Slimming Stories Around The World

In today’s episode, I’m sharing Week 3 of this very personal series where I’m documenting grief alongside my health and weight loss journey. Normally, we talk about fitness, mindset, and taking practical steps forward—but this series is about what happens when life hits hard and everything feels shaken.

I lost my dad recently after years of dementia, and this episode is recorded just after laying him to rest. I talk openly about the funeral, the emotions that surprised me, the moments of laughter mixed with sadness, and the experience of saying goodbye in a way that felt deeply human, imperfect, and real.

Dementia is cruel. It doesn’t just affect one person—it changes families, routines, plans, and futures. For years, it quietly controlled our lives, and now there’s space where that constant pressure once lived. In this episode, I reflect on what that space feels like, and how I’m beginning to steady myself again.

Because even in grief, I know one thing to be true: change doesn’t happen without action.

With Lent beginning, I share what I’m choosing to stop doing—not coffee, not chocolate—but the habit of finding reasons not to move my body. I’m committing to moving three times a week for at least 30 minutes and writing it down, without worrying about perfection. Walking, classes, fresh air, even walking up to the cemetery to say hello to my dad—all of it counts.

This episode is messy, emotional, and unfinished—and that’s exactly the point.

I invite you to reflect on your own journey and ask yourself:

Grief doesn’t come with rules, timelines, or neat edges. Neither does progress.

If you’re navigating loss, feeling stuck, or struggling to find your footing again, I hope this episode reminds you that it’s okay to move forward while still hurting—and that doing something imperfectly is still doing something.

I’ll be back for Week 4 to share how things are settling and how this commitment to movement is going.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for holding space for my dad’s memory. And thank you for being here with me.

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This week has been heavy. While there’s been a desire to focus on many things, planning food and movement simply hasn’t felt possible — and that’s been part of the reality.

Ironically, the intention behind recording these six weeks was to build momentum and gently shift habits. But grief has its own pace, and this week made that very clear. The weight of it is real, and it doesn’t follow plans.

Rather than investing in stories about how this period should feel or what’s expected, I’ve chosen to tell myself a different story about the grief I’m experiencing. Not because it removes the pain — but because sitting under a dark cloud and letting it take over doesn’t feel like a choice I’m willing to make.

In this episode, I share how I’m simplifying food by ordering online to make quick, nourishing meals easier, and why that matters right now. I also talk about turning to art as a release — christening the easel and allowing creativity to hold some of what words can’t.

I reflect honestly on noticing patterns of addictive behaviour, how the idea of wine began to feel like comfort, and why I made the decision to keep no wine in the house during this time.

This episode is about gentleness, awareness, and choosing care — even when everything feels heavy.

In this episode:

Navigating food when energy and motivation are low

Letting go of expectations around grief

Creating simple systems to support nourishment

Using art as an emotional outlet

Recognising and responding to addictive patterns

Making conscious choices during a vulnerable week

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I’m sharing something deeply personal.

January is often filled with talk of fresh starts and motivation — but real life doesn’t always follow that script. Over the last few weeks, my family has been living through the realities of dementia, loss, and grief, and I wanted to speak honestly about what that has meant for my health, my mindset, and my relationship with food.

This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about compassion, steadiness, and choosing not to abandon yourself when life feels overwhelming.

If you’ve experienced dementia, loss, or a season where everything feels heavier than usual, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone.

This podcast is free of editing because in life sometimes we have to take the rough with the smooth and not be afraid to show our messy parts. 

https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/Ease-your-mind

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00:00 Welcome back + what this podcast is about

02:10 Why I nearly didn’t record this episode

04:40 “New year, new me” pressure vs real life

06:30 My dad’s dementia + what’s changed in the last year

09:10 Care home experience, safeguarding concerns, hospital transfer

13:20 Advocacy, anger, and the emotional toll of fighting for care

17:00 The “this would be the time I binge” moment — and what happened instead

20:10 Christmas intensity: family health scares + managing everything at once

24:10 Choosing art classes as support (something to focus on)

