A rough guide on how Slimming World works along with my review.. see if Slimming World is for you before signing up.
So you have heard about Slimming World from you bestie, neighbour and long lost cousin Jen… You have been told you can eat a load of food and still shed those pounds you are so desperate to lose! But you think its ridiculous right? You are totally sure they have been signed up as a sales rep! Well you would be wrong… Slimming World is genuine, it’s not some crazy pyramid scheme and it’s been around for so long that they know their stuff!
This page is created to give you a rough idea of how Slimming World helps you to lose weight before you sign up. This page has not been created to take you away from joining Slimming World itself.. I am still a paid member and will always continue to do so even if I ever got to target!
I have been food optimising with Slimming World for many years and I have had great long term success. (See here for my weight loss story)
For most followers the reason Slimming World works so well is because it does not eliminate anything from your diet. The naughty foods are kept in moderation and if the plan is followed the weight can drop off without feeling deprived or having a grumbling tummy.
Article Updated January 2024
The old school amongst us may remember the Red and Green days.. but they are long gone (even though I still know a lot of people who use that theory and still lose weight).
Many people feel they can “go it alone” using various pieces of information all over the net. That usually results in them appearing on my facebook group a few weeks later asking why they have not lost any weight. PLEASE make sure you have all of the facts and the exact plan before going forward. You could be doing something very crucial incorrectly which could result in no weight loss or even a weight gain.
How Your Basic Day Should Look
The plan is made up of 4 parts
- Free Foods
- Healthy Extra A’s
- Healthy Extra B
- Syns
Free Food
These are the foods that should make up the bulk of your diet. There are the foods of which you can eat as much as you like. No need to weigh or measure free foods, just eat until full/satisfied. Free Foods are generally naturally filling and low in fat. Think along the lines of vegetables, fruit, lean meats etc.
Related Article: Free Foods Explained
Healthy Extras A & B
Healthy Extras should be eaten daily but must be weighed, measured and portion controlled. Going over these allowances or not counting them as Syns could result in weight gain and I have seen it happen many time.
Examples of Healthy Extras are bread, cereals, milk, cheese etc.
Related Article: What is Healthy Extra A?
Related Article: What is Healthy Extra B?
Syns
Syns short for synergy a way of still getting in some of your favourites or naughty treats. Think Chocolate, crisps. cocktails, booze… the list is endless. Everything that is not a free food has a Syn value and can be found In the Slimming World database after signing up to the plan.
Your Syn allowance depends on your weight and the allowance is greatly different between male and female. It is EXTREMELY important to be evaluated when signing up to Slimming World. This way you can ensure you are following the plan correctly and not overeating.
Weekly Meetings
If you need extra support and a weekly weigh in the weekly meetings are definitely for you. They are NOT your comedy sketch type “fat meetings” they we warm, welcoming and such good fun! People make life long friends after attending the meetings and the support you receive from your consultant is valuable.
Cost starts from just £5.95 per week which can seem steep but how much did you used to waste on takeaways?
Can I Join Online?
Absolutely! Slimming World also offers an online support option instead. Weekly meetings can seem daunting or just not for you. The online option offers support, motivation and access to everything the weekly meetings receive. I have been an online member for many years as group has never been my kind of thing and it works great!
How Much Weight Can I Lose?
Well this is really down to how hard you work and stick to the plan.
On average I can lose 1 – 2lb per week.. this is pretty common around the Slimming World network. Always expect a bigger loss on week 1 (or sometimes week 2) and then this will drop. But this is common with any weight loss! If you stick to it you will lose weight.
Love the sound of eating lot’s and still losing weight? Sign up to Slimming World here.
I highly recommend purchasing yourself a portion control plate to help you stick to the plan. Available here.
