In this week's episode, I bring you up to speed with my decision to rejoin Slimming World. I share my sugar craving update after 8 months of no temptation towards cake, chocolate, or sweets. If you're wondering…YES I am over the moon! I share the impact of being able to easily resist the glitter of sugar after receiving help using hypnotherapy.

You will hear about my new accountability for my Slimming World journey having decided to start a YouTube Vlog. This was far from an easy decision and if you click on the link to my YouTube Channel you will hear how quiet and nervous I was recording my first episode! Luckily by week two, the nerves had gone. If you're looking for extra accountability and a very honest insight into the on-scale and off-scale victories then I would love to see you over there.

Emma Isaacs Course Link

https://www.emmaisaacs.co.uk/heart-and-soul

YouTube Channels

Slimming Stories 

https://bit.ly/YOUTUBESLIMMINGSTORIES

Mental Health Hypnotherapy

https://bit.ly/YOUTUBEHYPNOTHERAPY

Would you like to learn more about my hypnotherapy services? Are you struggling with food cravings? Do you feel overwhelmed, perhaps your stress levels are at an all-time high or your anxiety is through the roof? Hypnotherapy can truly help you in so many different areas of your life. Join me for a free 30-minute consultation using this link https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/contact 

You can contact me by email at [email protected]

Before mental health awareness week passes us by, I wanted to jump on and record an episode to support you in any struggles that you're feeling right now.

I want anyone that is listening to this episode to know that regardless of where they are at right now with their mental health, you are not broken and unfixable.

If you have tried C.B.T, N.LP, Counselling, E.M.D.R…..and have felt beyond the point of therapy this episode is especially for you.

I am giving you the chance for me to help you with a painful memory and the best part is that this is content-free, I do not need to know the details of the memory.

In this episode, you will hear how I explain that with the best will in the world if you are struggling with a painful memory from the past that a weight loss journey can feel like an uphill struggle.

I’m inviting you to offload the pain and while you will still remember the event the emotional pain will no longer be attached. I’m offering this to show you that there is hope and I'm offering this for free.

Listen as I read a testimonial from a lady who had spent years in therapy and how I helped her using this exact technique in just 10 minutes.

I know EXACTLY how this sounds! Honestly, even if you're skeptical I urge you to give this a try and break free from emotional pain.

**There are some people who may not benefit from hypnosis and once you register you will receive this information.

Register your interest by reaching out to me on my email address:

[email protected]

Slimming Stories Facebook Group.

https://bit.ly/3H2RRns

YouTube Channel 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx4JqpRnPwmP6MvAf6ieYYw

You may remember Debbie Fawcett from episode 42 of the podcast. Debbie lost 15 stone with Slimming World and like many people over lockdown found the food she craved too big a temptation.

Having kept in contact with Debbie I suggested helping Debbie with the food she craved using hypnosis to regain control. Hypnosis was a brand new experience for Debbie but nevertheless Debbie agreed and found Hypnosis to be extremely helpful.

In this episode, you will hear how Debbie thought she hadn't gone fully into hypnosis and yet after the session, the chocolate cake and biscuits didn't even make it to Debbie's mouth.

I totally understand how different the approach of hypnosis and hypnotherapy seems which is why I'm bringing the sessions to you! 

After the session, Debbie could only associate the biscuits and chocolate cake with salt! Debbie had wanted to be able to go into her kitchen for a cup of tea without the desire for biscuits, it's safe to say that her wish was granted!

Here is the link to see Debbie's full episode over on YouTube http://bit.ly/YouTubeClaireOldhamWest

Join me for my free webinar on Thursday the 27th of January where I will be introducing my new course “Slimming Stories Emotional Detox” http://bit.ly/EMOTIONALDETOX

If you're interested in hypnotherapy you can visit my website claireoldhamwest.com

To book a free discovery call to see if hypnotherapy is the right therapy for you just click on this link to schedule your 30-minute session. https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/contact

I honestly can't believe I'm writing the show notes for Episode 100.

Reaching this milestone means more to me than I can put into words because there was a time I genuinely believed this podcast would never exist.

If you've ever listened to Slimming Stories, you'll know I'm not interested in being perfect. I'm interested in having honest conversations. The irony is that, despite encouraging so many guests to share their stories, I spent a long time questioning whether my own voice was good enough.

This episode is probably one of the most personal I've recorded.