27:30 Thinking there was more time — and why it didn’t feel like the end was near

30:10 The last visit: what I noticed, what I felt, and those strange lighter moments

35:30 Leaving the care home + the weekend plans

37:40 Getting the news in Edinburgh + the journey home

40:40 Reframing: “the death of dementia, not the death of my dad”

43:10 Funeral arrangements, humour as coping, and what I’m choosing not to do

45:20 Weight, food, and why I’m not stepping into shame

47:10 My gentle reset: weigh-in, Parrot tracking, protein, walks + Audible, Thursday art

49:10 Closing: honouring my dad + what’s coming next

In today’s episode, I’m sharing an update I never thought I’d be able to say out loud: it’s now around four years since I last ate chocolate, cakes or sweets. I’m talking about where my binge eating started, how sugary foods became my comfort and my reward, and why nothing I tried could touch those cravings for long.

I walk you through the turning point during my hypnotherapy training – the deep emotional release that shook my whole body, the work we did on repressed fear, and the specific hypnosis that made chocolate and sweets taste unbearably sweet. From that point on, I simply couldn’t eat them in the same way again, and my relationship with food began to shift for good.

I also share honestly about choosing to take the Mounjaro jab in 2025 . I explain what it did to my hunger and “food noise”, the side effects I noticed when I increased my dose, the weight I lost, and why I decided to come off it before reaching a final goal weight.

This episode is for anyone who feels ruled by cravings, is curious about hypnosis, or worries what life looks like after stopping a weight loss jab.

https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/Ease-your-mind

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As we head towards December, today’s episode leans into something many of us are feeling right now: that pull toward more — more deals, more shopping, more pressure, more to-do lists.

In this episode, I’m talking about the emotional side of Black Friday season, why clutter and chaos in our surroundings often mirror what’s happening in our minds, and how easy it is to slip into old habits when life feels heavy.

I’m also sharing some very personal updates about my dad’s health, the anger I’ve had to process, and the steps I’ve taken to protect my own wellbeing during an incredibly stressful few weeks.

I’ve created something new to support anyone who feels mentally overloaded, unfocused, stuck, or simply tired of carrying everything alone:

It’s designed to help you switch off, calm the noise, settle your emotions and finally feel that sense of mental space you’ve been craving.

If you’ve ever said:

…this episode is for you.

https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/Ease-your-mind

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00:01:00 The pressure of Black Friday + “Do we really need more stuff?”

00:01:55 Shopping, emotions and the urge to “feel different”

00:02:40 When buying feels good—but isn’t the thing you actually need

00:04:00 Introducing “Ease Your Mind” – why Claire created it

00:04:45 The three free modules and what they help you understand

00:05:30 What hypnosis really feels like

00:06:10 How the mini-course works: video + audio + hypnotic track

00:08:30 Sleep challenges, sugar cravings and the morning crash

00:10:05 Navigating rage, sadness and helplessness

00:12:00 Switching care homes, safeguarding and advocating for her dad

00:12:55 Recognising anger and choosing not to carry it

00:13:45 Why taking responsibility for emotions changes everything

00:14:40 Stress, overeating and why we reach for comfort foods

00:15:25 Using hypnosis as a tool during overwhelming moments

00:16:05 Why hypnosis is an experience, not something to “learn”

00:16:45 Claire’s four-year anniversary: no chocolate, cakes or sweets

00:17:25 “I’ll start next year…” — breaking the mental loop

00:17:55 Looking ahead to Christmas + setting a decorating goal

After a nasty fall in the garden and a looming operation with added risk due to weight, sleep apnoea and breathing issues, Stephen made a decision. With a nudge from his wife, he walked into our local Slimming World group at 25st 4lb—and everything started to shift.

In this chat we cover the real stuff: losing identity after giving up rugby, the stop–start attempts, the “still think fat” moments even as the clothes sizes drop, and the power of a room that claps for your wins (and your wobbles).

