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Теги: magazine magazine slimming world
Год: 2024
Текст
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
TRUE SUCCESS: Meet the mum & son who’ve lost over 16st together
magazine
MAY/JUNE 2024
‘I’m in my
best shape
ever at 40’
How Leanne
lost 7st 7lbs
127
RECIPES &
FOOD IDEAS
Chilli ● Tacos ● Pasta
● Curry ● Roast lamb
● Fish & chips ● Tiramisu
●
REAL LIFE • REAL FOOD • REAL SUCCESS!
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in 7 days
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Small
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Your new healthy
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eat the food you love
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ISSUE 179 MAY/JUNE 2024
can!
A £1,000
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FOR 2
slimmingworld.co.uk
yes you can
live the life you want, eat the food _you love
and still lose weight with Slimming World!
lose weight without ever going hungry. It’s about cutting calories without
counting them
take control, change your mindset, and make lasting changes
find a friendly and super-supportive group, so you don’t have to go it alone
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*At participating groups. Terms and conditions apply. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/offers for more information.
in this
issue
Expert advice, tried-and-trusted
recipes and inspiring real-life
stories that show how weight
loss can work for you
● on the cover
UP FRONT
11
Marbled chocolate &
toffee pots
Plunge your spoon into one of our
sweet springtime treats
12
A letter to my former self
Housebound, unhappy and in pain, the
Grace Hickman of a few years ago had
no idea she’d go on to lose more than
12st and start living her best life!
BE INSPIRED
20
● Small changes...big wins
Simple everyday switches and strategies
that bring brilliant weight loss benefits
23
Destination dream weight
Take healthy eating with you on long
drives and days out with our bank
holiday survival guide
26
● Leanne’s loving life!
Forty and fabulous – after losing 7st 7lbs
Leanne Hemming has got her sexy back...
32
‘I’m taking to the water at last’
After losing over 2st, paddleboarding
on her favourite Scottish island was top
of Catriona McKillop’s bucket list
34
‘Recipes from my
grandma’s kitchen’
Alex Mahapatra shares two comforting
dishes from her childhood in Poland
122
4 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Maria
JohnsonSawyerr is
wearing the
statement
clothes she
loves again
after losing
2st 3lbs!
may/june 2024
112
40
Find
the Syn
values of all
advertised
products
on page 75
EAT, LOVE & LOSE
40
54
108 ‘Help! What can I do to be more active?’
Our experts come to the rescue with ideas for
moving more as part of your daily routine
● A fiesta of flavours
From enchiladas and tacos to dips and fries –
bring a party vibe to your dinner table with our
ultimate Tex-Mex feast
50
84
● Zesty baked fish & chips
111
Floral buys to celebrate your slimming wins!
Five ingredients are all you need – yes, really!
EVEN MORE INSPO
● Weight loss all worked out
92
Use it up
112
Easter Sunday roast
Our crowd-pleasing leg of feta-stuffed lamb
comes together in six simple steps
64
● 4 ways with...pasta
Fusilli, linguine, orecchiette, pappardelle...which
one will earn a place on your table tonight?
71
Wallet-friendly weight loss
Three dishes from Slimming World’s Cook, Slim,
Save cookbook – they’re low on cost, with no Syns!
84
● The best of the zest
Sensational citrus fruits are the stars of the
show in our bright and zingy desserts
MIND, BODY & SOUL
102
Your happiness journal
Get started with our game of me-time bingo,
then discover all the other ways you can put the
joy into your weight loss journey!
106
Feel good from the inside out
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t only transform you
on the outside – it does wonders for your body’s
inner workings, too.
92
114 ‘This is why we Race for Life’
Slimmers from across the country share their
passion for this special event
122
The things I know now...
Maria Johnson-Sawyerr on how the freedom she
found at Slimming World helped her lose over 2st
Food news
Our pick of the best Food Optimising buys
79
Prepare to meet the dazzling new you
We can’t wait to celebrate your weight loss
success with you, says Margaret Miles-Bramwell,
Slimming World’s founder and chair
How to make the most of leftover ingredients
from some of the recipes in this issue
62
● Ramsey’s road to success
Losing 9st 12½lbs has given Ramsey Johnson the
confidence to follow his other dreams in life, too
A week’s worth of easy, slimming meals based on
things you probably already have in the cupboard
60
Blooming gorgeous
EVERYTHING ELSE
6
9
37
89
90
119
120
Recipe index
Editor’s letter
Win a travel gift card worth £2,500
Win a spa break worth £1,000
Subscribe & save
Shop the issue
Terms & conditions
102
COVER & CONTENTS CREDITS Cover – photograph: Paul Buller.
Styling: Rachel Fanconi. Hair & make-up: Alice Theobald. Leanne
wears: Dress, Phase Eight. Shoes, New Look. Earrings and left-hand
large ring, both Hot Diamonds. Bracelet, Thomas Sabo. Right-hand
ring, Sif Jakobs Jewellery. Left – photograph: David Cummings. Styling:
Danielle Elmes-Hughes. Hair & make-up: Liz Kitchiner. Maria wears:
Dress, F&F at Tesco. Boots and necklace, both Marks & Spencer. Belt,
Mint Velvet. Rings, Maria’s own. Bag, Next. See p119 for stockists
111
44
66
50
Recipe index
84
Your at-a-glance guide to all the delicious dishes in this issue and Syns per serving
MEAT & POULTRY
VEGETARIAN & VEGAN
36
Alex’s slow cooker beef & paprika stew
56
66
47
Bacon & bean baked eggs, 7 Syns*
Bacon & spring greens fusilli
Carnitas tacos with pineapple salsa
& black beans, 3½ Syns
Chicken arrabbiata linguine
Chicken enchiladas, 12½ Syns**
Coconutty lamb curry, 3½ Syns
Feta & spinach stuffed lamb leg, 6 Syns***
Four seasons pizza frittata
Herby chicken & lentil casserole
Low & slow chilli con carne
Mild coconut chicken curry, 1 Syn
Roast chicken with butter bean stew
Thai chicken noodles
43
43
48
66
36
49
66
48
46
66
45
58
62
80
57
44
53
59
71
58
Black bean, chilli & mint dip
Charred spring onion & chive dip
Corn with lime & cheese, 2 Syns
Fresh tomato & garlic orecchiette
Grandma’s potato pancakes
Mexican rice
Pappardelle primavera, ½ Syn
Refried beans
Smoky chipotle aubergines with pink pickled
onions, 2 Syns
Stir-fried noodles & greens with crispy eggs
49
Sweet potato fries with mint & garlic yogurt
81
43
Thai-spiced carrot soup with peas
Tomato salsa
FISH & SEAFOOD
SWEET THINGS
57
53
59
80
50
86
88
11
84
86
Creamy tuna & sweetcorn pasta, 1½ Syns
Fish traybake with cauliflower & lentils
Prawn & red pepper risotto
Smoked salmon rösti traybake
Zesty baked fish & chips
6 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Citrus jelly terrine, 1 Syn
Lemon curd crème brûlées, 4 Syns
Marbled chocolate & toffee pots, 4 Syns
Orange tiramisu, 5 Syns
St Clement’s microwave mug cake, 5½ Syns
All of our
recipes have
been tried and
tested to make
sure they’re
bursting with
flavour, easy
to follow and
will keep your
weight loss
deliciously
on track!
Look out for these
symbols on our recipes:
Free when
Food Optimising
Extra Easy SP recipes
packed with Speed
Free Food and P Food;
perfect when you want
to lose a little more
in a little less time
Suitable for vegetarians
Suitable for vegans
Suitable for freezing
for up to 1 month
*Deduct 7 Syns if using
the wholemeal pitta as
a Healthy Extra
**Deduct 6½ Syns if using
the tortilla as a Healthy Extra
and deduct 6 Syns if using the
Cheddar as a Healthy Extra
***Deduct 6 Syns if using
the feta as a Healthy Extra
Food Optimising, Free,
Speed Free Food, Healthy
Extra, Extra Easy SP,
, Syn and Syns are
registered trademarks of
Miles-Bramwell Executive
Services Ltd trading as
Slimming World.
● See page 75 for a full
list of Syn values of
advertised products.
SWEEE
EEEEEE
EET!
NE
A TASTY
AND LOW- CAL
SWEETENER
*
PERFECT FOR TEA, COFFEE
AND SPRINKLING ON CEREAL
SWEETNESS THAT TASTES THIS GOOD CAN ONLY BE
Available in
YOU R B RITI SH B R AN D
SI NC E 1878
Tablets only
*Less calories per serving compared to 1 teaspoon (4g) of Tate & Lyle® Granulated Sugar
W
SWEET CHILLI CHICKEN CHIPOLATAS AVAILABLE IN SELECTED MORRISONS & TESCO STORES.
SIMPLY CHICKEN CHIPOLATAS AVAILABLE IN SELECTED ASDA, MORRISONS,
SAINSBURY’S, TESCO & AMAZON STORES.
CHICKEN ITALIA CHIPOLATAS AVAILABLE IN SELECTED ASDA, BOOTHS, CO-OP,
MORRISONS, OCADO, SAINSBURY’S, TESCO AND WAITROSE STORES.
E D I T O R ’ S
L E T T E R
I don’t usually share personal news in this
letter, but this week I found myself clutching
my target member certificate in group! While
Food Optimising has been part of my life since
joining Slimming World Magazine eight years ago
(and how I wish I’d known years earlier there was
a way to lose weight without feeling hungry),
last year I realised that I needed the unique
expertise of a Consultant and the support of
a group to give me that extra motivation and
inspiration to get back into my favourite frocks.
It quickly became about so much more than
clothes, though. I discovered how working
towards my gold Body Magic award would give me strength and energy I’d never had
IN EVERY
ISSUE
EXPERT ADVICE
Our features will help
you to understand
yourself as a slimmer,
with fascinating
psychological insights
that work in the
real world
TESTED RECIPES
All of our recipes
are Slimming World
approved, Syn counted
and road tested to
help you slim
REAL JOURNEYS
Our first-person
stories show true
transformations and
share the genuine
emotions of weight loss
before, and I thought about how I wanted to invest in my future health and make
lifestyle changes that felt like second nature. And I found a whole squad of amazing
weight loss buddies who understand how much all of this matters. And that community
is something I love about Slimming World. That’s why it was fab to spend time with
our cover star Leanne Hemming at her photoshoot recently. We had a grand time
chatting life, food and all the joy healthy weight loss brings you! On page 26, read
all about how losing 7½st has transformed her life. Our community also rallied to take
part in Race for Life last year, and if you’re thinking about signing up this year, their
stories on page 114 will really inspire you.
So, if achieving your weight loss goal is on your
PHOTOGRAPH OF SARA AND LEANNE: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: RACHEL FANCONI. HAIR & MAKE-UP: ALICE THEOBALD
SARA WEARS: SHIRT AND JEANS, BOTH TRILOGY. EARRINGS, SARA’S OWN. LEANNE WEARS: JUMPSUIT, KAREN MILLEN
EARRINGS, SIF JAKOBS JEWELLERY. RING, ANANYA. SEE P119 FOR STOCKISTS
to-do list for 2024, you’re in good company. This
is the season we’ll help you make it happen!
SARA WARD, EDITOR
SLIMMING WORLD’S SUPPORTING GREAT CAUSES
It’s time to donate those clothes you’ve slimmed out of
(forever!) for a great cause: The Big Slimming World Clothes
Throw! From 14-27 April, Slimming World members can pick
up charity bags from their Consultant in group, fill as many
as possible, then return them to group. All the money raised
goes to Cancer Research UK and the Irish Cancer Society.
We’re incredibly proud to announce
Slimming World’s new partnership with
Diabetes UK. Slimming World has always
supported people to lose weight, lead
healthy lives and manage their diabetes. And
now we’re working with the UK’s leading
diabetes charity to share expertise on weight
loss, long-term healthy eating and diabetes,
so we can support more people living with
diabetes, and at risk of developing type 2
diabetes, to live healthy lives.
GET IN TOUCH!
We’d love to hear
what you think
about the magazine.
Write to us at Slimming
World Magazine, Clover
Nook Road, Alfreton,
Derbyshire DE55 4SW,
call 01773 546 071, or
email us at editorial@
slimmingworld.co.uk
As members of the
Independent Press Standards
Organisation, we are
committed to the highest of
editorial standards and abide
by the Editors’ Code of
Practice. We take concerns and
complaints very seriously and
welcome feedback via the
channels listed above
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 9
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Asparta
ol
erythrit
free
make the SYPS SWITCH
Get 10% off your first order at drinksyps.com with code SW10
Offer ends 05/05/2024
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Available nationwide at
dive in!
Marbled chocolate & toffee pots
Round off a special springtime dinner with these elegant prep-ahead desserts
A LITTLE EFFORT
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 4
READY IN 15 minutes, plus chilling
1½ sheets leaf gelatine
3 x 160g pots Müllerlight Smooth Toffee
Flavour yogurt, at room temperature
50g plain milk chocolate, broken into pieces
YOU’LL ALSO NEED
4 x 150ml dessert glasses
1 Soak the gelatine in a bowl of cold water
for 5 minutes, or until soft and floppy.
Squeeze out the leaves, put the whole leaf
in a milk pan and set aside the half leaf.
2 Pour 2 tbsp water over the gelatine in
the pan, then put over a very low heat. Stir
with a rubber spatula for 30 seconds to
1 minute until the gelatine is just melted –
don’t allow it to boil. Take the pan off the
heat and add 2 pots of yogurt, stirring
continuously. Set aside and leave to cool.
3 Meanwhile, put the chocolate and
1 tbsp water in a microwaveable bowl.
Microwave on medium for 30 seconds,
then stir and repeat until melted. Add
the leftover gelatine leaf to the chocolate,
stirring until it’s melted and completely
mixed in. Gradually add the remaining
pot of yogurt, stirring continuously.
4 Layer up the glasses, alternating
the colours as you go. Chill for at least
2 hours , or up to 24 hours, before serving.
GETTING
STARTED
PHOTOGRAPH: SAM FOLAN. RECIPE: NICOLA ROBERTS. FOOD STYLING: LIZZIE KAMENETZKY
PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
If you’re new
to Slimming World
and Food Optimising,
turn to page 56 for a
quick introduction
to the plan
SHARE YOUR
CREATIONS
#SWMagazineMakes
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 11
A LETTER TO MY FORMER SELF
‘You won’t
believe how far
you’ve come’
Living in constant pain and with food as her solace,
Grace Hickman couldn’t see a way to take back control
of her weight. Now 12st 2lbs lighter, she writes a message
to her younger self, letting her know that she has
a bright and happy future waiting for her!
12 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
soul stories
Now I’m
managing my
pain better, I
love exploring
stately homes
with my
sister, Amy
Meet Grace
Grace Hickman, 32, lives
in Telford, Shropshire
Height: 5ft 4ins
Starting weight: 22st 4½lbs
Weight now: 10st 2½lbs
WEIGHT LOST:
12st 2lbs
Grace is a target member
of Jodie Gibney’s Slimming World
group in Telford
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 13
Dear Grace,
As I write this, you are sitting at home alone on the
sofa, desperately unhappy. At just 26, you are virtually
housebound and can barely walk more than a few steps.
The constant pain you’re in means you’re no longer able
to work in the hospitality job you love, let alone go out
socialising with friends.
Recently, your doctors have suggested that losing
weight would help with the severe joint problems you’re
having, and maybe even prevent your knees, hips and
shoulders dislocating up to four times a day. But you’re
so low that you just can’t find the motivation to give
up the comforts you’ve been relying on for years.
The chocolate digestives for breakfast, cake for lunch
and Chinese takeaway for dinner are the only things
that make you feel less unhappy. It’s just a temporary
fix, though, as afterwards you always feel even worse.
Then your mum, Marie, and your brother’s girlfriend,
Lyndsey, announce they’re joining Slimming World and
invite you to go with them. Despite their encouragement,
you hesitate, wondering if you’re just setting yourself up
for more failure and disappointment, and a further knock
to your already fragile self-esteem. Little do you realise,
BEFORE
Food was my
comfort and
I slowly crept
up to a size 22
AFTER
Now it’s eating
healthily that
brings me joy
and boosts
my mood
14 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
in this moment of despair, that as soon as
you step through the doors of your local
group, your life will change forever, and a
new journey towards happiness, confidence
and contentment will begin.
From an early age you associated food
with happiness, and gradually that initial
rush of pleasure that came with a slice of
chocolate cake or a sausage roll began to
rule your life. As you got older and your weight went
up, you gave up the sports you used to enjoy at primary
school and instead volunteered to help in the library as
a way of avoiding PE. When your joints become painful,
the doctor puts it down to growing pains.
Losses and gains
By the time you finished your A-levels and went to
Keele University to study English and history, you were
a size 18, and your weight began to impact how you felt
about yourself. Out shopping with friends, you felt there
was no point looking at the clothes they were trying
on. Instead, you’d settle on a new pair of shoes.
After six months on a study
programme in America, where bigger
portions were the norm, your dress size
went up to a 22 and you could no longer
ignore the impact this was having on your
health. Aware you needed to make some
sort of change, you joined Slimming World,
but rather than staying to group each week,
you figured you could do it by yourself.
You managed to lose around 4st, but the
moment you went back to uni for your final
year, the chocolate bars, doughnuts and bags
of crisps came out again as you turned to
them to help you get through endless essays.
After graduation, the pain in your joints
settled down and you got a job you loved as
a hotel receptionist, enjoying nights out with
your workmates a couple of times of week.
It wasn’t to last… First your knees, then your
hips, and eventually your shoulders started
dislocating. You went back and forth to the
doctors, but nobody seemed to know what was causing
the issues. The only advice they could give was that
losing weight might help to relieve some of the pain.
Eventually, you were referred to an orthopaedic
surgeon who explained you needed an MRI scan. They
would need to weigh you first, though, as there was
a concern you might be too heavy for the scanner.
You were so embarrassed when the scales said you
were 20st. Thankfully, the scan went ahead and it was
almost a relief to be told that you may well have a rare
connective tissue condition that causes very flexible
joints – one of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS).
However, you’d still need to wait for an official diagnosis.
As the months passed, the pain began to take over
and even getting out of bed was agonising, let alone
being on your feet all day at the hotel. The doctor signed
soul stories
“Bit by bit I’ve built up my strength,
and now I can spend afternoons
out walking with my friends”
you off sick, but you knew you couldn’t return to work,
so reluctantly you handed in your notice. Which is
how you’ve ended up where you are now: on the sofa,
tearful and barely leaving the house. Until your mum
and Lyndsey suggest you join them at Slimming World…
In January 2018, with Mum on one side of you,
and Lyndsey on the other, you limp into your first full
Slimming World group. While you still aren’t convinced
it’s the answer, you’re thinking to yourself: what other
choice do I have? And you can’t help but be reassured by
the warm welcome from everyone in the room. When
you stand on the scales privately at the end of the
session to see that you’re 22st 4½lbs, though, you feel
numb. ‘How much would you like to lose?’ the Consultant
asks gently. ‘Half my weight!’ you joke, not thinking
for a second it’s actually possible.
Back at home, you and Mum sit down together
and plan your week’s meals. As well as making sure to
include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, you look up
a tomato sauce recipe for pasta on the Slimming World
members’ website. You also stock up on a few frozen
sauces from Slimming World’s frozen Free Food range
BEFORE
Being in
constant
pain meant
I rarely left
the house
at Iceland*, as useful backups while building your
confidence around cooking from scratch. And it works!
In group a week later, you’re genuinely shocked to
discover you’ve lost 9lbs.
New-found motivation
Spurred on by the cheers of the other members, you
leave group thinking: there’s a chance I can really do this.
After believing for years that you’d always be overweight,
it’s just the inspiration you need. Before long, you’re
not only embracing Food Optimising, you’re getting
more creative in the kitchen. On the days when the pain
in your joints isn’t too debilitating, you batch cook pans
of mixed-bean chilli or roasted squash and chickpea stew,
and with each week that passes, you experiment with
more recipes. Who knew there’d be so many exciting
low Syn variations on pasta salad and mac ’n’ cheese!
At the same time, you’re discovering the power of
IMAGE Therapy. Sharing with the group helps you begin
to unpick how the food you loved as a child turned into
a way to comfort yourself through years of pain. For the
first time, you can see how it became a habit, and one >
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 15
GRACE WEARS
p13: Jacket, Hobbs
London. Top,
Y London. Shorts
and boots, both
New Look. Earrings,
Ania Haie. Necklace,
Ashiana London.
Bracelet, Coeur de
Lion. Bag, Sole Bliss.
Tights, Pretty Polly.
Stick, Neo Walk
Above: Shirt,
Traffic People. Skirt,
Joanie. Trainers, Sole
Bliss. Earrings, Big
Metal London. Sewing
machine, Grace’s own
p14: Dress, Liquorish.
Earrings, Betty &
Biddy. Necklace,
Grace’s own
p13: Jumper,
Y London. Everything
else, Amy’s own
p15: Jacket, T-shirt
and leggings, all
BAM. Trainers,
New Look. Earrings,
as before. Stick,
as before
16 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Left: Dress, Grace’s
own. Earrings, Claudia
Bradby. Stick, as before
AMY WEARS
soul stories
BEFORE
I didn’t feel
like I could
wear stylish
clothes like
my friends
THE HEALTH INFORMATION IN THIS STORY IS BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO REPLACE
THE ADVICE GIVEN BY YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM. *ALSO IN THE FOOD WAREHOUSE AND SELECTED DUNNES STORES IN THE
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. INTERVIEW: MICHELLE RAWLINS. PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: RACHEL FANCONI. HAIR &
MAKE-UP: LIZ KITCHINER. LOCATION: WITH THANKS TO LIGHTWOODS PARK AND HOUSE. SEE P119 FOR STOCKISTS
AFTER
I love making
my own
fashionable,
colourful
outfits
you didn’t know how to change. The
difference now, you’re realising, is that
the food making you happy is no longer
chocolate or cake, and the mood boost
you get from eating healthily is much
longer lasting.
After a month of Food Optimising,
you celebrate losing a stone, and I’d love
to tell you that from now on it’s all plain
sailing. Things are more complicated,
though. After years of being told that
losing weight would help with your joint
pain, it’s frustrating and upsetting to
find it doesn’t for you. All the doctors
can do at the time is prescribe a series of different
painkillers. You don’t know what you’d do without your
weekly trip to group, where your new friends are waiting
with the positivity and encouragement you need to keep
going. As the numbers on the scales gradually go down,
how your confidence will start to soar, Grace. When your
friends invite you out for coffee or lunch, instead of
making an excuse not to go, you say yes. For the first
time in years, you feel you’re worthy of having fun.
A year into your Slimming World journey, you go
shopping with your mum and sister, Amy, for a party
outfit to wear on New Year’s Eve. You pick out a green,
sparkly, size-14 dress, praying you’ll manage to squeeze
into it. You’ll never forget the surprise and excitement
you feel when it virtually falls off your shoulders! Mum
pops out of the changing rooms to find a size 12 for
you, and it fits like a dream.
At the end of 2019, you receive your official diagnosis
of one of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and are told
there’s no cure. Despite having to come to terms with
having a debilitating life-long condition, you don’t turn
back to chocolate, biscuits and cake. Instead you learn to
focus on other things that bring you joy. For years you’ve
been keen on sewing, but since most dress patterns don’t
go above a size 14, you’d never been able to make your
own clothes. Now, you love creating fashionable things
to wear, and even build up a collection of colourful and
sparkly walking sticks to use as coordinating accessories!
A world of support
You’ll reach your target of 10st in March 2020, and
the cheers from the rest of your group will bring tears
to your eyes. Having this whole group of people who are
on your side means the world to you, and it’s continuing
to go to group that helps you stay at target long term,
too. In weeks when things haven’t gone so well, your
Consultant and group are there to set you firmly back
on the path to a successful week ahead, rather than
dwelling on the one that’s passed. As time goes by, you
also find the Slimming World podcast really helpful –
almost like a mini group session just when you need it.
Then you hear about an online Pilates programme
that’s specially adapted for people with EDS to help
strengthen core muscles. For years you’d felt excluded
from exercise – now, using Slimming World’s Body Magic
physical activity support programme to get started, you
embrace the challenge, and you’re soon feeling the
benefits. The breathing exercises are helping to manage
the pain, so you can gradually reduce your medication,
while the strength work allows you to go for longer walks,
until you’re spending whole afternoons ambling around
National Trust properties with Amy and your friends.
Gently building up your strength and stamina in this
way means you can do more of the physiotherapy that
helps to manage your EDS. You’re able to cope with the
symptoms better, and you recover more easily from the
dislocations. You also honestly believe that, had you not
lost weight, you would never have had your diagnosis.
The doctors might still be putting your issues down to
weight-related joint pain and you would be living life
without the answers you so desperately needed.
Thinking of you – my former self – as I write this,
I doubt you would recognise the happy, bubbly person
you’ve become. You still remember how, at your heaviest,
you spent your time at home, dwelling on how little life
had to offer and dreaming of going out with friends again.
Now you’re planning a trip away for a hen weekend! So
much has changed, and you have your Consultant and
friends at group to thank for that. You’re living your best
life and nothing’s going to stop you grabbing every
opportunity that comes your way.
