Slimming World - May-June 2021

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in this issue
Get your slimmer-by-summer dreams firing
with our tried-and-trusted recipes, expert
advice and inspiring weight loss stories
● on the cover
REAL-LIFE SUCCESS
10 ‘Losing 17st has transformed
my whole life’
Jenny Irons has dropped 12 dress sizes on
her journey to becoming Slimming World’s
Woman of the Year – and her world has
changed in so many amazing ways…
22 ● Beth’s found her balance

Cover star Beth Fursman fixed her relationship
with food and she’s glowing with confidence!
33 ‘Freedom is...feeling my
best at 50’
After losing over 2½st, ward sister
Bernie Hodgson has a new lease of life
38 ‘I’ve got so much to smile about’

Discover how Emina Garibovic went from
camera-shy to feeling fab after losing 4st 10lbs
84 Zaheer’s paying it forward

Finding a way to lose weight was just the start
of Zaheer Bhatti’s journey to becoming a true THEN My low
Slimming World inspiration!
self-esteem
102 ‘The moments that helped me took the shine
lose 121⁄2st’ off special
Man of the Year 2020 Jason Dury has lost half occasions for me
his body weight – he shares the milestones
that marked his progress along the way
112 ‘We’ve found our Slimming World

smiles!’
Five slimmers share their joy after losing weight
“
I almost have to
pinch myself when
I see the clothes
4 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

38 I’m wearing now
”
Emina, p38
may/june 2021
44
26
Find
100 the Syn

values of all
advertised
products
on page 71
RECIPES & FOOD IDEAS HEALTH, FITNESS

78
26 ● Real food, real results & WELLBEING
From roast beef to chicken and chips, eat food
you love all week – and lose weight!
17 ● Build your self-belief
Not sure you’ve got what it takes to slim?
44 ‘The recipe that reminds me of...’ If you believe it, you can achieve it!
Eight special meals that bring back happy
memories for Slimming World members 18 ● Your guide to
stress-proof slimming
55 Let’s cook! Stay on track, no matter what life
Genius ideas that will help you build your kitchen throws your way, with our everyday
confidence, with delicious results strategies to protect your weight loss
59 Cupboard love 34 ● The magic of meal planning

With easy makes from store-cupboard staples, Get organised with your own weekly menu of
a tasty dinner doesn’t have to mean a big shop favourites and see the difference on the scales!
64 Step by step 91 Water works!

...to a classic Middle Eastern falafel and Find out the facts about hydration and your health
pitta bread with all the trimmings!
17
93 ‘Activity has given me my life back’
67 Food news Helen Hackett now has the mobility and energy
Our pick of the best Food Optimising buys she thought she’d lost forever
73 Simply delicious 96 Power through the menopause

Three weight loss boosting meals from Expert advice to help you steer through this tricky
Slimming World’s SP Sensations cookbook life stage and keep losing weight
78 Firm favourites 100 From the heart

Ready, set, slim with our luxurious sweet Margaret Miles-Bramwell, Slimming World’s
and smooth desserts founder and chair, on getting your inner
rebel onside
114 Cheat it!
Our new series of shortcut suppers starts with
this clever idea for chilli-topped chips
EVERYTHING ELSE
6 Recipe index
9 Editor’s welcome
72 ● Win a spa break worth £1,000
Cover and contents credits Photographs: Paul Buller. Styling: Sharna 105 Directory/Terms and conditions
Valentine. Hair & make-up: Liz Kitchiner. Beth wears: Cover – top, River
Island. Trousers, Boohoo. Shoes, Ravel. Earrings, New Look. Ring on left 109 Star in Slimming World Magazine
hand, ASOS. Ring on right hand, Beth’s own. Emina wears: Page 4 – dress,
River Island. Shoes, Glamorous. Ring, Lovisa. See p105 for stockists 110 Subscribe and save
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 5

‘ From
lightened-up
favourites to
exciting new
flavours, our
31 generous,
road-tested
recipes are ‘
30 designed with
you in mind
46
Recipe index 52
Your at-a-glance guide to all the delicious dishes in this issue and Syns per serving
Look out for these

MEAT & POULTRY VEGETARIAN & VEGAN symbols on our recipes:
0 Free when
51 Beef stroganoff 0 29 Cauliflower & squash dhal with Food Optimising
52 Chicken Kiev with chunky chips, 1½ Syns cucumber yogurt 0 s V s Extra Easy SP recipes
46 Chicken tikka masala 0 61 Cheesy bean pasta bake, 6 Syns* V packed with Speed Foods
64 Classic falafel, 7 Syns** V and P Foods; perfect when
114 Chilli-topped chips, 1 Syn
you want to lose a little
51 Gammon, egg, chips & peas with 75 Quorn & root veg roast 0 s V more in a little less time
pepper skewers 0 57 Ratatouille-stuffed giant pasta shells, V Suitable for vegetarians
52 Hacienda pie 0 s 6 Syns* V e Suitable for vegans
59 Mexican chicken & split pea stew 0 31 Sticky soy mushroom stir-fry, f Suitable for freezing
63 No-fuss moussaka, 6 Syns* 1½ Syns V for up to 1 month
29 Pan-fried lamb steaks with warm 51 Veggie enchiladas, 1½ Syns V

potato salad 0 *Deduct 6 Syns if using
74 Pan-fried pork & mushrooms 0 s the Primula Light Cheese/
30 Piri-piri chicken, chips & coleslaw, ½ Syn SWEET THINGS pecorino cheese/reduced-
fat Cheddar/mozzarella
31 Roast beef with spring vegetables 82 Chocolate & cherry mousses, as a Healthy Extra
& roast garlic gravy, ½ Syn 4 Syns V **Deduct 7 Syns if using
60 Sausages & garlicky butter bean 81 Crème brûlées with raspberries, the wholemeal pitta bread
mash 0 s 4 Syns V as a Healthy Extra
67 Steak salad with Parmesan shavings, 80 Mango jellies with pistachio crumble,
1 Syn 2½ Syns
Food Optimising, Free,
28 Swedish meatball pasta, ½ Syn 79 Piña colada cheesecake, 4½ Syns Healthy Extra, Healthy
Extras, Extra Easy SP,
s, Speed Foods,
P Foods, Syn and Syns
FISH & SEAFOOD are registered trademarks
46 Broccoli & anchovy pasta, 6½ Syns* of Miles-Bramwell
Executive Services Ltd
46 Fish, chips & peas, ½ Syn trading as Slimming World.
74 Louisiana fish creole 0 s
56 Prawn linguine 0
● See page 71 for a full
28 Smoked haddock & rice tray bake 0 list of Syn values of
62 Tuna Niçoise fishcakes, 1 Syn advertised products.

BR I T I SH
POTATOES
HANDY TO HAVE IN THE FREEZER

AVAILABLE IN
MORRISONS, ICELAND, WAITROSE & OCADO
BRITISH POTATOES. BAKED IN YORKSHIRE. FROZEN IN TIME.

‘ hello
D
o you believe you can reach
your goals? When we believe
in ourselves, it can be the wind
beneath our wings that sends us soaring.
On the other hand, if you’re having trouble
getting things off the ground, it might
be that your self-belief needs a boost.
It’s something that we know all about
at Slimming World and, with a little
practice and the caring support you’ll find
at a Slimming World group, it’s something
you can build as you slim. Find out more on page 17.
When it comes to self-belief, Helen Hackett’s fitness
journey on page 93 is truly inspiring. She went from
finding it hard to get out of bed due to mobility issues
to going out for 5K runs – growing her confidence one
step at a time as she lost weight and worked towards
her Body Magic awards.
‘ You can trust
Slimming World
Magazine to
bring you the
best support
for your weight
loss, so you can
make healthy
changes for life
EXPERT ADVICE
Based on more than
50 years of Slimming
World experience, we
bring you information
and inspiration we know
‘
will help you lose weight
TESTED RECIPES
All of our recipes
are Slimming World
approved, Syn counted
and road tested to
On a more practical level, Slimming World members help you slim
tell us time and time again that their number one secret REAL JOURNEYS
to having a great weight loss week is planning their meals. Our first-person
stories show true
So, this issue we’ve got a guide to maxing your meal prep transformations and
share the genuine
based around the food you really love to cook and eat, emotions of weight loss
to help you lose weight your way (page 34).
If you’re ready for a relaunch this season, we’re here
GET IN TOUCH!
to lift you higher…so you can We’d love to hear
reach for the stars! what you think
about the magazine.
Sara Ward, editor Email us at editorial@
slimmingworld.co.uk,
write to us at Slimming
World Magazine, Clover
IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AND THE RESTRICTIONS
WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES. FEATURED PHOTO SHOOTS TOOK PLACE
THIS ISSUE OF SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE WAS PRODUCED IN ACCORDANCE
Nook Road, Alfreton,

MEET SOME OF THIS ISSUE’S SLIMMERS Derbyshire DE55 4SW,
or call 01773 546 071
IN PLACE AT THE TIME. PHOTOGRAPH OF SARA: PAUL BULLER
As members of the
Independent Press
Slimming World’s Zaheer Bhatti has Our lightened-up At nearly 25st, Standards Organisation,
Woman of the Year learnt how to make version of her Jason Dury used we are committed to the
2020, Jenny Irons, traditional dishes favourite Middle to hide away. Now highest of editorial
shares how losing slimming friendly, Eastern falafel gets he’s Slimming standards and abide by the
Editors’ Code of Practice.
weight has helped and he’s spreading a thumbs up from World’s Man of
We take concerns and
her build a new life. the word. Lauren Upcott. the Year 2020! complaints very seriously
Jenny lost Zaheer lost Lauren lost Jason lost and welcome feedback via
17st 1lb – p10 3st – p84 3st 1lb – p64 12st 7½lbs – p102 the channels listed above

