See how this Hartlepool couple transformed their lives after overindulging on Spanish food and takeaways
and live on Freeview channel 276
Marina Martinez, who hails from Spain, and her partner Adam McIntyre-Martens piled on the pounds from a diet heavy on olive oil, cheese and takeaways and alcohol.
But after joining Slimming World last January they have gone on to lose close to eight and a half stone and are loving how they look and feel.
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Hide AdAdam, 32, said: “We had just got back from a Christmas break over in Spain with Maria’s family and caught sight of ourselves in the mirror and realised we had put on a little bit too much weight.
"We were a little bit overweight when we went but it was getting a bit out of proportion.”
Maria, 33, added: “In Spain we use a lot of olive oil which is impossible for the diet.”
They also got take outs at least three times a week and drank lots of beer on weekends.
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Hide AdBut in January last year, Adam and Maria joined the Belle Vue Centre Slimming World Group and with the support of consultant Gemma Currell and fellow members started to see the weight disappear.
Maria adapted traditional Spanish recipes in line with Slimming World, instead of takeaways they made healthier home made burgers and stopped drinking.
The couple, who both work for chemical manufacturers Venator at Wynyard, also introduced more exercise and sport into their daily routine.
Maria said: “Adam’s family like to hike. It used to be very difficult for us to go with them, now we are looking forward to joining them.”
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Hide AdAdam added: “They were little changes but it has been a far better result overall. I didn’t have a lot of self confidence beforehand but now I have plenty.”
He went from just over 20 stone to 15 stone seven pounds now, while Maria has gone from 16 stone to 12 and a half stone currently.
Despite the lockdown, they still attend Slimming World online to share tips and ideas with other members.
Adam said: “We’ve been quite fortunate as we’ve had each other to support ourselves through lockdown and is one of the reasons we’ve managed to stick to it.”