A FOODIE from Old Town has cooked her way to health and managed to lose three stone in the process.

Now she is about to begin helping other people struggling with their size by establishing her own weight-loss group.

Claire Delicata, 40, of Old Town, said she had always enjoyed her food, but two years ago she became worried that her unhealthy diet could lead to longer term health problems and decided to do something about it.

She said: "I had my blood pressure taken, and it was 140/90 which really worried me as I knew that normal blood pressure was supposed to around 120/80.

"I didn't want to end up on medication for high blood pressure.”

Claire made some healthy changes, but felt that she would achieve more in a group of like-minded people, so joined a Slimming World group.

She said: "I felt really nervous walking through the doors of the group, I didn't know what to expect.

“I needn't had worried though; the room was filled with friendly faces and I was warmly welcomed by Steve Ireland, the consultant.

“The nice surprise was that you could eat unlimited amounts of the right food and never go hungry. And the right food includes food such as potatoes, rice, pasta, lean meat, fish, fruit and vegetables - cooked healthily. So no diet shakes or 'fast' days - it's proper food."

She revealed she still enjoys all of her favourite foods, including roast dinners, curries, kebabs and chips - as well as her favourite desserts, including tiramisu.

"I've always loved cooking, but now I have tons of recipes for healthy versions of all the foods I like - including cake," she said.

As well as losing three stone, Claire was told last week that her blood pressure is down to 113/73, and is discovering she has more energy and even enjoys going shopping for clothes - something that she never looked forward to before.

She is now hoping to help other people who want to lose weight and is opening her own Slimming World group at Moose Hall in Old Town. The first meeting will be on Saturday, September 5, at 9.30am.

For more information call 0798 240 4360 or visit the Slimming World website.