Meet Jenny
Jenny Irons, 46, is Slimming
World’s Woman of the Year
2020. She lives in Clacton-
on-Sea, Essex, and works as
a carer and an administrator
for the East of England
Ambulance Service
Height: 5ft 9ins

Starting weight: 27st 5lbs
Weight now: 10st 4lbs
WEIGHT LOST:
17st 1lb
Jenny is a target member of
Carole Bloomfield’s Slimming World
group in Clacton-on-Sea
weight loss triumph
At a size 34
When Jenny Irons started her weight it hurt to walk
and I struggled
loss journey, her only wish was not to breathe
to stand out. Since dropping 12 dress

sizes, she’s found the confidence to
embrace the limelight…as Slimming
World’s Woman of the Year
‘Losing
17
st has
transformed my
whole life’
P Pacing along the streets, I was exhilarated by how
fit and healthy I felt. With each step I took, I wanted
to take another, then another… I liked to joke that
I was a real-life Forrest Gump, power-walking as
if I’d never stop. It was hard to believe just over two
years ago I couldn’t walk to the end of my pavement
without every part of my body aching.
The moment everything changed was in the
summer of 2018, after I’d been out shopping with
my sister Jackie. As I started up the stairs to my
first-floor flat, I was paralysed by a crippling pain in
my chest. Bright red from the exertion and gasping
for breath, I held on to the bannister. Jackie took hold
always been incredibly close and I knew what she was
saying was out of love. I also knew she was right – I’d
had severe chest pains, aching joints and continual
headaches for years. I blinked back tears just at the
thought of leaving behind my niece and nephew.
Seeking comfort in food

While I’d been slim growing up, by my late 20s I was
a size 18. I wasn’t unhappy about it, though, at 5ft 9ins
I felt tall enough to carry it off. At 31, I got married and
the relationship quickly went downhill. As I began to
feel lonely and desperately unhappy, I sought solace
in food. Rounds of thick toast with chunky peanut
of my arms, frightened. Once I’d got my breath back butter, or bag after bag of bacon-flavoured crisps,
she said: ‘What’s going on Jenny? If you carry on like gave me an almost addictive high. Then, as soon as
this, my children are going to grow up without their the feeling of euphoria wore off, I felt ashamed of not
aunt.’ Her words brought me up short. Jackie and I had being able to stop. As I went up the dress sizes, >

As I got to grips with Food Optimising
I lost weight steadily, and I knew that this time
I was on track to realising my dream
shopping for clothes filled me with dread, only then, knowing those foods wouldn’t be banned,
and only a big slice of cheesecake or a chip that I thought: I might actually be able to do this.
shop dinner made me feel briefly OK Stepping on the scales later, after the other
again, before I fell back into despair. members had left, I was shocked to see the numbers
When I got divorced eight years later, 27st 5lbs staring back at me. Carole couldn’t have
I was 39 and my self-esteem was on the been kinder or more reassuring. ‘Where would you
floor. I felt as though I’d thrown away like to get to?’ she asked gently. My reply tumbled
the best years of my life. I knew my weight out. ‘I’d just like to be healthy and not to stand out.’
wasn’t helping and I tried to diet, skipping
from one fad to another, never losing Assembling my slimming squad
more than a few pounds then giving up. By now I’d sold my flat and moved in with my parents,
I’m so grateful to Worried that people would judge me for having and they’d pledged to support me with what they were
my sister Jackie a trolley full of cheesecakes, biscuits and high- eating at home. The day after group they asked for
for helping me to calorie ready meals, I started sneaking out at 11pm a shopping list. I knew if I was going to do this, I had to
start my weight to go to the supermarket. I knew the way I felt about do it properly, and that meant knowing myself. I knew
loss journey food was now controlling me, but I felt powerless to bread was a trigger food – there was no way I could
change. Deep down, I believed I’d be like this all my stick to one or two slices. Though I knew I could have
life. Then, my size-34 floaty tops and elasticated- it as my Healthy Extra, I decided to find something
waist trousers started to get too tight and I began else for breakfast. As they unpacked bags full of lean
to panic – I didn’t know where I’d buy a bigger size. meat, fresh veg and stacks of fruit, it felt different to
So when my sister said what she did that day, every time I’d tried to lose weight before. I was more
I desperately wanted to slim, but had no idea how. motivated and I was only going to eat what was in
Fad diets were no good, and my doctor’s only advice those shopping bags. That week I had Weetabix or
was ‘stop eating cakes and biscuits, and you’ll lose overnight oats for breakfast, a large prawn or tuna
weight.’ Of course, I knew that, but I didn’t know how salad for lunch and chicken with couscous and piles
to make it happen, to override the deep urge to overeat of veg for dinner. If I fancied a snack I’d grab carrot
the things I knew were making me gain weight. sticks, fruit or a low Syn flavoured yogurt.
Then, a few weeks after the stairwell incident, Jackie A week later, when the scales revealed I was only
popped over. ‘I need a favour,’ she said. ‘I’d like to 2lbs lighter, it threw me – I’d been hoping to lose
join Slimming World to lose a bit of weight, but I’m more in my first week. Seeing my disappointment,
too scared to go by myself. Will you come with me?’ Carole reassured me that everyone’s journey was
A weight loss group? That was the last place I wanted different and encouraged me to keep with it. She was
to be…surrounded by strangers, who I was sure would right – as I did my food diaries each week and gained
judge me for my size. Looking at Jackie’s pleading a greater understanding of Food Optimising, I lost
face, though, I knew I couldn’t let her down. weight steadily and within a month I’d lost a stone.
I was on track to my new life and this was just the
Finding hope on the horizon start. When I found myself craving cheesecake or
On the night itself, even though I was only there as chocolate, I remembered how miserable those foods
moral support for Jackie, I was shaking with fear had made me. Instead, I had a Hi-fi bar or an apple,
as we queued to go in, wishing the ground would and often the urge passed. Talking about danger zones
swallow me up. And then Jackie announced she was in group helped me realise that I’d eat if I was restless
paying my fees, too. ‘I’m not joining,’ I protested, even or bored. I started asking myself if I really wanted it, or
as the money was changing hands. Seeing Jackie pay was it just boredom? If my thoughts turned to food, I’d
for me gave me a jolt. Was this my chance to finally start getting my evening meal ready, which might be
change how I felt about myself? Quickly, that positive a salmon or chicken stir-fry with rice. Or I’d prep
thought was overwhelmed by negative ones. I was lunch for the next day. Focusing on cooking took away
terrified I’d break the scales, or an error code would the boredom, and stopped cravings in their tracks.
appear, and I would be asked to get off them. It turned I found other coping strategies, too. Whenever
out that new members were weighed at the end of my family ordered a Chinese takeaway I’d create
the session, and first of all our Consultant Carole my own Free fakeaway with Slimming World
talked us through the plan. I was still full of self-doubt, Chinese-Style Banquet Rice from Iceland, cooked
until Carole explained Food Optimising meant we dried noodles, and onions, mushrooms and skinless
could eat pasta, rice and potatoes without weighing chicken stir-fried in low-calorie cooking spray.
or measuring them. Until that moment, I’d assumed I’d set everything out in little bowls, so I could
you needed to cut out carbs to lose weight. It was still join in with the family feast. I did the same >

weight loss triumph
Learning to be
kind to myself
has helped me
build a healthier
relationship
with food
The biggest change in
me is how I feel inside –
now I walk with my
head held high
walking a little every day. I only managed

a couple of streets at first, then by going
slightly further each time, within a couple
of months I was doing 10,000 steps a day!
My self-esteem had another major boost
after I’d lost 10st and some of my group
asked if I could share my favourite meals
with them for inspiration. I realised that my
relationship with food had changed forever.
It was no longer the crutch I needed to give
me a short-lived mood lift. I’d unlocked the
door to the happy and content life I’d dreamt
of, where I enjoyed eating in a way that
nourished my body. By now, I’d twigged that
Jackie had never wanted to lose weight –
she’d joined to help me, and I was so grateful
to her. I lost another 7st over the following
12 months, buoyed up by knowing there was
It’s a joy to never, ever any reason to feel ashamed or guilty
be able to
around food, and wishing I’d discovered that sooner
wear skinny
jeans and and saved myself the years of pain and self-loathing.
trendy tops
Building a new life
In June last year, I reached my target of 10st 7lbs,
feeling like a very different woman. Now my head
was held up high, and I felt fabulous in size-10
skinny jeans and a fitted top. The biggest change,
though, wasn’t how I looked, but how I felt inside.
I gave up my job in recruitment and became
a carer for people coming to the end of their lives,
something I felt passionate about after I’d become
an NHS volunteer during the first lockdown. Then,
JENNY WEARS on our curry nights, and Mum would usually in November, came the shock of my life – being
p10: Jacket, ASOS. comment that my dinner looked better than theirs! crowned Slimming World’s Woman of the Year
Dress, Closet
My Slimming World ‘family’ were the key to 2020. It really was a magical moment, as I looked
INTERVIEW: MICHELLE RAWLINS. PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: RACHEL FANCONI
London. Earrings,
Claudia Bradby raising my self-esteem over the weeks. They were back at my journey and reflected on how I’d always
p13: Coat, Hobbs
so encouraging, even complimenting me on my had it inside myself to achieve my biggest wish.
at John Lewis & appearance, something I hadn’t had for decades. It’s such a privilege to be able to show others how
Partners. Jeans, I’d joined with such a deep feeling of self-loathing, precious life feels when you
Marks & Spencer.
Boots, Monsoon. which I realised I’d always carried with me, and aren’t weighed down by
Earrings, slowly that started to disappear as I began to be self-doubt and fear. Now
Claudia Bradby.
HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZ KITCHINER. SEE P105 FOR STOCKISTS
kinder to myself. I remember Carole telling me I wake up raring to go.

