Slimming Stories Around The World

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.   Get the first 3 modules of “Ease Your Mind” mini-course now for FREE https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/Ease-your-mind 🌐 Connect with Me & Slimming Stories 💫 Try Hypnosis for Free I’ve unlocked the first 3 parts of my course just for you. 👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis 🍭 Join the Sugar Craving Reset Waitlist Be the first to know when the next event is live — designed for anyone whose sugar cravings return after stopping Mounjaro or during a weight-loss journey. 👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset 💬 Why Hypnotherapy Can Help Hypnotherapy can help you achieve lasting results alongside your healthy intentions. Whether you’re following Slimming World, Weight Watchers, calorie tracking, or coming off Mounjaro, it’s not just about losing physical weight — it’s about changing habits, quieting cravings, and feeling calm in your choices.   🎥 Watch Live Hypnotherapy Sessions on YouTube See real results from live sessions and learn how it all works. 👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy 💆‍♀️ Book a Free 30-Minute Hypnotherapy Consultation 👉 claireoldhamwest.com/contact 🌀 Follow Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 🎵 TikTok – Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 📸 Instagram – @claire.oldhamwest.hypnosis 00:02:10 – What this episode will cover: hypnosis, cravings, and the jab (Mounjaro) 00:03:05 – Life before 2021: binge eating patterns and “anything goes” binges 00:04:05 – Hypnosis training, emotional release and the moment everything shifted 00:05:10 – The “sugar tastes too sweet” suggestion and spitting out the chocolate 00:06:10 – Why hypnosis changed cravings when nothing else had 00:07:00 – Deciding to try Mounjaro: Slimming World, stalls and carb-heavy eating 00:08:05 – Early days on the jab: food noise gone and the scary loss of hunger 00:09:10 – Eating to nourish, avoiding extreme losses and keeping things safe 00:10:15 – Moving from 2.5 mg to 5 mg: side effects and “I wish I hadn’t gone up” 00:11:20 – Comparing hypnosis and the jab: different tools, different roles 00:12:15 – Protein, fibre, fats and how meals look now (without demonising food) 00:13:20 – Caring for parents, dementia, hospitals and anger that could have triggered binges 00:14:35 – Why this would have been “binge time” in the past – and what actually happened 00:15:40 – Clients on the jab: losing weight, stopping, and regaining without support 00:16:35 – Why everyone’s experience of Mounjaro and hypnosis is different 00:18:30 – Not all methods are “good” or “bad”: Slimming World, the jab, hypnosis 00:19:30 – Chocolate at Christmas: childhood memories, rituals and emotional links 00:21:40 – Why food addiction can feel harder than other addictions 00:22:35 – Christmas meals, desserts and being able to say “no” without feeling deprived 00:23:35 – What real freedom around food looks like (no second, third, fourth helpings) 00:24:30 – Invitation: group hypnosis for cravings in 2026 00:25:20 – Ease Your Mind reminder and why it’s not “just” about food  

  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. And yet, beneath all of that, what most of us actually want is much simpler… we want ease. 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: Ease Your Mind — a gentle, simple introduction to hypnosis, with the first three modules completely free. https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/Ease-your-mind 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: “My head’s not in it.” “I want to lose weight but I can’t focus.” “Stress keeps throwing me off track.” “I don’t sleep well and the cravings hit hard.” …this episode is for you. Get the first 3 modules of “Ease Your Mind” mini-course now for FREE https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/Ease-your-mind   🌐 Connect with Me & Slimming Stories 💫 Try Hypnosis for Free I’ve unlocked the first 3 parts of my course just for you. 👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis 🍭 Join the Sugar Craving Reset Waitlist Be the first to know when the next event is live — designed for anyone whose sugar cravings return after stopping Mounjaro or during a weight-loss journey. 👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset 💬 Why Hypnotherapy Can Help Hypnotherapy can help you achieve lasting results alongside your healthy intentions. Whether you’re following Slimming World, Weight Watchers, calorie tracking, or coming off Mounjaro, it’s not just about losing physical weight — it’s about changing habits, quieting cravings, and feeling calm in your choices.   🎥 Watch Live Hypnotherapy Sessions on YouTube See real results from live sessions and learn how it all works. 👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy 💆‍♀️ Book a Free 30-Minute Hypnotherapy Consultation 👉 claireoldhamwest.com/contact 🌀 Follow Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 🎵 TikTok – Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 📸 Instagram – @claire.oldhamwest.hypnosis   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 🌐 Connect with Me & Slimming Stories 💫 Try Hypnosis for Free I’ve unlocked the first 3 parts of my course just for you. 👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis 🍭 Join the Sugar Craving Reset Waitlist Be the first to know when the next event is live — designed for anyone whose sugar cravings return after stopping Mounjaro or during a weight-loss journey. 👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset 💬 Why Hypnotherapy Can Help Hypnotherapy can help you achieve lasting results alongside your healthy intentions. Whether you’re following Slimming World, Weight Watchers, calorie tracking, or coming off Mounjaro, it’s not just about losing physical weight — it’s about changing habits, quieting cravings, and feeling calm in your choices.   🎥 Watch Live Hypnotherapy Sessions on YouTube See real results from live sessions and learn how it all works. 👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy 💆‍♀️ Book a Free 30-Minute Hypnotherapy Consultation 👉 claireoldhamwest.com/contact 🌀 Follow Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 🎵 TikTok – Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 📸 Instagram – @claire.oldhamwest.hypnosis

