03/08/2026
Let me introduce you to kirk and in his own words is his weightloss journey
My History of Slimming World
“If we go back to start of my journey I would always have an excuse or no time to join slimming world. My wife Sarah was already a member and as I was still working, I guess I used that as an excuse not to join.
when I retired, the excuses retired too. I had time, I had no excuses and I was almost 22stone and wearing 44inch trousers and depending on the fit double if not triple XL in clothing.
My motivation had to change, my father had passed from a heart attack, I’m taking medication for High Blood Pressure and my fitness levels were well below par.
I started to think about my young boys, 9 and 11 years and how I would benefit from being a lot more active for their sake and for all our futures.
I wanted a longer, healthier happier life and after a discussion (sorry being told by my wife) stop with the excuses and join SW.
I retired April 2025, and joined the Wednesday city life 10.30am slimming world the same month.
IT IS NOT A DIET!!!! It’s a change in lifestyle has been ringing in my head up until present day.
I hit the ground running, I started to make the changes, the swaps, the better decisions.
I remember even at my retirement celebrations I swapped beer for whiskey and diet lemonade. This lead to a 7lb loss at my first weigh in and a motivation that I can really do this.
I went cold turkey on white bread, fried foods, takeaways and as an already accomplished chef I used the book and guides to make healthier full filling meals, using my ample amount of SYNS (now SWIPS) to satisfy any minor cravings!
I’m a big fan of pickled goods, I found this to help and cravings and suppress any desire of naughtiness!
Beetroot, cockles, pickled onions, gherkins, red and white pickled cabbage all helped me out a great deal especially on evenings.
I replaced tea and coffee with a cup of oxo or bovril, I crave savoury more than sweet things and this was a great change out for me.
Sauces were also a big deal for me but using fat free Greek yogurt mix with a little surracha hot sauce made for a great healthy alternative for most dishes.
I made some great numbers at the scales, won a few slimmer of the week awards, slimmer of the month and then after hitting my 18stone target I managed to get enough votes to be one of the ICONS of 2025.
My wife was so proud, I was feeling great but my journey wasn’t finished, being target driven I wanted to go further. After discussing with Alan my SW guru, we decided upon a new target. 16.5stone. Which achieved February 4th February 2026 .
I’ve mastered healthy curries, crustless quiches, protein of lean beef, chicken or fish with plenty of filling vegetables (either boiled or done in air fryer if I fancy a bit a crisp) or a variation on salads.
The Slimming World range is also great but I add more chicken, 5% mince or king prawns to whatever option I pick to make them even better.
The air fryer is a game changer spray oil and the use of these rapid ovens make much healthier meals and I’m experimenting on a continuing basis, it’s never ending to what you fancy on that day, nothing is off limits.
I’ve learnt moderation is key and if it’s not in the fridge or cupboard, then the temptation does not exist.
I’m not saying it is easy and the scales slowed down as I got closer to target but I will say if you stick to the plan and the book, scan and measure and track what you eat it is a LOT EASIER!
I have a fantastic group, I always have a laugh and even on the odd occasion I have gained, you come away motivated to do better next week. It’s a support group and to be honest the target driven nature in me drives me to watch what I eat to guarantee I meet my next weigh in on Wednesdays, I have my rituals that I stick to and is MY WAY of keeping my head in the game.
I’m now Coach for my son’s football team. I’m at the gym 4-5 times per week and I have my own sauna and ice bath which aid my recovery and help with my blood pressure.
Now February 2026, within a year…..Over 5stone off, 8 inches off my waist and back into my skinny white golf trousers.
Thanks for the support and thanks to SW for helping me achieve my targets, my goal and motivation now is to be a consistent Target Member!
Don’t sit on the fence, join and start your journey to a healthier life, you can’t put a price on your time and health.”
please find below my group days times and venues
Monday
5.30pm & 7.00pm
city life church
hylton road
Wednesday
9.00am & 10.30am
city life church
hylton road
St Gabriel’s church
wednesday 5.00pm & 6.30pm
Kayll/Chester road