For the first time ever, I published it with no editing at all. No trying to sound polished. No worrying about the "erms". Just me, talking honestly.

The inspiration came from a hypnotherapy client who had lived with a stutter for over 70 years. It made me realise something... every voice deserves to be heard, imperfections and all.

If you've been putting off starting something because you're waiting for the perfect moment, I really hope this episode gives you the confidence to begin anyway.

Because sometimes the only difference between a dream and reality is taking that first messy step.

🦋 Celebrating 100 episodes of Slimming Stories

🦋 My battle with imposter syndrome and self-doubt

🦋 Why I chose to publish this episode completely unedited

🦋 The podcast course that gave me the confidence to begin

🦋 Leaving my career to follow a completely different path

🦋 Why your voice doesn't have to be perfect to make a difference

🦋 A reminder that your dreams are worth pursuing, even when they feel scary

If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.

If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:

@slimmingstories_podcast

@claire.oldham.west.therapy

I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.

If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.

Thank you so much for tuning in.

My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.

That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.

A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.

👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset

I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.

👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis

If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.

👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset

If you've ever found yourself asking:

• Why do I keep going back to food?

• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?

• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?

Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.

Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.

👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy

TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast

Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast

Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community

Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.

👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/contact

Episode 99, Aleisha Black talks openly about finding herself through obesity and the courageous steps she is taking to document her weight loss journey.

Aleisha felt that she had finally found the answer in managing weight gain in the form of nutritious meal replacements. Aleisha decided to document her journey on YouTube for accountability and this worked really well. The plan Aleisha chose to follow was a shake meal replacement and watching the scales reduce as well as her dress size was amazingly encouraging along with the words of support from her followers.

In this episode, Aleisha talks about the difficulties of maintaining weight loss when her husband's mental health struggles had increased to the point of experiencing suicidal thoughts. The days that followed meant that Aleisha's focus had to be with her family as a wife and mother and making time for her needs had taken a back seat. Depression followed and Aleisha felt desperately unhappy and sad having regained the weight that had been under control adding to Aleisha’s frustration.

This episode is unapologetically raw and shows the determination it takes just to get out of bed and face each day living with depression and trying to manage life.

Aleisha is now in a better place and was inspired to think differently and in the process offers hope to others who have also been in a dark place by documenting her weight loss journey on a podcast “finding myself through obesity”.

This is new for Slimming Stories documenting weight management before the full weight loss.  I know you will all join me in wishing Aleisha all the best as she steps forward to make the positive changes necessary to improve her health.

You can follow Aleisha and her weight loss journey on Instagram @findingmyselfthroughobesity

https://www.instagram.com/aleisha_black_/

https://www.instagram.com/findingmyselfthroughobesity/

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

https://www.facebook.com/findingmyselfthroughobesity

Claire Oldham West: Hypnotherapist, Coach & Podcaster.

claireoldhamwest.com

This is part 2 of Angharad's slimming story. While Angharad was delighted to be in a position to receive Gastric Bypass surgery, who would have predicted Covid and a worldwide pandemic?! Angharad explains within this episode how the family was unable to visit and how post-surgery looked. Trying to be present for her children while dealing with the challenges that she was faced with after surgery is just one of the many inspiring conversations that you will hear. In fact, Angharad is blessed with children who offered support who knew how much the surgery meant to their mum.

This is a great story of determination and resilience and Angharad found herself using Covid as a motivator to allow herself to reset into her new body in time for her business to be reopened after lockdown. Angharad was able to enjoy walks out with her children and discover new walks along the way, something she never thought about before lockdown forced her to stay close to home.

Angharad greeted her clients in her smaller size when the doors to her business finally opened and received positive support.

This episode is a great listen especially for anyone considering this surgery as Angharad recalls the early days after surgery and gives great advice around expectations.

You can follow Angharad over on Instagram @angharads_next_chapter

You can subscribe to my new email list to experience the joy of pure relaxation with a free hypnosis audio track.

Click below to subscribe to my new email list:

claireoldhamwest.com

Having tried every diet and feeling hopeless with her weight loss journey Angharad turned to her G.P and was delighted to receive support through the N.H.S. in the form of a gastric bypass referral.

Unfortunately, because Angharad was neither diabetic or had high blood pressure this support came to an end and this resulted in despair for Angharad and a further 3 stone weight gain.