  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. Quick search: 00:06:00 Meet Lisa Taylor — outside Toronto, Canada 00:07:00 The turning point at 38–39: “sick and tired” of feeling unwell 00:08:45 Emotional weight vs physical weight: purpose, marriage, and numb routines 00:10:30 From garage drinks to new goals: deciding to change everything 00:12:00 Joining Weight Watchers with a friend + early wins with running/softball 00:15:00 Alcohol, sleep quality, and energy: what was really going on 00:16:30 Accountability: tracking, meetings, and staying social without hiding 00:18:15 Goals achieved… then what? People-pleasing, family expectations, and identity 00:22:00 Realising misalignment + wanting impact: helping women as a calling 00:24:30 Beyond the scale: unpacking “why” you eat and committing to maintenance 00:27:30 Shedding old scripts: subconscious patterns, risk-taking, and self-trust 00:30:30 Purpose and service: finding meaning (and an income) in coaching 00:33:30 Corporate ladder chat: waking up, boundaries, and taking control 00:36:00 New tools > old habits: hypnotherapy, triggers, and the “backpack” of emotions 00:40:00 Menopause shifts: protein focus, leaving WW, peaceful maintenance You can follow Lisa on Instagram and on Facebook using the links below.   Lisa's Instagram account    Lisa's Facebook account 🌐 Connect with Me & Slimming Stories 💫 Try Hypnosis for Free I’ve unlocked the first 3 parts of my course just for you. 👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis 🍭 Join the Sugar Craving Reset Waitlist Be the first to know when the next event is live — designed for anyone whose sugar cravings return after stopping Mounjaro or during a weight-loss journey. 👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset 💬 Why Hypnotherapy Can Help Hypnotherapy can help you achieve lasting results alongside your healthy intentions. Whether you’re following Slimming World, Weight Watchers, calorie tracking, or coming off Mounjaro, it’s not just about losing physical weight — it’s about changing habits, quieting cravings, and feeling calm in your choices.   Follow lisa  🎧 Follow Slimming Stories 🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast 📸 Instagram – Slimming Stories Podcast 💬 Facebook Group – Join Here 🎥 Watch Live Hypnotherapy Sessions on YouTube See real results from live sessions and learn how it all works. 👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy 💆‍♀️ Book a Free 30-Minute Hypnotherapy Consultation 👉 claireoldhamwest.com/contact 🌀 Follow Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 🎵 TikTok – Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 📸 Instagram – @claire.oldhamwest.hypnosis

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   🌐 Connect with Me & Slimming Stories 💫 Try Hypnosis for Free I’ve unlocked the first 3 parts of my course just for you. 👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis 🍭 Join the Sugar Craving Reset Waitlist Be the first to know when the next event is live — designed for anyone whose sugar cravings return after stopping Mounjaro or during a weight-loss journey. 👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset 💬 Why Hypnotherapy Can Help Hypnotherapy can help you achieve lasting results alongside your healthy intentions. Whether you’re following Slimming World, Weight Watchers, calorie tracking, or coming off Mounjaro, it’s not just about losing physical weight — it’s about changing habits, quieting cravings, and feeling calm in your choices.   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 🎧 Follow Slimming Stories 🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast 📸 Instagram – Slimming Stories Podcast 💬 Facebook Group – Join Here 🎥 Watch Live Hypnotherapy Sessions on YouTube See real results from live sessions and learn how it all works. 👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy 💆‍♀️ Book a Free 30-Minute Hypnotherapy Consultation 👉 claireoldhamwest.com/contact 🌀 Follow Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 🎵 TikTok – Claire Oldham West Hypnosis 📸 Instagram – @claire.oldhamwest.hypnosis