matter that I was the only man there. I already knew
I had to do this to feel good about myself for the
wedding – and after being weighed, I was even more
motivated. I’d been kidding myself I was still around
17st when, in fact, I was almost 19st.My final challenge
Armed with my new-member pack and the ideas I’d
picked up in group, I went home and told Amy about
what I could eat, including little swaps that would
help my weight loss. The next day, we went shopping
for the ingredients to make a Slimming World
spaghetti Bolognese, buying lean mince rather than
our usual high-fat variety, and skipping the ready-
made sauce in favour of tinned tomatoes and fresh
vegetables. It tasted great and, as I wasn’t hungry
afterwards, I didn’t go back for a second portion.
After a week of meals like that, I’d lost 5½lbs...and
couldn’t wait to see how much more I could lose.
Week after week, my group kept me fired up –
it was such a boost to get a cheer whenever I lost
another few pounds. Amy and I found more ways to
cook our favourite dishes, like a Slimming World
chicken tikka masala, and a delicious lasagne that
used fat-free natural yogurt, egg and a pinch of
nutmeg instead of a cheese sauce. I’d expected a bit
of sabotage from my mates, but far from giving me
a hard time, they encouraged me – especially Alex,
who I think was impressed I’d gone through with it.
I decided to be open with my workmates, too. Again,
no one made fun – instead, they asked about the plan
and brought in low Syn treats on ‘Food Friday’. And,
as they saw the difference it was making to my shape,
a few of them decided to join groups themselves!
To me, though, the difference went beyond what
others saw on the outside. Amy suggested a walk in
the countryside one weekend and I found myself
jumping at the chance to get out in the fresh air. It
started me thinking that maybe it was time to get
active again. Soon, I was playing squash and going
to the gym occasionally, though I still hadn’t found
the confidence to get back in the water. Then,
around Christmas 2016, after I’d lost almost 3st,
I decided it was time... On New
Year’s Eve, I signed up for a
1500m open-water swimming
event the following June. I started
training at the pool, doing 40
lengths three times a week at first,
then building up to four. I’d
switched Slimming World groups
due to my shifts changing, and my
new Consultant, Anna, and her
group helped me get to my target
weight of 15st 7lbs that March. By
then, I was swimming 80 lengths
at a time, and I’d started kayaking
and surfing again, too. I was well
and truly back in the water!
The day of my open-water swim
came, and there was an amazing
atmosphere. Although I was awareMATT WEARS:
p : Shirt, Jack &
Jones. Jeans, H&M.
Shoes, Vans. Watch,
Paul Hewitt
p , p and above:
Sweatshirt and
wetsuit, Matt’s own
p: Jumper,
Topman Premium
at Topman. T-shirt,
Polo Ralph Lauren
at Ralph Lauren.
Trousers, H&M.
Shoes, Ted Baker.
Watch, Paul Hewitt.
Bag, Matt’s ownthat many of the other competitors were hardened
triathletes, I was looking forward to having a go. We
ran in and started swimming. It felt so good to be
able to power through the water without my lungs
feeling tight, and, despite the headwind, I was soon
propelling myself towards the finish line.
Running back out of the water, I felt a huge sense
of achievement. I’d done it! I made my way to the
changing room in my own little world, ignoring the
cheering and tannoy announcements. I dried myself
off, pulled on my clothes and went over to my dad,
who told me I’d come third! I couldn’t believe it –
I hadn’t been expecting to place and I’d missed my
moment on the podium! It didn’t matter, though, the
glory was all mine. A few weeks later, I took part in a
similar swim and, this time, I came second. Amy was
with me and she couldn’t have looked more proud.
Whether I’m swimming, surfing or kayaking,
I feel a huge buzz knowing that taking control of my
weight has given me this energy and self-belief.
Now, I have no qualms about how I’ll look waiting
for Amy as she walks down the aisle. Recently, we
went to a friend’s wedding and I wore a slim-fit suit –
a year ahead of our own big day. The best thing,
though, is knowing that as Amy and I sail off into the
future together, I’m ready for anything it brings. SLIMMING WORLD turnaround twenties
INTERVIEW: ADAM CARPENTER. PHOTOGRAPHS: DAVID CUMMINGS. STYLING: LOUISE SYKES. GROOMING: LOU ROTHWELL. SEE P FOR STOCKISTS. LOCATION AND KAYAK EQUIPMENT WITH THANKS TO HATFIELD OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CENTRE
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