NORTHSIDER Emma Byrne has achieved many long-term dreams recently, fulfilling her ambition to become a primary school teacher and using this as motivation to fulfil another – shedding over six stone in weight.
Emma returned to college as a mature student, trained to become a primary school teacher and began her dream job in January 2011. It was at this point that Emma realised that she had a weight problem.
“When I was in the classroom I would think about how these small children were looking up to me as their role model, but I had no confidence and I felt really unhappy,
? says Emma.
“I decided there and then to do something about my weight. I remember thinking it’s January I’ve got a new job, a new start, and a chance for new me.
“Little did I know that day how much my life would change for the better.
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Emma remembers seeing her friend Pamela change before her eyes as she started losing weight with Slimming World and decided that as Pamela had opened her own Slimming World group she’d go along and give it a go.
From that first group meeting she knew she had begun something different – something special.
Emma couldn’t believe it when she heard all about the unlimited amounts of rice, pasta, lean meat, fish, fruit and vegetables she could eat and still lose weight.
“The best thing of all was never feeling deprived, being able to make healthy, filling, flexible family favourites such as lasagne, stir frys, Sunday roasts and fry ups!
“Never again having to cook separate meals for myself and not feeling like part of the family.
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Since then, Emma hasn’t looked back and has gone on to lose an amazing six stone. With her role as a teacher, childhood obesity is close to Emma’s heart and following a recent government study of 8,500 nine-year-olds in the Republic of Ireland, she was startled to learn that 19 per cent of the children involved were considered to be overweight. That’s is an average of one in five children.
“Our families’ futures are in our own hands, and we can do something to help combat this problem before it gets out of control,
? says Emma.
“Not only do I have to be a role model to the children in my classroom but also as a Mam I want to ensure that I give my son the best chance to have a happy and healthy life.
Ten per cent of children aged 5-12 years old in Ireland are considered to be obese. Slimming World now has a very successful healthy eating plan for young adults between the ages of 11-16 called FREE2GO.
This plan works alongside healthy eating at home and helps younger people to make healthier choices when out and about. It’s a practical, flexible and straight forward method for them to follow.
Emma now enjoys a more active and healthy lifestyle and has become a more confident person, so much so that she is now opening her very own Slimming World Group on Thursday, January 3 in St Kevin’s College, Ballygall Road East, Dublin 11 at 7.30pm.
“I’d be delighted to see as many as possible there,
? she says.
“I have a huge passion for Slimming World and can’t wait to help and support people in fulfilling their new year dreams.
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For more information call Emma on 086-8783478.