Love from Grace x
My day on a plate
THEN
Breakfast Nothing at all, or biscuits
Lunch White bread triple-decker sandwich
and a bag of crisps, or a sausage roll and
slice of chocolate cake
Dinner Battered fish with large chips,
pasta in a ready-made cheese sauce, or
a Chinese or Indian takeaway
NOW
Breakfast Mushrooms cooked in low-calorie
cooking spray and poached eggs on wholemeal
toast, or fat-free natural yogurt with fresh
berries and chopped apple
Lunch Homemade roast vegetable soup,
or a vegetable pasta salad
Dinner Bean and pasta stew, baked vegetable
frittata with Slimming World chips, or Keralan
mackerel curry with steamed rice
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 17
FULL ON
r
u
o
v
Fla
IN JUST 5 MINS
TRY OUR
Tasty
RANGE
Head to our website mugshot.co.uk for more
Join us & share your favourite flavour @mugshotuk
Be INSPIRED
UPLIFTING REAL-LIFE STORIES AND ADVICE TO GET YOUR MOTIVATION FIRING
IT’S YOUR TIME
IN THE SUN
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
N
ow the evenings are
getting longer and lighter,
many of us will be
finding fresh motivation
to work towards our goals. Turn
to page 32 to see how Catriona
McKillop lost 2st 4lbs and gained
the confidence to take up a new
sport in her 60s! We’ll help you
seize your moment, and bask in
the warm glow of success...
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 19
Small
changes…
big wins
Losing weight can transform the way you feel
about yourself, though the changes you make
to get there don’t have to be dramatic. Here
are some everyday ideas that will give you
more bang for your buck!
WORDS: ANNA BLEWETT
Turn your back on the diet mindset
When we think weight loss has to be all or nothing – banning certain foods and then
berating ourselves for eating them, or going from no exercise to hitting the gym every
day – we risk feeling like we’ve failed the minute we don’t stick to our rigid plans. ‘Making
realistic plans that fit your lifestyle might sound like a small thing, but it can be gamechanging for your weight loss,’ says Laura Holloway, a research associate at Slimming
World. As you break free from that diet mindset, you’ll move from short-term results to
a long-term love affair with healthy eating – and that’s the secret to staying slim for life.
Forget ‘food FOMO’
Do you worry that making
healthier choices will mean
passing up on all the fun?
‘There’s a misconception that
losing weight means missing
out, especially when it comes
to socialising,’ says Laura
Holloway. ‘Some people are
worried that when they go
out they’ll be faced with lots
of lovely food and not be able
to join in – and that can put
them off altogether.’ But this
fear of missing out (FOMO
for short) really doesn’t have
to stand in the way of your
weight loss. Your Slimming
World Consultant will support
you to change your eating
habits, and equip you with
the knowledge to make the
best menu choices for your
weight loss. That way you can
enjoy knowing you’re heading
towards your slimming goals,
as well as the good company!
Little changes
soon add up
to the healthy
habits that
will take your
weight loss
all the way
Boost your
mental wellbeing
Mental health campaign
Every Mind Matters is
helping people to ‘Find
your big little thing’ – small
things we can do to lift our
mood and ease anxiety.
Take the confidential quiz
at slimmingworld.co.uk/
mentalhealth to discover
your personalised mind
plan for feeling brighter.
Whether you build in more
time outdoors, take a few
moments to yourself with
a cuppa or call a friend
for a chat, little strategies
like this will support
your mental resilience,
helping you to achieve
your bigger goals.
instant inspiration
*ALSO IN THE FOOD WAREHOUSE AND SELECTED DUNNES STORES IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. **RESEARCH CONDUCTED
BY CENSUSWIDE, AMONG SAMPLES OF 2,000 NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE UK GENERAL CONSUMERS AND A SELF-SELECTING
SAMPLE OF 1,802 SLIMMING WORLD MEMBERS VIA SLIMMING WORLD’S MEMBER WEBSITE. PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
Start collecting
active steps
Use sneaky shortcuts
Does the prospect of
cooking from scratch every
night feel impossible right
now? Know that it’s fine
to make use of whatever
time-saving tricks make life
easier for you – and you’ll
find loads of genius ideas in
your Slimming World group!
‘We all lead busy lives,’ says
Laura. ‘If you’re tight for
time, rather than promising
yourself you’ll cook from
scratch every night from
now on, is there a way to
make dishing up dinner
more doable? Batch cooking
and doubling up a recipe
to give you leftovers for
another meal can make
a big difference.’ Readychopped veg, grab-and-go
Healthy Extra portions of
cheese, cooked lean meat
ready to stir straight into
pasta…little shortcuts like
these can help to keep
your weight loss on track.
‘Turning to your freezer
and microwave can be a
quick win, too,’ says Laura.
‘Slimming World’s frozen
Free Food meals, available
in Iceland*, are ready in
minutes in the microwave
and can be a lifesaver.’
‘We know from talking to
our members that one of the
biggest barriers to getting
more active is confidence,’
says Laura. ‘Slimming World’s
Body Magic physical activity
support programme is
designed to help you take
steps towards moving more
that work for you.’ Step one
is discovering ways to build
more activity into your
everyday: parking at the back
of the supermarket car park
rather than close to the
entrance to walk a bit further,
for example, or taking the
stairs at work instead of the
lift. Do it a few times and,
before you know it, with that
small change those extra
steps will become a normal
part of your routine – and
you’ll have got yourself
a new weight loss-boosting
habit. As well as your first
Body Magic award.
Build healthy habits
A little of what you fancy
‘Change your habits, not your life!’ says Laura.
One reason so many diets fail is that they don’t
take into account our likes, dislikes, or the way
we live our lives. Far from being a diet, Food
Optimising is designed to help you create
healthy habits around the food you love and
the life you lead right now – until each small
change you add becomes second nature to you.
‘Our research found half of UK adults fear losing weight means cutting out their favourite
food,’ says Laura. ‘With chocolate top of the list, followed by takeaways, fish and chips,
and fry-ups**.’ Don’t want to break up with your Friday night burger? Make a Food
Optimising one (you’ll find loads of recipe inspiration on our members’ app and website)
and serve it with Slimming World chips for a delicious Free Food fakeaway that will keep
your slimdown on track. And if you want chocolate, that’s what your Syns are for. In fact,
planning in meals and treats you’ll truly look forward to helps keep your motivation high.
So those little daily pleasures will actually help you see those big wins on the scales!
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 21
Available in Slimming World groups, £1.95/€3 RRP for six bars. Also available to our online members – minimum order levels and postage charges apply.
Dark ChoC
honeyComb
scan
for delicious
recipe
A decadent cereal bar, topped with
chocolate covered honeycomb pieces,
dipped and drizzled in dark chocolate
fresh ideas
Destination
dream weight
Spending time on the road over the bank holiday weekends doesn’t have
to mean kicking your healthy eating plans to the kerb. However many
miles you’re planning to travel, with our tips, tricks and strategies under
your bonnet, you can keep your weight loss motoring
WORDS: REBECCA WOOLLARD ILLUSTRATION: LIZ KAY
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 23
re you taking advantage of the long weekend and jumping in the car
for a day out or to visit friends or family? Then the last thing you want is
to be worrying about your weight loss hitting a roadblock along the way.
So, whether you’re looking to swerve the high Syn car treats, or navigate those
service stations, our guide to snacks and pit stops will help you steer around slimming
potholes and stay in the fast lane to success!
A
Make a slimming
road map
Ask yourself a few simple questions and
you can have your on-plan car snacks all
mapped out! How long are you going
to be on the road for? What time of day
are you setting off? Are there lots of
potential stop-offs on the way, or are
they limited? Which motorway services
have a supermarket where you could
pick up a low Syn lunch, and which only
have hot food options? You might find
it helpful to look at a map online or
motorwayservices.uk to see what’s
available on your route. And wherever
you decide to take a break, Rhianne
Sambrook, a registered nutritionist at
Slimming World, recommends having
a way to keep tabs on your choices.
‘Rather than guessing the Syn values of
any food you’ve bought on the go, having
the Slimming World app or your Food
Optimising book to hand will make it easier
to make great choices for your weight loss.’
Get geared up
Be prepared with a pack-up and you’ll
beat the high Syn snack temptations as
well as the traffic!
• Fill a cool bag with veg sticks and fresh
fruit (chop up large fruits into snackable
chunks or wedges). As they’re Free Foods,
you won’t need to keep track of how much
you’re having – and many of them are
super-slimming Speed Free Foods, too.
•
Healthy Extras like Slimming World
Hi-fi bars (available to group and online
members), individual snacking cheeses
and measured-out portions of nuts make
tasty and satisfying snacks. Take a look
on the Slimming World members’ app to
find out which of your favourites count
as a Healthy Extra.
• As well as lots of lovely Food Optimising
options for you, pack enough food for
everyone else in the car. That way you can
avoid buying eye-wateringly expensive
service station snacks for them, too.
KEEP YOUR SLIMMING COOL
With a cool bag and ice packs, or even an electric cool box powered from your car’s 12v accessory socket, you can keep
these meals and snacks fresh and ready to eat over longer journeys, too
• OVERNIGHT OATS This
breakfast can be made in a
transportable pot the night
before, ready to grab and
go. Mix your Healthy Extra
oats with fat-free natural
yogurt and frozen or fresh
fruit, then leave in the
fridge overnight.
• PASTA OR RICE SALADS These
are easy, filling and perfect for packing
with Speed Free Food. Take fat-free
vinaigrette in a separate container and
dress your salad just before you eat to
stop anything going soggy!
24 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
•
SIMPLE SARNIES Check the
Slimming World members’ app if
you’re not sure of your Healthy Extra
wholemeal bread options – you’ll find
types of sliced bread, rolls, wraps
and pittas, and there are lots of ideas
for Food Optimising fillings on the
members’ website and app, too.
• PICKY PLATES OR BOXES
Fill a lunch box with
slices of lean cooked
meat, Healthy Extra
portions of
cheese, veg
sticks (with
a pot of homemade dip if you like),
Healthy Extra pitta bread fingers or
homemade baked pitta chips, crunchy
pickles and chopped fresh fruit. Bentostyle lunch boxes with separate
compartments are perfect for this.
•
TRIPLE-DIP POTS Make
three of your favourite
Slimming World dips, then
layer them up in a jam jar.
Pack up plenty of veg
sticks in a separate
container and then dip
them through all three
flavours at once. Yum!
fresh ideas
Bypass the
drive-through...
…and take your car picnic up a level
with these cook-ahead eats
•
ROAST-VEG EGG MUFFINS Chop
and roast any veg you have hanging around
(courgettes, sweet potato, squash and
peppers all work well), then divide between
muffin cases. Mix beaten eggs with a little
paprika, pour over the veg and bake at
200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6 for 20-25 minutes.
Leave to cool, then chill in the fridge.
• SAMOSA ROLLS Boil potatoes and
cauliflower florets until tender, adding
frozen peas for the last 2 minutes. Drain
and mash with some curry powder*, fat-free
natural yogurt and a little crushed garlic,
then leave to cool. Cut a sheet of filo pastry
into quarters, then spoon on the filling and
roll up into ‘cigars’. Spray with low-calorie
cooking spray and bake at 180°C/fan
160°C/gas 4 for 20-25 minutes. Leave to
cool, then chill in the fridge – 1½ Syns each.
ON-PLAN PIT STOP
‘If you do need to stop off for supplies on the way, you can still carry on
Food Optimising!’ says Rhianne Sambrook. Here are some of her favourite
slimming-friendly service station buys
• SALAD POTS The dressing tends
to be where all the Syns are, so either
skip it or bring your own fat-free
vinaigrette to use instead.
• LEAN COOKED MEAT OR
SHELLFISH Bulk up your salad with
packs of skinless chicken breast,
wafer-thin ham or cooked prawns – all
good sources of protein to keep you
feeling fuller for longer.
• SUSHI PACKS
Another lower Syn
option you’ll find on
the road, and these can
be teamed with cooked lean
meat or prawns as well.
• TOMATOEY PASTA TUBS
Although these will carry
a Syn value, which you can
check on the Slimming World
members’ app using the barcode
scanner, they’ll be much lower
than their creamy cousins!
• PROTEIN POTS Usually
hard-boiled eggs with some leafy
greens. They make a satisfying Free
Food snack, or can add extra filling
power to a salad that might not feel
hearty enough in itself.
• FALAFELS Blitz a drained and rinsed
can of chickpeas with crushed garlic, some
ground cumin and coriander, grated carrot
and sliced spring onions, then roll into
balls. Spray with low-calorie cooking spray
and bake at 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4 for
25-30 minutes. Leave to cool, then chill
in the fridge. Pack up with a little pot of
homemade herby yogurt dip, if you like.
Turn up the heat
Find the fun!
Vacuum flasks aren’t just for coffee.
Wide-necked ones that keep food hot for
hours can be used for anything from soups
and stews to pastas and curries – super
handy if you’ve got leftovers from dinner
you need to use up before you go away.
So, you’ve got a plan in place for avoiding
any bumps in your personal weight
loss road, now if only it was as easy
to keep the peace in the back of the
car… Keep everyone entertained with
these top family travel tips
• FOLLOW TRADITION If your usual
family treat on a long drive is to eat out
along the way, there’s no need for anyone
to miss out. What can help is to stick to
big-name eateries as most have their
menus online, making it easy to choose
the most weight loss-friendly option in
advance, rather than making a snap
decision when you’re tired and hungry.
If you’re not the one driving, bring up
the website on your phone while you’re
travelling – you’ll be amazed how much
time you can pass discussing what
you’re all going to order!
• PERSONALISE TREATS Instead of
one big family pick ’n’ mix bag, make little
individual bags for everyone and label
them up. You’ll know exactly how many
Syns yours contains and the kids will love
having their very own portions that they
don’t have to share.
*SEE COOK’S NOTES ON P39
• KEEP KIDS BUSY Have some non-foodrelated tricks up your sleeve for keeping
little ones in the back occupied. Fill
colourful zip bags with mini hand-held
games or finger puppets, sticker books and
lists of things to spot out of the window.
Less boredom snacking, more happy
memories of their childhood car journeys!
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 25
Leanne’s
loving
life!
After losing 7st 7lbs,
Leanne Hemming is
done with sitting on the
sidelines – now, feeling
confident and buzzing
with energy, she’s finally
got her va-va-voom back!
answered the phone, and as I listened to the friendly voice
on the other end of the line, my eyes filled with happy tears –
it was someone from Slimming World, telling me I’d been
crowned Miss Slinky 2024! Although I’d put myself forward
I
for the competition after being voted my group’s Miss Slinky,
I wasn’t prepared at all for the news that I’d actually won.
They explained what the award entailed, and I could barely
speak. It was difficult to take everything in, but I heard the
words ‘keep it secret’, ‘press launch’, ‘photos’ and ‘video’.
It all sounded so glamorous, and not at all what I was used to.
Within weeks I was whisked from Cornwall and treated like a VIP,
picking out clothes for a photoshoot, with the help of a lovely
fashion stylist. There was a whole rail of outfits that, just a year
earlier, I wouldn’t have looked at twice, knowing they wouldn’t
look right on me. Now I was spoilt for choice and fell in love with
everything – so much so that I was relieved that the stylist was
there to decide! As I slipped into a sexy pink dress, I felt like
I was 21 again. ‘I’m ready to go clubbing after this,’ I laughed.
It was a day I’ll never forget, and the first time it really hit home
just how much confidence losing 7½st had given me.
When I looked back at how I’d gained the weight, I could see
clearly how it was all tied up in grief, and that I’d been turning
to food for solace that it could never really give me. I was in >
26 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
real-life cover star
Meet Leanne
Leanne Hemming, 40, is
Slimming World’s Miss
Slinky 2024. She lives in
Canonstown, Cornwall,
with her husband, James,
and their sons, Hugo, 11,
and Elliott, nine
Height: 5ft 9ins
Starting weight: 18st 2lbs
Weight now: 10st 9lbs
WEIGHT LOST:
7st 7lbs
Leanne is a target member of
Susie Tait’s Slimming World group
in Leedstown, Cornwall
BEFORE
I had no
idea how to
change the
habits of the
last 15 years
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 27
“My confidence
is soaring,
and my mindset
has changed so
that, every day,
I want to be
the very best
that I can be”
real-life cover star
my early 20s when my mum fell ill
and experiences to mine. My only slight
with cancer. Food quickly became
reservation was about the Slimming
my comfort blanket – a welcome
World plan. Would it really work for
distraction from my worries and fears,
me? Being vegetarian, and having
if only for a very short time. Falling in
a big appetite, I was worried that any
love and getting married helped to
eating plan would rule out all the foods
ease the pain of losing her. Then, after
I loved. But it was as if my Consultant,
just a few years of happiness together,
Susie, could read my mind – every
my husband was diagnosed with
doubt I had was quickly dispelled as
a highly aggressive cancer and died
she chatted about Food Optimising in
nine months later. Eating was the only
the new-member talk. Yes, it was easy to
way I knew to stifle my grief. In time,
adapt to any requirements, including
I met James and we had two wonderful
vegetarianism, and I could enjoy the same
boys together – Elliott and Hugo.
kinds of meals I already loved – just with
I loved being a mum, and I was just
some easy swaps and healthier cooking
too busy juggling work and family to
techniques. Chatting to one of the other
think about what I was eating…and
members later, I picked up an invaluable
then food went from a comfort to
tip. ‘If your kitchen is ready, it’s so much
a way of celebrating our domestic
easier,’ she said. ‘I found it helped to get
bliss! Together, James and I would
rid of anything that might sabotage my
enjoy pizzas and croissants, and
efforts.’ I knew that not being surrounded
BEFORE
make lots of fresh bread in our bread
by things I’d been overeating would make
As I got
maker. We’d go through a whole loaf between us
my new plans so much easier to stick to, so I emptied
bigger, my
just chatting in the kitchen after a busy day, barely
out my cupboards of the chocolate, crisps and
self-esteem
noticing how many buttered slices we were eating.
snacks I knew would hold me back – I even sold our
fell to an
The bigger I got, the more pains I’d get in my knees
bread maker! It felt like a fresh start, and it sent my
all-time low
and lower back. Sometimes I had dizzy spells and
motivation levels through the roof.
can remember saying to James at least once: ‘I’m
sure this is my body not coping with my weight.’ I’d also started
Back at home, browsing the recipes on the Slimming World
to feel so embarrassed about the way I looked, it had stopped
website, I found myself feeling sceptical again. Lots of the
me wanting to be intimate with him. With my self-esteem at an
supposed weight loss-friendly meals looked similar to what
all-time low, I had no idea how to start changing the habits of
I was eating already. Vegetarian sausages, chips and roast
the last 15 years, to lose the weight and feel like myself again.
dinners didn’t sound like they were going to help me slim! But
with Susie’s help, I soon learnt that it was a case of choosing
It all came to a head at my aunt’s 60th birthday party – a lovely
products like Free or low Syn veggie sausages, cooking them
family day at the beach. All my relatives were there, with the
differently – by frying in low-calorie cooking spray rather than
children splashing in the sea, playing games on the sand and
oil – and filling at least a third of my plate with Speed Free Food.
dragging the adults over to join in the fun. All except me. I was
And with the tips I got from the other group members, I was
left sitting on my own feeling miserable, until my cousin Emily
never short of ideas or inspiration. I stuck to the eating plan,
walked over to say hello. ‘OMG, Emily,’ I said. ‘Have you lost
until cooking in a healthier way became the norm – and
weight?’ ‘Yes, 2st!’ she said. She looked great, so I wasn’t leaving
I noticed the whole family benefiting from it, too. James lost
it there. ‘How did you do it?’ I asked. ‘I’m a member of Slimming
a few pounds simply by eating the same meals as me – from my
World,’ she said, ‘so I’ve been eating healthily and being more
sweet potato and spinach curry with plain tofu to my all-time
active.’ Seeing Emily confidently socialising, I found myself
favourite Quorn roast chicken with all the trimmings – all Free.
in a bit of a grump, and I soon pinpointed the emotion I was
And the boys learnt first-hand what a healthy diet looked like.
feeling: envy. Knowing Emily hadn’t been happy with her weight
While I was thrilled to see my weight come down at group week
had always made me feel less alone, and now it was like she’d
by week, even better was the knowledge that my new way of life
moved onwards and upwards and left me solo! Watching my boys
was helping all of us become healthier.
playing in the sea, surrounded by other members of the family,
I wished I was the kind of mum who’d feel confident joining them
My confidence soaring, I decided to start including more activity
for a splash about. I suddenly realised I didn’t want to spend one
in my week by using the Body Magic physical activity support
more day feeling this way. I’d already been researching ways to
programme as my guide. I started at a comfortable level for me
lose weight and seen lots of different options, but now I knew
by signing up to a yoga class. It was slow and relatively gentle, but
exactly which one I wanted to do: the same one as Emily. I didn’t
it certainly got me moving…and made me sweat! Then came my
tell anyone except James, because I felt embarrassed about
first fitness game-changer: we welcomed a new family member –
needing help to lose weight. But the very next evening, I went
our Dalmatian puppy, Margot. Walking her on the beach every
along to my first Slimming World group.
day was a brilliant way to start making movement a daily habit.
I also started pushing myself to engage in family activities, like
football at the park and challenging bike rides, which I’d always
Within 10 seconds of walking into the room, I knew I’d
sat out before. After I’d lost 2st, the other mums in the school
made the right choice and that this was exactly the kind
playground began to notice, and when I finally caved in and
of help I needed. The other members were so friendly
explained it was all down to Slimming World, some even >
and talkative, and I realised they all had similar stories
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 29
real-life cover star
joined with me. Then, one day, my friend Eva suggested I go to
the gym with her. ‘No way!’ I said, but she persisted. ‘I’ll be with
you, you’ll be fine!’ I started slowly, using the exercise bike and
other basic equipment. I committed to two days a week in the
beginning, but that quickly grew to five. A few of us mums would
go straight to the gym after the school run – it proved to be
really addictive! As the months passed, I lost stone after stone.
I was now feeling full of life and had the energy to keep up with
my boys at the beach. We had so much fun, and I felt like I was
radiating a more positive energy that was rubbing off on them,
too – I think it made us all more active as a family.
Weight loss was changing every part of my life, filling me with
confidence – even in the bedroom! When I was about halfway
to target, I started noticing James looking at me and then down
at his own tummy. He’d already lost some weight by eating the
same meals as me, but I reckon he was also thinking, flipping
heck, I don’t want to be left behind – because, around that
time, he started exercising, too. Soon he was going for walks
at the weekend, and as he became more toned and fit, it was
pretty darn sexy! Both of us were happier in our own skin
than we’d been in years, and let’s just say it made the feelings
return for both of us. It was as if we’d turned back the clock,
and now I felt myself lusting after him like I’d done when we
first met. On my 40th birthday last year, I had my hair and
make-up done, and I was wearing quite a low-cut dress. James
looked over at me and the glint in his eyes said it all. He’d got
dressed up, too, and we whispered to each other that we felt
like skipping the celebrations and ripping each other’s clothes
off. So later that night, we did!
LEANNE WEARS
p27: Dress, Adrianna
Papell at John
Lewis & Partners.
Shoes, Chi Chi
London. Earrings
and bangles,
all Caroline
Svedbom Jewelry
p28: Jumpsuit,
Karen Millen.
Shoes, LK Bennett
London. Earrings,
Sif Jakobs Jewellery.
Ring, Ananya
Right: Dress,
Adrianna Papell
at John Lewis &
Partners. Shoes,
Next. Earrings,
Caroline Svedbom
Jewelry. Bracelet,
Olivia Burton
London. Cuff
bracelet,
Thomas Sabo
30 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
BEFORE
I’d sit on
the sidelines
at family
gatherings
weird to think how secretive
I was about it in the beginning.
Late last year, just over two years
after I’d joined, I reached my
target weight of 10st 9lbs and
it was an amazing moment. Only
eclipsed a few weeks later when
I got the phone call telling me
I’d won the national Miss Slinky
competition. I’m so excited to
have the opportunity to tell even
more people just how amazing
my weight loss journey has been,
and to inspire others to discover
a healthier new lifestyle of
their own. You can’t stop me
talking about Food Optimising
and Body Magic because
I wholeheartedly believe that
they’ve changed my life for the
better. Now, far from being the
mum who sits on the sidelines
while the boys are playing on
the sand, I can get involved
in everything they do, and we
spend lots of time together on
bikes and scooters racing along
the seafront. My mindset has
changed so that, every day, I want
to be the very best I can be. I’m
not only excited about the year
ahead, I’m excited for forever.
INTERVIEW: ADAM CARPENTER. PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: RACHEL FANCONI
HAIR & MAKE-UP: ALICE THEOBALD. SEE P119 FOR STOCKISTS
I’ve gone from telling nobody that I was going to a Slimming World
group to explaining Food Optimising to anyone who’ll listen! It’s
magic moments
‘I’m taking
to the water
at last’
Losing weight gave Catriona McKillop
the confidence to try the things she’d
always wanted to do, starting with the
activity at the top of her list…
Catriona, 61, is a specialist tutor. She lives
in Glasgow with her husband, Keith, and
they have two grown-up children. Catriona
is 5ft tall and weighs 11st 13lbs, having lost
2st 4lbs at Christopher Johnston’s Slimming
World group in Stepps, Lanarkshire
32 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Ticking
off the first
item on
my bucket
list felt
amazing
up the courage to walk through the doors
of Chris’s Slimming World group.
