New Slimming World group in Helston Tuesday nights by Donna Perrin

Donna Perrin is relaunching a Tuesday night group, which will be held at Helston Football Club at 7pm each week.

Her opening night take place this Tuesday, April 19.

Donna has trained as a consultant after losing two and a half stone herself.

It runs in her family, with her new group coming 40 years after her mum did something very similar in the town.

She decided to take the leap after realising she couldn't have lost her own weight without the support of her group.

Donna said: "I know the challenges slimmers face, and I have been trained by a company with over 50 years expertise in the psychology of slimming, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight.

"I want people to feel the same way I feel – full of energy, never hungry with the freedom to enjoy real food."

Donna Perrin (before and after her weight loss) is starting a new Slimming World Group in Helston

Donna first joined Slimming World many years ago, and never dreamed that she would be helping others to lose weight, as her mother did all that time ago, yet here she is, saying she can’t wait to get started.

"Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK I can’t wait to support people to become healthier and happier," she added.

Donna has shared some of her top tips on how making small changes now can get you on track for a slimmer summer:

1. Set a goal

Research shows that if you set yourself a goal you’re more likely to achieve it – and the more ambitious the better. A study of 24,000 slimmers by Slimming World found that slimmers who set an ambitious dream target weight lost almost twice as much weight as those who aimed for a more modest amount.

Slimming World’s head of research and scientific affairs, Dr Jacquie Lavin, also recommends setting ‘mini targets’, whether it’s to lose a couple of pounds, go for a lunchtime walk or cook with new ingredients.

2. Spring into action

Make the most of longer days and warmer weather and head out for some fresh-air fitness. A study from the University of Exeter shows that compared with indoor workouts, exercising in a natural environment is associated with greater feelings of happiness and well-being, as well as increased energy levels. Whether you’re a complete exercise beginner or already a keep fit fan, there are a whole range of activities you can enjoy outdoors this spring from walking the dog to family bike rides and Park runs.

3. Get creative in the kitchen

Cook meals from scratch with healthy seasonal ingredients, or dig out the barbecue and get grilling lean meat, fish and veg. And remember, losing weight doesn’t have to mean going hungry. A study by the University of Leeds found that eating a diet based around low energy dense foods – foods that contain fewer calories per gram such as fresh fruit and veg, lean meat and poultry, pasta, rice and grains – is more effective for weight loss than traditional calorie counting.

4. Spritz up your spring!

There’s nothing nicer than sitting outdoors on a sunny spring afternoon enjoying a drink with friends, yet alcohol can be a real obstacle if you’re trying to lose weight. As well as the calories in alcohol, which are often higher than we realise (one large glass of wine has as many calories as a jam doughnut!), Slimming World’s research into the impact of alcohol on weight revealed that having just slightly too much to drink and reaching our ‘tipping point’ can lead us into drinking and eating far more than we intended and as a result can impact hugely on our weight.

5. Spring clean your habits

Having a routine can be a lifesaver when you’re busy – you’re more likely to exercise regularly if you do it at the same time every week and having a set day for batch cooking can really help you plan for the week ahead. However, research from the University of Hertfordshire has found that when routines get overly rigid, they can act like webs, making it hard to change a habit even if we know it’s not helpful. Having a spring clean of your habits can help you go after your weight loss goals with renewed focus.