Bag, L.K.Bennett.
Umbrella, Totes how my eyes had begun to sparkle and the unhappy I love being a big part of
at Boots person who’d started at group had gone. Her words my niece and nephew’s
Above: Jacket, gave me the courage to start looking in the mirror lives, and can say with
top and jeans, all again, and for the first time I smiled at the much a big smile on my face
Marks & Spencer.
Trainers, Sole Bliss.
happier and slimmer reflection staring back at me. that I’m staying around
Earrings, New Look After I’d lost 3st, I felt a lot less achy and painful to share every milestone
going about my day. I could walk around the block and watch them blossom.
without the balls of my feet burning and I was no Once, I thought I’d thrown Winning Woman of
longer gasping for breath. Keen to start getting away the best years of my the Year has proved to
the Body Magic benefits that come with being life. Now I know they’re me how far I’ve come
more active alongside Food Optimising, I started just beginning! ●

ava
Slimmilable to
SALTED in
membeg World
our on rs via
l
or fromine shop
CARAMEL Consu your

ltant
A gorgeously gooey cereal bar with

a smooth, salted caramel centre,
topped with creamy fudge pieces
also available in stores

for a limited period
instant inspiration
Build your self-belief

Illustration: Liz Kay

Your guide to
stress-proof
slimming
When the going gets tough, your weight loss plans don’t have to fall by the wayside...
Cue our real-world advice on how to stay on track, no matter what life throws at you
Words: Christabel Smith
mindset makeover
“ Once you spot where stress

is influencing your food choices,
you’ll find you can begin to
switch how you respond
on emotional-eating triggers is the first

step to change. ‘Rather than pretending
”
stress points, you’ll find you can begin
to switch how you respond,’ explains
the stress is not there, or feeling like we Dr Papadopoulos. ‘If you’ve had a filling
have to soldier on through it, recognising lunch at 1pm, then wander to the biscuit
it means we can choose different tin at 3pm, you can start to be curious:
behaviours that will get us the results “Am I truly hungry? Or am I stressed?”’
we want,’ she says. Of course, Syns are there to give you
If you’re struggling to put your finger the option to choose that biscuit, or
Y
ou’re under pressure at on specific moments of stress eating, your you might go for a lower Syn alternative.
Slimming World Consultant has a range However, if deep down you’ve realised you
work, juggling childcare of tools to help, says Dr Jacquie Lavin, aren’t really hungry – your impulse to eat
routines and worrying Slimming World’s head of research and was purely to cope with stress – then doing
about elderly parents… scientific affairs. ‘Some of the tools your something else might be a more effective
Consultant gives you are for your eyes way to lift your mood. ‘That could be going
or simply run off your feet with
only, so you can be completely honest,’ she for a walk, running a bath, calling a friend,
countless demands on your time. says. ‘One of them is the S.A.S. (Slimmers or talking to your group or Consultant,’
Sometimes life seems packed full Against Sabotage) Log, which you can use says Dr Papadopoulos. While me time
of stress, and during the pandemic, to identify the points in the day or week might be the last thing you consider when
where stress is influencing what you eat.’ you’re stressed, even making five minutes
many of us have felt additional
If you spot an emotion influencing for yourself can make a positive difference.
daily tension at levels we’ve never your food choices, that’s when things get
experienced before. interesting. ‘Once you’ve identified these When you really want to eat
‘At stressful times, eating can bring
At times like these, staying on track with physiological and psychological comfort,’
your slimming plans can feel that much says Dr Papadopoulos. ‘We each also have
harder – whether you’re getting by on bags our “special” foods, where the habit of
of crisps, or rewarding yourself with a
Try-it tip: eating them releases the feel-good chemical
takeaway for making it through the day. enlist your team dopamine in our brains.’ So, while distracting
And when that means you don’t have yourself from stress can sometimes help
the weight loss week you want, you only Family and friends probably to break the cycle of feeling fraught and
feel more stressed because of it. On the think they’re helping by reaching for food, there are times when
other hand, a great week on the scales bringing you a glass of wine or a craving does need to be satisfied. What’s
will boost your confidence and make you more, if you start to feel like you can’t ever
feel like you’re the master of your own slice of cake when they can see eat something comforting when you want
destiny. While we can’t promise to make you’re stressed. ‘Help them to to, that sense of deprivation can in itself
entertaining the kids any easier, we can be stress-inducing. Eventually, you’re going
help you better by explaining
give you strategies to enable you to to get fed up and rebel!
protect your weight loss, so that will why that might get in the way ‘Being able to feed your psychological
be one less thing to worry about. of your slimming progress, and needs is a key part of Slimming World’s
unique approach to weight loss,’ says
Stress-related eating: how that makes you feel,’ says Jacquie Lavin. ‘Your Slimming World
spotting the signs Dr Jacquie Lavin. Being able magazines and cookery books, and the
Why is it so important to recognise when to talk openly to loved ones members’ website and app are all packed
stress is affecting your eating habits? with satisfying Food Optimising recipes,
Psychologist and author Dr Linda about how you feel is a great including those classic comfort-food
Papadopoulos says that shedding light stress reliever in itself. dishes such as macaroni cheese and >

mindset makeover
to your stress levels. ‘In reality, there’s

nothing to feel guilty about because no
one is perfect – so please, do forgive
yourself!’ says Georgina Wallace. ‘Learn to
look at it as a setback rather than a reason
to write off the entire week. Try to find
a positive to praise yourself for each day.
“ Find a positive to praise It could be, “I measured my Healthy Extra

serving of milk” or “I ate a third of a plate
of Speed Food.”’ Celebrating the small wins
yourself for each day. can lift your spirits day after day.
Focusing on your reason for slimming
Celebrating the small wins is another savvy tactic for keeping
motivation high when stress strikes.
can really lift your spirits
”
Georgina finds having a physical reminder
really useful. ‘I will always keep those
size-28 trousers I wore at my biggest.
Having lost 8st ½lb, I can now fit in one
leg! Another tip I use a lot is to stick notes
to myself on the “danger zones” in my
cottage pie, so you really can have any brings so many unexpected rewards: kitchen, saying: “What do you want more?
satisfying meal you fancy!’ ‘Cooking can be a wonderful way to take Biscuits or shorts?”’ (Georgina bought
On top of that, Syns are yours to use your mind off your worries. And enjoying herself a pair of shorts when she reached
however you want. Use some for a food or a delicious Food Optimising meal is the target and finds reminding herself about
drink that you find especially comforting, perfect way to unwind after a busy day. them does the trick all year round.) ‘Or
or stretch them out by experimenting with You could always treat yourself to a I might write: “What’s better? A 3lb loss
lower Syn equivalents, to see if any of fabulous fakeaway, or Slimming World next week or sweets now?”’ she says.
them hit your emotional-satisfaction spot. steak and chips with garlic mushrooms.’ Keeping goals in mind is a great way
‘A low-calorie hot chocolate or a meringue to remind yourself of the bigger picture,
nest filled with fat-free natural Greek Move and soothe but with weddings and celebrations
yogurt and fruit might taste all the sweeter Making space to include activity in your postponed and holiday plans in limbo,
for making you feel good about sticking week, even in five-minute bursts, could some of Georgina’s members have needed
to your slimming goals,’ Jacquie says. Or, make all the difference to how you feel to move their goalposts. ‘Some joined
if you do prefer the higher Syn option, on difficult days. ‘It’s one of the best group because they wanted to feel good
slowing down and savouring it will make stress busters and well worth carving out about themselves sunbathing on the
it more enjoyable. time for, however much you can spare,’ beach,’ says Georgina. ‘But when they
says Jacquie. ‘Whether you walk or run, had to give up on travel abroad last year,
The too-busy-to-slim cycle with a friend or alone, follow a Pilates I helped them reset their visions: fitting
One of our biggest stressors is feeling class online, or just clean the house into a summer dress to wear on a
we don’t have enough time. When we’re vigorously with your favourite music on, staycation weekend, for example.’
tired in the evening, we might dial for being active helps clear your mind. By Visualising how you want to look and feel
a takeaway or raid the snack cupboard – building up to making regular activity part when restrictions are eased is a brilliant way
it feels easier and more immediate than of your everyday life, you’ll also discover to get your motivation firing again, too.
cooking a healthy meal from scratch. ‘The other benefits, including better sleep. Many So, however hectic your days, and
trouble is that your stress levels can then people find taking time out for themselves whatever your personal weight loss
increase because you feel you’ve sabotaged makes them feel more in control, too.’ dreams are, make space for them in your
your weight loss progress,’ says Jacquie. life with the help of your Slimming World
One way to help yourself is to plan Be your own inspiration group and Consultant. Feeling in control,
ahead (turn to page 34 for a detailed guide Feeling guilty about eating high Syn foods calmer and more motivated will make
to weekly meal planning). It helps remove when you’re fraught might well be adding every day that little bit less stressful! ●
the pressure of making decisions in the
moment and makes you more likely to stay
on track – boosting your self-esteem and
sense of achievement to boot. Additionally,
building up a file of quick, go-to recipe
When to seek help
favourites means you can always keep Occasional stressful moments pass, but if you feel like you’re stressed more often
things interesting and varied. than not, with no respite, then there is help available. Your GP will be able to discuss
Consultant Georgina Wallace, who ways to combat stress longer-term. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/mentalhealth for
runs Slimming World groups in west links to organisations and services that offer mental health support.
London, says that finding time to cook