I’d been a member before, and my
friend, Lorna, had lost over 3st following
the plan, so I knew it worked. I was so
quiet and sad those first few weeks, but
my Consultant, Chris, was like a tonic –
he knew just what to say and in a way that
made me feel valued. It didn’t take long
for me to open up and to feel flashes of
the old Catriona coming back…
When I turned 60, I’d made a bucket
list of 60 things I wanted to do, but because
of my health they hadn’t seemed possible.
Top of the list had been paddleboarding,
and after losing 1½st I finally had the
confidence to give it a go. And it turned out
I was a natural! I enjoyed it so much I asked
Keith if I could have a paddleboard for my
birthday. We’d booked the trip to Arran for
the occasion – one of my favourite places –
and it was the perfect opportunity for my
maiden voyage. For a while, due to the
weather, I thought I wasn’t going to get
my chance. Then the skies brightened
and a beautiful rainbow appeared. It felt
like a sign and I couldn’t stop smiling.
Since then, I’ve lost a further 11lbs, as
well as a total of 11 inches off my waist –
and I’ve had that much-needed operation.
It all went smoothly and so much pressure
has come off my joints that I don’t need
surgery on the other knee. I no longer sit
on sidelines on family holidays, and on
a recent visit to London I even climbed
528 steps to the top of St Paul’s Cathedral.
I’m able to do things I love, and the old,
feisty, full-of-life Catriona has returned!
Have you caught a weight loss magic moment on camera in the last year?
We’d love to hear about it! Email us at editorial@slimmingworld.co.uk
THE HEALTH INFORMATION IN THIS STORY IS BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND
SHOULD NOT BE USED TO REPLACE THE ADVICE GIVEN BY YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
PICTURE FRAME: GETTY IMAGES
Bobbing on the waves off the coast of
the Isle of Arran, I’d never felt so at peace
with myself. It was my 61st birthday and
it had been a stormy October morning,
but magically the clouds had lifted long
enough for me to achieve my dream of
paddleboarding in the sea.
If you’d told me eight months earlier
this was how I’d be celebrating my special
day, I wouldn’t have believed you. As well
as recovering from long Covid, problems
with my knee meant I’d kept having falls.
Eventually, an X-ray revealed that the
cartilage had worn away and I needed
surgery, so I went into hospital for a pre-op
assessment. ‘Shall I take off my shoes?’
I asked when the nurse guided me towards
the scales to check my weight. ‘That’ll
make no difference at your size, hen!’ she
said. I could have died of embarrassment,
and back at home, I turned to food for
comfort. Then, when the call for my
operation didn’t come, I didn’t bother
to follow it up...
I found myself struggling to leave the
house and my mental health hit an all-time
low. I joined a sewing class to try to cheer
myself up, but by that point I was walking
with sticks, so even that was just too
difficult. Then, on holiday in Mull in July
2022, I was left behind while my husband,
Keith, and our family went out hiking.
I knew I wanted to make a change, but
it wasn’t until March 2023 that I plucked
your
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with
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O
CH
POT!
CHOC
find CAR
AMEL
SYRUP a
t ALDI...
while sto
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made by the animals in a secret forest for all the family...
f ind me in
selected stores
Get 15% off when you buy directly
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Scan the QR code or use code SW224 at the Sweet Freedom online
checkout for this exclusive discount. Offer valid until 31st May 2024.
For more info, news, chat and recipe inspiration hop over to our website or join us on social
Left to right: with Grandma
Barbara on my wedding
day; then with my husband,
Kunal, and our daughter,
Bells, after losing weight;
and with my motherin-law, Shashi
‘Recipes from my
grandma’s kitchen’
When Alex Mahapatra started her weight loss journey, little did she realise
that she’d fall back in love with the Polish dishes of her childhood
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHS: MAJA SMEND
Alex, 32, is a digital marketing manager.
She lives in Spalding, Lincolnshire, with
her husband, Kunal, and their two-yearold daughter, Bells. Alex has lost 4st
2½lbs at Debbie Halsey’s Slimming
World group in Spalding
re you having a good time?’
my mum, Edyta, asked over
the phone. ‘The best!’ I said.
‘In fact, could you send over
more of my clothes? I’ve
decided to stay a bit longer.’
It was 2012 and I was visiting friends
in the UK for what was supposed to
be just a couple of weeks. Then, one
evening, I’d got chatting to a lovely guy
called Kunal. We’d met up again the
next day, then the next, and the day
after that... To cut a long story short,
I never went home!
Home was a small town near Krakow
in southern Poland, where I grew up in
a close-knit family. Mum was only 16
when I was born, and my grandparents,
‘A
34 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Barbara and Zdzislaw, rallied round.
I spent a lot of time with them, especially
later on when Mum was studying at
medical school. Food and cooking were
a big part of our lives, and even when
I was tiny I loved being in the kitchen
with my grandmother, watching her
make amazing meals using traditional
Polish ingredients.
When I moved to the UK, I didn’t
just find a husband – I discovered
a whole new world of takeaways, too!
Suddenly, I was surrounded by cheap
and plentiful fast food that just hadn’t
been available in Poland. Over the years
my waistline paid the price, and I joined
and left Slimming World several times.
My head was never in the right place and
I hardly ever stayed for IMAGE Therapy
and the group support. Life was busy –
after three years of marriage, our
daughter, Bells, arrived in August 2021,
and almost before I knew it, it was
December 2022 and I was celebrating
my 30th birthday. On New Year’s Day,
I settled down to scroll through the
photographs from my party and our
cosy family Christmas... Yet far from
reliving good times, all I could see
was how much weight I’d gained. My
pregnancy had been classed as high
risk and I’d also been diagnosed with
high blood pressure, but it was only
now that it properly dawned on me
that I was putting my health at risk.
‘I can’t just ignore this,’ I said to
Kunal, when he found me standing
on our bathroom scales, the numbers
16st 1lb flashing up on the display. ‘I owe
it to Bells to make sure I’m the fittest
and healthiest mum I can be.’ At first,
I tried Food Optimising on my own,
using the Slimming World books from
when I’d been a member before. Over
the next six weeks I managed to lose just
over a stone, but it became abundantly
clear to me that I was missing something
crucial: support from other slimmers.
From the moment I joined Debbie’s
group in February 2023, there was no >
made with love
Slow cooker beef &
paprika stew, and
potato pancakes,
recipes p36
When I looked
at photographs,
all I could
see was how
much weight
I’d gained
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 35
made with love
36 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
(if served without the pancakes)
READY IN 4 hours 30 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1kg lean stewing steak, visible fat
removed, cut into 3cm chunks
500ml beef stock
2 large onions, sliced
2 carrots, halved lengthways and sliced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
1 jar of roasted red peppers in brine,
drained and sliced
1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
400g can chopped tomatoes
600g green beans, trimmed
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves chopped
1 Spray a large, non-stick frying pan with
cooking spray and put over a medium-high
heat. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes in
batches (it’s best not to overcrowd the pan)
until browned, then add to your slow cooker.
2 Swirl the empty frying pan with a splash of
the stock, then add to the slow cooker. Wipe
out the pan, spray again with cooking spray
and put over a medium heat. Fry the onions
and carrots for 4-5 minutes until lightly
golden. Add the garlic and paprika, fry for
2 minutes, then tip into the slow cooker.
3 Add the peppers, bay leaf, tomatoes and
the rest of the stock to the slow cooker, and
cook on high for 4 hours, or until the beef is
really tender. After 2 hours, give the stew a
stir and add a splash of water if it’s looking
a bit too thick. When it’s almost ready, boil
the beans for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
4 Season the stew to taste, then divide
between 4 plates, discarding the bay leaf.
Scatter with the parsley, then serve with the
beans and potato pancakes (recipe, right).
Grandma’s potato
pancakes
EVERYDAY EASY
MAKES 12
READY IN 35 minutes
500g floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper
or King Edward, peeled and finely grated
1 medium egg, beaten
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 A few handfuls at a time, wrap the
potato in a clean tea towel and squeeze
out as much moisture as you can. Tip into
a bowl, then mix with the egg and season.
2 Spray a large, non-stick frying pan with
cooking spray and put over a medium heat.
Add 2-3 tbsp of the mixture per pancake
(the mix will make 12 pancakes in total)
and flatten down each one to about 8-10cm
wide. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until
crisp and golden – you’ll need to do this in
batches, moving the cooked pancakes to
a plate and covering with foil to keep warm.
Serve with the beef stew (recipe, left).
FOOD STYLING: NICOLA ROBERTS. PROP STYLING: DAVINA PERKINS
looking back. This time, I promised
myself that I’d stay to group whatever
had happened that week – even when
I came back from holiday with a 9lb
gain! I loved the sense of community,
and as a busy working mum it was
a great way to enjoy a bit of me-time,
too. Plus, something else wonderful had
happened... After spending my life in
the UK relying on takeaways and ready
meals most of the time, I’d fallen in
love with cooking again.
One of my favourite things about
Food Optimising was that I could adapt
the recipes I grew up with to make them
slimming friendly. It wasn’t long before
I became famous in my group for the
dishes I brought to the tasting sessions.
My slow cooker beef and paprika stew
always went down a storm, and at home
Kunal loved my low Syn spin on chicken
and pork schnitzels.
The really lovely thing was that
cooking connected me with my
husband’s family as well as my own.
Kunal’s parents, Naba and Shashi, had
moved into the annexe next door to us,
so I normally cooked for us all. I loved
making their traditional Indian dishes,
like butter chicken, and adapting them
to Food Optimising so no one ever felt
they were missing out on anything.
Kunal’s dad even bravely claimed my
food was better than Shashi’s!
Grandma Barbara’s potato pancakes
will always be my favourite recipe,
though. When I’m feeling nostalgic or
missing home, they immediately make
me feel like I’m back in her kitchen.
I phone her every day, sharing recipes
and giving her tips on how to cook
things in a healthier way. Which reminds
me, it’s time to give her a call…
Alex’s slow cooker
beef & paprika stew
READER COMPETITION
WIN!
A travel gift card
worth £2,500
Hello summer holiday!
To celebrate Halo Top’s brand-new ice cream flavour, enter our competition
for your chance to win £2,500 towards your dream getaway
How to enter
fter a wet and stormy winter, we’re
more than ready to start looking
forward to the joys that summer will
bring. Like going on that longed-for
holiday…and the weather being warm enough
to enjoy a scoop or two of ice cream!
Halo Top ice cream is made with real
cream, and with a range of delicious low Syn
flavours, there’s a tub to satisfy every sweet
tooth. And this season, the newest Halo Top on
the block is out! Honeycomb Crunch is a combo
of smooth honeycomb-flavour ice cream and
milk chocolate-covered honeycomb pieces that
makes for a dreamy slimming-friendly treat.
And to top it all, Halo Top is giving one
lucky Slimming World Magazine reader the
chance to win a £2,500 travel gift card
towards their getaway in the sun. So here’s
to making it a summer to remember!
A
Halo Top ice cream tubs are available in
most major supermarkets, £5.40/€6.49
RRP for a 460ml tub. The range includes
Gooey Brownie and Sea Salt Caramel,
both 3 Syns per 50g; and Chocolate Chip
Cookie Dough, Honeycomb Crunch and
Peanut Butter Cup, all 3½ Syns per 50g.
For more information, visit halotop.uk
Slimming World, Syn and Syns are registered
trademarks of Miles-Bramwell Executive
Services Ltd trading as Slimming World.
Prize details
● One lucky winner will receive
a travel gift card worth £2,500,
which can be used as full or part
payment for overseas travel
● Ten runners-up will each
receive a £20 Halo Top
voucher to use in store
Prize redemptions are subject to
availability and restrictions apply.
Winner and runners-up must be aged
18 or over. Open to UK and Republic
of Ireland residents only.
No purchase necessary. For
full competition terms and
conditions, see p120.
For your chance to win,
answer the following question:
how many Syns are there in
a 50g serving of Halo Top’s
Honeycomb Crunch?
Name
Address
Postcode
Email
Daytime tel
Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/
magcomps to enter online no
later than 23 May 2024.
Alternatively, send your entry form
to Halo Top Competition, Slimming
World Magazine, Clover Nook Road,
Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW, to
arrive no later than 23 May 2024.
DATA PROTECTION: by entering the competition,
all entrants consent to the use of their personal data
by Slimming World and Brand of Brothers Ltd for the
purpose of the administration of this competition.
The winners’ names and counties will be published in
the October 2024 issue of Slimming World Magazine.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 37
SKIMMED
MILK
TASTES
LiKE
*Comparative test results with 208 consumers of semi-skimmed milk.
SEMi
EAT, love&lose
DISCOVER A WORLD OF FRESH, FILLING FOOD THAT’S DELICIOUSLY SLIMMING
Look out for these
symbols on our recipes:
Free when Food
Optimising
Extra Easy SP recipe
Suitable for vegetarians
Suitable for vegans
Suitable for freezing
for up to 1 month
COOK’S NOTES
● When cooking with
PHOTOGRAPH: SAM FOLAN. RECIPE & FOOD STYLING:
LIZZIE KAMENETZKY. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
shop-bought spice mixes or
blends, choose brands without
Synned ingredients such as
sugar, flour and oil. Otherwise,
count ½ Syn per level tsp
or 1½ Syns per level tbsp
● When using low-calorie
cooking spray in our recipes,
choose brands with one calorie
or less per spray as they’re Syn
Free. See page 6 for a complete
list of recipes and Syn values.
For an introduction to Food
Optimising, turn to page 56
WHAT’S COOKING?
Share your photos
of this issue’s recipes
on social media:
#SWMagazineMakes
Citrus jelly
terrine,
recipe p86
127
brilliant recipes,
ideas & tips in
this issue
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 39
40 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
good times
THE
ULTIMATE
A FIESTA
of
FLAVOURS
Enchiladas, tacos, salsa, chilli…we’re heading to the border of
Texas and Mexico for these fiery and zingy dishes – arriba!
PHOTOGRAPHS: GARETH MORGANS
With aromatic spices
and punchy fresh
herbs, these dips will
get your taste buds
tingling ready for
the main event
good times
STARTERS
Black bean,
chilli & mint dip
EVERYDAY EASY
Pick your favourite starters, main & sides
SERVES 4
READY IN 20 minutes, plus cooling
Black bean, chilli & mint dip
Low-calorie cooking spray
½ red onion, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp ground cumin
½ red chilli (deseeded if you prefer less heat),
sliced, plus a little extra finely chopped to serve
400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
10g fresh mint, leaves picked and finely sliced
Charred spring onion & chive dip
1 Spray a non-stick saucepan with cooking
spray and put over a medium heat. Fry the
onion for 5 minutes until starting to soften,
stirring often. Add the garlic, cumin and chilli
with a splash of water, and fry for 2 minutes.
Low & slow chilli con carne
2 Add the beans along with 200ml water.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes
until the water has almost completely
disappeared. Season, stir in most of the
mint, then blitz in a food processor until
smooth but with some texture.
Tomato salsa
Chicken enchiladas
Smoky chipotle aubergines
with pink pickled onions
Carnitas tacos with pineapple salsa & black beans
3 Check the seasoning, leave to cool until
just warm, then put the dip in a serving
bowl. Scatter with the extra chilli and the
rest of the mint. Serve with your favourite
veg, cut into batons or strips.
Corn with lime & cheese
MAKE AHEAD: you can prep this up to
24 hours beforehand, then cool and chill.
Bring back to room temperature and
scatter over the extra chilli and the rest
of the mint just before serving
Refried beans
Mexican rice
Sweet potato fries
with mint & garlic yogurt
Tomato salsa
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
READY IN 15 minutes
½ red onion, finely diced
2 tsp red wine vinegar
450g ripe tomatoes, deseeded and diced
30g fresh coriander, leaves chopped
Charred spring onion & chive dip
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
1 Put the onion and vinegar in a bowl,
season with a little salt and toss to coat.
Leave for 10 minutes to lightly pickle.
2 Stir through the rest of the ingredients
and season to taste. Serve straight away, and
spoon into chicory leaves or celery sticks.
MAKE AHEAD: you can prep this up to
6 hours beforehand. Mix all the ingredients,
without the salt, then chill. Bring to room
temperature and season just before serving
READY IN 30 minutes
1 bunch of spring onions, ends trimmed
25g fresh chives, finely chopped,
plus extra to serve
200g fat-free natural Greek yogurt
1 Put a large, non-stick frying pan over
a high heat. When it’s hot, add the whole
spring onions and cook for around
15 minutes, turning occasionally, until
they’re almost completely charred and
floppy – they should look burnt.
2 Once they’re charred all over, take them
out of the pan and chop finely. Mix with the
chives and yogurt, season and leave for 10
minutes for the flavours to mingle. Serve with
your favourite veg, cut into batons or strips.
MAKE AHEAD: you can prep this up to
12 hours beforehand. Mix all the ingredients,
without the salt, then chill. Bring to room
temperature and season just before serving
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 43
MAINS
Low & slow chilli con carne
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
(chilli only)
READY IN 3 hours 30 minutes
1 onion, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1kg lean stewing beef chunks,
visible fat removed
2 red peppers, deseeded and chopped
1 tsp chipotle chilli flakes
400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves, fresh or dried
¼ tsp ground allspice
1 beef stock cube, crumbled
TO SERVE
250g dried long-grain rice
4 radishes, diced
½ onion, diced
5g sprigs of fresh coriander
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 Preheat your oven to 170°C/fan 150°C/
gas 3½. Add all the chilli ingredients from
the onion to the beef stock cube to a large,
lidded, flameproof casserole dish. Pour in
800ml water and season. Put over a high
heat, stir and bring to a simmer, then skim
off the brown foam that forms on top.
Cover and put the dish in the oven. Cook
for 3 hours until the beef is completely
tender when cut with a spoon.
2 Once the beef is done, put the casserole
dish back on the hob over a medium heat
and bring to a simmer. Leave the sauce to
reduce for 5-10 minutes until it’s the right
consistency for you. Meanwhile, cook the
rice following the pack instructions, and
drain. Divide the rice and chilli between
4 bowls. Scatter over the radishes, onion
and coriander, and serve with lime wedges.
BONUS
MEAL
Any leftovers can be
saved for another day –
either freeze, or chill
in the fridge for
up to 3 days
good times
Chicken enchiladas
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 12½
Deduct 6½ Syns if using the tortilla as a Healthy Extra
Deduct 6 Syns if using the Cheddar as a Healthy Extra
READY IN 1 hour 10 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 onion, finely sliced
3 peppers (mixed colours), deseeded and sliced
4 skinless and boneless chicken thighs, visible
fat removed, sliced
2 tsp fajita seasoning (see Cook’s notes on p39)
Salad leaves, to serve
FOR THE SAUCE
680g jar passata
2 garlic cloves, crushed
FOR THE ENCHILADAS
4 x 40g Asda Wholemeal Tortillas (from an 8 pack)
120g Cheddar, grated
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/
gas 6. Spray a large, non-stick frying pan
with cooking spray and put over a mediumhigh heat. Fry the onion and peppers for
5-6 minutes until lightly coloured and
softening. Add the chicken and stir-fry
for 10 minutes, then stir through the fajita
seasoning and fry for 3 more minutes.
2 While the chicken is cooking, put the
passata and garlic in a saucepan, season
and put over a medium heat. Bring to a
simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring
often, until reduced and thickened.
3 Once the chicken and sauce are
ready, take them off the heat. Char the
tortillas for 30-40 seconds on each side
in a hot non-stick frying pan. Wrap them
in a clean tea towel as you cook them
to keep them soft.
4 To assemble, spread a third of the sauce
in the base of a medium baking dish. Place
a tortilla on a clean chopping board and add
a quarter of the filling in a column down
the middle, leaving a couple of centimetres
at the top and bottom. Fold the top and
bottom over the filling, then wrap the sides
over the top. Put it in the dish, fold-side
down. Do the same again with the
remaining tortillas and filling – they should
fit snugly in the dish once you’re finished.
5 Spread the remaining sauce over the
top and scatter the cheese evenly over
the sauce. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes
until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Serve 1 enchilada per person with the salad.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 45
good times
Smoky chipotle aubergines
with pink pickled onions
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 2
READY IN 1 hour 20 minutes
1 red onion, finely sliced
4 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 level tsp sugar
Juice of 1 orange
4 aubergines, halved lengthways
4 level tsp chipotle paste
2 tsp tomato purée
Low-calorie cooking spray
4 tbsp plain unsweetened dairy-free soya yogurt
with added calcium, or fat-free natural yogurt
Fresh mint leaves, to serve
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/
gas 6. Mix the onion in a bowl with the
vinegar, sugar and orange juice, and season
with salt. Scrunch together with your
fingers to break down the onion slightly.
Set aside to pickle, and give it a stir every
now and then.
2 Using a sharp knife, score a diamond
pattern into the cut sides of the aubergines.
Mix the chipotle paste and tomato purée
with 2 tsp water, then rub an eighth of the
mixture into each one. Spray with cooking
spray, put on a non-stick baking tray and
bake for 45 minutes. After this time, cover
the tray tightly with foil and put back in
the oven for a further 20 minutes.
3 Once the onion is soft and floppy,
squeeze out all the excess moisture and
throw it away. Serve 2 aubergine halves
per person, drizzled with yogurt, topped
with a quarter of the pickled onion and
scattered with mint leaves.
46 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Carnitas tacos with pineapple salsa & black beans
A LITTLE EFFORT
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 3½
READY IN 3 hours 30 minutes
FOR THE CARNITAS
Low-calorie cooking spray
900g pork shoulder, rind and visible fat
removed, or 700g pork shoulder steaks,
visible fat removed, cut into 4cm pieces
Zest of 1 orange, juice of ½
1 tsp dried oregano
1 onion, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
500ml chicken stock, made with ½ stock cube
FOR THE SALSA
250g fresh pineapple flesh, finely diced
50g fresh coriander, leaves finely chopped
½ red onion, finely diced
1 fresh jalapeño or green chilli (deseeded
if you prefer less heat), finely chopped
Juice of 1 or 2 limes, to taste
TO SERVE
4 crunchy taco shells
100g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
Green salad leaves and chopped cucumber
1 Preheat your oven to 170°C/fan 150°C/
gas 3½. Spray a non-stick frying pan with
cooking spray and put over a medium-high
heat. Season the pork with a little salt,
then fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until
golden. Move the pork to a bowl and toss
with the orange zest and oregano, making
sure the pork is evenly coated.
2 Put the pan back over a medium heat,
spritz with cooking spray and fry the onion
for 5-6 minutes until softening. Add the
garlic with a splash of water and fry for
2 minutes more, then tip into a medium,
lidded, flameproof casserole dish. Add the
stock and pork, cover and cook in the oven
for 2½-3 hours, turning halfway, until the
pork falls apart when pressed with a fork.
3 While the pork is cooking, make the
pineapple salsa by combining all the
ingredients and seasoning. Set aside for
30 minutes or so to let the flavours mingle.
4 Once the pork is cooked, take it out
of the dish with a slotted spoon, put it
on a plate, then cover tightly with foil.
Put the casserole dish on the hob, bring
to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until
the liquid has reduced by about a third.
Take it off the heat and stir in the orange
juice. Put the pork back into the liquid
and roughly shred with 2 forks. Season
to taste and cover to keep warm.
5 Put the taco shells in the oven for
2 minutes to warm through. Serve
1 shell per person, with some pork,
a quarter of the salsa, a spoonful of
black beans, and the salad leaves
and cucumber.
Carnitas, which means ‘little meats’, is a
pork dish that’s cooked until meltingly
tender, and served as a filling for tacos
SIDES
Corn with
lime & cheese
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 2
READY IN 25 minutes
4 corn on the cob
40g fresh vegetarian Parmesan-style
cheese, grated
1 lime, zested, then sliced into 4 wedges
1 Boil the cobs for 5 minutes. Drain and
leave to steam-dry for 2 minutes. At the
same time, put a non-stick frying pan over
a high heat. Once the pan is smoking-hot,
cook the cobs for 10-15 minutes until charred
in places, then put on a serving plate.
2 Divide the cheese equally over the
cobs. Top with the zest and serve a lime
wedge per cob for squeezing over.
GET
AHEAD
This can be made a day
in advance and chilled,
then reheated with a splash
of water. Or freeze for up
to 1 month, defrost and
reheat thoroughly
Refried beans
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
READY IN 30 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp hot or mild smoked paprika
2 x 400g cans red kidney beans,
drained and rinsed
Juice of 1 lime
1 Spray a non-stick saucepan with cooking
spray and put over a medium heat. Add
the onion and fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring
often. Add the garlic, oregano and spices
along with a splash of water, and fry for
2 minutes more. Add the beans and 500ml
water, and bring to a simmer.
