about the food they're eating.

"It's healthy, fresh, delicious food that everyone can enjoy."

Dudley News:

Prior to her weight loss, Kathy (pictured above) would have tucked into a couple of thick slices of toast with butter and jam for breakfast, followed by a mid-morning snack of chocolate biscuits. 

Lunch would have been a ready-made prawn mayonnaise sandwich with a packet of crisps, bar of chocolate and a can of fizzy drink. 

There would have been cake in the afternoon before calling in at the local takeaway for deep fried Schezuan ribs, spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken, egg fried rice and prawn crackers to enjoy with a couple of glasses of wine.  

Now breakfast is porridge with fruit, for lunch she has homemade vegetable soup and for dinner, she often enjoys kung pao chicken following a Slimming World recipe. 

Kathy added: "When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

"After losing over seven stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target."

Kathy’s Slimming World group will meet every Wednesday at 7.30pm.

For more information or to join the group, call her on 07537902302.