This is a first for Slimming Stories, I met Stephen at my local Slimming World Group that Wray Annabel had inherited from Sue Redfern, both amazing Slimming World Consultants.

Stephen talks about the support he’s felt and why weekly accountability beat “I’ll do it myself” plans.

If you've tried to get back on plan before, drifted, and need a simple proof that consistency + community works. If you’ve ever felt “I still look the same” while everyone else notices your progress—this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:01:10 The fall that changed everything: shattered shoulder & surgery risks

00:02:20 Sleep apnoea, anaesthetic concerns & his wife’s life-saving nudge

00:03:30 Walking into Slimming World for the first time

00:04:15 Starting weight: 25st 4lb — and why it didn’t scare him

00:05:10 Early mobility struggles & realising things had to change

00:06:00 Past attempts, shift work & why accountability finally clicked

00:07:15 The moment group support made the journey “stick”

00:08:30 Seeing change vs feeling change — the “still think fat” phase

00:09:40 Clothes sizes dropping: 3XL to 2XL and the mind catching up

00:10:30 All-or-nothing beginnings: no Syns, full focus

00:11:45 Learning balance: reintroducing treats without spiralling

00:12:40 Rugby days, injuries & losing a big part of his identity

00:14:00 Life after sport: stoma, mini-stroke & stepping away for good

00:15:30 Food habits during care work & long days with no meals

00:16:45 The power of routine & regular eating

00:17:30 The Slimming World spark: stickers, shinies & friendly competition

00:18:45 First gains on the scales — and bouncing back stronger

00:20:00 Breaking the old “I’ve blown it, so I’ll binge” pattern

00:21:10 New rules: sad = apple, happy = strawberries

00:22:00 Weight loss milestones month by month

00:23:15 Hitting target in 41 weeks — with holidays included

00:24:10 The freedom of staying in control & losing the fear

Wrays Slimming World Groups Mansfield:

If you are local to Mansfield and would be interested in attending one of Wrays Slimming World Classes feel free to contact Wray on the following link.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/704401220014053

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Lisa Taylor from Ontario, Canada. Lisa reached her late 30s feeling low on energy, unhappy in her marriage, and stuck in a life that didn’t feel like her own. At 226 lbs, she decided something had to change.

Lisa joined Weight Watchers with a close friend, made herself accountable, and started running while still playing competitive softball. She went on to lose around 60 lbs and nine dress sizes, and promised herself she’d never go back over 200 lbs.

But the biggest shifts weren’t just on the scales. As the weight came off, Lisa realised she’d been living by expectations she’d absorbed growing up — keeping herself small, people-pleasing, and pushing down her own needs. She began unpacking years of emotions, finding her confidence, and building a life that actually feels aligned.

Lisa shares how she and her husband separated kindly, how she now supports other women on their journeys, and how she’s navigating menopause, body changes and midlife with far more acceptance. She’s gained a sense of peace she didn’t know she was missing.

Lisa's Instagram account 

Lisa's Facebook account

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We meet Dr Ibrahim  an NHS doctor who has been open about his lifelong struggle with weight and his decision to start the Mounjaro (GLP-1) jab. In this episode, he shares what it’s really like to be both a doctor and a patient using the medication — the stigma, the questions he’s asked most often, and how he approaches safety and long-term use with honesty and care.

We talk about the realities behind the “golden dose,” the risks of unverified syringes sold online, and what patients should understand about side effects like pancreatitis and gallstones. Dr Ibrahim also explains why every weight-loss journey needs a plan for maintenance, how microdosing works in theory versus practice, and how he’s rebuilt a healthier mindset through running, patience, and consistency.

It’s a clear-headed, compassionate look at the medical and emotional sides of GLP-1 treatment — perfect for anyone considering Mounjaro or wanting to hear from a doctor who truly understands it from experience.