2 Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until
the beans are very soft and starting to break
down. Stir in the lime juice and season to
taste. Leave to cool slightly before serving –
they should be warm rather than piping hot.
good times
Mexican rice
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
READY IN 35 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 onion, finely diced
2 green peppers, deseeded and diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp tomato purée
250g dried long-grain rice, rinsed in
a sieve until the water runs clear
20g fresh chives, finely chopped
1 Spray a large, lidded, non-stick saucepan
with cooking spray and put over a medium
heat. Fry the onion and peppers for 5-6
minutes until starting to soften, stirring
often. Add the garlic and cumin, and fry
for 2 minutes more. Add the tomato purée,
and fry for a further 2 minutes, stirring.
2 Tip the rice into the pan along with
500ml water and bring to a simmer.
Cover, turn down the heat as low as it
will go and cook for 15-20 minutes until
the rice is tender and the water has been
absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and
season. Stir through most of the chives,
then scatter over the rest before serving.
COOK’S
NOTE
Pouring hot water
over the fries before
cooking makes
them extra crisp
and chewy
Sweet potato
fries with mint
& garlic yogurt
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
(if using the soya yogurt)
READY IN 1 hour 10 minutes
RECIPES: REBECCA WOOLLARD. FOOD STYLING: LUCY O’REILLY
PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
1kg sweet potatoes, cut into fries
Low-calorie cooking spray
100g plain unsweetened dairy-free soya yogurt
with added calcium, or fat-free natural yogurt
1 small garlic clove, crushed
10g fresh mint, leaves finely sliced
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/
gas 6. Put the fries in a colander and pour
over a full kettle of just-boiled water. Put
a plate on top of the colander to keep in
the heat and leave for 10 minutes.
2 Spread the fries on a non-stick baking
tray in a single layer (use 2 trays if needed)
and spray with cooking spray. Season and
bake for 50-55 minutes until crisp at the
edges and chewy inside, turning halfway.
3 While they’re cooking, mix the yogurt with
the garlic and most of the mint. Leave for
the flavours to infuse, then scatter with the
rest of the mint just before serving. Once
the fries are ready, serve with the yogurt
for drizzling over.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 49
TAKE
make it tonight!
5
Zesty baked fish & chips
Floury potatoes + lemon + chives + cod fillets + broccoli
COOK’S
NOTE
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
READY IN 50 minutes
1kg floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or
King Edward, peeled and cut into thick chips
1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges
15g fresh chives, finely chopped
4 large skinless and boneless cod fillets
1 large head of broccoli, broken into
bite-size florets and stalk sliced
50 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan
180°C/gas 6. Spread the chips on a
large, non-stick baking tray in a single
layer and spritz with cooking spray.
Season and bake for 40 minutes, or
until crisp and golden, turning halfway.
3 Pat the cod dry with kitchen paper
and pop on a non-stick baking tray.
Add to the oven when the chips have
been cooking for 25 minutes. When the
cod and chips are nearly ready, boil the
broccoli for 3-4 minutes, then drain well.
2 Once the chips are in the oven, put
the lemon zest in a small bowl with
some salt. Use your fingertips to rub the
zest into the salt. Stir in the chives and
plenty of black pepper, then set aside.
4 Scatter the zesty chives over the
cod. Divide the chips, cod and broccoli
between 4 plates, and serve with
the lemon wedges.
PHOTOGRAPH: SAM FOLAN. RECIPE: NICOLA ROBERTS. FOOD STYLING:
LIZZIE KAMENETZKY. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
Low-calorie cooking
spray, salt and pepper
haven’t been counted in
the five ingredients, as
you probably have
them already
Jackets in a Jiffy!
Available in Waitrose, Ocado, Nisa, Home Bargains, Iceland & Booths*
BRITISH
POTATOES
*Selected stores only.
A Farming Family Business.
British Potatoes. Baked in Yorkshire.
thefarmer@bannistersfarm.co.uk
01262 605650
FOR RECIPE INSPIRATION,
NEWS & MORE!
www.bannistersfarm.co.uk
ADVERTISEMENT PROMOTION
The perfect match
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rom a family-friendly Friday night
curry to a super-easy midweek
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Slimming World plan is simple when you
have Frylight on standby. It’s Syn Free
when you’re Food Optimising and a few
sprays is all it takes to get your favourite
dishes going.
With six versatile varieties to choose
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Oil – you’ll find the perfect match for any
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bottle containing 190 servings* and lasting
nearly three times** as long as one litre of
pouring oil, you’ll find a little Frylight goes
a long way – so it’s great for your wallet, too.
Our tasty chicken curry (right) and
veg-packed fish traybake (far right) show
how easy it is to stay on track by switching
your regular oil for Frylight. It’s a clever
swap that helps you save Syns without
compromising on flavour. Whether you’re
frying, roasting, baking or grilling – using
your air fryer or slow cooker, too – Frylight
can be your helping hand in the kitchen!
F
Frylight is the original
one-calorie† cooking spray and
is available from most major
supermarkets, subject to
availability. Discover more
at frylight.com
52 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
With Frylight one-calorie
cooking spray, it’s easy to
stay on track while enjoying
deliciously filling dinners
Mild coconut
chicken curry
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 1
READY IN 45 minutes, plus marinating
4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut
into bite-size pieces
100g fat-free natural Greek yogurt
½ tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp coriander seeds
10 cardamom pods, bashed open, seeds removed
and set aside, and pods discarded
1 tsp cumin seeds
Frylight Coconut Oil Spray
1 onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
3cm-piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
500g tomatoes, roughly chopped
½ jar dried curry leaves, or 10g fresh curry leaves
400ml plain unsweetened coconut drink
200g green beans, trimmed
400g ready-made plain cauliflower rice, to serve
10g fresh coriander, chopped
Lime wedges, to serve
*BASED ON USING 5 SPRAYS OF FRYLIGHT PER MEAL. **BASED ON USING 5 SPRAYS OF FRYLIGHT vs 1 TABLESPOON
OF REGULAR OIL. †FRYLIGHT CONTAINS AT LEAST 30 PER CENT LESS CALORIES AND FAT THAN REGULAR OIL
1 Mix the chicken, yogurt and turmeric in
a large bowl. Season with a little salt. Cover
and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
2 When ready to cook, bring the chicken
to room temperature. Put a large, deep,
lidded, non-stick frying pan over a medium
heat. Add the coriander, cardamom and
cumin seeds, and toast for 3-4 minutes until
fragrant, shaking the pan. Tip into a pestle
and mortar, and grind into a powder.
3 Allow the pan to cool, then spray with
Frylight and return to a medium heat. Fry
the onion for 4-5 minutes until softened but
not coloured, adding a splash of water
if it starts to stick. Add the garlic and
ginger with a splash of water, then stir-fry
for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Tip in the
ground spices and fry for 1-2 minutes,
adding a splash of water if needed.
4 Add the tomatoes and curry leaves,
season and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in
the coconut drink. Bring to a simmer, then
stir in the chicken, marinade and beans.
5 Half-cover the pan and simmer for
15 minutes, stirring often, or until the chicken
is cooked through and the beans are tender.
When nearly ready, heat the cauliflower rice
following the pack instructions. Divide the
curry equally between 4 bowls, discarding
the curry leaves. Scatter over the coriander
and serve with the cauliflower rice and lime
wedges for squeezing over.
Fish traybake with cauliflower & lentils
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
READY IN 50 minutes
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Frylight Olive Oil Spray
2 x 400g cans green, brown or black lentils,
drained and rinsed
200g green beans, trimmed and halved
250ml chicken stock, made with ½ stock cube
4 skinless and boneless white fish fillets
(we used cod), patted dry
4 spring onions, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, to serve
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan
180°C/gas 6. Spread the cauliflower
florets in a non-stick roasting tin in
a single layer and spray with Frylight.
Roast for 20 minutes until the edges
are starting to crisp up.
2 Add the lentils, beans and stock to
the tin. Gently stir everything together
and season. Rest the fish fillets on
top and season them. Roast for 15-20
minutes until the fish is flaking.
3 Gently stir the spring onions and
garlic into the lentils around the fish
fillets and scatter over the parsley.
Divide between 4 plates and serve
with the lemon wedges.
Slimming World, Food Optimising, Free, Syn Free and Syns are trademarks
of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd trading as Slimming World.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 53
UPBOA RD
S
S
ST
-C
RE
R
TA
O
lb s
‘I lost 4 the
ng
followi nd
plan a
r the
I’m ove !’
moon
Weight loss
all worked out
This issue, we’ve raided the kitchen cupboard to bring you
a whole week of easy, everyday breakfasts, lunches and
dinners – that make losing weight taste great!
Taste tester
Beth Hall, 25, lives in
Southampton, Hampshire,
with her partner, Luke, and
her three children. She’s lost
2st 7½lbs and is a member
of Suzi Barney’s Slimming
World group in Bishop’s
Waltham, Hampshire
7-day eating plan
LENTIL STEW: fry chopped onion in low-calorie
cooking spray until soft, then add broccoli florets,
sliced Savoy cabbage and canned green lentils
with their liquid. Bring to a simmer, then cook
for 8-10 minutes. Crumble over 65g reduced-fat
Greek-style salad cheese (a Healthy Extra ‘a’)
TUNA MELT: mix drained canned tuna in spring
water with sliced spring onions and 40g grated
reduced-fat Cheddar (a Healthy Extra ‘a’), then fill
2 slices wholemeal bread from a small 400g loaf
(a Healthy Extra ‘b’). Carefully fry on both sides
in low-calorie cooking spray. Serve with a salad
DINNER
DINNER
DINNER
DINNER
DINNER
PRAWN PASTA: simmer canned chopped
tomatoes with a crushed garlic clove and a
pinch of dried red chilli flakes until thickened.
Stir through defrosted well-squeezed-out frozen
spinach and some cooked peeled king prawns.
Stir through cooked dried fusilli pasta and serve
DINNER
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
GREEK-STYLE FRITTATA: defrost frozen sliced
peppers, then fry for 2-3 minutes in low-calorie
cooking spray until hot. Add beaten eggs and
65g crumbled reduced-fat Greek-style salad
cheese (a Healthy Extra ‘a’). Cook until almost
set, then finish under the grill
DINNER
BANGERS & BEANS: grill frozen
Linda McCartney’s Vegetarian
Red Onion & Rosemary Sausages.
Serve with eggs fried in low-calorie
cooking spray and piping-hot
baked beans
LUNCH
BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST
BANANAS ON TOAST: top 2 slices
wholemeal toast from a small 400g
loaf (a Healthy Extra ‘b’) with sliced
banana. Add blueberries, a dollop of
fat-free natural yogurt and a drizzle
of maple syrup (½ Syn per 1 level tsp)
JACKETS WITH MACKEREL: prick a baking
potato and microwave until soft. Mix drained
canned mackerel in spring water with fat-free
natural yogurt, chopped flat-leaf parsley and lemon
juice. Split the potato, top with the mackerel and
serve with iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes
LUNCH
Sunday
STRAWBERRY MUESLI BOWL:
in a bowl, layer up 40g no-addedsugar muesli (a Healthy Extra ‘b’)
with fat-free natural yogurt, a pinch
of ground cinnamon and chopped
fresh strawberries
CHICKEN & CHICKPEA SALAD: layer up
shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped fresh tomatoes,
sliced cooked plain beetroot and rinsed canned
chickpeas. Dress with fat-free vinaigrette and top
with sliced cooked skinless chicken breast
LUNCH
Saturday
FRUITY BRAN: pour milk from your
Healthy Extra ‘a’ allowance over 45g
bran flakes (a Healthy Extra ‘b’), then
top with diced fresh pear
SWEET POTATO SMASH: prick a sweet potato
and microwave until soft. Spray with low-calorie
cooking spray, squash with a masher and bake in
a hot oven until crisp. Wilt spinach with crushed
garlic, spoon it over the potato, then top with 40g
grated reduced-fat Cheddar (a Healthy Extra ‘a’)
LUNCH
Friday
BREAKFAST
Thursday
STRAWBERRY MUESLI BOWL:
in a bowl, layer up 40g no-addedsugar muesli (a Healthy Extra ‘b’)
with fat-free natural yogurt, a pinch
of ground cinnamon and chopped
fresh strawberries
BREAKFAST
Wednesday
FRUITY BRAN: pour milk from your
Healthy Extra ‘a’ allowance over 45g
bran flakes (a Healthy Extra ‘b’), then
top with diced fresh pear
BREAKFAST
Tuesday
QUICK FULL VEGGIE: grill frozen
Linda McCartney’s Vegetarian
Red Onion & Rosemary Sausages
with thickly sliced large mushrooms.
Serve with piping-hot canned
plum tomatoes
BREAKFAST
Monday
BREAKFAST
See your week’s menu at a glance below
Bacon & bean
baked eggs
7 Syns
Deduct 7 Syns if
using the pitta as
a Healthy Extra ‘b’
Creamy tuna
& sweetcorn
pasta
1½ Syns
Herby chicken
& lentil
casserole
Coconutty
lamb curry
3½ Syns
Stir-fried
noodles &
greens with
crispy eggs
Prawn & red
pepper risotto
Roast chicken
with butter
bean stew
SNACKS & TREATS ● Crab sticks, FREE ● Fresh raspberries, FREE ● Kiwi fruit, FREE ● Melon fingers, FREE ● Pickled onions, FREE ● Quorn Fillets, FREE
● Strings & Things Twisted Cheesestrings, 2 x 20g are a Healthy Extra ‘a’ ● Ready-to-eat no-added-sugar jelly, ½ Syn for a 175g pot ● Reduced-sugar marmalade,
1½ Syns for 1 level tbsp ● Plain meringue nest, 2½ Syns ● Proper Corn Sweet & Salty Popcorn, 3½ Syns for a 14g bag ● Reduced-fat coleslaw, 4½ Syns for 100g
● Maryland Minis Choc Chip cookies, 5 Syns for a 19.8g bag ● Cadbury Fudge bar, 5 Syns for a 22g bar ● White wine, 6 Syns for a 125ml glass
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 55
7 DAY
Plan
Your introduction
to Food Optimising
Fill up on Free Food
The power of Slimming World’s
unique eating plan lies in
Free Food. These are the foods
you can enjoy in unlimited
amounts, with no weighing,
counting or measuring – ever!
Based on the science of energy
density and satiety (how filling
a food is), Free Foods fill you up
for fewer calories. So by basing
your meals around Free Food,
you’re naturally limiting your
calorie intake, meaning you
lose weight without feeling
hungry. Free Food includes lean
meat, poultry, fish, plain Quorn
and plain tofu, eggs, pasta,
potatoes, pulses, and fresh fruit
and veg. There are more than
350 to choose from, so you can
personalise Food Optimising
to suit your taste, lifestyle and
dietary needs. Some Free Food
has the bonus of being Speed
Free Food – fruit and veg that
are super-low in calories – so
for the best results, include at
least a third of a plate at every
meal, where it makes sense.
Add in Healthy Extras
To support your calcium intake,
you can enjoy two measured
portions of milk or cheese each
day – your Healthy Extra ‘a’
choices. Options include 350ml
skimmed milk or 250ml semiskimmed milk, 400ml plain
unsweetened almond or soya
drink with added calcium, 40g
reduced-fat or 30g full-fat hard
cheese, and 40g Daiya Medium
Cheddar Style Farmhouse
Block or Koko Dairy Free
Alternative to Cheddar. For
fibre and other nutrients, also
add one portion of wholemeal
bread or high-fibre cereal each
day, your Healthy Extra ‘b’
choice. To keep things simple,
we’ve built your Healthy Extra
‘b’ into the menu plan each day.
Choose your Syns
Foods and drinks that pose
a risk to your weight loss –
those high in fat or sugar, as
well as alcohol – can be enjoyed
as carefully counted Syns.
We recommend you plan 5 to
15 Syns into your day (see the
bottom of page 55 for ideas).
Make simple swaps
To help protect your weight
loss, fry veg with water, use
low-calorie cooking spray
rather than fat or oil, and
dry-fry mince. Choose the
leanest meat and trim off any
visible fat, such as the white
bits off bacon, and remove skin
from poultry. Swap cream and
crème fraîche for fat-free
natural yogurt, plain quark, or
plain unsweetened soya yogurt
with added calcium. You can
swap sugar for sweetener, or
count sugar as Syns. So that’s
Food Optimising in a nutshell.
You’ll find more info in your
Food Optimising book. Here’s
to a great weight loss week!
SCAN & SHOP
SCAN TO FIND YOUR WEEK’S SHOPPING LIST
OPEN YOUR
PHONE’S
CAMERA
SCAN YOUR
QR CODE
OPEN
SCAN
ACCESS YOUR
SHOPPING LIST
YOUR QR CODE
56 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Storecupboard
stars
Monday
• PAPRIKA
• CHOPPED
TOMATOES
• CANNELLINI
BEANS
Bacon & bean baked eggs
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 7
Deduct 7 Syns if using the
wholemeal pitta bread as
a Healthy Extra
READY IN 40 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
8 smoked bacon medallions,
visible fat removed,
roughly chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1½ tsp smoked paprika
2 x 400g cans
chopped tomatoes
400g can cannellini beans,
drained and rinsed
200g frozen spinach, defrosted
and well squeezed out
4 medium eggs
4 x 60g wholemeal
pittas
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley,
leaves roughly chopped
1 Spray a large, lidded, non-stick
frying pan with cooking spray and
put over a medium heat. Fry the
bacon for 2-3 minutes until browned
at the edges. Turn down the heat, add
the onion and cook for 8-10 minutes
until the onion has softened. Add
the garlic, fry for 1-2 minutes, then
add the paprika. Stir through the
tomatoes and beans, and simmer
gently for 10 minutes until thickened.
2 Stir in the spinach, then season.
Make 4 wells in the sauce and
crack an egg into each one. Cover
with the lid and simmer gently for
5-8 minutes until the eggs are cooked
through. When nearly ready, toast
the pittas, then halve widthways.
Scatter with the parsley and add
a twist of black pepper. Serve with
1 pitta bread per person.
7-day eating plan
Tuesday
Storecupboard
stars
Creamy tuna & sweetcorn pasta
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 1½
READY IN 20 minutes
300g dried fusilli pasta
Low-calorie cooking spray
4 spring onions, finely sliced,
whites and greens separated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
198g can sweetcorn, drained
2 x 145g cans tuna in spring
water, drained
100g plain extra-light
soft cheese
Large bag of mixed-leaf
salad, to serve
1 Cook the pasta following the pack
instructions. When it’s been cooking
for about 5-7 minutes, spray a large,
non-stick frying pan with cooking
spray and put over a low heat. Add
the spring onion whites and fry gently
for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add
the garlic, fry for 1 minute, then stir
through the sweetcorn.
• LENTILS
• STOCK
• MUSTARD
POWDER
• DRIED THYME
2 Drain the pasta, keeping a mug of
the cooking water. Tip the pasta, tuna
and soft cheese into the frying pan.
Stir and add enough cooking water
to make a light, creamy sauce. Divide
equally between 4 dishes and sprinkle
over the spring onion greens. Season
and serve with the salad.
Storecupboard
stars
• PASTA
• SWEETCORN
• TUNA
Wednesday
Herby chicken & lentil casserole
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
READY IN 55 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
300g frozen ready-prepared
casserole vegetables or soffritto
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 x 400g cans green lentils,
drained and rinsed
600ml chicken stock
1½ tsp mustard powder
½ Savoy cabbage, sliced
into 4 wedges
8 skinless and boneless chicken
thighs, visible fat removed
2 tsp dried thyme
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley,
leaves roughly chopped
1 Preheat your oven to 180°C/fan
160°C/gas 4. Spray a large, lidded,
flameproof, non-stick casserole dish
with cooking spray and put over a low
heat. Add the casserole vegetables
or soffritto and cook gently for
10-12 minutes until softened. Add
the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
2 Stir in the lentils, stock and mustard
powder, then nestle in the cabbage
wedges and chicken. Sprinkle over
the thyme, season the cabbage and
chicken, and spray with a little
cooking spray. Cover with the lid
and cook in the oven for 15 minutes.
3 Take off the lid and cook for
another 10-15 minutes until the
chicken is cooked through and the
cabbage is golden. Leave to stand
for 5 minutes, then scatter with
the parsley to serve.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 57
Thursday
Coconutty lamb curry
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 3½
READY IN 55 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1½ tbsp mild or medium
curry powder (see Cook’s
notes on p39)
500g diced lamb leg,
visible fat removed
400g can chopped tomatoes
400ml can reduced-fat
coconut milk
400g can chickpeas, drained
and rinsed
400g sweet potatoes, peeled
and chopped into chunks
200g frozen spinach, defrosted
and well squeezed out
200g dried basmati rice
20g fresh coriander, leaves
roughly chopped
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 Spray a large, non-stick saucepan or
flameproof casserole dish with cooking
spray and put over a medium-low heat.
Fry the onion for 8-10 minutes until
softened, adding a splash of water if
it starts to stick. Add the garlic and fry
for 1-2 minutes. Add the curry powder,
then cook for 1 minute. Stir in the
lamb and coat with the curry powder.
2 Pour in the tomatoes, coconut
milk and chickpeas. Simmer gently
for 30 minutes, adding the sweet
potatoes for the last 10 minutes, then
the spinach for the final 5. Once
you’ve added the sweet potatoes,
cook the rice following the pack
instructions, then drain.
3 Season the curry, then divide
equally between 4 bowls with the
rice. Scatter over the coriander
and serve with the lemon wedges.
Storecupboard
stars
• CURRY
POWDER
• CHOPPED
TOMATOES
• COCONUT
MILK
• CHICKPEAS
• RICE
Storecupboard
stars
• SOY SAUCE
• RICE VINEGAR
• NOODLES
Friday
Stir-fried noodles & greens
with crispy eggs
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 4
READY IN 25 minutes
FOR THE SAUCE
4 tbsp light soy sauce
½ tbsp rice vinegar
4cm-piece fresh root ginger,
peeled and finely grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
FOR THE NOODLES
250g dried fine egg noodles
1 large head of broccoli,
cut into small florets,
stalk finely sliced
Low-calorie cooking spray
4 spring onions, finely sliced,
whites and greens separated
½ Savoy cabbage, leaves
finely shredded
4 medium eggs
1 Mix together the sauce ingredients
and set aside. Boil the noodles for
4-5 minutes, adding the broccoli for
the final 2 minutes. Drain, run under
cold water and set aside.
2 Spray a large, non-stick wok or frying
pan with cooking spray and put over
a medium-high heat. Add the spring
onion whites and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Add the cabbage with a splash of water
and stir-fry for a further 4-5 minutes
until the cabbage has just wilted.
3 Add the sauce, noodles and broccoli,
and stir-fry everything together for 3-4
minutes until the noodles are piping
hot and the sauce is bubbling. At the
same time, spray a large, non-stick
frying pan with cooking spray and
put over a medium-high heat. Crack
in the eggs and fry until cooked
through and crispy at the edges.
4 Divide the stir-fry between 4 bowls
and top with the eggs. Scatter over
the spring onion greens, then add
a twist of black pepper to serve.
58 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
7-day eating plan
Storecupboard
stars
Saturday
Prawn & red pepper risotto
READY IN 45 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Pinch of dried red chilli flakes
300g dried risotto rice
1.5 litres hot chicken stock,
made with 2 stock cubes
450-480g jar roasted red
peppers in brine, drained
and sliced
300g cooked peeled
king prawns
200g green beans, trimmed
and halved
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 Spray a large, heavy-based
non-stick pan with cooking spray
and put over a low heat. Add the
onion and cook for 10 minutes
until softened, stirring often – add
a splash of water if it starts to stick.
2 Add the garlic and chilli flakes,
and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the
rice and cook briefly until glossy. Add
the stock. Bring to a gentle simmer
and cook, stirring often, until the rice
is almost cooked and there’s only
a small amount of stock left to be
absorbed – this will take around
15-20 minutes.
3 Add the peppers, prawns and
beans, and simmer for a final
3 minutes until the rice is tender.
Stir through the lemon juice, then
season. Scatter with the lemon
zest and serve straight away.
Storecupboard
stars
• CHILLI FLAKES
• RISOTTO RICE
• STOCK
• ROASTED RED
PEPPERS
Sunday
Roast chicken with butter bean stew
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
READY IN 1 hour
20 minutes
1 lemon, halved
1.5kg whole chicken,
legs untied
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 large onion, finely sliced
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1½ tsp dried thyme
3 carrots, peeled and cut
into chunks
350g floury potatoes, such
as Maris Piper or King Edward,
peeled and chopped into
small chunks
2 x 400g cans butter beans,
drained and rinsed
750ml chicken stock
300g green beans, trimmed
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley,
leaves roughly chopped
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan
180°C/gas 6. Stuff 1 lemon half into the
chicken cavity, season and sit in a baking
tin. Roast for 1 hour, or until the juices
run clear when a skewer is inserted
into the thickest part of the chicken.
2 When the chicken’s been in the oven
for about half an hour, spray a large,
flameproof, non-stick casserole dish
with cooking spray and put over
a medium heat. Add the onion and
fry gently for 8-10 minutes until
softened, adding a splash of water
if it starts to stick. Add the garlic and
fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the thyme,
carrots, potatoes and butter beans.
Pour in the stock, bring to the boil
and simmer for 25 minutes, uncovered,
until the veg are tender.
