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Slimming World Review

January 3, 2020 by Lucy Parissi Leave a Comment

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Weight loss achievements on the slimming world plan

Curious about Slimming World but not sure how it works or if it is right for you? Read my personal review of this popular weight loss diet, plus tips and essential slimming recipes to get you started!

This post is NOT sponsored and I am not affiliated with Slimming World in any way. This is a personal review of my own experience on the plan.

Slimming World review

What is Slimming World?

The Slimming World plan was founded 50 years (!) ago by Margaret Miles-Bramwell and has steadily gained popularity ever since.

Slimming World runs weekly meetings run by trained consultants who have had weight loss successes themselves through the plan. You can also follow the plan online.

I first heard about it through a friend who made terrific progress soon after joining.  I decided to try it myself a year ago in January 2019 – you can see my progress below.

Weight Loss progress on Slimming World

How does Slimming World Work?

Slimming World works by encouraging you to make healthy choices without any calorie counting. 

Food Optimising allows members to eat from a large list of FREE foods which include lean meat, fish, poultry, rice, pasta, potatoes and most pulses and vegetables.

Free foods can be eaten in ‘unlimited amounts’ – but within reason! In addition to the varied free foods, slimmers are allowed to to choose from a list of ‘healthy extras”.

Close up on a plate of Pasta Carbonara

Healthy Extra A (HEA)

These extras include milk and cheese and their non-dairy alternatives. You can pick two HEA per day which allows for some flexibility.

These extras are allowed in certain quantities, eg. you are allowed 350ml of skimmed milk and 30g of Parmesan per day so I can still enjoy overnight oats for breakfast and add some grated cheese on my pasta.

Healthy Extra B (HEB)

On the ‘B” column of healthy extras we have bread and cereal. High fibre options are encouraged as they contribute to health and help you feel full.

Choose one HEB a day, say a slice of wholemeal bread or small portion of cereal. Some high fibre bars such as Fibre One Popcorn bars are also allowed as a healthy choice B.

For a complete list of Healthy Extras please refer to Slimming World or speak to your consultant.

Close up of satay chicken salad with pickled onions, garnished with mint and sesame seeds

But what about treats?

Most strict diets banish all alcohol, desserts and indulgent food – and I don’t know about you, but the minute I am told I can’t eat something that’s when I get cravings.

Occasional treats are allowed, even encouraged on Slimming World as part of your daily SYNS. What are syns you ask?

Syns stand for synergy – although the similarity to ‘sins’ is a bit hard to ignore 😉 Generally women are allowed 15 syns daily while men 20, although weight considerations may affect that.

Foods that are higher in calories and an impediment to weight loss are give syn values. For example, a glass of wine is 6-8 syns (depending on size of glass and alcohol content) while a chocolate truffle is 4 syns.

Keeping track of your syns is an important part of the Slimming World plan. Thankfully you can refer to the SW app which has a ‘food search’ option until syn values become second nature.

Slimming friendly black bean brownies

Can you ‘save up’ syns and use them all at once?

Some members opt to not use the daily syn allowance and instead use them all at once say for big meal or drinks out. This might be ok once in a while but not encouraged in the long-term!

What can I expect from my first Slimming World Meeting?

If you are feeling intimidated or downright terrified joining Slimming World then I have good news for you! The group meetings are 100% friendly safe spaces where there’s no body shaming or any pressure.

When you go to your first meeting you will be given an introductory talk about how the plan works as well as some books to take away with you which explain Food Optimising, list Free Foods and Syn values and encourage you to keep a food diary.

You will be weighed for the first time and asked what you want your weight loss target to be. I admit that stepping on the scales is not the greatest feeling the first time… 

But seeing the weight loss come off week after week is extremely encouraging and all milestones are recorded and celebrated within the group.

Weight loss achievements on the slimming world plan

How much weight can I expect to lose the first week?

There are many factors that come into play but if you follow the plan correctly you can expect to lose between 4-7 pounds (approx. 2-4 kilos).

I lost 6.5 pounds (just shy of 3 kilos) my first week which was so encouraging – I was absolutely delighted and motivated to keep going.

How much weight can I expect to lose every week?

The impressive weight loss usually slows down a bit after the first week. I experienced a weekly loss of between 1-2 pounds (450-900g) after the first couple of weeks. 

Some weeks I experienced bigger losses, occasionally I hit a plateau and the loss stalled and more than once I gained a bit– it’s all part of the journey! 

I lost about 11kg (1.7 stone / 24 pounds) in just over 6 months before taking a break. I am planning to join again to bring the festive indulgence back under control! 

Me before and after 6 months on Slimming World plan

The Whoosh Effect

Have you heard of the “whoosh effect” – a big loss after you have experienced a plateau in your weight loss journey?

This effect supposedly occurs because as you lose weight fat cells fill with water and so weight loss stalls even if you are doing everything right… 

But just as you lose hope the fat cells eventually flush all that water out so your weight drops seemingly overnight – whoosh!

The so-called “whoosh effect” appears to have no scientific basis, although there’s a lot of vague science-speak and tons of anecdotal evidence. 