Acid reflux, joint pain, and declining mental health were all results of being out of control with food and yet food seemed to be the answer for dealing with every emotion happy or sad. Once finances became available Angharad was able to receive a gastric bypass.

Angharad documented the emotional process of weight loss and the ability to regain control and newfound self-esteem on Instagram. Angharad has reduced her dress size from a U.K size 26/28 to U.K size 8/6.

This is part 1 of Angharad's weight loss journey and she explains how she was so ready to shed the weight after years of disordered eating. 

You can follow Angharad over on Instagram @angharads_next_chapter

You can subscribe to my new email list to experience the joy of pure relaxation with a free hypnosis audio track.

Click below to subscribe to my new email list:

Claireoldhamwest.com

Soozi enjoyed take-out food so much that she dedicated over 20 years of daily take-outs that seemed to offer a solution after a busy day at work.

Work for Soozi was once so busy and so intense that the very thought of seeing 7.00 a.m on her alarm clock was just too much, and the process of physically getting out of bed was becoming more and more difficult. Work pressures armed with a poor diet had left Soozi both mentally and physically drained.

The saving grace for Soozi came with the help of a friend who was able to share how a yoga retreat had made such a positive impact on her health that Soozi wanted to give it a try.

This week's episode offers an insight to anyone who feels burnt out and wondering how to even start to begin a journey back to wellness. The natural step for Soozi was to train as a yoga instructor to help others.

If you have been inspired to give yoga a try you can follow Soozi on Instagram and will find her website @areya_yoga 

Areya Retreat online:

https://app.heymarvelous.com/areya-yoga/product/38558/about

You can subscribe to my new email list to experience the joy of pure relaxation with a free hypnosis audio track.

Click below to subscribe to my new email list:

claireoldhamwest.com

To see Lydia showing up on her Instagram account you would think that Lydia had a naturally confident and outgoing persona,  that posting her photos would be a doddle.

During this interview, Lydia explains how it took over 2 months of taking photos before she was able to hit publish. The old insecurities were still very much a recent memory and yet somehow Lydia just couldn't hold back from putting herself out there.

Lydia explained that while she was toying with the idea of posting she would scroll and see other accounts promoting body positivity and other curvy ladies that truly inspired Lydia to take action.

At the point Lydia posted on Instagram she had started to lose weight with the help of calorie counting and this gave her the confidence boost that she needed.

Now Lydia shows up beautifully on Instagram with weight loss progress photos and documents how her clothes fit her shape both before and after the zip fastens! Truly inspiring!

Lydia didn't stop there and with the discovery of an online hoola hoop class, Lydia has found an exercise that she truly loves and this has helped so much with regaining her fitness and losing inches off her waist.

You can find Lydia on Instagram lydsjourney2target prepare to be inspired!

You can subscribe to my new email list to experience the joy of pure relaxation with a free hypnosis audio track.

Click below to subscribe to my new email list:

claireoldhamwest.com

Alison explains how she feels she wasted 30 years avoiding the things she loved to do and the disruption this caused managing life in a morbidly obese body.

Alison had many moments and experiences within those 30 years that were warning signs of her weight issue. Alison opens up about an experience of a fair ride and what she describes as a walk of shame when the seat belt to the ride didn't fit. Moments like these were embarrassing for Alison yet she walked from the ride exit straight to the candy floss stall. Alison knew her sweet tooth didn't help her health journey but during this time Alison explains that she was in denial at how big she had become.

With poor physical and mental health, Alison felt very low and antidepressants had been prescribed. High blood pressure and diverticulitis were other health problems that Alison had to deal with and even when Alison's was severely ill this still wasn't the turning point.

Luckily all this changed and if you're in need of some honest heartfelt motivation if you want to hear what true success sounds like Alison will amaze you in this episode. Alison, motivated by the task of sharing care for her Grandson went onto lose 11 and a half stones and no longer receives any medication! Alison's blood pressure is now normal and she no longer receives medication for antidepressants. Alsion's change of diet has helped the symptoms she had experienced with Diverticulitis so much so that she no longer experiences symptoms.

Alison’s 60th birthday celebrations included a Zip wire in Wales! Something that Alison is now free to enjoy, a new health journey is laid before her and new experiences await.

If you would like to follow Alison on Instagram her Instagram handle is 

You can subscribe to my new email list to experience the joy of pure relaxation with a free hypnosis audio track.

Click below to subscribe to my new email list:

claireoldhamwest.com