Podcast Timeline:

00:00:00 Welcome back — why Claire wanted a medical guest to talk about Mounjaro

00:01:00 Life update — caring for her dad & using hypnosis to cope with overwhelm

00:03:00 Mindset when motivation feels low — permission to pause and reset

00:04:00 The moment of confidence: buying size-16 jeans after a year of change

00:06:00 Introducing Dr Ibrahim — NHS doctor and GP trainee using Mounjaro himself

00:07:00 Lifelong weight struggles & the mindset behind finally trying the jab

00:09:00 The stigma and judgment professionals still face when choosing the jab

00:10:00 Top questions about Mounjaro — safety, side effects & realistic expectations

00:12:00 Why safety and mindset matter more than cost when starting GLP-1 medication

00:15:00 The “golden dose” myth — medical risks and the importance of proper guidance

00:19:00 Understanding side effects: pancreatitis, gallstones & being medically screened

00:25:00 Maintenance mindset — preparing for long-term habits beyond the jab

00:28:00 Microdosing and tapering — what’s known, what’s not, and why patience matters

00:33:00 Rebuilding a healthy relationship with food — hypnosis, habits & healing

00:39:00 Mindset shift: running for mental space, not punishment

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De Clutter For Change

Join Heather if you would love a clutter free home but feel lost in the project of where to even start! The link below explains all.

 https://declutterforchange.com/letting-go-lab

Follow Dr Ibrahim on TikTok, Facebook & Instagram

https://www.tiktok.com/@gpofthenorth

https://www.instagram.com/gpofthenorth/?hl=en

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In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Buckley, who opens up about her lifelong struggle with food, emotional eating, and the constant “food noise” that shaped so much of her life.

Claire talks about how she first realised her relationship with food felt different from those around her, the frustration of seeking help through traditional weight loss groups, and the deeper emotional cycle that kept her feeling stuck.

She shares honestly about panic attacks, shame, and the sense of failure that came with every new attempt — and how finding the right support, along with her experience using Mounjaro, has helped her quiet the noise and begin to rebuild trust with herself.

It’s a powerful, relatable conversation about self-awareness, compassion, and what it really means to find peace with food.

00:00 Welcome back + introducing guest Claire Buckley

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In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Buckley, who opens up about her lifelong struggle with food, emotional eating, and the constant “food noise” that shaped so much of her life.

Claire talks about how she first realised her relationship with food felt different from those around her, the frustration of seeking help through traditional weight loss groups, and the deeper emotional cycle that kept her feeling stuck.

She shares honestly about panic attacks, shame, and the sense of failure that came with every new attempt — and how finding the right support, along with her experience using Mounjaro, has helped her quiet the noise and begin to rebuild trust with herself.

It’s a powerful, relatable conversation about self-awareness, compassion, and what it really means to find peace with food.

🕒 Timestamps

00:00:00 Welcome back + introducing guest Claire Bookley

00:01:00 Life update — hospital visits, house move & a wake-up call on health

00:03:00 How the jab helped reduce cravings during an emotional week

00:04:00 Introducing Claire’s story — trauma, fibromyalgia & chronic pain

00:05:00 Hypnosis in action — 15 minutes to pain-free after 10 years

00:06:00 Claire’s TikTok community & breaking stigma around the jab

00:07:00 Living with constant “food noise” and never feeling full

00:10:00 Anxiety, panic attacks & barriers to NHS weight support

00:12:00 Emotional eating — subconscious habits and binge cycles

00:14:00 Weight-loss groups, frustration, and the diet rebound trap

00:17:00 Finding balance — calorie tracking and gentle flexibility

00:18:00 Understanding fullness cues — the hypnosis perspective

00:21:00 Rock-bottom moment and discovering Mounjaro

00:23:00 First jab experience — fear of needles and relief

00:24:00 The next morning — quiet mind and reduced food noise

00:26:00 Eating intentionally — planning, protein & control

00:27:00 Retraining the brain — new relationship with hunger

00:28:00 Host reflection — mindset shifts and health transformation

00:29:00 Life after the jab — maintaining results and balance

00:30:00 Outro — follow Claire on TikTok & subscribe for Part 2

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