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Beth’s
found her
balance
Fixing her relationship with food didn’t just help Beth Fursman lose
weight the healthy way, it gave her back her sparkle, too
Meet Beth
little blur of legs and Beth Fursman, 22, is portion. I knew she’d said it with
A fur sped through the

front door, narrowly
missing Mum as
he skittered along
the hallway. And my dachshund
Winston wasn’t the only one who’d
come home full of excitement.
a fashion design student
and carer. She lives in
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Height: 5ft 2ins

Starting weight: 11st 1lb
the best of intentions, but I couldn’t
help feeling slightly hurt. I already
felt insecure about my acne, and
I suppose I’d gone into denial
about my increasing weight.
From then on, whenever I ate
I was convinced my family were
‘Mum, I’ve just done 15,000 steps!’ judging me. I felt so self-conscious
I said, beaming. Considering my WEIGHT LOST: I’d claim I wasn’t hungry, then
dog only had little legs, he loved head upstairs where I’d hidden
going for long walks, and that
2st 10lbs a secret supply of bread and cheese
was getting me more active, too. along with my chocolate stash.
The aroma of a Food Optimising Beth lost weight at After I left school, I started an
halloumi and chickpea curry that Donna Tucker’s Slimming World apprenticeship as a hairdresser.
group in Harrogate and is now a
Mum was making us filled the target member of Cate Pervana’s Rushing around, there wasn’t even
hall, and it was funny to think how group in Harrogate time for chocolate, and I noticed
natural eating healthy food and I was losing weight. Then I had an
exercising felt now, when not so allergic reaction to some of the hair
long ago it had been such a different story… colours we used and had to give up the job. Next,
Chocolate and crisps had been my go-to I got a job as a shop assistant, and with more time at
stress relievers while I was studying for my GCSEs. home I soon slipped back into my snacking habits.
I’d buy two or three bags at lunchtime and sneak While my weight was steadily rising, my
them into my bedroom to eat later in private. I was sisters Alex and Lydia were both losing weight
the youngest of five sisters, and one evening when with Slimming World. One evening, Alex cooked
I was about to serve myself seconds, one of my me the most delicious dinner – a veggie chilli
sisters gently suggested I might not need another packed with lentils and veg, and served with potato

real-life cover star
I was starting to leave

my hang-ups behind
me and look at food in
a more positive light
wedges. Seeing me hesitate, about to serve myself

some more but not sure if I should, she smiled.
‘It’s alright,’ she said, ‘everything in the meal is
on the Slimming World plan!’ That weekend, she
baked breakfast muffins with eggs, bacon, fresh
chives and feta that were truly out of this world.
Then, a few weeks later, she told Mum and me that
she’d just fitted into a size-10 dress, down from
a size 18. ‘That’s it – I’m going to join!’ I said. Both
Alex and Lydia went to group at times that weren’t
convenient for me, so instead I looked hopefully
at Mum, wondering if she might want to lose a few
pounds. As though she’d read my mind, she said:
‘Why don’t I go with you?’
NOW Trusting the plan

Having That first day at group, our Consultant Donna made
self-belief Food Optimising sound so tempting and generous
is helping that Mum couldn’t quite believe it. ‘Oh, I’ll prove that
me to live wrong,’ she told Donna, chuckling. All week she filled
my dreams up on delicious Slimming World recipes, always
including a third of a plate of Speed Food, certain she
THEN I felt
insecure and
wasn’t going to lose an ounce eating so well. Then,
worried that when she stepped on the scales, she’d lost 4lbs. ‘But
I was being I’ve never eaten so much in my life!’ she said. I’d still
judged been nervous about allowing myself to eat freely, but
encouraged by Mum, I’d had three square meals >

real-life cover star
Losing weight has

given me so much
more confidence in
myself and I know I can
achieve anything NOW
I’m truly
enjoying my
food and
a day and lost 2lbs. Mum and I immediately felt at I feel really
home in the friendly group, and in between making good for it!
the other members laugh, she learnt a lot. So did
I – and after finding out that skipping lunch and THEN I was
having a big takeaway milky coffee was more Syns sceptical
that I could
than a filling Food Optimising pasta salad, I started
fill up and
to look at food in a much more positive light. One lose weight
of the other group members was a chef who’d
lost 8st, and as he described a couple
of delicious sounding pudding
recipes he’d made, it hit me – if he
could lose so much and not have any
issues about enjoying his food, then so
could I. I felt like I was beginning to put
my hang-ups around food behind me.
Stepping it up
The big deal for me was having Syns –
it meant that when I ate chocolate
I didn’t feel guilty, so I stopped eating
in secret. And, over time, I realised
I could do more with my Syns than
just use them on chocolate – such as
to have some extra grated cheese on
my favourite Slimming World lasagne.
Gradually, I ate less and less chocolate
and far more fruit and veg, and having
a healthy, balanced diet seemed to do
wonders for my skin – it suddenly struck me it fitness tracker I’d bought myself. Even during the BETH WEARS
was ages since my last acne flare-up. lockdowns Winston needed his hour-long walk. p23: Top, Coast.
WITH THANKS TO POLKA DOT FLORIST. SEE P105 FOR STOCKISTS
Jeans, River Island.

STYLING: SHARNA VALENTINE. HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZ KITCHINER
I started working as a carer and moved to a new Losing weight has given me so much more
INTERVIEW: ADAM CARPENTER. PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER
Shoes, ASOS.
group which fitted around my shifts. As I inched confidence in myself that I’ve been doing really well at Rings, Beth’s own
towards my target of 8st 5lbs, something strange university, where I’m studying fashion. And with Mum, Above: Top, Coast.
happened – I found myself wanting to get more Joe and, of course, Winston by my side, I know I can Trousers, New Look.
active. My boyfriend Joe was a gamekeeper and achieve anything. And Winston now has a new friend Rings, as before
worked with dogs all day, while Lydia had a beautiful of his own – Mabel, my new dachshund puppy. She’s
dachshund Betsy…and after lots of thought, I decided not quite as keen on walking and I tell her I know how
I was up for the responsibility of getting a dog of my she feels – hey, I’ve been there! But the more I did, the
own. Within a few weeks I was the proud owner of more I loved it, and I’m sure it will be the same for her.
Winston, a handsome dachshund pup. He quickly The best thing is, I feel like my relationship with food
grew and needed a lot of exercise. Most times we’d is completely back to normal. Actually, better than
go to the park and he’d bound ahead, and not a day normal, because I don’t just feel OK about filling my
went by when I didn’t exceed 10,000 steps on the plate – I love the way healthy eating makes me feel! ●

‘I lost
3½lbs in
one week!’
Taste tester
Stevie Jane Chalder,
33, is a Slimming
World Consultant.
Real food,
She’s lost 2st 8lbs at
Rochelle Singlewood’s
group in West
Auckland, Durham,
and runs her own
groups in Bishop
real results
Get set for a great week with seven days of hearty
Auckland, Durham and delicious dishes that just happen to be slimming!
√ Fill up on Free Food®

All our meals are based on
Slimming World Free Food –
meals and include at least a third
of a plate of Speed Food at every
meal, where it makes sense.
day, your Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice.
To keep things simple, we’ve built
your Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice into
and trim off any visible fat – cut
the white bits off bacon and
remove skin from poultry. Dry-fry
√
nutritious, everyday foods that the menu plan each day. meat, sauté veg in water, and use
Add in Healthy Extras®
√
fill you up for fewer calories, low-calorie cooking spray rather
meaning they’re great for weight To help provide a good Choose your Syns® than fat or oil. Switch sugar for
loss! Free Food includes lean balance of nutrients, enjoy two Foods and drinks that pose sweetener, and swap cream and
meat, poultry, fish, eggs, pasta, measured portions of milk or a risk to your weight loss – crème fraîche for fat-free natural
rice, potatoes, pulses, fruit, veg cheese each day – your Healthy those high in fat or sugar, as yogurt or plain quark.
and more. And you can eat these Extra ‘a’ choices. Options include well as alcohol – can be enjoyed
foods freely, making them perfect 350ml skimmed milk or 250ml as carefully counted Syns. We So that’s Food Optimising® in
for satisfying the biggest of semi-skimmed milk; 400ml plain recommend you plan between a nutshell. You’ll find all you need
appetites. Some Free Foods have and unsweetened almond or soya 5 and 15 Syns into your day (see to know about Free Food, Healthy
the extra bonus of being Speed drink with added calcium; 40g the bottom of the next page Extras and Syns in your Food
Food – fruit and veg that are reduced-fat or 30g full-fat hard for some ideas). Optimising book, available to
super-low in calories and keep cheese, which can be eaten as Slimming World group members,
you slimming beautifully. For
the best results, always reach
for Speed Food first in between
part of a meal or snack. Also
add in one portion of wholemeal
bread or breakfast cereal each
√ Make simple swaps
To help protect your weight
loss, choose the leanest meat
and to Slimming World Online
members (as part of the Gold
package or through the eshop).