How much does it cost to join Slimming World?

At the time I am writing this it costs £4.95 a week if you attend the SW group meetings and £20 per month if you follow the plan online.

You can also save money by signing up for 6 or 12 weeks – check at your local meetings or online.

Oh and by the way, if you don’t lose weight during the first four weeks of group membership, SW will give you your money back.

Joining after a break

If you were a Slimming World member you can rejoin and either choose to keep your weight loss history or start fresh. You can do this by paying two weeks back fee and your weekly fee (£14.85).

The other choice to join fresh and receive a brand new pack. For this you will pay a joining fee plus a weekly fee (£10 + £4.95).

What are the advantages of attending the weekly meetings VS online?

If you are new to Slimming World I would advise going to the weekly meetings so that you can familiarise yourself with the plan.

Attending the meetings is a great motivator to stay on plan as the weekly weigh-ins make you more accountable (at least they did for me). You can also ask questions and chat with other members, exchange recipe ideas and find out about new products, purchase books etc. 

Weight loss milestones are celebrated and that can be incredibly inspiring for new members. I felt elated when I reached my half stone (7 pound) weight loss on only the second week!

As a downside the meetings can get very lengthy and sometimes it is difficult to attend every week. I did find that as I came closer to my goal weight I didn’t stick around for the whole meeting.

I haven’t personally experienced what it is like to become an online member (screenshot below) only but I can say that it offers much greater flexibility if you are busy or travel a lot. 

Following Slimming World online

So what can I eat on Slimming World?

What I love about this plan is that you don’t have to give up on the food you love. By making some slight changes you can still enjoy pasta dishes, yummy curries and even desserts. Take a look at my slimming recipes here.

You don’t feel deprived because nothing is off limits – if you want to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail you can without guilt. Staying in control of your Syns is a great way to indulge without ruining your weight loss.

Slimming Breakfast Ideas

Vegetarian Crustless Quiche

This healthy vegetarian Crustless Quiche makes a perfect slimming breakfast or lunch! Easy to prepare, naturally gluten free and just as excellent hot or cold.
Read More
Crustless quiche sliced in a patterned ceramic pie dish

Overnight Oats

Make a batch of overnight oats and wake up to the perfect healthy make-ahead breakfast. All you need is a few minutes prep and a handful of ingredients – once you master the basic overnight oats recipe, the variations are endless.
FREE | 5 WeightWatchers SmartPoints
Read More

Slimming Lunches

Greek Pasta Salad

This summery Greek orzo pasta salad with tomatoes and feta will be your go-to side dish for barbecues and is also perfect for picnics and packed lunches.
Read More
This summery Greek orzo pasta salad with tomatoes and feta will be your go-to side dish for barbecues and is also perfect for picnics and packed lunches.

Satay Chicken Salad | Slimming Friendly

This delicious satay chicken salad will soon become one of your favourite recipes! Serve as a light lunch or in crunchy lettuce boats to share as an appetizer.
Read More
Close up of satay chicken salad with pickled onions, garnished with mint and sesame seeds

Red lentil soup

Are you looking for a healthy, easy and delicious lentil soup recipe? This ‘dump and start’ tomato and lentil soup takes minutes in your Instant Pot.
Read More
curried tomato and lentil soup

Slimming Dinner

Slow Cooker Roast Beef

This Slow Cooker Beef will be become your favourite Sunday Roast – incredibly tender slow cooked beef in a rich gravy. 10/10 for flavour and almost zero effort! This recipe is gluten free and slimming friendly.
Read More
Close up on pot roast beef sliced and served with gravy and vegetables

Diet Coke Chicken (a.k.a Cola Chicken / Crockpot BBQ chicken)

This Diet Coke Chicken (a.k.a Cola Chicken / Crockpot BBQ chicken) is slimming friendly, mega tasty and so easy to prepare in your slow cooker, Instant Pot or the stove. And what’s more, no one will ever suspect this pulled chicken is ‘diet food’ – that’s our little secret 😉
Read More
Shredded BBQ chicken in a slow cooker

Spaghetti Bolognese

The whole family is going to love this slimming-friendly Spaghetti Bolognese! A truly rich Bolognese sauce that’s versatile, delicious and suitable for freezing.
Read More
Table set with three bowls of Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara – slimming-friendly

This slimming-friendly Carbonara is super easy, uses just a handful of ingredients and is completely DELICIOUS! Cooks in just 10 minutes.
Be sure to check out the step-by-step tutorial up in the post.
Read More
Overhead shot of spaghetti carbonara served in a shallow pasta bowl garnished with grated parmesan and chopped parsley

Please note I am not affiliated in any way with Slimming World. This weight loss plan is updated often in line with latest nutritional guidance and may change so for accurate information it is best to join as a member.

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HEY, NICE TO MEET YOU!

Picture of Lucy ParissiHi, I am Lucy Parissi, the recipe developer, food  photographer and author behind Supergolden Bakes. If you are looking for easy sweet and savoury recipes that are packed with flavour you have come to the right place!  READ MORE

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