3 Once the chicken is cooked, leave it
to rest for 10 minutes. While it’s resting,
boil the green beans for 3 minutes until
tender, then drain. Squeeze the juice
from the remaining lemon half into the
stew and season. Carve the chicken,
discarding the skin and any visible fat,
and divide everything between 4 plates.
Scatter with the parsley and serve.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 59
PHOTOGRAPHS: KATE WHITAKER. RECIPES: EMILY JONZEN
FOOD STYLING: LIZZIE KAMENETZKY. PROP STYLING: CLAIRE MORGAN
EVERYDAY EASY
• DRIED THYME
• BUTTER BEANS
• STOCK
shelf life
USE it up
DELICIOUS IDEAS TO MAKE THE MOST OF LEFTOVER INGREDIENTS FROM THE
RECIPES IN THIS ISSUE
Fresh dill
FROM
PAGE
62
Finely chop some dill
and mix with lemon zest,
before stuffing under the
skin of the breasts of a
whole chicken. Roast to
infuse gently with a zesty,
herby flavour as it cooks
(remove the skin and any
visible fat before serving).
Canned black beans
A handy store-cupboard staple, and good source of protein and fibre
MAIN EVENT: drain and
SALAD DAYS: mix drained
SOUPED UP: ever versatile,
rinse, then throw into a Food
and rinsed beans into your
black beans can be added
Optimising stew or curry
lunchtime salad for a superto a vegetable soup for a bit
for extra filling power. We've
easy fibre and protein hit.
more texture. They work
added black beans to this
They taste great with skinless
with most flavours, but taste
veg curry (above), served
chicken or your favourite
delicious with sweet potato,
with cooked dried quinoa.
Healthy Extra cheese.
squash or tomato.
Radishes
FROM
PAGE
44
60 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Bright, peppery and high in vitamin C
● For a satisfyingly crunchy
side to your Sunday roast or
Healthy Extra sandwich, add
grilled white fish fillets.
thin slices of radish to your
● Mix chopped radishes with
filling. The peppery flavour
sliced cucumber, little gem
goes brilliantly with tuna,
lettuce and spring onions.
cheese or lean ham.
Dress with a mix of fat-free
● Roast whole radishes
natural yogurt, a squeeze of
at 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6
lemon juice and crushed
for 20-25 minutes until
garlic, and serve with lean
softened, but still with a bit
homemade burgers or grilled
of bite. They make a colourful
skinless chicken.
Mix chopped fresh dill
with fat-free natural
fromage frais, black pepper
and a little crushed garlic
to make a quick and easy
sauce. Leave to come to
room temperature, then
spoon over grilled salmon
or chicken skewers.
FROM
PAGE
66
Fennel seeds
Fry 1 tsp of seeds with
a chopped onion in lowcalorie cooking spray. Add
a can of chopped tomatoes,
bring to a simmer and cook
until thickened. Nestle 2 cod
fillets in the sauce, cover and
gently cook through. Add
a squeeze of lemon, scatter
with fresh flat-leaf parsley,
and serve with boiled new
potatoes and greens.
WORDS: REBECCA WOOLLARD. MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: TOBY SCOTT
RADISHES, DILL AND FENNEL PHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY IMAGES
FROM
PAGE
47
five-ingredient
_Food
Freefeasts
Slimming World’s
Slimming World’s
Take 5 Free
take5Free
60
Free Food fea sts
with only five ingredien
ts
Take 5 is back, baby! And this
time, we’ve rolled out the red
carpet for our shining stars
– Slimming World’s Free
Foods. Take home the third
book in our best-selling series
and give your taste buds a
five-star experience.
#SWRecipeBooks
£4.95/€7.95 RRP to Slimming World members in group. If you’re a
member of Slimming World Online you can buy a copy through the
online bookshop. 10p/10¢ from every book sold goes to our SMILES
charity partners (SMILES registered charity number 1061429).
STEP BY STEP
Easter Sunday roast
Get together with friends or family to enjoy our extra-special leg of lamb –
it’s packed with flavour and comes together in six easy-to-follow steps
PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW BURTON
Feta & spinach
stuffed lamb leg
A LITTLE EFFORT
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING 6
Deduct 6 Syns if using the feta
as a Healthy Extra
READY IN 1 hour 20 minutes
Preheat your oven to
210°C/fan 190°C/gas 6½.
Untie the lamb and unroll
it on a board. Trim off the
visible fat, then flip over so it’s
skin-side down and, again, trim
any visible fat (see Cook’s note).
Slice into any thicker sections
of meat, so it’ll be easier to roll.
1
Pop the spinach into
a sieve and squeeze out
as much excess moisture
as you can. Tip the spinach
into a bowl, then add the feta,
garlic, lemon zest, dill, parsley
and chilli flakes. Season and
mix well. Spread the mixture
over the lamb.
2
3
4
5
6
Tie the string tightly
around the joint. Make
sure the ends of the
lamb are overlapping slightly
rather than just being pulled
together – that way all the
stuffing will stay put. Flip
the lamb over and put it in
a non-stick roasting tin.
62 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Roast for 20 minutes,
then turn the oven down
to 180°C/fan 160°C/
gas 4 and roast for a further
35 minutes (if you have a meat
thermometer, the internal
reading should be about
60°C). Set aside to rest on
a board for 10 minutes.
Cut 4-6 lengths of
kitchen string (long
enough to go around
the joint widthways with a bit
extra on each side). Slide the
pieces of string under the
lamb at even intervals. Roll
the lamb up, carefully folding
in the ends.
Carve into slices,
discarding the string,
skin and any visible
fat. Divide equally between
4 plates and serve with roasties
cooked in low-calorie cooking
spray, your favourite green
veg and frozen Slimming World
Free Food Onion Gravy*.
*FROM ICELAND, THE FOOD WAREHOUSE AND SELECTED DUNNES STORES IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
RECIPE: LOLA MILNE. FOOD STYLING: NICOLA ROBERTS. PROP STYLING: DAVINA PERKINS
1kg boneless and rolled
leg of lamb
300g frozen whole leaf
spinach, defrosted
180g feta cheese, crumbled
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
10g fresh dill, chopped
25g fresh flat-leaf
parsley, chopped
¼ tsp dried red chilli flakes
cooking made easy
Our feta and
spinach stuffed lamb
makes the perfect
centrepiece for a big
family feast
COOK’S
NOTE
When your leg of lamb is
unrolled, you’ll see silver-grey
patches that look a bit like fat, but
are shinier and attached very tightly
to the meat. This is sinew – it’s what
holds the meat together. Trim off
large pieces if you like, but leave
the more transparent, thinner
bits to keep the lamb
in one piece
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 63
s
lli
B ac o n
&s
pri
ng
gr
n
ee
i
fus
Fresh tomato &
4 ways with…
pasta
Filling, budget friendly and Free, this Italian
staple ticks all the boxes…especially when
it’s served with one of our so-tasty sauces
PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW BURTON
64 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
perfect platefuls
Chicken arrabb
i
a
t
al
in
gu
i
n
p
Pa
ch
iet
avera
te
e prim
c
re
dell
pa r
co
rl i
ga
e
perfect platefuls
Chicken
arrabbiata
linguine
2
This carbonara-style pasta
dish will bring some brightness
to your dinner table
the bacon with the fennel seeds
for 5 minutes until the bacon is
golden, stirring often. Stir in the
garlic and fry for 2 minutes, then
set aside off the heat to cool.
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
READY IN 25 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
6 smoked bacon medallions,
visible fat removed, chopped
into small pieces
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
400g dried fusilli pasta
400g spring greens, shredded
2 medium eggs, plus 1 yolk*,
lightly beaten
3 tbsp plain quark
2 While the bacon is cooling,
cook the pasta following the
pack instructions, adding
the spring greens for the final
3 minutes. Save a mug of the
cooking water before draining.
3 Tip the drained pasta and
greens into the frying pan along
with the eggs and quark. Toss
to combine (the hot pasta will
cook the eggs slightly), adding
a splash of the saved water to
make a sauce. Season and serve.
1 Spray a large, non-stick frying
pan with cooking spray and put
over a medium-high heat. Fry
Turn up the heat with this
chilli-spiked Italian classic
1 Spray a medium, non-stick
saucepan with cooking spray
and put over a medium-high
heat. Add the peppers and
chicken, and fry for 5-6 minutes
until the peppers are softened
and the chicken is golden. Stir
in the garlic and chilli flakes, and
fry gently for 2 minutes.
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
READY IN 30 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 red peppers, deseeded and
finely sliced
2 skinless and boneless chicken
breasts, cut into small pieces
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
1 tsp dried red chilli flakes, plus
extra to serve (optional)
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
2½ tbsp capers, drained and
roughly chopped
400g dried linguine pasta
15g fresh flat-leaf parsley,
leaves roughly chopped
2 Add the tomatoes and capers
to the pan. Season and then
simmer for 15 minutes.
3 While the sauce is simmering,
cook the pasta following the
pack instructions, then drain.
Stir the pasta into the sauce
along with the parsley. Divide
between 4 plates and serve
with some extra chilli flakes
sprinkled over (if using).
*Pregnant women, the elderly, babies and toddlers are advised to have eggs
showing the British Lion stamp if eating raw or partially cooked eggs. If not
using British Lion eggs, always ensure the eggs are cooked through
Fresh tomato &
garlic orecchiette
Pappardelle
primavera
3
4
Simple ingredients come
together to make a sauce
that’s really special
A vibrant jumble of peas,
broccoli and spinach add
delicious texture and flavour
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
Y IN 20 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
1kg ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
400g dried orecchiette pasta
25g fresh basil, roughly chopped,
keeping a few whole leaves to serve
66 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
1 Spray a medium, non-stick
saucepan with cooking spray
and put over a medium heat.
Add the garlic and fry gently
for 2 minutes.
2 Add the tomatoes, balsamic,
and plenty of seasoning. Allow to
bubble for 10 minutes until the
tomatoes begin to break down.
3 While the sauce is simmering,
cook the pasta following the
pack instructions, then drain.
Stir the chopped basil through
the sauce, then tip in the
cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
Divide between 4 plates and
serve scattered with the whole
basil leaves.
EVERYDAY EASY
SERVES 4
SYNS PER SERVING ½
READY IN 20 minutes
400g dried pappardelle pasta
700g broccoli, finely chopped
200g frozen peas, defrosted
Low-calorie cooking spray
3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
200g spinach
2 level tbsp plain extra-light
soft cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
10g fresh chives, finely chopped
1 Cook the pasta following the
pack instructions, adding the
broccoli for the last 4 minutes
and the peas for the last 2.
2 While the pasta and veg
are cooking, spray a medium,
non-stick saucepan with cooking
spray and put over a medium
heat. Add the garlic and fry for
2 minutes. Turn up the heat to
medium-high, add the spinach
and cook for 3-4 minutes until
the spinach is wilted, stirring
often. Stir in the soft cheese
and lemon juice, and set aside.
3 Once the pasta and veg are
cooked, save a mug of the
cooking water, then drain. Tip
into the spinach pan, then put
the pan over a medium heat.
Add some of the water to make
a sauce and stir to coat. Season.
Divide equally between 4 plates,
top with the chives and serve.
RECIPES: LOLA MILNE. FOOD STYLING: NICOLA ROBERTS. PROP STYLING: DAVINA PERKINS
1
Bacon & spring
greens fusilli
touch hearts
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as a
Slimming World
Consultant
Inspirational, warm and caring, our Consultants know what it’s
like to struggle with being overweight, and they’ve experienced
the joy of seeing their lives transformed. Now they’re dedicated
to helping others achieve the same success!
ama_zing team
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If you’re a member on your way to your final target weight and you’d love to share
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m
FOOD news
WE’VE SEARCHED THE SHELVES TO BRING YOU THREE PAGES OF TASTY INSPIRATION
Morrisons Buttermilk Chicken
Burgers, 3½ Syns per burger;
£3.49 for 200g
TASTY
TWIST
To change things
up, use grilled and
flaked salmon
fillets instead of
chicken
Slimming World Free Food Chicken
£4.25 for
in Black Bean Sauce,
500g, Iceland, The Food Warehouse
and Dunnes Stores*
TOP SPOTS
Thai chicken noodles
To serve 4, cook 250g dried
flat rice noodles following the
pack instructions. Drain, rinse
and set side. Boil 200g green
beans for 3 minutes, then
drain and tip into a large
serving dish. Put a non-stick
griddle or frying pan over a
high heat. When the griddle’s
smoking hot, spray 500g
skinless and boneless
chicken thighs (visible fat
removed) with low-calorie
cooking spray and cook for
3-4 minutes on each side, or
until cooked through. Move
to a plate, cover with foil and
leave to rest. Peel 2 large
carrots into ribbons using
a veg peeler, finely slice
200g radishes, roughly shred
1 bunch of spring onions,
*SELECTED DUNNES STORES IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
CHICKEN NOODLES PHOTOGRAPH: ANDREW BURTON
Ooh
saucy!
If you’re partial to a
pickle, then this twist on
an all-time classic sauce
will be right up your
street! Add to your
Healthy Extra sarnies,
drizzle on a homemade
burger or use as a dip for
Slimming World chips.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle Flavour, 1 Syn per
level tbsp; £2.50 for 400ml, Morrisons and Tesco
slice 1 red bird’s-eye chilli
and pick the leaves from
25g fresh coriander – add
to the dish, along with the
noodles. Mix 1 tbsp fish sauce
with the juice of half a lime.
Slice the chicken, then add
to the dish. Drizzle over the
fish sauce mixture, then toss
everything together. Serve
with lime wedges.
We’ve selected a few of the best
buys for a delicious week on plan!
Tesco
Mackerel in
Spicy Tomato
Sauce,
95p for 125g
Morrisons
Rhubarb &
Custard Flavour
No Added
Sugar Squash,
£1 for 1 litre
Spread
the joy
You get three
of these vegan
triangles as
a Healthy
Extra – and
they’re not just for spreading. They make
a great baked potato topping or mix
into pasta sauce for added creaminess!
The Laughing Cow Original Plant-Based,
3 x 16g triangles are a Healthy Extra ‘a’ or 2 Syns
each; £2.75 for 128g; Asda and Sainsbury’s
Peperami BBQ
Lunchbox
Minis, 2 Syns
each; £2.99 for
100g, most major
supermarkets
You’ll find these products in the
freezer cabinets – look out for the
symbol across the Food news pages
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 71
food news
Natalie Mellor, East Riding of Yorkshire
‘This dish is so easy to make. Just pop
some stir-fry veg in a wok and cook in
low-calorie cooking spray until softened.
Add prawns and cook until piping hot,
then drizzle over a dash of sweet chilli
sauce (1½ Syns per level tbsp). Job done!’
Amy and Katie
Langhorne,
North Yorkshire
‘Marinate tuna steaks
in honey (1 Syn per
level tsp) and soy
sauce. Add spices and
veg to cooked dried
quinoa. Fry the steaks
in low-calorie cooking
spray. Delish with
samphire.’
TOP TIP
YOUR MAKES!
The quick fixes and genius food
tips you love – share yours on
Instagram #SWMagazineMakes
Three ways to eat: asparagus
To separate the woody
stalks from the tender tops, just
bend the stalks over until they snap.
No need to waste the ends – they’re
great roasted in low-calorie cooking
spray rather than boiled, as they can
be a bit tough. The tops need just
2-3 minutes’ boiling time – they
should still have a little bite
when you eat them
Quick and easy ideas using this versatile Speed Free Food veg
Jess Kidd-Scott, Surrey
‘My rainbow salad is perfect for taking
to work. I mix cooked dried pasta with
beetroot, tomato, spinach and spring
onions, then chop up a Healthy Extra
portion of mozzarella. Mix together with
fat-free vinaigrette and it’s ready to go!’
72 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
● Creamy pasta: boil fresh tagliatelle pasta
with short lengths of asparagus until both are
PLANT
A SEED
Pre-sliced and ready
for your favourite
low Syn fillings
Warburtons 4 Seeded Protein Thin Bagels,
1 x 60g bagel is a Healthy Extra ‘b’ or 7½ Syns;
£1.75 for 240g, most major supermarkets
cooked. Drain, reserving a mugful of the
cooking water. Return the pasta and asparagus
to the pan over a low heat and stir through
a little crushed garlic, 25g extra-light soft
cheese (1 Syn per 25g) and the reserved
cooking water. Stir until the sauce clings to
the pasta, scatter with fresh basil and serve.
● Eggs and ‘soldiers’: steam or boil asparagus
spears until just tender, but with a little bite.
Boil eggs to your liking, slice off the tops
and get dipping!
Full of
beans
Chock-full of flavour,
these beans will add
filling power and
an extra kick to a
homemade tomato
soup. They’d also
make a great addition to our low and slow
chilli con carne on page 44 – stir in two cans
along with the other ingredients and you’ll
stretch this tasty meal to serve six!
M&S Food Red Kidney Beans in Chilli Sauce,
£1 for 395g, Ocado
ASPARAGUS PHOTOGRAPH: GARETH MORGANS
Melissa Mitchell, Norfolk
‘This is a real weeknight winner. Fry
chicken breasts in low-calorie cooking
spray with onions, then simmer in stock,
passata, tomato purée, diet cola and
Worcestershire sauce. Serve with cooked
dried rice and sugar snap peas.’
● Salmon and greens: pan-fry a salmon
fillet in low-calorie cooking spray until cooked
through, then keep warm under foil. Stir-fry
trimmed asparagus and mangetout in cooking
spray until just tender. With a blender, blitz
some watercress, fat-free natural yogurt and
lemon juice. Serve the salmon and veg with
boiled, crushed new potatoes, and the sauce,
fresh basil, lemon zest and black pepper.
food news
BATTLE OF THE YOGURTS
Vegan
fakeaway vibes
TRIED & TASTED
Our testers’ pick of low-fat yogurts
Looking for a meat-free Chinese?
With this plant-based alternative
to hoisin duck, you’re in luck!
Planted Duck Hoisin, 1 Syn per pack;
£3 for 160g, Tesco
Danone Activia Gut Health
0% Fat Cherry yogurt, ½ Syn
per 115g pot; £2.50 for 4, most
major supermarkets V
The fruity flavour and real
cherry pieces had our testers
hooked. If you like your yogurts
chunky, this is the one for you.
Aldi Brooklea Light 0% Added
Sugar Berry Yogurts, ½ Syn
per 140g pot; £2.19 for 6 V
The generous portion size won
everyone over. Great tipped into
a bowl and topped with lots
of Speed Free Food fruit for
a satisfying breakfast.
Bump up the
Speed Free Food on
curry night with this
cauliflower rice
Sainsbury’s Inspired to Cook
Cauliflower Rice,
£1.40
for 300g
Alpro Raspberry & Cranberry
soya yogurt, 1½ Syns per 125g
pot; and Blackberry, 1 Syn per
125g pot, £2.50 for 4, most major
supermarkets
These made a good mid-morning
snack that kept our testers going
until lunchtime. They were
impressed to find they’re vegan.
Pepped up
Müllerlight Greek Style Smooth
Coconut & Vanilla yogurt, ½ Syn
per 115g pot; £2.50 for 4, most
major supermarkets V
With a smooth and creamy texture,
and dreamy tropical flavours,
our testers said these were a taste
of holidays at home!
Have these pre-prepped peppers
ready in the freezer – great
for adding to everything from
soups to stews.
Aldi Four Seasons Sliced
Mixed Peppers,
99p for 500g
Find the Syn values of all advertised products here
Each issue, we round up all the Syns for products featured on the food adverts, so you
can be sure they’ll fit smoothly into your Food Optimising week
● Arla, B.O.B Skimmed Milk,
300ml counts as a Healthy
Extra ‘a’ or 6 Syns.
● Bannisters, Baked Jacket
Potatoes 8 Pack, ½ Syn per
potato (without butter); Little
Jacket Potatoes 6 Pack, ½ Syn per
potato (without butter); Baked
Jacket Potatoes 4 Pack, 1 Syn per
potato (without butter).
● Black Tower B, Rosé and
White wine (5.5% ABV), both
4 Syns per 175ml glass.
● Hartley’s, 10 Cal Strawberry
Flavour Jelly, ½ Syn per 175g pot.
● Heck, Chicken Italia chipolatas,
Simply Chicken chipolatas,
Spring Chicken chipolatas, and
Sweet Chilli Chicken chipolatas,
all ½ Syn per chipolata.
● Hi-fi, Dark Choc Honeycomb,
2 bars count as a Healthy Extra
‘b’ or 3 Syns per bar, available in
Slimming World groups and to
our online members.
● Finn Crisp, Original Sourdough
Rye Thins, 6 thins count as a
Healthy Extra ‘b’ or 1 Syn per thin.
● Lindahls Kvarg, Raspberry,
Vanilla, and White Chocolate, all
½ Syn per 150g pot.
● Frylight, cooking spray, all
varieties, Free.
● Mug Shot, Chicken &
Sweetcorn Noodles, 1½ Syns
per 54g sachet; Roast Chicken
Pasta, 2 Syns per 55g sachet;
Tomato & Herb Pasta (classic
recipe), 3½ Syns per 64g sachet.
● Splenda, Minis, one tablet,
Free; Granulated Sweetener,
1 level tsp, Free, and ½ Syn
per level tbsp.
● Pots & Co, Chocolate & Orange
Ganache, 4 Syns per 45g pot.
● Sweet Freedom, Caramel
Syrup, Choc Pot Chocolate
Spread, and Choc Shot, all
½ Syn per level tsp.
● Primula, Original Cheese,
60g counts as a Healthy Extra
‘a’ or 6 Syns.
● Shloer, Zero, Red Grape and
White Grape Sparkling Zero
Calorie Fruit Drink, both Free.
● Slimming World, Free Food
Aromatic Duck Noodles, Chicken
Tikka Masala, and Jerk Chicken
& Rice, all Free, from Iceland.
● Syps, Sugar Free Fizzy Water,
all varieties, Free.
● Tate & Lyle Sweetener,
Minis, one tablet, Free;
Granulated Sweetener,
1 level tsp, Free, and ½ Syn
per level tbsp.
Slimming World, Food Optimising, Free, Speed Free Food, Healthy Extra, Syn and Syns are registered trademarks
of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd trading as Slimming World.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 75
e
c
i
o
h
c
f
o
a wor_ ld
new
aro
ma
tic d
Forget menu-scrolling, late deliveries and high Syn shockers.
When you’ve got the Slimming World food range on
standby, your freezer’s the best fakeaway joint in
town – and there’s a world of choice on offer!
Whether you fancy a feast inspired by
Chinese, Jamaican, Japanese, Indian or
Korean cuisines, we’ve got you covered.
There’s a huge choice of fast, filling, Free
and oh-so-tasty treats to try, including
a brand-new addition to the range –
aromatic duck noodles, available
from 8th April.
uck n
odles
new
nce
tikkaoncha
me
Slimming World
chicken tikka
masala
Marinated chicken breast in a tantalisingly
spicy onion and red pepper tikka sauce
Serving suggestion
Exclusi_vely
Available in Iceland, The Food Warehouse, Iceland concessions at The Range and, in the Republic of Ireland at selected Dunnes stores.
chicken tikka ma
sala
r
en &
hick
jerk
c
ice
UK ’s
big_gest
frozen meal
range*
shop online at iceland.co.uk,
and dunnesstoresgrocery.com
The full Slimming World range may not be available in all stores. For more information on stock, online ordering and delivery,
please visit retailer’s website. For full terms and conditions, see iceland.co.uk/terms or dunnesstoresgrocery.com/terms-conditions
*Source: The Grocer’s Top Products 2023 in association with NIQ: 52 weeks to 9th September 2023
t-fr
i
lo
a
W
ll e
ss
Four
seasons
pizza
frittata,
recipe p80
g
i
e n d ly w e
t
h
Lose pounds while you save ££s with three delicious cost-cutting dishes
from Slimming World’s Cook, Slim, Save recipe book
PHOTOGRAPHS: GARETH MORGANS
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 79
RECIPE PICTURED ON PAGE 79
Four seasons
pizza frittata
Smoked salmon
rösti traybake
SERVES 2
SERVES 4
READY IN 1 hour, plus standing
READY IN 30 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
50g mushrooms, very thinly sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
6 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp tomato purée
5 tbsp fat-free natural cottage cheese
½ x 400g can artichoke hearts,
drained and halved
2 lean ham slices, visible fat removed, torn
Pinch of dried red chilli flakes
Pinch of dried oregano
A few fresh basil leaves
1 Spray a large, ovenproof, non-stick
frying pan (about 24cm across) with
cooking spray and set it over a medium
heat. Add the mushrooms and tomato,
cook for a few minutes, then transfer
to a plate. Add the onion to the pan and
cook for 5 minutes, or until softened
and browned, stirring occasionally.
2 Preheat your grill to medium-high. Lightly
season the eggs and pour them into the
frying pan with the onion. Cook gently for
1 minute, stirring around the edges as if you
were making scrambled eggs, then leave
the mixture alone for about 5 minutes until
it begins to set on the bottom. Stick the
frying pan under the grill and cook for
1-2 minutes, or until just set on the top.