recipes for success
Your seven-day guide at a glance

From easy midweek meals to something special at the weekend – we’ve done the planning, so you don’t have to...
BREAKFASTS LUNCHES DINNERS
● Sunshine omelette: fry sliced ● Turkey & tomato pitta: toast a 60g wholemeal ● Swedish meatball
Monday yellow pepper in low-calorie cooking
spray until softened. Add 2 beaten
pitta bread (a Healthy Extra ‘b’), then split
open and fill with wafer-thin roast turkey slices,
pasta,
recipe p28
eggs and cook until the bottom is and lots of sliced tomato and rocket. Add ½ Syn
golden. Finish under the grill until the 45g sliced Greek-style salad cheese (a Healthy
top is set, then fold over and scatter Extra ‘a’), if you like
with chopped fresh chives
● Berry overnight oats: the night ● Shredded chicken salad: mix drained and ● Smoked haddock
Tuesday before, layer 40g plain porridge oats
(a Healthy Extra ‘b’) with fat-free
rinsed canned chickpeas with chopped
cucumber and tomato, and mixed salad leaves.
& rice tray bake,
recipe p28
natural yogurt, a drop of vanilla Top with shredded cooked skinless chicken 0
extract and defrosted frozen red breast, then drizzle over lemon juice and fat-free
berries. Cover and chill overnight. natural yogurt, and toss before serving
Stir in the morning before eating
● Fruity wheats: pour milk from ● Spinach & mushroom rice bowl: fry chopped ● Pan-fried lamb
Wednesday your Healthy Extra ‘a’ allowance
over 45g fruit-filled wheat biscuits
mushrooms and onion, and finely chopped
cauliflower in low-calorie cooking spray until
steaks with warm
potato salad,
(a Healthy Extra ‘b’), such as raisin softened. Add a couple of handfuls of spinach recipe p29
wheats, then top with fresh chopped and leave to wilt. Stir in freshly cooked dried rice, 0
fruit of your choice then top with chilli flakes, a pinch of smoked
paprika and a squeeze of lemon juice
● Berry overnight oats: the night ● Chicken pasta salad: mix shredded ● Cauliflower &
Thursday before, layer 40g plain porridge oats
(a Healthy Extra ‘b’) with fat-free
cooked skinless chicken breast with finely
chopped celery and pepper, and cooked and
squash dhal with
cucumber yogurt,
natural yogurt, a drop of vanilla drained dried pasta shapes. Dress with some recipe p29
extract and defrosted frozen red fat-free vinaigrette and scatter over chopped 0
berries. Cover and chill overnight. fresh chives. Grate over 30g fresh Parmesan sV
Stir in the morning before eating (a Healthy Extra ‘a’), if you like
● Veggie sausages & eggs: cook ● Tuna & cucumber sandwich: mix drained ● Piri-piri chicken,
Friday frozen Linda McCartney’s Vegetarian
Red Onion & Rosemary Sausages
canned tuna in spring water with a little fat-free
natural fromage frais or yogurt and lemon juice.
chips & coleslaw,
recipe p30
according to the pack instructions. Fill 2 slices wholemeal bread from a small 400g ½ Syn
Fry 2 eggs in low-calorie cooking loaf (a Healthy Extra ‘b’) with the tuna mixture
spray until cooked through, then and sliced cucumber
serve with the sausages and
piping-hot canned plum tomatoes
● Mushrooms on toast: fry sliced ● Baked potato & bacon slaw: cook a baking ● Sticky soy
Saturday mushrooms in low-calorie cooking
spray. Stir into fat-free natural fromage
potato until soft. Grill back bacon rashers (visible
fat removed), then cut into strips and mix with
mushroom stir-fry,
recipe p31
frais mixed with fresh flat-leaf parsley. grated carrot and white cabbage, sliced spring 1½ Syns
Tip onto 2 slices wholemeal toast from onion, 1 level tbsp reduced-fat mayo (2 Syns) and V
a small 400g loaf (a Healthy Extra ‘b’) a little lemon juice. Fill the potato with the slaw
● Salmon rÖsti: grate peeled potato ● Squash soup & a roll: simmer chopped peeled ● Roast beef with
Sunday into a tea towel, then squeeze out the
water. Mix with beaten egg. Spray a
butternut squash and red onion with a large
pinch of ground cumin and veg stock until soft.
spring vegetables
& roast garlic gravy,
non-stick frying pan with low-calorie Blitz with a stick blender, stir in a dollop of recipe p31
cooking spray and fry the potato in a fat-free natural yogurt and serve with a 60g ½ Syn
flat disc until golden on each side. Top wholemeal roll (a Healthy Extra ‘b’)
with smoked salmon trimmings, sliced
cucumber and a little lemon juice
SNACKS & TREATS ● Defrosted frozen berries, FREE ● Halved grapefruit, FREE ● Peeled cooked prawns, FREE ● Pomegranate seeds, FREE
● Piccalilli, ½ Syn per 1 level tbsp ● Honey, 1 Syn per 1 level tsp ● Houmous, reduced fat, 1½ Syns per 1 level tbsp ● Olives in brine, 1½ Syns
for 8 ● Mini Scotch egg, 2½ Syns ● Digestive biscuit, 3½ Syns ● 330ml bottle reduced-alcohol lager, 4 Syns ● Sliced apple with 1 level tbsp
peanut butter, 4½ Syns ● Cashew nuts and raisins, 5 Syns for 25g ● Chocolate-coated raisins, 5½ Syns per 25g ● French fancy, 5½ Syns

SCANDI-STYLE
PASTA
ONE-DISH
WONDER
Monday Tuesday
Swedish meatball pasta Smoked haddock & rice
EVERYDAY EASY 1 To make the meatballs, put the tray bake
Serves 4 onion, mince, nutmeg, cardamom
Syns per serving ½ SUPER SIMPLE 1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/
and egg yolk in a bowl, and season. Serves 4
f (meatballs in sauce only) fan 180°C/gas 6. Spread the rice
Using your hands, mix together until 0
Ready in 40 minutes over a 35 x 25cm non-stick baking
combined, then form into 24 small Ready in 40 minutes tray and scatter over the tomatoes.
1 onion, grated meatballs. Place a large, lidded,
250g dried long-grain rice
Mix the turmeric with the stock,
500g lean pork mince non-stick frying pan over a medium-
350g cherry tomatoes
then pour over the rice. Cover the
(5% fat or less) high heat. Add the meatballs and fry
tray tightly with foil, making sure
½ tsp ground nutmeg for 1-2 minutes until golden all over. ½ tsp ground turmeric
it’s snug, then bake in the oven for
8 cardamom pods, seeds 500ml hot fish or
removed and crushed, 2 Cook the tagliatelle according to chicken stock 20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy
pods discarded the pack instructions, then drain. 4 skinless and boneless and the stock is absorbed.
1 egg yolk Meanwhile, add the stock to the smoked haddock fillets
2 Lay the haddock on the rice and
frying pan and bring to a simmer. (dyed or undyed)
400g dried tagliatelle return to the oven, uncovered, for
Gently stir in the jelly until melted, 1 head of broccoli,
500ml chicken stock 10 minutes, or until the haddock is
chopped into florets,
1 level tbsp redcurrant then cover and simmer gently for stalk finely sliced cooked through. Meanwhile, boil
or cranberry jelly 6-7 minutes. Mix 2 tbsp stock from 10g fresh flat-leaf parsley, the broccoli for 3-4 minutes, or until
1 level tbsp cornflour the pan with the cornflour to make leaves finely chopped tender. Drain and keep warm.
100g fat-free natural a smooth paste. Pour around the 1 unwaxed lemon, zested,
Greek-style yogurt (at meatballs, then stir and simmer for then cut into wedges 3 Scatter the parsley and lemon
room temperature) to serve zest over the haddock and rice.
2-3 minutes, or until the meatballs
20g fresh dill, chopped, Serve with the broccoli and lemon
reserving some to serve are cooked through and the sauce
thickens slightly. wedges for squeezing over.
Juice of ½ lemon
1 bag of salad leaves, 3 Reduce the heat under the
to serve
COOK’S NOTE
meatballs to low, then add the yogurt This recipe would also work with
a spoonful at a time, stirring as you unsmoked skinless and boneless
go (this should stop it from splitting). haddock or cod fillets, or any other
Add the dill and lemon juice, then firm white fish
season to taste.
4 Add the tagliatelle to the
meatballs, stirring to coat in the
sauce. Divide between 4 bowls, top
with the reserved dill and serve with
the salad.

recipes for success
MIDWEEK
MARVEL
VEGGIE
WINNER
Wednesday Thursday
Pan-fried lamb steaks with Caulif lower & squash dhal with
warm potato salad cucumber yogurt
SUPER SIMPLE 1 Boil the potatoes for 15 minutes, SUPER SIMPLE 1 Put the cauliflower, lentils, onion,
Serves 4 or until tender. Meanwhile, mix the Serves 4 squash, garlic, curry powder,
0 yogurt with the garlic, season and 0 tomatoes and ginger in a large
Ready in 30 minutes set aside. s V f (dhal only) saucepan with 1 litre water. Bring to
Ready in 40 minutes a simmer and cook for 30 minutes,
500g baby new potatoes, 2 Drain the potatoes, then cover to
large ones halved keep warm. Spray a large, non-stick stirring frequently, or until the lentils
600g cauliflower, roughly
60g fat-free natural frying pan with low-calorie cooking chopped into large florets have completely broken down and
Greek-style yogurt
spray and place over a medium-high 250g dried red lentils the vegetables are soft.
1 small garlic clove, 1 red onion, finely chopped
crushed heat. Season the lamb and fry for 2 Meanwhile, to make the cucumber
3 minutes on each side. While the 400g butternut squash, yogurt, halve the cucumber
Low-calorie cooking spray peeled, halved, seeds
4 lamb leg steaks, visible
lamb is cooking, boil the carrots and scooped out and cut
lengthways, then drag a teaspoon
fat removed broccoli for 5-6 minutes, adding into small chunks down the middle to remove the
300g carrots, peeled and the peas for the final 2-3 minutes, 2 garlic cloves, crushed seeds. Grate the cucumber, then stir
sliced into rounds then drain. 1 tbsp medium through the yogurt. Add the lemon
1 head of broccoli,
3 Remove the frying pan from the curry powder juice to the dhal and season to taste.
chopped into florets, 400g can chopped Scatter the mint leaves over the dhal
stalk finely sliced heat and set the lamb aside to rest tomatoes
for 2 minutes. Mix the potatoes and yogurt, and serve.
150g frozen peas, 3cm-piece fresh root
defrosted with the yogurt. Divide everything ginger, peeled and grated
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley, between 4 plates and scatter over MAKE IT VEGAN
Juice of ½ lemon
leaves finely chopped To make this recipe vegan, swap
the herbs. 10g fresh mint, leaves
10g fresh mint, leaves the yogurt for 200g plain and
finely chopped
finely chopped unsweetened dairy-free soya yogurt
For the cucumber with added calcium, and use an
yogurt: unwaxed lemon. Recipe remains
½ cucumber Free, but not SP
200g fat-free natural
Greek yogurt
‘It’s been great to try so many

