"How the Low Carb Groups help me and others"

I attended several sessions of both Low Carb groups organised at the surgery. The format was primarily informational with plenty of opportunities for participation by attendees. Each group met at least 6 times, each session having a particular focus which were well sequenced. That is, we first learned about the metabolic system and how various organs and hormones affect weight, moods and our health issues. These sessions were then followed up with very practical concerns of types of food, preparation including recipes, and suggestions when eating out at restaurants or at friends' homes. We even were treated with low carb food brought to the sessions by the session leader or others. I found these sessions to be very helpful in educating me, including handouts and recommended websites, and a display of quite a few relevant books that we could borrow to read at home. I also enjoyed very much meeting people who, like me wanted to lose weight, improve nutrition, retrain eating habits and thereby become healthier. I have achieved a considerable weight loss, primarily from the encouraging care of my GP, but also from the ongoing support of other members who attended the Low Carb groups. Several members continue to meet regularly and share ideas, recipes, as well as problems and achievements. We also have an online group for interested members. This would have been very difficult without the initiative and support of both clinical and admin staff at the GP surgery. I found everyone to be extremely helpful. Lastly and very importantly the groups found the visiting speakers to be a valuable and inspiring addition to the programme. They spoke of personal experience, shared their plans and discoveries, and served as models of determination and success! I truly hope this programme can continue to help people who want to change their lives, to live more healthily and happily. The Middleton Health Centre can be proud of this achievement in support of their patients.