What happens when one frightening health scare changes the direction of your life forever?

This week I'm joined by Andy, whose remarkable health transformation began after experiencing chest pains that forced him to stop and rethink the life he was living.

Thankfully, the chest pains didn't require medication or emergency intervention, but they became the wake-up call Andy had needed for years.

Support had always been there. Friends and family had encouraged him to lose weight, but nothing had ever truly motivated him to make lasting changes. Over time, Andy had even adapted his daily routine around his size, choosing to use a lift instead of walking a single flight of stairs at work.

After that health scare, everything changed.

Using calorie counting, regular exercise and the support of a personal trainer, Andy went on to lose an incredible 231lb, completely transforming both his health and his confidence.

One of the most refreshing parts of this conversation is Andy's advice about not allowing the scales to become the only measure of success. He explains why focusing solely on the number can sometimes hold people back and how looking at fitness, strength and everyday achievements became far more meaningful.

From becoming breathless climbing stairs to enjoying football training, personal training sessions and regular walks, Andy's life today looks completely different.

If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to change your health, Andy's story is proof that one decision really can change everything.

🦋 The health scare that became Andy's turning point

🦋 Losing an incredible 231lb

🦋 Why calorie counting worked for Andy

🦋 Breaking habits that had developed around obesity

🦋 Working with a personal trainer for accountability

🦋 Moving beyond obsession with the scales

🦋 Building fitness one step at a time

🦋 Creating a healthier lifestyle that lasts

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 these conversations.

If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot while you're listening and tag me on Instagram.

🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast

🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy

I love seeing where you're listening from and hearing what stood out to you.

Thank you so much for listening.

If you're looking for support beyond the podcast, here are a few free resources that may help.

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

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

Experience the first three parts of my hypnosis programme completely free.

👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis

Whether you're following Slimming World, counting calories, using Mounjaro or simply trying to gain control around food, join the waiting list for my next Sugar Craving Reset.

👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset

Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch genuine client sessions and see how it works.

👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy

🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast

📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast

💬 Facebook – Slimming Stories Facebook Group

Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss whether hypnotherapy or therapy could help you.

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

Losing weight doesn't automatically mean you'll love the person looking back at you in the mirror.

This week I'm joined by Rebekka (Bex) Moore, who talks openly about body confidence, self-acceptance and the emotional side of weight loss.

After reducing her dress size from a UK size 20 to a size 10, Bex realised something many people don't expect. She had always believed that reaching her goal weight would solve everything, yet even after an incredible transformation she still struggled with how she felt about herself.

During our conversation, Bex explains how social media, magazines and unrealistic beauty standards shaped the way she viewed her body from an early age. Stretch marks, skin folds and the normal changes that happen to every body were never part of the conversation growing up.

Now, Bex is changing that.

She proudly shares unedited photos, embraces her body for everything it has achieved and encourages others to stop chasing perfection and start appreciating themselves exactly as they are.

This episode is an honest conversation about confidence, body image and discovering that true happiness isn't found in a dress size.

🦋 Losing weight from a UK size 20 to a size 10

🦋 Why weight loss doesn't automatically create confidence

🦋 Learning to accept your body after reaching goal weight

🦋 The impact of magazine culture and social media

🦋 Stretch marks, loose skin and embracing reality

🦋 Building genuine self-worth

🦋 Showing up online without filters or editing

🦋 Why liking yourself matters just as much as losing weight

Follow Bex on Instagram:

📸 @body.ofa.mum

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 these conversations.

If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot while you're listening and tag me on Instagram.

🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast

🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy

I love seeing where you're listening from and hearing what stood out to you.

Thank you so much for listening.

If you're looking for support beyond the podcast, here are a few free resources that may help.

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

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

Experience the first three parts of my hypnosis programme completely free.

👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis

Whether you're following Slimming World, counting calories, using Mounjaro or simply trying to gain control around food, join the waiting list for my next Sugar Craving Reset.

👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset

Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch genuine client sessions and see how it works.

👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy

🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast

📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast

💬 Facebook – Slimming Stories Facebook Group

Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss whether hypnotherapy or therapy could help you.

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

Lewis Cowey's story remains one of the most inspiring transformations featured on Slimming Stories.

When work took Lewis away from home to the fast-paced city of London, life quickly became centred around convenience. Healthy cooking disappeared, takeaways became the norm and evenings often included a few cans of beer.

Returning home to Sunderland, Lewis's mum gently encouraged him to consider losing weight. With support from Slimming World members who welcomed and encouraged him, Lewis took that first step through the doors of his local group.

Soon afterwards, work relocated him again—this time to a remote part of Northern Ireland, where hotel meals and rich food were always available.

For many people, that environment would have made weight loss feel impossible.

Lewis proved otherwise.

Making thoughtful choices and staying committed to his goals, Lewis went on to lose an incredible 10 stone 1½lb, transforming not only his body but also his confidence and outlook on life.

This episode is a reminder that lasting change isn't about perfect circumstances—it's about consistently making the next right choice.

🦋 Losing an incredible 10 stone 1½lb

🦋 Coping with living away from home

🦋 Breaking free from takeaway and convenience food habits

🦋 Staying on track while travelling for work

🦋 Making healthier choices in hotels and restaurants

🦋 Building confidence through sustainable weight loss

🦋 How support from Slimming World changed everything

🦋 Why small daily decisions create life-changing results

Follow Lewis on Instagram:

📸 @less_of_lew

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:

Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious 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

What's your biggest obstacle to losing weight?

A busy job?

Young children?

Lack of sleep?

Not enough time?

For Lucy Ellen, those challenges were only the beginning.

As a full-time NHS Nurse Practitioner, a new mum and someone working on Covid wards throughout the pandemic, Lucy faced pressures that most of us could never imagine.

Yet despite the uncertainty, exhaustion and emotional demands of caring for seriously ill patients, Lucy remained committed to improving her own health.

Having lost an incredible 5 stone with Slimming World, Lucy shares how planning ahead, preparing meals and taking one day at a time helped her stay focused, even during one of the most difficult periods in modern healthcare.

This isn't a story about perfection.

It's a story about resilience.

Lucy also gives a powerful insight into what life was really like on the frontline during Covid-19. At a time when misinformation was widespread, her experiences remind us of the reality faced by NHS staff every single day.

Alongside her partner Aaron, Lucy demonstrates that even when life feels overwhelming, there is still room to prioritise your health—one choice at a time.

As we begin a new year, her story asks a simple but important question:

If Lucy could keep showing up for herself during a global pandemic… what's one small step you could take today?

🦋 Losing 5 stone with Slimming World

🦋 Balancing life as a new mum and NHS Nurse Practitioner

🦋 Working on Covid wards during the pandemic

🦋 Meal planning around demanding shifts

🦋 Staying committed when life feels overwhelming

🦋 The importance of resilience over perfection

🦋 Honest reflections from the Covid frontline

🦋 Finding your inner strength during difficult times

Follow Lucy's journey on Instagram:

📸 @sw_lucyellen.x

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:

Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious 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

How do you stay hopeful when the world still feels uncertain?

Happy New Year!

We've made it.

We've lived through one of the most challenging years many of us have ever experienced, and while the calendar has changed, life may still feel uncertain.

As we step into 2021, the familiar messages of "New Year, New You" are everywhere. But when we're surrounded by constant news updates, lockdowns and uncertainty, it can be difficult to find the motivation to focus on ourselves.

In this solo episode, I want to help you turn down the noise.

Rather than allowing fear and uncertainty to dictate the year ahead, we explore how you can protect your energy, regain your focus and create meaningful intentions—regardless of what's happening around you.

This isn't about perfection or unrealistic resolutions.

It's about taking back control of the things you can influence and creating small, sustainable changes that support both your mental wellbeing and your health.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious or unsure where to begin, I hope this episode reminds you that every ending also creates the opportunity for a new beginning.

