Hi Readers. I hope you've all had a great week and have managed to shed more of those unwanted lbs. I have to say, I'm chuffed to ribbons this week as I lost an amazing 3lbs. It's not all of the weight I gained but it's a great start and some of them have now disappeared forever.

I'll be honest and say that I haven't been 100% perfect as I met up with some dear friends of mine last Wednesday and although I did my best to choose wisely, I still let my hair down and enjoyed the evening. After that, it was back on track and "Operation Bikini" was underway once again. I'm pleased to say my friends saw a difference in me and couldn't believe how different I looked. It really made my day.

Throughout the meal, they kept saying, "I can't believe how thin your face is and you're actually got a waist." It's given me the boost I've needed to get back on track and stay focused.

How are you doing with your journey? Some of the feedback I've been getting from friends is amazing. One friend in group has reached her target weight. I'm so thrilled for her as she's been so focused all the way through.

Another friend who goes to a different group has reached her 1st mark. Another smashed her 1 and a half stone award. Others have managed to get back on track after a difficult couple of weeks. I'm so proud of each and every one of them.

We all do struggle along the way but when you have the love and support of others around you, you can achieve those results. It's never too late to start.

We talked in group yesterday about what people think of Slimming Clubs in general. I always thought it would be like the Little Britain sketch with Majorie Daws where you get humiliated when you put on weight and made an example of.

If you ever watched the programme Fat Friends where the slimming leader never gave encouragement.

I have to say, my whole outlook on it changed when I joined Slimming World. Dawn, our consultant, is more of a friend and certainly is nothing like Marjorie Daws or Matt Lucas either.

The support network is amazing, your weight is never disclosed to anyone else and you need never feel ashamed of who or what you are. I urge anyone who is struggling to lose weight on their own to give it a try.

It's so much easier when there are others going through the same struggles as you. Somehow, it's so much easier when you can share tips on how to cope with the struggles. It doesn't matter how much you have to lose either. We're all there for the same reason including the consultant.

Eating out

Have you ever worried about going out for meals or even grabbing something to eat in town on a weekend when you're out shopping? Well worry no more.

If you're going to a pub or restaurant for a meal, it can be helpful to ring ahead or look online for a copy of the menu. Making healthy choices is much easier when you know what lies ahead. Read between the lines of your menu

Knowing the menu lingo can help you steer towards the healthier options.

Menu items described as grilled, steamed, griddled, roasted, baked or boiled are often healthier choices.

Watch out for items described as deep-fried or battered, pan-fried, breaded, creamy, Alfredo, au gratin and those that come with creamy or cheesy sauces – they tend to be oily and packed with calories.

Other high-calorie menu items include mayonnaise style dishes like prawn cocktail, pastry dishes including quiches, pies and traditional puddings, oily side orders like garlic bread, onion rings and breaded mushrooms.

Make sure you’re in control of your choices and not the chef

Don't let the restaurant scupper your slimming. Ask for vegetables without butter and with sauces on the side. That way you choose how much to enjoy.

Many restaurants or pubs serve the main course with a choice of potatoes – chips, new potatoes, mash or jacket. If they don't ask you which you want, it's up to you to tell them. And if your meal doesn’t have the option of a healthy side dish, like a jacket potato, boiled spuds or rice, just ask – most places will happily oblige.

A carvery is the perfect place for healthy eating. Satisfy your appetite with lots of lean roast meat, boiled or baked potatoes and steamed, boiled or grilled vegetables. Go easy on the yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy as they won't be as healthy and low fat.

If you're out and about, watch out for a jacket potato van. Most town centres have them now. A jacket potato topped with beans is a much better option than burger and chips or fried chicken.

Hopefully these tips should help you stay on track and chose the best options for you. If you do have more than you wanted to when you do eat out, always remember, tomorrow is a new day and we can get back on track and still lose weight. I'm still keeping up with my walking pledge and I do feel better for it. It's never too late to make a new start. Why not give it a go? You never know, you might even surprise yourself.

See you lighter next week,

Love Wendy xxx