tasty new recipes’
STEVIE JANE

Weekend specials...
TOPS A
TAKEAWAY
NICE ’N’
SPICY
Friday
Piri-piri chicken, chips
& coleslaw
EVERYDAY EASY 1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/
Serves 4 fan 180°C/gas 6. Rub the piri-piri
Syns per serving ½ seasoning over the chicken, then
Ready in 1 hour spray with low-calorie cooking
2 level tsp piri-piri spray. Place on a non-stick baking
seasoning tray and roast for 40 minutes, or
4 chicken legs, skin and until cooked through.
visible fat removed
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 Spread the chips on a large,
1kg floury potatoes, such
non-stick baking tray in a single layer
as Maris Piper or King and spray with low-calorie cooking
Edward, cut into chips spray. Place on the shelf below the
1 lemon, cut into wedges, chicken. Cook for 40 minutes, or
to serve until golden, turning halfway.
For the coleslaw: 3 Meanwhile, make the coleslaw by
1 red onion, finely sliced mixing together all the ingredients.
½ white cabbage, shredded Season and set aside so that the
400g carrots, peeled flavours can infuse.
and grated
10g fresh chives, chopped 4 Place a large, non-stick griddle pan
200g fat-free natural over a high heat until smoking hot.
Greek-style yogurt Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes
½ tsp mustard powder on their tops, giving them a quarter
turn to get the criss-cross griddle
marks. Serve 1 chicken leg per person
with the chips, coleslaw and lemon
wedges for squeezing over.
COOK’S NOTE
If you don’t have a griddle pan, skip
the step. The chicken will be cooked
after 40 minutes in the oven – the FAMILY
griddling is just for extra flavour TRADITION

recipes for success
Shopping list *
Saturday Fruit & vegetables

Asparagus spears, 500g
Sticky soy mushroom stir-fry Baby new potatoes, 1kg
Broccoli, 2 heads
EVERYDAY EASY 1 Mix together the soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and Butternut squash, 1
Serves 4 lime zest and juice with 6 tbsp boiling water, then set Carrots, 700g
Syns per serving 1½ aside. Spray a large, non-stick wok or frying pan with Cauliflower, 1
V
low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high Cherry tomatoes, 350g, plus 450g vine
Ready in 25 minutes heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms and fry for 3-4 Chives, 10g fresh
4 tbsp dark soy sauce minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden. Cucumber, ½
2 level tbsp clear honey Transfer to a plate and set aside. Dill, 20g fresh
Flat-leaf parsley, 20g fresh
3cm-piece fresh root ginger, 2 Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions
peeled and grated Garlic, 1 bulb
in a large saucepan. Meanwhile, spray the wok or frying
2 garlic cloves, crushed Lemons, 3, plus 1 unwaxed
pan with a little more low-calorie cooking spray, and
2 limes, zest of 1 and juice Limes, 2
return to a medium-high heat. Stir-fry the vegetables
of both Mint, 20g fresh
for 5-6 minutes, or until just tender. Drain the noodles,
Low-calorie cooking spray Mushrooms, shiitake, oyster or
return to the saucepan, then add the vegetables and toss large chestnut, 300g
300g shiitake, oyster or large
chestnut mushrooms together with a little low-calorie cooking spray. Set aside. Onions, 1
250g dried medium 3 Return the mushrooms to the wok or frying Potatoes, Maris Piper or King Edward, 1kg
egg noodles pan and bring to a sizzle over a medium-high heat. Red onions, 4
640g ready-prepared Add the sauce and leave to boil for 2-3 minutes, or Root ginger, 6cm piece, fresh
stir-fry vegetables (such
as mangetout, peppers, until it turns lightly syrupy. Divide the noodles and Salad leaves, 1 bag
carrots, broccoli, bean veg between 4 bowls, then top each with a quarter Stir-fry vegetables, 640g ready prepared
sprouts and cabbage) of the mushrooms and sauce. White cabbage, 1
Meat, poultry & fish

Beef topside, 1kg
Chicken legs, 4
Lamb leg steaks, 4
Lean pork mince (5% fat or less), 500g
Smoked skinless and boneless
haddock fillets, 4
Dairy
Sunday Fat-free natural Greek-style yogurt, 560g
Roast beef with spring vegetables Frozen

Peas, 150g
& roast garlic gravy
PHOTOGRAPHS: ALEX LUCK. RECIPES: REBECCA WOOLLARD. FOOD STYLING: LIZZIE KAMENETZKY. PROP STYLING: LUIS PERAL
EVERYDAY EASY 1 Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7. Season the

Store cupboard
Serves 4 beef, place on a non-stick baking tray and add to the oven. Beef stock, 500ml pouch
Syns per serving ½ Spread the onions and potatoes on a non-stick baking tray Chopped tomatoes, 400g can
Ready in 1 hour in a single layer and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Eggs, 1 medium
15 minutes Long-grain rice, 250g dried
Add the garlic parcel and put on the shelf below the beef.
1kg beef topside, visible Medium egg noodles, 250g dried
fat removed
2 After 15 minutes, reduce the heat to 180°C/fan 160°C/ Red lentils, 250g dried
gas 4, and roast for 20 minutes. Push the onions, potatoes Tagliatelle, 400g dried
2 red onions, each cut
into 6 wedges and garlic to one side of the tray, add the tomatoes to the
500g baby new potatoes empty side and roast for a further 20 minutes. Check you’ve got
Low-calorie cooking spray 3 When the beef has been cooking for 55 minutes, transfer Cardamom pods
3 garlic cloves, left it to a plate to rest. Put 4 onion wedges, the garlic flesh Chicken stock cubes
unpeeled and wrapped (discarding the skins), and one-third of the tomatoes in Clear honey
in foil
a saucepan. Add the asparagus to the baking tray with the Cornflour
450g cherry vine tomatoes
remaining onions and tomatoes, and roast for 10 minutes. Dark soy sauce
500g asparagus spears
Fish stock cubes
500ml beef stock 4 Meanwhile, add the beef stock to the saucepan, bring
(preferably liquid Ground nutmeg
to the boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes. Mix the cornflour
from a pouch) Ground turmeric
with a couple of spoonfuls of the stock to make a paste.
1 level tbsp cornflour Low-calorie cooking spray
Add to the pan and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove the
Medium curry powder
pan from the heat, then use a stick blender to whizz the
Mustard powder
gravy until smooth. Return to the heat and simmer until
Piri-piri seasoning
it lightly coats the back of a spoon. Season to taste.
Redcurrant or cranberry jelly
5 Slice the beef. Divide between 4 plates with the potatoes
and veg. Serve with a quarter of the gravy per person. *This shopping list is for the dinner recipes only

in the picture
‘‘Freedom is...
feeling my ‘‘
best at 50
Weight loss gave nurse
Bernie Hodgson a whole
new lease of life at home
and at work – and just
in time to celebrate her
special birthday...
Bernie, 50, is a ward sister. She

lives in Liverpool with her husband,
Carl, and Jack Russell, Poppy, and
has four grown-up daughters. Over
Bernie is 5ft 2ins tall and weighs
10st 9lbs, having lost 2st 7½lbs at
Suzanne McEvoy’s Slimming World
2½st
group in West Derby, Liverpool lost!
THEN When my NOW My
T he emergency alarm magazine’s May/June 2020 cover star!

weight started to
take a toll on my
daughter Amy
was my slimming
ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE AN EXISTING HEALTH CONDITION, SUCH AS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES OR ASTHMA.
sounded and suddenly the She was my inspiration and I decided

IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO START A NEW ACTIVITY PROGRAMME, WE RECOMMEND YOU CHECK WITH YOUR GP FIRST –
energy levels at inspiration –