🦋 Saying goodbye to 2020 and looking ahead with hope

🦋 Managing the ongoing uncertainty of Covid

🦋 Turning down the constant stream of negative news

🦋 Protecting your energy and avoiding burnout

🦋 Using mindfulness to regain focus

🦋 Setting realistic intentions instead of unrealistic resolutions

🦋 Creating healthy habits one step at a time

🦋 Why new beginnings don't require perfect circumstances

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 and subconscious 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

Can one sentence change the direction of your life forever?

In Part 1 of Kirsty's story, we explored what it was like growing up wishing to be thin and the emotional impact that years of struggling with weight had on her confidence.

In this second part, Kirsty shares the moment that finally gave her the determination to change her life.

For years, no one had openly acknowledged her weight or offered the support she needed. Even during university and throughout her first pregnancy, when she developed gestational diabetes linked to being overweight, the conversation she desperately needed never came.

Then everything changed.

As Kirsty's beloved Grandad reached the end of his life, he gently said:

"Kirsty, it's just a shame you didn't have the ability to lose weight."

Those words weren't spoken with criticism.

They were spoken with love.

Rather than feeling judged, Kirsty finally felt understood.

Her Grandad passed away in December, and just a few weeks later, in January, Kirsty walked through the doors of her local Slimming World group determined to change her future.

That decision transformed her life.

After losing more than seven stone, Kirsty went on to become a Slimming World Consultant, helping others believe in themselves just as someone had once believed in her.

This is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to begin—and that one moment, one conversation or one decision can completely rewrite your future.

🦋 Why nobody had ever spoken openly about Kirsty's weight

🦋 Living with gestational diabetes during pregnancy

🦋 The final conversation with her Grandad that changed everything

🦋 Finding the courage to join Slimming World

🦋 Losing more than 7 stone

🦋 Becoming a Slimming World Consultant

🦋 Life as a target member

🦋 The small changes that created lasting success

🦋 Why compassion is often more powerful than criticism

Follow Kirsty's journey on Instagram:

📸 @little_bit_less_sw

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 and subconscious 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

For Kirsty Ingram, her wish was much simpler—and much more heartbreaking.

She wished to be thin.

In this honest and uplifting first part of Kirsty's story, we talk about growing up feeling different, recognising from a very young age that her body wasn't like everyone else's, and how those feelings shaped her relationship with food throughout childhood, school and university.

Despite the challenges she faced, Kirsty never lost her individuality. With a larger-than-life personality, a love of creativity and a pink mohawk to match, she refused to let her size define who she was.

This episode is full of warmth, humour and honesty, and is a reminder that confidence isn't about waiting until you reach your goal weight—it's about allowing yourself to be seen along the way.

With the New Year just around the corner, Kirsty's story is the perfect inspiration if you're ready to make a fresh start.

This is Part 1 of Kirsty's journey, with Part 2 coming next week.

🦋 Feeling different from an early age

🦋 Childhood wishes and growing up with weight struggles

🦋 Kirsty's relationship with food through school and university

🦋 Learning to express herself through creativity and fashion

🦋 Building confidence while still on a weight loss journey

🦋 Why your personality is always bigger than the number on the scales

🦋 Looking ahead to Part 2 of Kirsty's transformation

If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Your support helps more people discover these honest conversations and the incredible guests who generously share their stories.

Follow Kirsty's journey on Instagram:

@little_bit_less_sw

Instagram:

@sw_slimmingstories_podcast

Is next week looking crazy busy?

Would a little planning help?

Download your free meal planner and make healthy eating that little bit easier.

20,000 podcast downloads!

To celebrate this incredible milestone, I'm bringing back the very first episode of Slimming Stories—the inspiring story that started it all.

If you've ever wondered whether lasting weight loss is really possible, Claire Shaw's journey is proof that it is.

Claire lost an astonishing 12 stone following the Slimming World plan and shares the determination, setbacks, victories and mindset that transformed her life.