3 Leave the grill on. Gently spread the
tomato purée over the frittata. Spread the
cottage cheese on top, then grind over
some black pepper, and add the artichokes,
tomato, mushrooms and ham in separate
quarters. Sprinkle the artichokes with
the chilli flakes and the mushrooms with
the oregano. Spray with cooking spray, put
it back under the grill and cook for a few
minutes until golden. Scatter the tomato
with basil and slice the whole thing into
wedges, so you get a taste of each ‘season’.
Tasty, slimmingfriendly meals on
a budget? You really
can have it all!
750g floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper,
coarsely grated
½ medium celeriac, peeled and coarsely grated
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp capers, drained and chopped
Small pack fresh dill, finely chopped, keeping
a few whole sprigs to serve
Low-calorie cooking spray
150g fat-free natural fromage frais
2 x 120g packs smoked salmon trimmings
Lemon slices or wedges, to serve
1 Preheat your oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/
gas 4. Put the potatoes, celeriac and onion
in a large bowl, season with a little salt
and leave to stand for 5 minutes. Using
a clean tea towel, squeeze out as much
liquid from the veg as you can, discarding
the liquid. Transfer the grated veg to
a large, non-stick baking tin.
2 Add the capers and most of the chopped
dill to the veg, season with black pepper and
toss well. Spread out the mixture in an even
layer, spray with cooking spray and bake for
40 minutes, or until golden and tender.
3 Add dollops of fromage frais, scatter
over the smoked salmon and remaining
dill, and grind over some more black
pepper. Serve with lemon wedges
or slices for squeezing over.
cook the book
Thai-spiced carrot soup with peas
SERVES 4
READY IN 45 minutes
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
5cm-piece fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped
1.25 litres hot vegetable stock, suitable
for vegans
2 tbsp Thai seasoning (see Cook’s notes on p39)
1 tbsp paprika
500g carrots, sliced
1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
Juice of 1 small lemon
300g can peas, drained
Chopped fresh coriander and sprigs,
to serve (optional)
3 Turn off the heat and blitz until smooth
using a stick blender (or use a food
processor and return to the pan). Bring
back to a simmer and stir in the lemon
juice. While the soup’s simmering, heat
the peas in a pan and drain well.
4 Ladle the soup into bowls, add a pile
of peas to each and scatter with the
chopped coriander and sprigs (if using).
Or, if you want to take this out and about,
stir the peas, and coriander (if using), into
the soup, divide into portions and cool.
Chill until needed, reheat thoroughly
and transfer to a flask.
cook,
, save
IF YOU LIKE THESE RECIPES…
…you’ll love Slimming World’s Cook, Slim, Save recipe book, starring
more than 60 thrifty breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinners that
are all completely Free! From kedgeree fritters with poached eggs
and patatas bravas salad to moussaka spaghetti, there’s something
for every taste and budget ● On sale in Slimming World groups and
to online members, £4.95/€7.95 RRP.
Slimming World’s Cook, Slim, Save
RECIPES: KIM MORPHEW AND DEBBIE MAJOR. FOOD
STYLING: BIANCA NICE. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
1 Put the onion, garlic, ginger and 3 tbsp
stock in a large, lidded, non-stick saucepan.
Cover and cook over a medium-low heat for
6 minutes, or until the onion has softened.
2 Uncover the pan and increase the heat
to high. Add the Thai seasoning and paprika,
and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the carrots,
sweet potato and the rest of the stock, and
bring back to the boil. Cover and simmer
over a low heat for 20 minutes, or until the
carrots and sweet potato are tender.
slim
+
Free60
and filling
low-cost feasts!
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 81
change lives
as a
Slimming World
District Manager
(
)
have you got what it takes
to lead the best?
■
■
■
Could you use your experience as a successful Slimming World
member to help change the lives of thousands of people?
■
Would you like to use the skills and experience you’ve developed
in your successful management career so far and take the
next exciting step with Slimming World?
Do you love sharing your passion for Slimming World
and our proven methods?
Can you develop, coach and empower a team of self-employed
Slimming World Consultants and Team Developers to build a
successful business and achieve their dreams?
As a full-time, field-based District Manager, you’ll receive
a competitive rewards package including a basic salary of
£53,000/€66,250 a year, plus target-related quarterly bonuses,
a company car and healthcare package.
Find out more about our District Manager opportunities at
slimmingworld.co.uk/dmcareers
I’m so proud to be part
of Slimming World’s
life-changing team
Vanessa was a senior training manager for a charity
when she joined Slimming World as a member in
2014. She went on to lose just over 2st, before
becoming the District Manager for Hampshire and
West Sussex.
“Whether I’m running training sessions for
my team, supporting our self-employed
Consultants in their groups, recruiting new
people to the team, or driving up to our
Derbyshire Head Office for meetings,
every day is different. It’s hard work, but
there’s nothing more satisfying than
helping a member achieve their weight
loss dreams, or working with a
Consultant to develop their business.
It’s a unique role where I can
combine a fulfilling, challenging
management position with
genuinely helping people to
transform their lives.”
Orange tiramisu
Instead of coffee, we’ve soaked our sponge in orange juice – and it’s sooo good
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 6
SYNS PER SERVING 5
READY IN 20 minutes, plus chilling
150ml freshly squeezed or unsweetened
orange juice
600g fat-free natural Greek yogurt
30g icing sugar
18 sponge fingers
2 large oranges, peeled, pith removed
and split into segments
10g plain dark chocolate, grated
1 Put the orange juice in a dish. Mix
together the yogurt and sugar in a bowl
until smooth.
2 Dip 6 sponge fingers into the orange
juice, then arrange in the bottom of a
serving dish. Top with one-third of the
orange segments, followed by one-third
of the yogurt mixture. Repeat twice more.
3 Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour,
or up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to
serve, scatter evenly with the chocolate,
then divide equally between 6 bowls.
citrus sensations
The best
of the
zest
When life gives you
lemons…and oranges
and grapefruits, make
these deliciously zingy
desserts for friends,
family, or just for you
PHOTOGRAPHS: SAM FOLAN
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 85
Citrus jelly terrine
Sweet oranges work beautifully with tangy
grapefruits in this jewel-like centrepiece
A LITTLE EFFORT
SERVES 8
SYNS PER SERVING 1
READY IN 20 minutes, plus setting
10 sheets leaf gelatine
2 x 11.5g sachets orange sugar-free jelly crystals
Low-calorie cooking spray
3 pink grapefruits, peeled, pith removed
and sliced into segments
3 oranges, peeled, pith removed
and sliced into segments
800ml diet lemonade
20g pistachios, shelled and chopped
YOU’LL ALSO NEED
22cm bundt cake tin or 1.5 litre jelly mould
1 Soak the gelatine in cold water for
5 minutes, or until soft and floppy. Squeeze
out the gelatine leaves, then put them
in a jug with the jelly crystals. Add 250ml
just-boiled water and stir until the gelatine
is completely dissolved. If any little bits are
still floating in the mixture, pop the jug in
the microwave (make sure your jug is safe
to microwave first), heat for 30 seconds
on medium-high, then stir again.
3 Dip the tin or mould into a bowl of hot
water for a few seconds, then carefully turn
it out onto a cake stand or serving plate.
Evenly scatter over the pistachios, cut
into 8 equal wedges and serve.
St Clement’s microwave mug cake
This dessert is ready in a flash...and you don’t even have to share it!
SUPER SIMPLE
SERVES 1
SYNS PER SERVING 5½
READY IN 10 minutes
1 medium egg
½ level tbsp sweetener granules, plus ½ level tsp
25g self-raising flour
2 tbsp fat-free natural Greek yogurt
Zest of 1 orange
1 level tsp lemon curd
Zest of ½ lemon
86 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
1 Put the egg and half tbsp of sweetener in
a bowl, and beat with an electric hand whisk
until really light and fluffy. Fold in the flour,
1 tbsp yogurt and most of the orange zest.
Pour into a medium microwaveable mug.
2 Microwave on high for 70 seconds, then
leave to stand for 2-3 minutes. Mix the rest
of the sweetener into the remaining yogurt.
Top with the yogurt and lemon curd.
Scatter over the rest of the orange zest
and the lemon zest – and grab a spoon!
“Raise a smile
with this fun
and nostalgic
jelly – it’ll bring
out the child in
all of us!”
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: LIZZIE KAMENETZKY. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
2 Spritz the bundt tin or jelly mould with
cooking spray, drain the fruit and arrange
in the bottom. Slowly mix the lemonade
with the orange jelly, then pour it over
the fruit (see Cook’s note, above right).
Put in the fridge and leave to set for at
least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
citrus sensations
COOK’S
NOTE
To keep the segments
suspended, once you’ve mixed
the lemonade and jelly, sit the
bundt tin in a large bowl of iced
water. Pour the jelly mixture
over the fruit and stir slowly
for 10 minutes until
thickened
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 87
citrus sensations
“Smash through
the golden,
crunchy top to
reach the creamy,
baked custard
underneath...”
Lemon curd crème brûlées
We’ve given this classic pud a fruity spin with a double hit of lemon
A LITTLE EFFORT
SERVES 6
SYNS PER SERVING 4
READY IN 45 minutes, plus chilling
400ml skimmed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 lemon, zest peeled into thick strips
2 medium eggs, plus 2 yolks
2 level tsp cornflour
55g caster sugar
2 level tbsp lemon curd
YOU’LL ALSO NEED
6 x 150ml ramekins
88 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
1 Put the milk in a saucepan with the vanilla
and lemon zest, and heat to steaming. Take
the pan off the heat, leaving the zest to
infuse for 15 minutes, then remove the zest.
2 Preheat your oven to 170°C/fan 150°C/
gas 3½. Whisk the eggs, yolks and cornflour
with 30g sugar. Add the lemon curd, whisk
again, then pour in the milk and mix briefly.
3 Put the ramekins in a deep roasting
tin and equally divide the mixture between
them. Pour just-boiled water into the tin
to come about halfway up the sides of the
ramekins. Bake for 30-35 minutes until
the brûlées are just set with a wobble. Allow
to cool, then chill in the fridge overnight.
4 Just before serving, evenly scatter the
rest of the sugar over the brûlées. Pop
them under a very hot grill, or use a
chef’s blowtorch, to caramelise the sugar.
Serve straight away.
READER COMPETITION
Win a spa break
for two worth £1,000
…at Lake Country House
Hotel & Spa in Mid Wales
ut a spring in your step with a rejuvenating
two-night break at the Lake Country House
Hotel & Spa, set within the pretty village
of Llangammarch Wells in the heart of Mid
Wales. Our winner and their guest will stay in a
spacious Manor Suite or State Room, and have full
access to the hotel’s spa, where
they’ll receive a relaxing body
massage each. With 50 acres of
grounds to explore, as well as the
valleys and mountains of Powys,
there’s plenty of countryside to
enjoy, too, before settling down
to a delicious four-course dinner.
However you choose to spend
your time, you’ll head home
feeling rested and recharged.
P
READER
OFFER
Three nights for two at
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa
Take a three-night break by 23
December 2024 and pay for two
nights. Offer is based on two people
sharing a House or Lodge Suite, with
breakfast each morning and unlimited
use of the hotel’s spa, including sauna,
steam rooms, outdoor hot tub with
lake views and indoor swimming pool,
plus fully equipped gym. Offer is
subject to availability and restrictions
apply. Guests must be aged 16 or over
to use the spa. To book, call 01591 620
202 or visit lakecountryhouse.co.uk
and quote 3FOR2.
PRIZE DETAILS
● Two nights’ accommodation for two
sharing a Manor Suite or State Room
● Cooked or continental breakfast both
mornings ● Four-course dinner at the hotel’s
restaurant each evening ● Spa access on
both days with unlimited use of the facilities,
including sauna, steam rooms, outdoor hot
tub with lake views and indoor swimming
pool, plus fully equipped gym ● One
60-minute full body massage each
For more information about Lake Country House
Hotel & Spa, visit lakecountryhouse.co.uk. The prize
must be taken by 20 June 2025, subject to availability,
and restrictions apply. The competition is open to UK
and Republic of Ireland residents aged 18 or over;
guest must be aged 16 or over.
No purchase necessary. For full terms and
conditions, see p120.
For full offer terms and conditions, see p120.
HOW TO ENTER
Email
For your chance to win, answer the following question: in how
many acres of grounds is Lake Country House Hotel & Spa set?
Daytime tel
Please tick if you are happy for Lake Country House Hotel & Spa to use your email address to
send you updates about offers and promotional events.
Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/magcomps to enter online no later
than 23 May 2024. Or send your competition entry form to
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa Competition, Slimming World
Magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW,
to arrive no later than 23 May 2024.
Name
Address
Postcode
DATA PROTECTION: by entering the competition, all entrants consent to the use of their personal
data by Slimming World, Bellevue Marketing and Lake Country House Hotel & Spa for the purpose of
the administration of this competition. The winner’s name and county will be published in the October
2024 issue of Slimming World Magazine.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 89
PRINT EDITION
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magazine today…
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90 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
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SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 91
BEFORE
I struggled to
get around
and always
had to pause
to catch
my breath
making strides
Ramsey’
s
road to
success
Since losing 9st 12½lbs, Ramsey Johnson is enjoying an active
lifestyle he never imagined he’d have – and his weight loss has
put him on the path to an exciting new future!
M
y nan beamed as she opened the front
old. I couldn’t understand why the other children
door and ushered me inside. I handed
would pick on me just because I looked different to
over the still-warm tin and she prised
them. I hadn’t done anything mean or spiteful, I was
open the lid, sending the spicy, sweet
just a little bigger than they were. Why did they need
waft of freshly baked
to keep pointing that out? I found
mince pies through the air. ‘Perfect
it difficult to make friends, so I fell
as always!’ she said. ‘I’ll put the
back on the strength and love of
kettle on and we’ll have a taste.’
my close-knit family – especially
I felt a glow of satisfaction that my
my mum, Tracy. We’d always had
Ramsey Johnson, 20, lives
morning’s baking had made her so
a strong bond and when other
in Enderby, Leicestershire,
happy. It made me feel that I could
children were outside playing,
with his mum, Tracy, dad,
at least do one thing right…
I preferred to be shopping with
Dave, and sister, Mackenzie
At 16 years old, baking was the
Mum or visiting my grandparents.
only time I felt able to express
Things only got worse when
Height: 5ft 11½ins
myself without fear of being judged,
I went to secondary school,
Starting weight: 23st ½lb
or worse, jeered at and made to feel
where the bullying sometimes
Weight now: 13st 2lbs
like there was something wrong
became physical. I tried to hide
with me. After being bullied at
my shape under oversize clothes
WEIGHT LOST:
school, I’d shut myself away in the
and would always find a seat in
kitchen with my eggs, flour, scales
the back corner of the class, doing
and recipe books. Measuring,
my best to stay inconspicuous.
mixing, folding and icing, and
Mum, my dad, Dave, and older
Ramsey is a member of
knowing my creations would
sister, Mackenzie, could see I was
Roxanne Freeman’s Slimming World
bring joy to my family, felt really
unhappy. The thing was, I didn’t
group in Aylestone, Leicestershire
good. And, for a while, I could
want to discuss it with them
distract myself from the awful
because I didn’t want them to have
feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness that
to share my pain. Sometimes, when things got on top
threatened to drag me under. I’d always been the
of me, I just couldn’t keep it to myself any longer.
biggest boy when I was at primary school, and the
After a particularly tough day at school, tears welled
teasing had started when I was around seven years
in my eyes as I said to Mum: ‘People like me who are >
Meet Ramsey
9st 12½lbs
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 93
hideous and obese should stay indoors, we shouldn’t
be seen in public.’ I could tell by her face that she
was shocked and upset to hear me saying such awful
things. She wrapped me in a tight hug. ‘Don’t ever say
that about yourself,’ she said. ‘You know that’s not
true, don’t you?’ I nodded, but the sad thing was,
I didn’t know. After so many years of hearing people
say hurtful things about me, I’d started to believe
them. I didn’t feel worthy of happiness and wished
I could shut myself away at home where, with Mum,
Dad and Mackenzie, I felt safe and loved.
I worked hard at my studies
and kept my head down at
school. I was good at languages
and had a particular fascination
for Italy, so after sixth form I went
to the University of Leicester to
study Italian and international
relations. I hoped that might be
a turning point for me – a fresh
start, surrounded by new friends.
But it wasn’t long before I started
noticing I was being looked at
strangely as I struggled to make
my way around campus, stopping
to catch my breath at the top of
each flight of stairs.
With my hopes of a happier
social life in tatters, I kept my
distance from the student scene,
preferring to spend as much time
94 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
as possible at home. In August 2022, we
took a family holiday to Puglia, Italy – a
chance for me to really immerse myself
in the language and culture. It was a great
holiday and I felt genuinely happy...until
we got home and I looked through the
pictures. There was a photo of me
in the beautiful town of Monopoli – but
I was almost filling the frame, obscuring
the beautiful buildings. It made me feel
so low that I went upstairs to my room and
stayed there for the rest of the night.
Taking control
The following day, Mum spoke to me. ‘It’s terrible to see
you this sad,’ she said, her voice shaking with emotion.
‘I want to lose weight as well, so maybe now’s the time
that you and I take control of things together.’ She
explained that a friend and her daughter, who was a
year older than me, were planning to start Slimming
World, and suggested we go with them. With the
photo still fresh in my mind, I nodded my reluctant
agreement, while already thinking
of reasons why it wasn’t a good idea.
‘I’m not sure it’s for someone as
young as me, it seems like it’s for
older people,’ I said. Then, before
she could look too disappointed,
I added with a resigned sigh: ‘OK,
Mum, I’ll try it for a little while.’
Walking in, I noticed some
younger members, and men as
well. To my surprise, I immediately
felt comfortable. The Consultant,
Roxanne, and her group were
amazingly supportive, welcoming
us with open arms. They clearly
didn’t think I was unworthy of
care or help. I barely spoke a word,
listening instead to the other
members make plans for the week
ahead in the IMAGE Therapy part
making strides
Now that I’m feeling
fit and positive,
I’ve got the self-belief
to reach for the
sky in whatever I do!
of the session. Then, when the moment came for my
private weigh-in, I was shocked to discover I was just
over 23st. Still, the group felt like such a safe place –
nobody was judging anyone else, and that made me
feel less like judging myself. I left feeling confident
I could make some kind of progress, both with my
weight loss and with the way I talked about myself.
From my teens, I’d taken on the role of house chef,
and now I threw myself into making Food Optimising
meals for the family. I still baked, but only on special
occasions. I loved the simplicity of the plan and was
able to cook for Mum and me, Mackenzie, who is vegan,
and Dad, who is vegetarian. I quickly found myself
improvising using the huge range of Free Food listed
in my Food Optimising book. One of my signature
dishes was a brightly coloured risotto, with parsnips,
leeks, mushrooms and nutmeg. I added vinegar from
a jar of beetroot, which gave it a hint of sweetness and
tang, as well as a purple colouring that made the dish
look great – it was a big hit with everyone!
Mum and I felt closer than ever as we embarked
on our journey together, and we shared the joy and
elation of seeing the pounds come off. The first bump
in the road for me came after a few weeks, when the
scales showed a small weight gain. It felt so unfair and,
for once, I spoke up in group. ‘I feel like I’ve stuck to
the plan and still gained. I’ve started to wonder >
Ramsey’s mum, Tracy, says:
‘When I see the positive, fit and active
young man that Ramsey has become in
the space of 12 months, I feel like I’ll burst
with pride. He’s done so incredibly well
and, once he got started with his journey,
his determination to see it through never
wavered. It was wonderful that we could
do this together, but for me this was
always about Ramsey.
‘There were times I thought my
heart would break for him. I could never
understand how other children could treat
him with such cruelty, how they could fail
to see the wonderful, clever and loving
boy he was. Once he asked me: “What’s
the point of me? Why am I here?” It’s
a memory so painful it still brings tears
to my eyes.
‘Now I see an entirely different young
man before me. He’s still the caring
Ramsey we’ve always loved, but there’s
a new purpose, confidence and energy
about him, which is a joy to see. He even
loves going clothes shopping, and he looks
so handsome in the new T-shirts that
show off his shape. Best of all, he knows
that he’s deserving of a happy life as he
moves on to pursue his passions. I can’t
wait to watch him bloom into a brilliant
young man, whatever he chooses to do!’
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 95
BEFORE
I tried to
hide my
shape
under
oversize
clothes
I threw myself into
cooking Food
Optimising
meals – my signature
risotto was
a big hit!
RAMSEY WEARS
96 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
same time, Mum lost 6st 11lbs. We’d done it all side by
side, which made our success even more special. It’s
taking time to adjust to the new version of me, but I’m
getting there gradually. I’ve been a sad, anxious boy all
my life, so it’s hard to believe that the man in the mirror
is really who I am now. On a recent trip to Italy, this time
with university, I relaxed on the beach with my shirt
off – something I’d never have dreamt of doing before.
Flying high
Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by planes and
though I dreamt that one day I might join the RAF,
I knew that career was far out of reach before I lost
the weight. Now that I’m feeling fit and positive, I’m
ready to take that scary step and apply! I’ve paused
my studies and made some enquiries about the air
force, and just having the self-belief to take this first
step means so much. Whatever happens next, what
I’ve gained from Slimming World is the determination
and self-esteem to reach for the sky in whatever I do.
I’ve just turned 20, but I feel as though my life has just
begun. It’s not so long ago that I felt I wasn’t worthy
of happiness, but now, at last, I know that I am worthy –
and I always was. That’s a lesson I’ll never forget!
Since the photoshoot, Ramsey’s gone on to achieve
his 10st award. Congratulations!
p94 (top left): Top,
Nike at JD Sports.
T-shirt, Decathlon.
Joggers, Nike at
Next. Trainers, Nike
at ASOS. Watch
and bracelet, both
Ramsey’s own. Water
bottle, Decathlon
p95 (top): T-shirt,
Carhartt at ASOS.
Jeans, H&M. Trainers,
Adidas at JD Sports.
Watch and ring, both
Ramsey’s own
Above and p95
(below): T-shirt and
shirt, both H&M.
Trousers, Jack & Jones
at ASOS. Trainers,
Bershka at ASOS.
Watch, bracelet and
ring, all Ramsey’s own
TRACY WEARS
p95: Top, H&M.
Jeans, Marks &
Spencer. Necklace,
Next. Earrings and
ring, both Tracy’s own
INTERVIEW: KEVIN DONALD. PHOTOGRAPHS: DAVID CUMMINGS. STYLING: DANIELLE ELMES-HUGHES
GROOMING: LIZ KITCHINER. SEE P119 FOR STOCKISTS
if there’s any point carrying on.’ Instantly, other
members urged me to keep going. ‘Sometimes it’s not
about the numbers,’ one said. ‘If you feel better, that’s
what really counts, and with patience it will show on the
scales, too.’ She was right, I concluded after a while – if
I just kept going, I could do it. And guess what, in the
weeks after, I was back to losing weight consistently.
We were talking about trigger foods in IMAGE
Therapy when it hit me that crusty white bread was
mine. I knew that if I got started I’d find it hard to stop,
so Mum and I decided that it was one thing we would
cut out. With Food Optimising giving us so many other
delicious options to choose from, we never felt like
we were missing out. We were also encouraged to start
the Body Magic physical activity support programme
to help with our weight loss. Mum and I began walking
everywhere, thrashing out the week’s menu between
us as we did. As my weight continued to fall, I started
to go out for runs, too. I’d began weight training before
joining Slimming World, and carrying on with that
made me so much stronger and fitter – which I loved!
Collecting my Body Magic awards motivated me to
keep challenging myself, and inspired me to stay on
track to meet my target weight. Within a year, I’d lost
9st 12½lbs! The satisfaction of seeing people from
school – even those who’d bullied me – do a double take
when I passed them in the street was off the scale. In the
p92 and 94 (top
right): Jacket, Puma
at JD Sports. T-shirt
and shorts, both Nike
at ASOS. Trainers,
Nike at Next. Earbuds
and socks, both
Ramsey’s own. Water
bottle, Decathlon
slimming-friendly
tikka masala
online offer
scan me to find out
more and join today
save £15/€25 on
the Gold package*
use the code
SWMAG179
slimmingworld.co.uk/online
*This offer is available from 22nd February - 3rd April 2024.
with
Slimming World
Online
Live the life you want, eat the food you love and still lose weight
with our digital service. It’s simple to use, super-convenient and
fits around you.
get started right now, with:
more than 2,000 easy, delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners
on our top-rated members’ app
expert tools and articles to help you take control of your eating,
drinking and thinking
support and encouragement (when you want it) from our online community
unlimited access to our weekly schedule of live events
exclusive activity videos on demand, for all fitness and mobility levels
the Slimming World barcode scanner to help you make great food
choices in seconds
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SCAN ME
MIND,body&soul
CREATE A STRONGER, HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT
THE JOYS OF
IMPERFECTION
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
‘A
t Slimming World, we learn
that you don’t need to be
perfect to be worthy of
love and attention. You’re
mixing with people who have found
success by being perfectly imperfect!
They’ve found their route, their mix,
their own personal blend of all those
Slimming World options that make
weight loss simply a joy.’
Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE,
Slimming World’s founder and chair
Learn how to be true to yourself with
our happiness journal on page 102.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 101
Your
happiness
journal
You don’t have to wait until
you’ve reached your target
weight to feel the joy. With
our deep-thinking exercises,
we’ll help you tap into all
the wonderful things there
are to enjoy along the way.
So, you can feel great
wherever you are on your
slimming journey, and even
supercharge your success
on the scales, too!
WORDS: CHRISTABEL SMITH
ILLUSTRATIONS: PHILIPPA COULES
102 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
ecause I’m happy...’ Hands up if you loved the Pharrell
Williams song that had us all bopping around the kitchen
and made us feel ‘like a room without a roof’! Feeling
upbeat isn’t only something to look forward to at the end
of our slimming journeys, it’s something we all deserve
right now – and finding ways to feel good can even help
us along the way to achieving those weight loss goals.
‘The bottom line is that we make better decisions when we’re
feeling good about ourselves,’ says Deborah Sanderson, Slimming
World’s director of training and development. ‘And every one of the
small steps we take towards committing to healthier lifestyle habits
deserves celebrating.’ The result, she says, is that we find ourselves
in a virtuous circle. ‘Success breeds success – and as your self-esteem
starts to flourish, more great choices naturally follow.’
Our guided happiness journal is here to help you focus on the
positives and tap into the things in life that give you joy, so that in
turn, the Food Optimising meals and physical activities you choose
will make you feel fabulous on the inside as well as out. As Deborah
Sanderson says: ‘Life is for living – so let’s enjoy the ride!’
‘B
notes to self
Me-time bingo
When we’re busy, making time for
ourselves can feel like the last thing we
should be doing. Yet building in little
moments of joy, calm, or just something
that makes us feel good, can boost our
motivation, ramp up our resilience, and
even put us in a better place to care for
others. So we’ve devised this fun exercise
as a way of working some self-care into
every day. Follow our bingo card on this
page, or use the QR code to print it off,
or use the blank card to create your own.
There’s no time limit. Cross off the boxes
when completed, then every time you get
a line, and then a full card, celebrate all
that time you’ve spent on feeling happier!
SCAN QR CODE HERE
Tried a new
Slimming World
recipe
Took a break when
I needed one
Made a playlist of
favourite songs
Invited a friend
over for a Food
Optimising meal
Had some fun
Gave myself
a compliment
Read a magazine or
listened to a podcast
Batch cooked meals
for future me
Noticed and
ignored my
inner critic
Thought about
my motivation for
wanting to slim
Phoned a friend
who always lifts
my spirits
Spent time with
someone I love
Went for a walk in
the sunshine
Tried a new
Speed Free Food
fruit or vegetable
Watched a funny film
or TV show
Sat quietly and
focused on
my breathing
Said ‘no’ without
feeling guilty
Boogied to a
favourite tune
Wrote down three
things I enjoy doing
Went to bed early
Followed
an online
stretching
session
Celebrated all
the great choices
I made this week
Made a list of things
I’m good at
Was kind to myself
Spent time in
a park or garden
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 103
1
Keep track of your
slimming self-talk
So many of us carry a double burden,
not just of unwanted weight, but also
a sense of guilt or shame. ‘I’m a failure’,
‘I have no willpower’, ‘I don’t deserve to
be slim’, we tell ourselves – things we’d
never dream of saying to someone else!
One of the first things new members
discover (and love) about Slimming World
is the complete lack of judgment they
find – only understanding and empathy
from other people who know exactly how
it feels to be where they are now, who’ve
experienced that pesky, unhelpful inner
voice bringing them down.
Does that sound familiar? ‘Take a
moment to ask yourself if you’d be this
unkind to anyone else,’ says Deborah.
‘The answer’s sure to be no. One of the
most helpful things you can do for your
weight loss is replace negative statements
with positive ones, which will underpin –
not undermine – your success.
‘Embedding healthier habits takes
time. Notice and be grateful for the bumps
along the way because that’s how we
humans learn to tackle things differently
in the future. Perhaps you’ve maintained
or gained? Of course it’s disappointing
when things don’t go as we’d hoped, but
your Consultant and friends in group have
inevitably been there, too. They’ll help
you to tweak your plan for the week ahead,
so you can forgive yourself and look
forward. Then you can give yourself a big
pat on the back for keeping going,
whatever curveballs come your way!’
It’s helpful to take a step back and notice the kind of things you say to
yourself in negative moments (trust us, we all have them!). Use this space
to jot them down, then work on flipping them to find the positive. Like all
habits, the more you practise, the easier it gets. We’ve given a couple of
examples to get you started.
NEGATIVE CHATTER ‘I didn’t mean to drink on that night out with the girls, then
I went over my Syns on wine and messed everything up. I really don’t want to weigh
in this week now.’
POSITIVE PEP TALK ‘Yes, I drank more than I meant to. But I avoided the late-night
chips! Next time, I’ll remember to alternate wine with water. I stayed on plan for the
rest of the week and I’m proud of myself for that.’
NEGATIVE CHATTER ‘I signed up for a couch to 5K app, but it was raining so I only
went running once. I’ve got no motivation.’
POSITIVE PEP TALK ‘I signed up for the app and went running – way to go! It’s OK
to be a fair-weather runner. Maybe I could look at some indoor alternatives online.’
‘The secret to baking in
new habits is to make
them enjoyable, like
moving more by dancing
to your favourite tunes’
104 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
notes to self
2
Happy habits
‘The secret to baking in new healthy
habits is making them things you enjoy,’
says Deborah. ‘Play to your strengths!’
Don’t like getting wet, for example?
Swimming’s probably not for you.
On the other hand, if you have happy
memories of netball, beach walks or
cycling around the park, then you can
rediscover the pleasure by building them
back into your routine. Here are a few
more of Deborah’s top tips:
● Whether it’s swapping your mid-morning
biscuit for a piece of fruit or taking a walk
around the block in your lunch hour,
reward yourself for making that healthy
choice with a pampering at-home beauty
treatment. Or treat yourself to one of our
cheerful buys on p111.
Slimming World’s Body Magic physical activity support programme is all
about getting active in ways you enjoy. So use this part of your journal to
scribble down all the physical activities that give you a boost – don’t rule
anything out. Once you have your list of favourites, think of ways you can
build them into your everyday life. While we’ve come up with a couple of
ideas to get you going, remember you’re the boss of your own weight loss
and you’re the one that knows best how to make it work for you.
‘I’m not much of a one for the gym, but I do like to get outdoors. I’ll use Slimming
World’s Body Magic programme to get active in a way that suits me. Leaving the car
at home and going for a five-minute walk to the shop will give me a fresh-air boost
and count towards my bronze Body Magic award.’
‘Shopping and sitting in my garden are the two things I enjoy most. I’ll clock up steps
walking along the high street or around the big shopping centre stores, taking the stairs
between any floors. Gardening’s good exercise, too, and a bit of weeding and watering
will make me and the plants feel the joys of spring.’
● If you love a Saturday night kitchen
disco, check out the many and varied
dance-along options on YouTube. From
80s disco to salsa and hip-hop to house,
channelling your inner dance-floor diva
is a great way to get moving and have
a fabulous time!
● Does baking fill you with the warm and
fuzzies? You’ll find some delicious low Syn
cake and dessert ideas on the Slimming
World members’ site and app. Then invite
friends round to enjoy the results – and
some quality time together – over a coffee.
3
Upbeats
Some music comes with a feelgood guarantee. What are the tunes
that make you shake your hips and wave your hands in the air like
you just don’t care? Make a playlist for when you need a lift!
Power up your positivity
You’ve pinpointed some things in life that make
you happy – bingo! And you’ll find that there’s
loads more positivity and support you can rely
on to bring the joy into your weight loss journey.
● A Slimming World group is a happy and safe
place. You’ll get strategies to overcome stumbling
blocks – and giving encouragement and advice to
other members will make you feel great in return!
● Forget feeling miserable or deprived – adapting
your favourite meals to Food Optimising is easier
than you might think, and your Syns are there to
make sure you don’t miss out on a cheeky bar of
chocolate or a G&T.
● Once you get into the groove of cooking
from scratch, you’ll find this magazine, and the
Slimming World members’ website and app
are all fantastic sources of recipe inspiration
to keep you looking forward to dinnertime.
Step by step, you’ll find all the strategies you
need to win big at weight loss, and to put the
sparkle into your slimdown along the way!
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 105
Feel
good
from the
We’re going behind the scenes to look
at how losing weight can benefit
your hard-working organs. Read on to
find out about all the amazing ways a
healthier, more active lifestyle can help
your body work at its very best, and
how you can get started today!
WORDS: ANNA BLEWETT ILLUSTRATIONS: ZARA PICKEN
106 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
ouldn’t it be great if
our bodies had a handy
dashboard function that
let us know exactly what’s
happening on the inside?
We all love to see the effects our healthy
choices can have on how we look, but what
about the impact they have on all those
essential workings behind the scenes? The
fact is, while you’re dropping sizes and making
positive changes to your lifestyle, some
seriously good things are going on inside.
‘Following a healthy diet and being active can
bring really big benefits to vital organs like
our heart, lungs and liver, which can reduce
our risk of developing a whole range of
health conditions and help us feel our best,’
says Jennifer Kent, a dietitian at Slimming
World. So let’s discover more about the
organs keeping our bodies ticking over, and
find out what’s really going on as we slim...
W
THE HEALTH INFORMATION IN THIS FEATURE IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND
SHOULD NOT BE USED TO REPLACE THE ADVICE GIVEN BY YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
inside
out
health update
Look after
your liver
It’s your biggest internal
organ and filters toxins
from your blood. Your liver also processes
nutrients from the food you eat, and
helps control blood sugar levels and fight
off infections... In fact, this multi-talented
organ has over 500 functions!
‘The way the liver naturally detoxes the
body is amazing,’ says Jennifer Kent. ‘And
having a minimal amount of fat in your
liver allows it to do this most effectively.’
Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) is estimated to affect up to one
in five people in the UK*, yet there are
positives in that losing weight and having a
healthy lifestyle can make all the difference!
And there’s good news when it comes
to the risk posed by drinking, too. ‘Our
research shows Slimming World members
reduce their alcohol intake after joining and,
on average, consume alcohol in line with UK
guidelines**,’ says Jennifer. And according
to the NHS, losing more than 10 per cent of
your weight can remove some fat from your
liver and help manage NAFLD if you have it.
*FROM THE BRITISH LIVER TRUST. **SLIMMING WORLD’S HEALTH AND WELLBEING STUDY. ***ANALYSIS
OF SLIMMING WORLD MEMBER INTAKES, JUNE 2023. †RESEARCH PUBLISHED IN OBESITY: A RESEARCH
JOURNAL. ††STUDY PUBLISHED IN ARCHIVES OF DIABETES & OBESITY, 2021. †††ACCORDING TO MENTAL
HEALTH CHARITY MIND
Help your
heart
If the heart had a
motto, it would be
‘do one thing well’. This powerful pump
circulates oxygenated blood to every cell
in your body, and in the same motion
pushes deoxygenated blood back to your
lungs to get more. That’s one hardworking muscle!
A healthy heart is fundamental to
living a full, active life, so even if you can’t
see the impact your healthier choices are
having, rest assured they’re adding up to
really big wins. ‘Having high cholesterol
can increase your risk of heart disease,
yet dietary changes – particularly cutting
down on foods high in saturated fat –
can really help to lower unhealthy levels,’
says Jennifer. ‘And by Food Optimising,
you’re already on the right track. Our
latest research*** shows Slimming World
members eat less saturated fat, as well
as more fibre – which is also associated
with a lower risk of heart disease – than
non-members. On average, members
consume less salt, too – which, along
with losing weight and being active, helps
maintain a healthy blood pressure and
ease your heart’s workload.’
Love your
lungs
The lungs help you to
breathe. They release
oxygen from the air they take in into your
bloodstream, so it can be delivered to
other organs and tissues, and get rid of
waste gas when you breathe out.
‘We know for many members a big
motivator to lose weight is wanting to
feel less breathless,’ says Jennifer. ‘That
could mean being able to climb the stairs
without feeling puffed out, or to run
around with their children.’ Losing excess
weight can take pressure off your neck,
chest and stomach, making it easier to
breathe in deeply. And being active is
another great way to look after your lungs.
Regular movement helps to strengthen
the muscles around your lungs (and in the
rest of your body) – and the stronger these
muscles get, the less oxygen they’ll need
to work, and the easier breathing will feel.
Soothe your
stomach
This muscular pouch
acts as a holding bay
for your food, where enzymes and acids
break down everything you eat so that
the nutrients can be absorbed.
If you tend to feel the burn that acid
reflux can bring after mealtimes – when
stomach acid travels up towards your
throat – this one’s for you. ‘As well as
easing the pressure on your stomach
that pushes acid up, research† suggests
that in the majority of cases losing weight
can either help with symptoms or resolve
them completely!’ There may be benefits
right from the very start of your slimming
journey, too. To help with acid reflux,
the NHS suggests cutting back on fatty
foods and limiting alcohol – a path you’ll
already be walking if you’re a Slimming
World member!
Protect your
pancreas
Hello, stranger! This
unsung hero wears two
hats: the pancreas makes the enzymes we
need to digest food, and also produces
the hormone insulin that regulates our
blood glucose and how we use or store it.
‘Carrying excess weight can mean our
pancreas struggles to produce enough
insulin, so our blood glucose levels stay too
high,’ says Jennifer. Regular hikes and dips
in blood glucose can have an impact on
how we feel, and consistently high blood
glucose levels are an indicator of diabetes.
Yet losing weight can help – both if you’re
at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and
if you’re living with it. ‘Research found
Slimming World members with type 2
diabetes who’d lost at least 10 per cent
of their starting weight made fantastic
improvements to their health,’ says
Jennifer, ‘with 81 per cent improving their
blood glucose management, 61 per cent
being able to reduce or stop taking their
diabetes medication completely, and
51 per cent reporting that they’d put
their type 2 diabetes into remission††.’
Slimming World and Diabetes UK
are working together in partnership
to share expertise on weight loss,
long-term healthy eating and
diabetes. Together, we aim to support
people living with and at risk of
diabetes to live healthy lives.
Boost your
brain
It’s essentially the
CEO of your entire body!
As well as more obvious functions like
thought, memory and speech, it also
controls the ‘automatic’ functions we
take for granted, such as heartbeat,
breathing and body temperature.
Being active is important when it
comes to keeping this organ happy, and
can help with everything from memory
to mental health†††. ‘Getting moving,
particularly out in nature, is great for
mental wellbeing,’ says Jennifer. That’s why
building up your activity levels, even with
small steps, adds up to invisible wins for
your mind, body and soul. And did you
know that powering your brain uses up
20 per cent of all the energy your body
requires? That’s why Food Optimising
can support brain health, too. By having
a healthy, balanced diet, you’re helping
to provide your brain with the fuel and
nutrients it needs to carry out its many
amazing functions. Every step you take
towards your weight loss goals is rewarded
by small but wonderful changes on the
inside – and the incredible organs hard
at work in your body thank you for
it. Talk about hidden benefits!
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 107
SIMPLE STR ATEGIES
‘Help! What
can I do to be
more active?
OUR E X P E RT S
HANNAH MADELEY is a Slimming
World member and has lost 2st 6½lbs
at Susie Tait’s Slimming World group in
Leedstown, Cornwall. She has achieved
her Silver Body Magic award
LAURA NOLAN is a registered
nutritionist from Slimming World’s
nutrition, research and health team,
who ensure our services are in line with
the latest advances in nutrition, health
and weight management
FIONA O’DONOGHUE is a Slimming
World Consultant with a group in
Waterford City, County Waterford.
She’s lost 1st 9½lbs and has achieved
her Platinum Body Magic award
108 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Our experts offer advice to Ronni, who wants to add more
activity into her routine to support her slimming journey
‘I’ve been a Slimming World member for
four years and I’d love to support my
healthy eating by being more active. The
main thing holding me back is my job at
a local supermarket, which involves working long
hours on a changing shift pattern – so I’ve found it
really hard to get into a steady routine. Although I often manage
to clock up 10,000 steps per shift, I know that adding to that
activity in my free time would bring me even more benefits.
‘Sport was never something I enjoyed at school, except
for netball, which I played for the school team. I used to love
going for long walks with my sister, but we’ve fallen out of
that habit – it’s a shame, as they really boosted my mood.
I think part of what’s stopping me is that I feel so self-conscious
exercising in front of others – I feel like everyone’s judging
me. How can I get past that?’
Ronni Jenkins, 23, is a service team leader in a supermarket and lives
in Kingsbridge, Devon, with her parents, sister and brother. She has
lost 2st 1½lbs at Nat Bamforth’s Slimming World group in Kingsbridge
talking point
podcast, so I get new recipe ideas and
motivational tips while I’m being active.
Time flies and I come home feeling so
good about myself!
‘I also enjoy netball and I actually
rejoined my old team last year. If you want
to ease back into it, something you already
know you enjoy,
you could always
try joining a
walking netball
club. They tend
to be more
laid-back and less
competitive, so
it won’t matter
too much if you
miss a couple of matches. And, if you
don’t already, it’s really helpful to use the
Slimming World app to track your activity
levels. Seeing how far I’d come, and how
close I was to the next Body Magic award,
was a huge motivator for me!’
in your routine or lifestyle – little changes
can make a big difference. For more
inspiration, see the section titled 5 active
habits for a fitter lifestyle in your Slimming
World member pack.
‘It’s very natural to feel a little selfconscious when you first start exercising
in public – so
please be kind
to yourself as
you take those
first steps. The
more active you
are, the more
your confidence
will grow over
time. And don’t
forget to update your Consultant on your
progress, so you can properly celebrate
with your first Body Magic award.’
Have you got a weight loss
dilemma you’d like help with?
Email us at editorial@
slimmingworld.co.uk
LAURA SAYS:
IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO START A NEW ACTIVITY PROGRAMME, WE RECOMMEND YOU CHECK WITH YOUR GP FIRST – ESPECIALLY IF
YOU HAVE AN EXISTING HEALTH CONDITION, SUCH AS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES OR ASTHMA. IF YOU’RE PREGNANT,
CHECK THE SUITABILITY OF THE ACTIVITY WITH YOUR MIDWIFE. INTERVIEWS: JANE MURPHY. MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
HANNAH SAYS:
‘I know exactly what you mean about
finding it hard to get into a routine, Ronni.
My husband often works evening shifts and
we’ve got a two-year-old daughter, Willow,
who keeps us busy – so it can be very tricky
to stick to the same activities every week.
I’ve learnt to plan in exercise using the FITT
(Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) log from
the Slimming World member pack. I look
at what’s coming up in my week ahead
and then identify times when I might
realistically be able to slot something in.
Whether it’s running around with Willow in
the soft play area, or grabbing an hour after
work to go for a walk on the beach, having
a chunk of time blocked off in my diary
means I’m much more likely to stick to it.
‘When it comes to changing your
mindset, I make sure I stay for the IMAGE
Therapy part of group, where we make
plans for the upcoming week. I always pick
up lots of useful new tips – one member
suggested doing lunges while I wait for the
kettle to boil, and I do that all the time now
(it’s great because nobody’s watching!).
‘If you find something you really love
doing, you’ll find a way to keep doing it.
For me, that’s walking – I find it great for
boosting my mood. It helps me manage
stress and clear my mind – plus, I use my
walks to listen to the Slimming World
‘First off, Ronni, you’re already getting
active by totting up so many steps at work,
so well done! Slimming World’s physical
activity support programme, Body Magic,
is about gradually building more activity
into your life until it becomes a habit – and
the key word here is “gradually”. All you
need to do to get started and receive your
Magic Mover award is to try something
different, even if it’s just for five minutes.
You could take the stairs instead of the lift,
do some stretches when you wake up, or
perhaps walk to work, if it’s not too far – it
all counts! You can also take your pick from
the Slimming World activity videos. There
are over 90 to choose from, with everything
from gentle beginner-friendly exercises to
energetic 30-minute workouts.
‘Simply sitting less and moving more
brings physical and mental health benefits,
as can getting outside – something you’ve
already experienced through the long
walks with your sister. Remind yourself
of all the positives that came from them, as
well as how much you enjoyed them. You’ll
soon start reaping the benefits – and by
improving your muscle strength, balance
and flexibility now, in your 20s, you’ll be
future-proofing your body, too. Being
more active doesn’t require a huge shift
FIONA SAYS:
‘A few years ago, the only time you’d
have seen me running would have been
if someone was chasing me! Since then,
I’ve surprised myself by doing a 10K and
completing various other charity run
events. Working towards my Body Magic
awards took me further than I could
imagine, and now I love seeing the pride
on my members’ faces when they achieve
their activity goals.
‘Like you, I work long and varied
shifts – the key is to plan around them and
give yourself little nudges, like leaving your
trainers by the front door. Also, you could
buddy up with a friend to give you some
extra motivation. A couple of members
from my group found the confidence to
join a gym together, while others meet
up to go walking or running.
‘I know it can feel daunting when you
try something new, particularly if it’s in a
public place – whether that’s a gym, walking
trail or swimming pool. But the truth is
that everyone’s too focused on themselves
to notice what you’re up to.
‘It can be easy to get stuck in selflimiting beliefs, like “I’m not a sporty person”.
One of my members, who had never run
long distances before, was encouraged to
start a couch to 5K programme – and she’s
now run a marathon! Take it from me and
my members, Ronni, once you get started
you really can surprise yourself.’
Moving more for our mental health
Did you know being active can boost self-esteem, improve sleep and reduce stress and
anxiety levels? That’s why this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May 2024)
is all about moving more! For ways to build more activity into your daily routine, and
for more on the benefits of activity for your mental health, visit mentalhealth.org.uk
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 109
treat yourself
Blooming gorgeous
Say it with flowers! And if you want something that lasts a little longer than
a bouquet, our pretty picks are perfect for celebrating those slimming wins
Pink
Beaded
Flower
Drop
Earrings,
£14, River
Island
Freya
Yellow
Flower
Pendant
Necklace,
£24, Oliver
Bonas
Cath
Kidston
London
Slim Coated
Zip Purse,
£8, Next
Powder
Impressionist
Floral Teal
Linen Scarf,
£35, National
Trust
Barry M
Gelly
Hi Shine
Nail Paint
in Peony,
£3.99 for
10ml, Boots
Jon Richard
Gold Plated
White Floral
and Freshwater
Pearl Bracelet,
£25, John Lewis
& Partners
SEE P119 FOR STOCKISTS
Petal
power!
3D Floral
Clutch Bag,
£42, Accessorize
(from the end
of March)
Pink Metal
Diamanté
Flower
Bulldog Hair
Clip, £7.99,
New Look
Style Studio
Yellow Floral
Headband &
Scrunchie Set,
£2.99, B&M
PS... Wild
Azalea Eau
de Parfum,
£6 for 50ml,
Primark
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 111
Prepare to
meet the
dazzling
new you
“We love breaking
through accepted
norms, and being able to
motivate and inspire
our members by putting
a spotlight on their
amazing achievements”
F ROM
T HE
HE A RT
When it comes to weight loss, we’ve been blazing
a trail for 55 years, and we’re here to help you shine
your brightest, says Margaret Miles-Bramwell
At Slimming World, we’re famous for trailblazing. We’ve
been revolutionising weight loss and the support we give
to our members from the very beginning – and 55 years
later we’re still at it. We love breaking through accepted
norms. And we love being able to motivate and inspire
you with just a few minutes of that positive spotlight.
We’re always inspired when you tell us your back
stories. They often leave us in tears because of what
you’ve been through, and leave us open-mouthed
and in awe because of what you’ve overcome. Our
members’ journeys are sometimes extreme, from the
lows to the highs, and I would love to give all of you a
medal for finding the courage to just walk through our
doors. That’s always the most nerve-racking moment.
Once you’ve made it that far, we see you relax and
listen to the details of your first steps, learning all about
Food Optimising with looks of bewilderment and even
disbelief that this can actually be true. No hunger?
Eat as much Free Food as you like? No weighing or
measuring of lean meat, poultry and fish, of almost
every fruit and vegetable, of potatoes, pasta and rice?
And yes, of course, it’s true!
we see our members benefit because of our focus
and relentless search to find those in-depth – and
trailblazing – solutions.
Catching the dream
Once you have realised that every dream you have
is possible, your mental imagery changes. From
something that seemed foggy and hazy, almost
holographic in its elusive intangibility, into a
mirage- like, shimmering new you. Finally, that image
becomes what you see in the mirror every day. It’s
transformative. It brings a smile to your lips – and
ours – every single time you catch sight of your new
self. And we all know the best make-up we can ever
wear is a genuinely radiant smile.
Making magic together
Who do you know who’s missing out on all of this?
A friend? Don’t hesitate to bring them along. And
let us walk side by side with you and them, because
that means the world to us and it will to you, too.
Together is how we make the magic happen. We
always have and we always will.
Creating solutions
Yours, as always, with love
Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE
is Slimming World’s founder and chair
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
As for our Consultants, and your fellow members,
we get to travel with you on the most life-changing
journey. I say we. I include myself, because once
a Consultant, always a Consultant. Every lesson I’ve
learnt along the way is inside my heart forever. It’s
how we’ve been able to create and continue developing
our amazing programme – because so many of us
have been there. And we keep finding new ways to
highlight potential danger spots and uncover solutions
to deep-seated habits that have caused you to gain
weight in the first place. And we just love rising to
those challenges. It’s what we shine at doing, and
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 113
‘This is
why we
Race for
Life’
Last year Slimming World put out
a call to raise money for Cancer
Research UK, and you answered!