IF YOU’RE PREGNANT, CHECK THE SUITABILITY OF THE ACTIVITY WITH YOUR MIDWIFE. INTERVIEW: KEVIN DONALD
staff on my ward scrambled. it was time for me to tackle my weight. work, I knew I had and we raised
As a sister at Alder Hey, one of Europe’s When I told Amy I was joining to do something a glass together!
leading children’s hospitals, I had to Slimming World, she insisted on
move fast when a young patient’s life cooking for me. I’d come home from the distance. Week by week, though,
was at stake. I arrived at the bedside a tiring shift to her slimming-friendly my stamina increased, and before long
out of breath, quickly composed myself versions of our local Merseyside stew, we were jogging together.
and allowed my training to take over. scouse, or fish risotto. I was eating the As September approached, I hit two
Afterwards, though, I thought about most delicious food of my life – and major milestones – I dropped four dress
how much harder it had felt to rush I was losing weight! sizes and ran 5K in under half an hour!
across the hospital. Since I’d reached In March 2020, two weeks after I’d On my birthday, I slipped on a size-12
over 13st, I’d found the 12-hour shifts joined, the nation went into lockdown. floral dress to enjoy a meal out with my
more exhausting than ever. Worryingly, I continued going to group virtually, close family, feeling genuinely fab at 50.
my asthma was getting worse, too. and I loved getting the support of my I can’t remember when I last
I’d encouraged my 25-year-old Consultant, Suzanne, and my group. needed to use my asthma inhaler, and
daughter Amy to join Slimming World With my 50th coming up in September, I can take even the most demanding
when she wasn’t happy with her weight. I had a firm goal in mind. Amy suggested days at work in my stride. I bound up
She lost over 5st, and gained so much we start going to the park together for flights of stairs alongside the younger
confidence and sparkle that she won a brisk walk to help support my weight nurses, feeling ready for anything.
Slimming World’s Miss Slinky 2020 loss. Initially, I found myself panting in I know I’m at my best – just when the
competition, and was chosen as the her wake as she power-walked off into NHS really needs me to be. ●
#ThatFeeling Share a photo of a special moment since hitting target on social media, or email it to us at [email protected]

W
hat’s the one thing
that Slimming
World members
consistently tell
The
us is a huge factor in helping them
to stay on track? Meal planning!
There are so many reasons why
planning out your meals comes up
m ag ic of again and again as an unbeatable

slimming tool. Because, as well as
helping you to lose weight, it can
also gain you time, money and
meal
life satisfaction!
Carolyn Pallister, Slimming World’s

nutrition and health policy manager,
pla nn in g explains why so many slimmers swear by

meal planning. ‘Investing a little time to
plan and shop at the start of the week pays
big dividends further along,’ she says.
‘No standing, hungry, in front of the fridge
wondering what to cook, fewer trips to
the supermarket, and because it’s your
plan, you end up enjoying a whole week
e r yo u’re just starting out on of eating exactly what you fancy!’

Wheth Slimming World Consultant
urney, or you’re
your slimming jo Aimee Heeney, who runs groups in
ng to g et b ack on track, here’s Greater Manchester, often sees how

looki the planning ahead adds to her members’
hy m ap ping o ut your meals for success. ‘Life today is hectic – a lot of

w
do wonders for
us have spent the last year juggling work
week ahead can and childcare, money is tighter and we’re
your weight loss!

low on energy. Having a proper meal
plan in place is the best way not only
Woollard to protect your weight loss, but to keep
Words: Rebecca you sane during the day-to-day rush.’
So where to start if you’ve never
written a meal plan before? Here are some
easy steps to get you going, then turn the
page to create your fully planned week!

success strategies
Work those ingredients Make time for you

To avoid sky-high shopping bills, pick Set aside an evening when all your jobs
meals that share some ingredients. are done and it’s quiet. Make a cuppa,
get out your Slimming World books and
This is especially important for fresh
magazines, and enjoy looking through
produce that you might end up them and choosing any recipes you’d like
throwing away otherwise. If one to try. Go for things that really appeal to
recipe uses two peppers, find another you – as if you were picking your favourite
that uses just one – then your value dishes in a restaurant – and aim for
a variety to keep it interesting. Think of
three-pack will be put to good use. If
this as giving a gift to the future you. Once
you’re cooking for one, frozen veg can your plan is written, you can relax in the
come in really handy, as you just take knowledge that a huge part of the weekday
out a handful whenever you need it. stress has already been taken care of.
Get the family on board

Every family is different, and you’ll need
to account for their tastes if you want to
Write lists avoid cooking multiple dinners. Carolyn
Lists are key when it comes to Pallister suggests involving the family in
stress-free shopping, and they’re also meal planning: ‘Ask your kids to choose
great for weight loss as you’ll only one or two recipes for the week – it fires
up their enthusiasm for dinner time and
buy what you need. Plan your meals they’re less likely to refuse to eat a meal
for the week before you do your big they’ve chosen!’ And what about fussy
shop and then base your list around eaters? Aimee suggests making the recipe
them. If you find you’re running low without the veg you know they won’t
towards the end of the week and eat, then cooking them separately. ‘Take
out the kids’ portions, stir the veg through
want to avoid a second trip to the
and everyone enjoys their dinner!’
supermarket, our store-cupboard
recipes on page 59 are great for the
days before your next shop. Another Map out your day
good tip is to write the list in the Planning dinner is a perfect first step, but for the most organised week, taking the extra time
order you usually walk around the to plan breakfasts and lunches will be a real boost towards achieving your goals. If mornings
aisles – it helps you not to miss are a rush, you could pre-measure cereals into servings, or make a big batch of overnight
oats at the start of the week, with fresh or frozen fruit on hand to jazz it up. Batch cooking
anything or get led astray!
a chunky vegetable soup to take to work in a flask, or making a big Speed Food veg frittata
and dividing it into portions (it’ll keep for up to four days in the fridge) are easy ways to get
packed lunches sorted ahead. If you’re at home, you could include fast, filling meals that
Use your freezer don’t have to be cooked ahead, like microwaved jacket potatoes with beans and salad, or
Even a small freezer can be a huge omelettes with lots of easy-to-prep veg.
help. Once you’ve got your list of meals,
block out some time to do a bit of batch
cooking for the freezer. Aimee Heeney’s
favourite idea came from her group. ‘I
Involve your group Go with what you’ve got
had a member who would make what she Your Slimming World group can Before you write your list, look at what
be a gold mine of advice and ideas, you already have. A curry needs butternut
called a “base” every week. It was a big
squash but you’ve only got carrots? Swap
pot of onions, peppers, celery, carrot – and they’re always just a message
it. A stir-fry asks for coriander, but you have
whatever Speed Food veg she had – fried away. Aimee’s members message mint? Swap it! You’ll save money, reduce
in low-calorie cooking spray with canned each other on a WhatsApp group, waste and boost your cooking confidence.
tomatoes, then simmered down until
rich and thick. She’d freeze it in portions
which she says is constantly used
and use it to make different meals – for recipe inspiration and tips.
cooking it with lean beef mince, garlic, ‘Someone will start with “Help, I’ve Are you ready to give it a go?
chilli powder, ground cumin and kidney got a giant cauliflower to use up!” Turn over for your very own
beans to make a chilli, or with skinless and suddenly there’ll be a flood fill-it-in planner! 
chicken breast pieces, curry powder and
of ideas. It’s a fantastic way to
fat-free natural yogurt for a curry. She
also used it for pasta, but whichever way, keep each other supported all
she had a head start with both time and week, and a lot of groups do this
Speed Foods, as it was all in the base!’ on their private Facebook pages.’

N
DESIGR
YOU
WEEK
Colour code it going to have muesli with fat-free natural Get inspired
The secret to making this meal plan work yogurt and raspberries for breakfast, you’d Use our seven-day eating plan on
best for your weight loss is to use the write down your Healthy Extra muesli in page 26 as a starting point for your
principles of Food Optimising as your one colour, your Free yogurt in another,
and Speed Food raspberries in another.
own – pick a few breakfasts, lunches
framework. If you’re using Slimming World
recipes from the magazine and members’ and dinners that most appeal, then
website, and ideas from your Food slot in your own ideas around them.
Optimising book, they’ll already be based
around slimming-friendly Free Food. When
you’re putting them together across a day, Think big!
it’s just about checking that you’ve got Do you need more space to write? Draw
in all your Healthy Extras, enough Speed out this planner as big as you need. Or
Food to fill a third of each plate, where it go to slimmingworld.co.uk/magazine
makes sense, and that you’ve planned in and scroll down to find the printable PDF.
your Syns. One easy way to do this is to You could put sticky notes over each day,
jot those down under each meal header moving them until you’re happy with
in different coloured pens. So, if you were your week of delicious meals! ●

Meet Emina
Emina Garibovic, 25,
is an HR assistant. She
lives in Walthamstow,
Greater London, with
her husband, Hajro
Height: 5ft 5ins

Starting weight: 15st 7lbs
WEIGHT LOST:
4st 10lbs*
Emina is a target member of
Sarah Andrews’ Slimming World
group in Leyton, East London

turnaround twenties
I’ve got so much

to smile about
What a difference a year made to
Emina Garibovic – she’s gone from shying
away from the cameras to feeling full of
confidence and ready for anything!
September 2019
Rifling through the rails to find an me? I phoned the
outfit to suit me, I was getting a sinking Consultant Sarah,
feeling. It was my 24th birthday and who listened to
my husband Hajro had whisked me my story, then said
into London for a special treat. We’d had warmly: ‘Emina,
chocolate cake and drunk cocktails, and you are not alone.’
now we were scouring the high-street It sounds silly, but
shops for something, anything that I could I’d never been around
wear out to our favourite restaurant later. anyone who wasn’t
At 15st 7lbs, I was the heaviest I’d ever happy with their weight,
been, and by the time I’d finally got ready, and even the thought of talking to people
in a full-length red dress that had felt like who’d understand felt like a game changer.
the best of a bad bunch, I really didn’t like
how I looked. When Hajro, known as H, October 2019
tried to take a picture of me, I broke down Sitting in my car, too nervous to walk into
in tears. If we hadn’t already paid for the the Slimming World group, I thought back
reservation, and if H hadn’t looked so to the previous weekend. I felt so ashamed
disappointed, I’d probably have stayed at for taking out my insecurities on H. We were
home. ‘Come on, it’s your birthday,’ he planning to start a family one day and I had
coaxed. While we enjoyed our evening, such happy memories of my own childhood,
I couldn’t shake how self-conscious I felt. so I thought about my future kids growing
A memory kept running through my up with a mum who had no self-confidence,
mind, of when I’d been working in a clothes Having and used that to get me through the door. Growing
shop and a customer had come in to buy new my picture up in my Bosnian family, food had been all about
outfits to celebrate losing weight. She’d shown me taken used love. Big spreads at mealtimes were the norm
pictures of herself as a size 20, while filling her to leave me and the centrepiece was always a delicious flaky
basket with size-12 dresses. ‘What did you do?’ in tears – pastry called burek. While everyone would have
I’d asked. ‘Slimming World,’ was her simple reply. these days a modest slice, I could easily eat two or three
I’m happy
At the time, I hadn’t done anything about it – now, in a sitting, and I often snacked on crisps in the
to share my
though, I was ready to take action. That next photos with
evenings out of boredom. Sometimes I’d look
morning, the first thing I did was search for my the world! at social media and see posts of women smiling
nearest Slimming World group. In my mind, in slinky outfits, thinking how I’d never be able
Slimming World wasn’t something that people my to wear what I wanted, let alone parade happily in
age did – would group support really be right for front of a camera. For my prom at 16, I slimmed >

