Lesley Johnstone is passionate about helping others lose weight without overspending or giving up the foods they enjoy most.
Lesley Johnstone never thought her love of dirty fries would have a place in a weight loss story, yet they sit right at the heart of how she lost an incredible 4st 2lb and changed her life.
Now a Slimming World consultant in Shotts and a recent graduate of the Slimming World Academy, Lesley is passionate about helping others lose weight without overspending or giving up the foods they enjoy most.
“Dirty fries have always been my favourite,” Lesley laughs. “Crispy chips piled high with chilli, chicken and cheese.
“For years they were my comfort food and usually ordered as a takeaway.
“You don’t realise how often you’re ordering until you add it up. It becomes second nature.”
Before joining Slimming World, cooking from scratch felt intimidating. Lesley believed healthy eating would cost more and take longer, and she did not feel confident in the kitchen.
Stepping into her local Slimming World group changed that outlook completely.
“What surprised me most was how realistic it all felt,” Lesley says. “It wasn’t about buying special products or fancy ingredients. It was about using what you already have and planning a bit better.”
One of the first habits Lesley picked up was batch cooking.
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“If I’m making chilli or a sauce, I make extra,” she explains. “I’ll bulk it out with extra veg and freeze portions.
“Those meals are brilliant for nights when I might otherwise order a takeaway.”
Learning to love her freezer helped Lesley save money without feeling restricted.
She now keeps frozen veg, bread and meat to hand so nothing goes to waste.
“Buying in bulk and freezing portions has been a game changer,” she says. “It means I always have the base for a meal.
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“I plan my meals and go in with a list. I focus on what’s on offer, especially fruit and veg, and build meals around that.
“I also use own-brand tinned foods like tomatoes, beans and pulses they’re cheaper and just as good.”
The biggest revelation, though, was discovering she could still enjoy dirty fries.
“I just make them at home now,” she smiles. “Crispy Slimming World air fryer chips, homemade chilli using mince and tinned tomatoes, lighter cheese and a big salad.
They’re just as tasty, far cheaper and I feel satisfied instead of sluggish.”
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By cooking more at home and saving energy with appliances like her slow cooker and air fryer, Lesley noticed changes quickly.
“Meals cost less, I felt more organised and the weight started coming off,” she said. “I wasn’t even trying to save money at first, it just happened naturally.”
As her confidence in the kitchen grew, cooking became something she enjoyed rather than avoided. Fakeaways, batch cooked favourites and simple one pot meals replaced last minute takeaways.
After losing 4st 2lb and transforming her relationship with food, Lesley decided to train as a Slimming World consultant.
She now supports members in Shotts who are struggling with rising food costs as well as their weight.
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She added: “So many people think healthy eating costs more. I love showing them that with a bit of planning and support, you can eat really well, lose weight and save money too.
“I never imagined my own weight loss journey would lead me here. Now I get to help others feel happier, healthier and less stressed about food. And yes, dirty fries are still on the menu just done my way now.”
Lesley runs the Shotts Slimming World group every Wednesday at 7pm in the Brass Band Hall, Windsor Street, Shotts. To join, pop along or contact Lesley on 07842 201642.
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