Here, members and Consultants
share what taking part meant
to them – and why it’s so much
more than just a race
very year, thousands of people of all ages and fitness levels around the
country come together to Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK. And
many of those are Slimming World members and Consultants! Whether
it’s a 3K, 5K, 10K or a Pretty Muddy, and whether you walk it, run it, or
somewhere in between, you’ll have the joy of knowing that the extra activity is
supporting your weight loss, at the same time as raising potentially life-changing
funds for a cause close to many people’s hearts. Last year’s Race for Lifers raised
an amazing £949,567 – and made it a day to remember...
E
‘I walked the Race for Life
in memory of my Aunty Elsie’
‘I go for walks with my day centre
and thought it would be a nice idea
to raise money for a good cause
alongside my Consultant, Hayley.’
Emma Harder (far left), 37, walked
the Southampton 5K, helping to raise
£125, after losing 4st 2½lbs at Hayley
Lonergan’s group in Weston, Hampshire
114 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
‘The choir that my nan used to sing
with spurred us over the finish line’
‘I ran with my mum, Laurie, and my sister, Ellie.
Shortly after we signed up, my nan was diagnosed
with cancer, so it became even more important
for us to complete the race for her.’
Jess Wells (left), 31, ran the Worcester 5K,
helping to raise £683.75, after losing 2st
as a Slimming World Online member
fit & well
<
‘I signed up with
my Consultant,
Caroline, for a Pretty
Muddy as we thought
it would be a laugh!
It really was great
fun – we were sliding
around in the mud
and I was amazed at
how fit I was. Raising
money just made
it all the better!’
‘It was great to join forces with my fellow
South London Consultants and our members
to support family and friends affected by
cancer,’ says Sharon. ‘I really love how Race
for Life brings the community together.’
Sue Child (right), 78, loved the Temple
Newsam Pretty Muddy 5K. She helped to
raise £400, after losing 13½lbs at Caroline
Sykes’ group in Rothwell, West Yorkshire
(From left) Judith Grant, Sharon Sevier, Larissa
Dunkley, Sarah Blight, Ann-Marie Pemberton
and Jo Marlow at the Clapham Common
Pretty Muddy 5K, helping to raise £3,643
‘I’m glad I got
to do it with
friends’
‘I lost my dad to
skin cancer in
January 2023 and
really wanted to do
something for this
amazing charity.’
Hannah Pendlebury,
(left and centre), 30,
smashed the Tatton
Park Pretty Muddy
5K. She helped to
raise £1,160, after
losing 2st 8lbs
at Julie Nelson’s
group in Trafford,
Greater Manchester
‘I signed up to support my
friend, Sarah, who was also
taking part. It was a good
excuse to get more activity in
and really boosted my mood!’
‘It brought our groups together’
Petra Thomas, 64, did the
Salisbury 5K, helping to raise
£800, after losing 2st 12lbs
at Sharon Morris’s group in
Amesbury, Wiltshire
‘I never thought I’d be able
to walk 3K, let alone run it,
but thanks to Slimming World
I ran all the way around
in memory of my father.’
Ambia Ali, 41, ran the Heaton
Park 3K, helping to raise £280,
after losing 5st 2lbs at
Joanne Newbery’s group in
Didsbury, Greater Manchester
‘I never met my grandma
as she died of cancer
before I was born, so it was
an honour to run as part of
the Slimming World head
office field support team.’
Stacey Stubbs, 33, ran
the Derby 5K, helping
to raise £580.05 >
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 115
‘It was an amazing way
to celebrate losing 6st’
‘The previous year, there’s no way
I could have walked 5K. I was so
proud of how far my fitness had
come, and to be able to walk for
friends with cancer. I couldn’t
have been happier to be sharing
the day with my Consultant,
Claire, and friend, Bev.’
Louise Dyson (left), 60, walked
the Huddersfield 5K, helping
to raise £250, after losing
6st 9½lbs at Claire Pratt’s group
in Marsden, West Yorkshire
<
‘On what was the
hottest day of the
year, the Blackheath 10K was
an emotional experience for
our “SWE11” group. We had
all either lost a loved one to
cancer or knew someone
fighting it. Doing the event
together made fundraising
even more special.’
Consultant Michelle Flynn (fourth from right),
45, with members from her group in Leytonstone,
East London, enjoying the sunshine having
raised over £2,500
116 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
‘It was a joyous event!’
‘I have a metal knee so I knew
that I couldn’t run, but I wanted to
take part as it’s such an important
cause, and I’d lost my dad to cancer.
I met Stephen from one of my
Consultant’s other groups on the
day and we walked the 5K together.’
Pauline Cuss, 69, and Stephen
Pexton, 64, walked the Harrogate
5K, helping to raise £300, having
lost 5st 2lbs and 15st 11½lbs
respectively at Christine Husband’s
groups in Starbeck and
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
‘It’s such a heart-warming
event that’s full of fun’
‘I never thought of
myself as a runner’
‘I’ve had skin cancer myself, so
I know first-hand how important
taking part is. And having my
daughter, Jenny, with me meant a lot.’
‘I was inspired to sign up when
my fellow group members did.
I completed a couch to 5K app
and now run three times a week!’
Consultant Sarah Jones (right), 52, from
Leeds, West Yorkshire, did the Temple
Newman 5K, helping to raise £652
Consultant Claire Moran, 47, from
Barrs Court, Avon, ran the Bristol 5K,
helping to raise £3,700
fit & well
“
Getting my Bronze
Body Magic award,
then doing the 3K
with my sticks was
something I never
would’ve believed
I could do before
Slimming World
“
Pam Brown (left), 78, walked the
Windsor 3K, helping to raise over
£550, after losing 12lbs at Angela
Williams’ group in Deepcut, Surrey
‘It became a family affair
for us, as I did the 5K with
my mother-in-law, Jane,
and my husband, Gareth,
did the 10K. We loved being
able to support our group!’
Claire McRea (left), 47,
ran the Cardiff 5K, helping
to raise £3,000, after losing
5st 7lbs at Kath ThorneThomas’s group in Penarth,
Vale of Glamorgan
‘Between us, we raised over £11,000!’
‘Our team of 64 ranged from six to 80 years old, with
members taking part with their children, families and
friends,’ says Lee. ‘We all knew people who’d been affected
by cancer and wanted to stand together as a community.’
Consultant Lee Insull-Griffiths (centre), 35, and members
of his groups in Claines, Kempsey and Perdiswell, Worcester,
were a force to be reckoned with at the Worcester 5K!
‘The smiles made it
all worth it!’
‘We had torrential rain, lightning
and sunshine, but it all added to
the adventure! We really came
together to complete the race.’
The weather threw everything
at Consultant Roz Smith (second
from left), 52, and her Lincolnshire
groups as they raised £400 at the
Lincoln Pretty Muddy 5K
‘We’ve all been touched
by cancer in some way…’
‘...so my members jumped at the
chance to support me when
they heard I was taking part!’
Laura Hunter (right), 44, did the
Thornes Park Pretty Muddy 5K with
fellow South Yorkshire Consultant
Wendy Marsh, 55, and raised £856
‘I wanted to be healthier
for my children, so to be
almost 3st lighter and
running the 5K with my
daughter, Elsie, felt
incredibly special.’
Hannah Hallam, 35, helped
to raise £100 at the Stoke-onTrent 5K, after losing 2st 12lbs
at Zoe Boulton’s group in
Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Getting active for a good cause!
Last year Slimming World became an official sponsor
for Cancer Research UK’s 2023 Race for Life, raising
a fantastic sum – and we’re a proud official sponsor
of Race for Life again in 2024. If you would love
to support our efforts and take part with us, sign
up using the code SWRFL24 at raceforlife.org and
receive a 30 per cent discount on the entry fee.
For terms and conditions, turn to page 120.
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 117
3K, 5K, 10K &
Pretty Muddy
Every sign-up helps
save lives.
Sign up today at raceforlife.org
Registered charity numbers 1089464, SC041666, 1103 & 247
Proud Sponsors
Proud Partner
directory
SHOP THE ISSUE
magazine
Editor Sara Ward
A Accessorize
accessorize.com
H H&M
hm.com
Ananya
ananya.com
Hobbs London
hobbs.com
Ania Haie
aniahaie.com
Hot Diamonds
hotdiamonds.co.uk
Ashiana London
ashianalondon.com
JD Sports
jdsports.co.uk
ASOS
asos.com
B B&M
bmstores.co.uk
J
Joanie
joanieclothing.com
John Lewis & Partners
johnlewis.com
BAM
bambooclothing.co.uk
Millen
K Karen
karenmillen.com
Betty & Biddy
bettyandbiddy.com
L Liquorish
liquorishonline.com
Big Metal London
bigmetallondon.com
Boots
boots.com
Svedbom
C Caroline
Jewelry
carolinesvedbom.com
Chi Chi London
chichiclothing.com
Claudia Bradby
claudiabradby.com
Coeur de Lion
coeur-de-lion.org
D Decathlon
decathlon.co.uk
LK Bennett London
lkbennett.com
M Marks & Spencer
marksandspencer.com
Mint Velvet
mintvelvet.com
National Trust
N nationaltrust.org.uk
Neo Walk
neo-walk.com
New Look
newlook.com
Next
next.co.uk
Bonas
O Oliver
oliverbonas.com
Olivia Burton
London
oliviaburton.com
Eight
P Phase
phase-eight.com
Pretty Polly
prettypolly.co.uk
Primark
primark.com
Island
R River
riverisland.com
Jakobs Jewellery
S Sif
sifjakobs.uk
Sole Bliss
solebliss.com
T Tesco
tesco.com
Thomas Sabo
thomassabo.com
Traffic People
trafficpeople.co.uk
Trilogy
trilogystores.co.uk
London
Y Y
ylondon.co.uk
Creative Director Lynn Hayes
Deputy Editor Sarah Davison
Publisher Emma Wild
Chief Sub Editor Marie Farquharson
Associate Editor (Copy) Zoë Handley
Deputy Chief Sub Editor Laura Heappey
Junior Sub Editor Mike Pettifer
Art Director David Dowding
Deputy Art Director Vicky Burdon
Art Editor Joanne Gultig
Designer Emily Bradshaw
Features Editor Rachel Callen
Food Editor Rebecca Woollard
Junior Features Writer Bethany Mosettig
Advertising and Promotion Sales Manager
Julian Oiller
Production Co-ordinator Natalie Duquemin
Circulation Manager Tim Harris
Slimming World In-house Photographer Graeme Simpson
Nutrition, Science and Research Teams Sarah-Elizabeth
Bennett PhD RNutr; Alexandra Clark MSc RNutr; Laura
Holloway MSc; Jennifer Kent MNutr RD; Jacquie Lavin
PhD RNutr; Evie Lovell BSc RNutr; Laura Nolan BSc RNutr;
Carolyn Pallister BSc RD
With thanks this issue to Terri Doyle and Lorna Wilson
SLIMMING WORLD FOUNDER AND CHAIR
Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE
MANAGING DIRECTOR Lisa Salmon
STRATEGIC BOARD DIRECTORS
Caryl Richards and Jan Boxshall
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND
BRAND STRATEGY Elise Wells
SLIMMING WORLD ADVISORY PANEL
Prof Ken Fox PhD FPEA; Prof Andrew Hill PhD CPsychol;
Prof James Stubbs PhD
Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW
Editorial: 01773 546 071
editorial@slimmingworld.co.uk
Advertising: 01773 546 312/07770 807 760
julian.oiller@slimmingworld.co.uk
Group Distribution: 0344 892 0436
Newsstand Distribution: 01202 586 848
Subscriptions: 0800 131 3150
Publicity: 01773 546 039
Group Enquiries: 0344 897 8000
Slimming World Magazine is published by Miles-Bramwell
Executive Services Ltd, trading as Slimming World.
0344 892 0400, slimmingworld.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPH: MYLES NEW
Don’t miss the next issue of
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which should be sent with a stamped addressed envelope on
the understanding that we cannot be held responsible for their
safe custody or return. The Editor reserves the right to modify or
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the contributor gives Slimming World and Slimming World
Magazine the express right to publish the contribution in any
way that it sees fit and appropriate. The views expressed by
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are correct at time of going to press. © Slimming World 2024.
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SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 119
the small print
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa Competition (p89)
1. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/magcomps to enter online on or before the closing date,
23 May 2024. Alternatively, send your entry form by post to Lake Country House Hotel
& Spa Competition, Slimming World Magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire
DE55 4SW. Entry form must be received by the promoter on or before the closing
date, 23 May 2024. 2. Only one entry per person is permitted. No purchase necessary.
3. The competition is open to UK and Republic of Ireland residents aged 18 or over,
except employees of Slimming World (or any other company that trades under the
name Slimming World), Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd, Lake Country House
Hotel & Spa, or anyone professionally connected with this promotion (this does not
include Slimming World’s self-employed Consultants and Team Developers). 4. No bulk
or third-party entries will be accepted. No responsibility is accepted by the promoter
for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post. Proof of posting not accepted as proof
of delivery. By submitting a competition entry, you are agreeing to be bound by these
terms and conditions. 5. The winner will be chosen at random by the promoter from
all qualifying entries within 28 days of the closing date of the competition. They will
receive a stay for two (winner must be aged 18 or over; guest must be aged 16 or over)
comprising: two nights’ accommodation for two people sharing a Manor Suite (twin
occupancy available on request) or State Room; cooked or continental breakfast each
morning, including tea, coffee and fruit juice; four-course dinner (excluding drinks) at
the hotel’s restaurant each evening; unlimited use of the spa facilities, including sauna,
steam rooms, outdoor hot tub with lake views and indoor swimming pool, plus fully
equipped gym; and one 60-minute full body massage each. All subject to availability.
Travel to and from the hotel and any other expenses are not included in the prize.
The winner and their guest are responsible for ensuring they have valid and appropriate
travel insurance. The winner should book dinner reservations and spa treatments at the
time of booking their break. The prize must be taken by 20 June 2025, excluding Royal
Welsh Show week (21-30 July 2024), bank holidays, 20 December 2024 to 20 January
2025, and 14-16 February 2025, subject to availability. 6. No correspondence will be
entered into and the promoter’s decision is final. The winner will be notified in writing
by 20 June 2024 using the details provided on the entry form. Visit slimmingworld.
co.uk/privacy-policy to find out how your data is handled. If Slimming World cannot
contact the winner or the winner fails to claim the prize by 18 July 2024, the winner
will forfeit the prize and the promoter may draw another winner. The prize is nontransferable and there is no cash alternative. The prize value is correct at time of
going to press. The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or any
existing bookings. 7. By entering, the winner agrees to take part in publicity relating
to the competition. The winner’s name and county will be published in the October
2024 issue of Slimming World Magazine, unless a written objection is submitted to
editorial@slimmingworld.co.uk. 8. Slimming World is not responsible for: (i) any loss,
damage or liability to entrants in relation to their entering the competition or accepting
the prize; (ii) any failure by the winner to comply with Lake Country House Hotel &
Spa’s terms or instructions; (iii) any delay or failure due to an event outside Slimming
World’s reasonable control; (iv) any costs associated with the prize; (v) any terms or
decisions of Lake Country House Hotel & Spa in relation to the fulfilment of the prize.
9. The promoter is Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd trading as Slimming World.
Promoter’s address: Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW. The prize
provider is Lake Country House Hotel & Spa, Llangammarch Wells, Powys LD4 4BS.
10. Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd is part of a group of companies that operates
the Slimming World business through a network of self-employed Consultants. Full
details can be obtained from the promoter upon request. 11. The laws of England and
Wales apply to this competition.
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa Reader Offer (p89)
1. Offer valid until 23 December 2024, excluding bank holidays and Royal Welsh Show
week (21-30 July 2024), subject to availability. To book, call 01591 620 202 or visit
lakecountryhouse.co.uk and quote 3FOR2 to receive three nights for the price of two
at Lake Country House Hotel & Spa. 2. Offer is based on two people sharing a double
or twin House or Lodge Suite, including cooked or continental breakfast each morning
(with tea, coffee and fruit juice), and unlimited use of the hotel’s spa facilities, including
sauna, steam rooms, outdoor hot tub with lake views and indoor swimming pool, plus
fully equipped gym. All subject to availability. 3. Guests must be aged 16 or over to use
the spa. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or
discount. Offer applies to new bookings only.
Congratulations to our Nov/Dec 2023 competition winners!
Parkdean Resorts Competition
Tammy Martin, Middlesex; Sonya Parkes, Gloucestershire;
Hollie Vanner, Clackmannanshire; Jan Wilkinson, Essex
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa Competition
Justine Bailey, Hampshire
120 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
Halo Top Competition (p37)
1. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/magcomps to enter online on or before the closing date,
23 May 2024. Alternatively, send your entry form by post to Halo Top Competition,
Slimming World Magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW. Entry
form must be received by the promoter on or before the closing date, 23 May 2024.
2. Only one entry per person is permitted. No purchase necessary. 3. The competition
is open to UK and Republic of Ireland residents aged 18 or over, except employees
of Slimming World (or any other company that trades under the name Slimming
World), Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd, Brand of Brothers Ltd, TUI or anyone
professionally connected with this promotion (this does not include Slimming World’s
self-employed Consultants and Team Developers). 4. No bulk or third-party entries will
be accepted. No responsibility is accepted by the promoter for entries lost, damaged
or delayed in the post. Proof of posting not accepted as proof of delivery. By submitting
a competition entry, you are agreeing to be bound by these terms and conditions.
5. The winner and 10 runners-up will be chosen at random by the promoter from
all qualifying entries within 28 days of the closing date of the competition. 6. The
winner will be given a choice of a TUI Travel Gift Card or Digital Gift Card to the value
of £2,500 or euro equivalent, which can be used as full or part payment for travel
products at all TUI stores (excluding the Republic of Ireland), tui.co.uk and tuiholidays.ie.
For website transactions, your gift card must have sufficient funds to cover the initial
payment due when booking your holiday. The card cannot be used as payment, or
exchanged for, travel money-related products, including currency, travellers’ cheques
and prepaid cards. The card cannot be exchanged for cash or to buy another gift card.
The expiry date is printed on the reverse of the gift card. A physical gift card expiry
date will be at least one year from the date the promoter purchases it for the winner.
For a digital gift card, the expiry will be printed on the digital card and is two years
from the date the promoter purchases it for the winner. The card must be treated as
cash and is not covered by ABTA’s scheme of financial protection. The balance can’t be
refunded if it’s lost, stolen or destroyed. The card cannot be redeemed over the phone.
The winner is responsible for ensuring they have a valid and appropriate passport and
travel insurance. 7. The winner accepts and agrees to be bound by the TUI Travel Gift
Card full terms and conditions, which can be found online at tui.co.uk/destinations/
info/tui-gift-cards. 8. The 10 runners-up will each receive a Halo Top voucher to the
value of £20 or euro equivalent, which can be used in participating stores as full or
part payment towards Halo Top ice cream. The voucher cannot be exchanged for cash.
The voucher must be used by the expiry date printed on it. 9. No correspondence will
be entered into and the promoter’s decision is final. The winner and runners-up will be
notified in writing by 20 June 2024 using the details provided on the entry form. Visit
slimmingworld.co.uk/privacy-policy to find out how your data is handled. If Slimming
World Magazine cannot contact the winner or the winner fails to claim the TUI Travel
Gift Card or Digital Gift Card by 18 July 2024, the winner will forfeit the prize and the
promoter will draw another winner at random from the 10 runners-up. If Slimming
World Magazine cannot contact a runner-up or a runner-up fails to claim a Halo Top
voucher by 18 July 2024, that runner-up will forfeit the prize and the promoter may
draw another runner-up. The winner and runners-up prizes are non-transferable and
there is no cash alternative. The promoter reserves the right to replace the winner’s or
runners-up’s prizes with an alternative prize of equal or higher value if circumstances
beyond their control make it necessary to do so. 10. By entering, the winner and
runners-up agree to take part in publicity relating to the competition. The names and
counties of the winner and runners-up will be published in the October 2024 issue
of Slimming World Magazine unless a written objection is submitted to editorial@
slimmingworld.co.uk. 11. Slimming World is not responsible for: (i) any loss, damage
or liability to entrants in relation to their entering the competition or accepting the
prizes; (ii) any loss, damage or liability to the winner or a runner-up as a result of taking
up a prize and/or the fulfilment of that prize; (iii) any failure by the winner to comply
with the TUI Travel Gift Card or Digital Gift Card terms and conditions; (iv) any delay
or failure due to an event outside Slimming World’s reasonable control; (v) any costs
associated with the prizes; (vi) any terms or decisions of TUI and Brand of Brothers
Ltd in relation to the fulfilment of the prizes. 12. TUI is responsible for providing the
Travel Gift Card or Digital Gift Card to the winner. Slimming World is responsible
for providing the Halo Top vouchers to the runners-up. Your statutory rights are not
affected. 13. The promoter is Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd trading as Slimming
World. Promoter’s address: Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW. The
prize provider is Brand of Brothers Ltd, Centrix House, 26 Crow Lane East, Newton-leWillows, Merseyside WA12 9UY. 14. Miles-Bramwell Executive Services Ltd is part of
a group of companies that operates the Slimming World business through a network
of self-employed Consultants. Full details can be obtained from the promoter upon
request. 15. The laws of England and Wales apply to this competition.
Race for Life (p114) The 30 per cent discount off the entry fee is available to
the first 5,000 people who enter Race for Life using the promo code SWRFL24.
Spaces are subject to availability. The promo code will show as invalid once
5,000 redemptions have been made. Code valid from 5 February 2024 until 23:59,
31 July 2024. It will close approximately 24 hours prior to your chosen event.
Say YES to
Pudding!
Find u
s
in th
e jelly
aisle
L I T T L E
L I G H T
B U L B S
The things
I know now…
Maria Johnson Sawyerr, 58, is an
information analyst and Slimming World
Consultant, and lives in Birmingham,
West Midlands, with her nephew, Jordan.
She’s 5ft 9ins tall and weighs 13st 4lbs,
having lost 2st 3lbs at Claire Crisp’s
Slimming World group in Sheldon, West
Midlands. Maria runs her own group
in Bordesley Green, West Midlands
● You’ll find your people
Although I’d managed to lose weight in the
past, I’d never been able to keep it off and
always found myself trying something new
to see if this time it would stick. I actually
decided to join Slimming World after seeing
a poster while attending a different slimming
club. I was immediately struck by the wide
range of cultures and backgrounds represented
in group, and it made me think this might be
the one that worked…
● I kept my family traditions
Mum’s curried goat was special to me growing
up and I was so pleased I got to keep it on the
menu, using low-calorie cooking spray and
lean cuts of meat. I also made a great low Syn
rice and peas side dish using coconut powder
instead of full-fat coconut cream. My 25-yearold nephew, Jordan, who’s very into fitness and
healthy eating, loved my Food Optimising
dishes and I never had to cook a separate meal.
My weight never troubled me until well into
adulthood and, even then, people would
tell me, ‘You can carry it off because you’re
tall.’ Finding colourful clothes that would
fit me became much harder, though, and
I didn’t want to lose that part of my identity.
I realised that everyone in group had their
own personal reason ‘why’ and it was
important I focused on mine – losing weight
so I could wear the clothes I really loved.
● I wish I’d joined sooner!
One of the joys of Food Optimising is how
much freedom you have. I’d always found the
other plans so restrictive, and would get into
battles with myself over which foods were
‘good’ and which ones should be avoided.
At Slimming World, I discovered I could lose
weight without missing out on any of the food
I loved. I wish I was able to go back and tell
my younger self that there’s a better way!
122 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE
If you’re inspired by
Maria’s journey, and would
like to know more about
becoming a self-employed
Slimming World Consultant, call
0344 892 0434 (01 656 9600 from
Republic of Ireland) or email
maggie@slimmingworld.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPH: DAVID CUMMINGS. STYLING: DANIELLE ELMES-HUGHES. HAIR &
MAKE-UP: LIZ KITCHINER. MARIA WEARS: DRESS, F&F AT TESCO. SHOES, NEXT
NECKLACE, MARKS & SPENCER. RINGS, MARIA’S OWN. SEE P119 FOR STOCKISTS
● There was the freedom to be me
European forests, which provide wood for making paper,
paper packaging and many other products, have been
growing by 1,500 football pitches every day!
Source: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), 2005 - 2020
European Forests: EU27 + Norway, Switzerland and the UK
Discover the story of paper
www.lovepaper.org
Scan for paper facts, activities,
blogs and much more!
®
in
slimm sp
g- f
ag b riendly
ol
find
your
local group
today!
FREE
membership
_
find our recipe here
slimmingworld.co.uk
*At participating groups. Terms and conditions apply. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/offers for more information.
4
2
Join a friendly and super-supportive
Slimming World group or our flexible
digital service, Slimming World Online.
when you commit
to a 6 or 12-week
Countdown
course*
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02
Ma
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