If you've convinced yourself that being healthier "just isn't for you", I hope Claire's story changes your mind.

Claire describes her commitment as "all or nothing", and her enthusiasm is infectious. This episode is packed with motivation and is the perfect reminder that every successful journey starts with a single decision.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to celebrate 20,000 downloads with me, I know Claire's story will inspire you to keep believing in yourself.

🦋 Celebrating 20,000 Slimming Stories downloads

🦋 Claire Shaw's incredible 12-stone transformation

🦋 The highs and lows of a long-term weight loss journey

🦋 Why consistency matters more than perfection

🦋 Building momentum one choice at a time

🦋 How commitment can change your life

🦋 Inspiration for anyone feeling stuck on their own journey

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 who may need to hear these conversations.

📸 Instagram: @sw_slimmingstories_podcast

I'd love to hear what you thought about Claire's story. Tag me in your stories if you're listening!

Is next week looking crazy busy?

Would a little planning help?

Download your free meal planner and make healthy eating that little bit easier.

Does Christmas leave you feeling excited... or completely exhausted before it's even begun?

For many of us, Christmas is described as the most wonderful time of the year.

But if we're honest, it can also become one of the most overwhelming.

The endless shopping lists.

The pressure to create the perfect Christmas.

Family commitments, food preparation, wrapping presents and trying to keep everyone else happy often leave us running on empty before the big day even arrives.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, this episode is for you.

In this special Self-Care Sunday episode, I want to reassure you that it's entirely possible to enjoy Christmas without sacrificing your own wellbeing.

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself isn't another item crossed off the to-do list—it's permission to slow down.

We talk about practical ways to reduce stress, protect your energy and let go of the unrealistic expectations that so many of us place upon ourselves during the festive season.

Because looking after yourself isn't selfish.

It's essential.

Whether you're worried about staying on track with your weight loss, struggling with emotional eating over Christmas, or simply feeling stretched too thin, I hope this episode reminds you to make yourself part of your own Christmas plans.

🦋 Why Christmas can feel emotionally overwhelming

🦋 Letting go of the pressure to create the "perfect" Christmas

🦋 Practical self-care strategies during the festive season

🦋 Managing stress before it turns into burnout

🦋 Protecting your mental wellbeing during busy periods

🦋 Staying mindful around festive food without guilt

🦋 Why rest is productive too

🦋 Giving yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the season

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 and subconscious 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

What if the thing you've been telling yourself you don't have enough of... is actually the key to changing your life?

For many people, losing weight isn't about knowing what to eat.

It's about finding the time, energy and headspace to put yourself somewhere on the endless list of priorities.

For years, Julie Slaviero found herself in exactly that position.

Like so many busy parents, work and family always came first, leaving very little time to focus on herself or her own health.

Then everything changed.

Lockdown unexpectedly gave Julie something she hadn't experienced for a very long time...

Time.

Rather than allowing the uncertainty of 2020 to derail her goals, Julie chose to use that time to create new habits, plan her meals and finally commit to the healthy lifestyle she had wanted for years.

The results speak for themselves.

For the first time in her adult life, Julie found herself buying clothes in a UK size 12—a milestone that once felt completely out of reach.

This episode is a reminder that lasting weight loss isn't always about dramatic changes. Sometimes it's about creating the space to make yourself a priority, one day at a time.

If you've ever felt guilty about putting yourself first, Julie's story may just give you permission to begin.

🦋 Why family life made prioritising herself so difficult

🦋 How lockdown became an unexpected opportunity for change

🦋 Building healthier habits one step at a time

🦋 Creating consistency without striving for perfection

🦋 The confidence that comes from feeling healthier

🦋 Buying a size 12 for the first time in her adult life

🦋 Why making time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential

🦋 Finding a lifestyle that feels sustainable for the future

Follow Julie's journey on Instagram:

📸 @slavieroslimmingworldjourney (Please check the current account name if it has changed since recording.)

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 and subconscious 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