Morning Everyone! I hope you've all had a great week and have seen some great losses. I've had a great week in the fact that it was my birthday.

I have to say, I did gain this week but I'm not disappointed.

I let my hair down and enjoyed my Birthday celebrations. I gained 3lb which was totally justified but I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed every single lb.

I've got straight back on track and am expecting a great weight loss next week.

When I first started at Slimming World, I would have avoided birthday celebrations whereas now, I feel in control and I know I can let my hair down and enjoy celebrations.

The secret is getting back on track straight after.

I've included a picture of the Slimming World Strawberry Gateaux my Husband made to celebrate my special day. It was gorgeous.

I want to tell you about how my friends are doing. My Husband has lost almost 7st and is looking fantastic.

My friends in group have lost an amazing amount, one has lost over 5st in just 19 weeks. Another has now reached her 3st mark and another friend has lost a total of 3st 7lb and is now at her target weight and has been for about 3 months now.

It just goes to show that once you lose the weight, it is possible to keep it off too. Last weekend she took part in the Race For Life and managed to run 5k in 29 minutes. It's something she said she could never have done before she lost the weight.

I have to say, I'm, so proud of each and every one of them but especially the last friend I mentioned for going on to make a difference for others.

What would you like to achieve if weight wasn't an issue? Why not make that dream a reality. It's never to late to make those changes. If you've lost your way with your weight loss journey, pick yourself back up, and go back to class.

There's never any shame in losing your way, we all do it from time to time but it's all about getting back on that horse that you've just fallen off and showing it that you're not afraid to keep trying. You can and will succeed but the most important thing of all is having the support around you to help you when you do fall off.

If you want to join a group but are worried you won't know anyone, why not come along to St Patrick's Church Hall 9:30am on a Wednesday. I'm always there and promise to look after you. I guarantee, it'll be the best thing you ever do.

Sweet & Sour Diet Fanta Chicken

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts-thinly sliced or cubed 
1 large onion- cut into chunks
1 red pepper- cut into chunks
1 veg oxo cube
1-2 tsp vinegar
3-4 tbsp Passata
1 can (330 mls ) any fizzy diet orange drink
Tsp of dried chilli flakes (optional)
Chunks of fresh pineapple

Method

1. Fry the onion and pepper in fry light until slightly softened.

2. Add the chicken and fry until browned (you could use lean pork or prawns)

3. Mix the orange drink, passata, vinegar, oxo cube and chilli flakes together and add to frying pan with the chicken and veg

4. Mix well and bring to boil, let it bubble for about 25 -30 mins or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.

5. Add the pineapple chunks at the end so that they don't cook. (Cooked fruit produces it's own sugars and therefore increase in calories) 6. Serve on a bed of rice or with stir fry veg and noodles and enjoy.

It tastes absolutely gorgeous and I have to say, since I discovered this recipe, I haven't missed having my sweet and sour chicken from our local takeaway.

If I honestly was given the choice of enjoying my old favourites from the takeaway or having the Slimming World version of my favourite takeaways, I would chose the Slimming World versions every time.

It's even great when we have my parents round for a meal and they enjoy the meals too and have no idea it's our healthy eating version. If you haven't tried the recipes in my blogs, I urge you to give them a try.

Have a great week and I'll see you lighter next week, Love Wendy xxx