Whatever
down drastically by restricting by the end of the hour. I was still
everything I ate. But I couldn’t keep
it up, and as soon as I returned to my
life throws at buzzing long after the class was
over – I knew I’d found my fitness
old eating habits I put all the weight
I’d lost back on. Three years of
me next, fit. I loved that it really didn’t matter
how well you followed the routines,
partying at university added an extra
stone, and by the time H and I were I’m excited nobody was judging and it was
all about the fun! I’d become a dab
planning our wedding, I’d given up hand at Food Optimising now and
on my weight. I knew H loved me for for the future had started making lighter versions
who I was, not what I looked like, so of my favourite Bosnian recipes.
it didn’t matter, I told myself. Except, One that worked amazingly well
to me, deep down it did. was sarma, a dish of vine leaves
As I sat down with the other new members to stuffed with mince and rice, in a tomato sauce.
hear all about Food Optimising, I felt sceptical. ‘You And I could still enjoy my favourite burek pastries
can still eat chocolate and crisps using your Syns…’ at family lunches using my Syns.
my Consultant Sarah said. Yeah right, I thought. As
we joined the rest of the group for IMAGE Therapy, January 2020
a member mentioned a brand of crisps that were only The day I fitted into a size-14 dress I felt a real shift
3 Syns a bag. Then, when Sarah congratulated her in my confidence, and celebrated by setting up
on her 5lb weight loss, I really started to take notice. a public Instagram account to share my progress.
The members all seemed so positive about getting to To begin with, I used it mainly as a food diary, and
their goals, and I could feel their enthusiasm. Among as more and more people followed me and left
them, I met another newbie, Laura, who was around lovely comments, my self-esteem grew. Then, one
my age, and we got on straight away. At the end of ‘Transformation Tuesday’, when slimmers share
the session Laura and I exchanged numbers, and their before and after photos, I took the plunge
I practically skipped back to my car. and posted my own. My heart swelled as I read
comments such as ‘well done’ and ‘you look so
November 2019 beautiful’, and I felt proud to be able to give other
Just a month before, I’d been missing breakfast, Slimming World members compliments in return.
picking at snacks during the day, then having Just as with my group, it felt amazing to be part
a takeaway for dinner, followed by more snacks. of a warm and supportive community.
Now my shopping list was full of fresh ingredients
such as lean meat and veg, and I was making three April 2020
tasty, filling meals a day. Because I always felt pretty When lockdown came at the end of March,
full up, I wasn’t snacking for the sake of it, and after I worried I’d slip into old snacking habits. I knew
my first week I’d already lost 3½lbs. I made a pact if I went back to mindlessly eating crisps while
with myself to try three new Slimming World recipes watching box sets I might never get to my target
a week to keep things interesting. That was how weight. Then, I remembered one member saying
I discovered a new favourite – Slimming World how she’d switched up her evening routine by
doner kebabs – and became known as ‘the fakeaway reading a good book in the bath instead, which didn’t
queen’ at group. After proudly collecting my one- make her feel like snacking in the same way as
stone award, and inspired by hearing Sarah talk watching TV had. It sounded like my idea of heaven, EMINA WEARS
about how activity worked alongside Food Optimising so instead of going online and stocking up on food p38: Dress, Coast.
to support weight loss, I decided to start working and wine as I had at the very start of lockdown, Shoes, Chi Chi
London. Earrings,
towards my Body Magic awards, too. I wanted to I started stocking up on bestsellers! Even out of the New Look. Bracelet,
do something that fitted easily with my job as an bath, reading wasn’t something I associated with Lovisa. Bag, Quiz
HR assistant in central London, so I started walking eating, and while I was devouring my three or four p41: Dress, Little
in nearby Hyde Park every lunchtime. books a week, I didn’t feel the urge to snack. And that Mistress. Earrings,
Jon Richard.
made me realise where I’d been eating out of habit Bracelet, ASOS
December 2019 rather than hunger…what a light-bulb moment! My
Now almost 2st lighter and feeling full of energy, Zumba class had gone online now, so I was still able
I was ready to up my exercise. I’d always hated to get my weekly dance fix, and I carried on going
the gym, so I turned to my mum for inspiration. to my Slimming World group each week virtually.
‘You love dancing,’ she said. ‘Why not try Zumba?’
She was right – I’d barely been off the dance floor July 2020
on my wedding day and was always up for a boogie. I’d continued to lose weight throughout lockdown,
I searched online and found a Zumba class that took then as restrictions slowly eased, my slimming
place before group. It was meant to be! I persuaded confidence was shaken. How would I manage now
Laura to come along and we were both out of breath my routine was changing again? Staying at home,

turnaround twenties
NOW My
confidence
has changed
as much as I was happy to share
my shape
it with the world on
THEN Instagram, too. As
Hajro far as I was concerned,
would try I had far more to
to help me celebrate than just
feel good being halfway through
about my 20s. The difference
myself in me, in just a year,
was clear for all to
see. And that came
down as much to my
new confidence as
my changed shape.
Today!
Since taking part in
the photo shoot for
Slimming World
Magazine, I’ve achieved
my second target weight of 9st 12lbs. Sometimes
I almost have to pinch myself when I glance down
at the bouquet of bright colours and patterns I’m
wearing to show off my new figure. H loves being
able to casually take a photo of me, knowing I won’t
break down in tears afterwards! And I’m happy,
because I genuinely feel good about myself. As
I maintain my weight, group is my lifeline, always
there to motivate me as we move from one set of
coronavirus restrictions to the next. While I really
don’t know what the next year holds, I feel so
positive – and I know in my heart that my future
is going to be exciting. Whatever the rest of 2021
brings, I’ve got the confidence and self-esteem
to get the very most out of life! ●
*Since Emina’s photographs were taken, she’s gone

on to lose a further 13lbs, achieving a total weight loss
of 5st 9lbs. Go Emina!
there’d been nothing stopping me planning all my

meals, and now suddenly pubs and restaurants
Emina’s day on a plate
SHARNA VALENTINE. HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZ KITCHINER. SEE P105 FOR STOCKISTS
were open. That’s OK, I thought – I know how to

do this! When meeting friends for dinner, I went BEFORE NOW
INTERVIEW: ADAM CARPENTER. PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER. STYLING:
back to basics, looking up the menu beforehand and

● Breakfast Nothing ● Breakfast Healthy Extra
remembering it was fine to ask for healthier swaps.
porridge with fresh berries and
If I was in a restaurant and felt tempted by a high Syn ● Lunch Meal deal with a can
a drizzle of sugar-free syrup
option on the menu, I’d have a quick look on my of cola, egg-mayo baguette and
phone at all the photos I was proud of, to remind a large bag of crisps or bar of ● Lunch Omelette packed with
me how important my weight loss was to me. chocolate, plus a bag of sweets Speed Food veg with salad, or
leftovers from the previous night’s
● Dinner Takeaway doner kebab
Food Optimising dinner
September 2020 with chips or a ready meal with
On the day of my 25th birthday, I beamed as H took ice cream for dessert ● Dinner Slimming World
photos of me in our living room, amid a sea of pink diet cola chicken with rice and
● Snacks Biscuits and cakes in
balloons with a silver ‘25’ on the wall. I was wearing salad, or a fakeaway doner kebab
the office, and a family-size bag
one of my favourite new dresses that showed off of crisps in the evening ● Snacks Fresh fruit, low Syn
my legs, and this time it was a birthday celebration fat-free fruit yogurts or a low-calorie
where not only was I happy to have my picture taken, hot chocolate sachet for 2 Syns

Olive oil sprays are a great way
to control the amount of oil used in
your cooking. Filippo Berio 100% olive oil
sprays are also dual-action for added versatility.
Let the Extra Virgin spray add flavour to your

salads, vegetables, fish or meat. While the
Mild & Light spray is perfect for coating pans
for stir fries, frying or roast potatoes.
For delicious olive oils in a handy spray,

trust Filippo Berio.
Find us at your local supermarket.
His signature. Our promise.

love food
DISCOVER A WORLD OF FRESH, FILLING MEALS AND DELICIOUS INSPIRATION
‘ I love that
I can still
enjoy dreamy
desserts ‘ 68
brilliant
while Food ideas, recipes
Optimising & tips
Carmel Preedy has lost
3st 8lbs at Mattie Docker’s
Slimming World group in
Hinckley, Leicestershire
Look out for these

symbols on our recipes:
0 Free when Food
Optimising
s Extra Easy SP recipe
V Suitable for vegetarians
e Suitable for vegans
f Suitable for freezing
for up to 1 month
COOK’S NOTES
● When cooking with shop-
bought spice mixes or blends,
PHOTOGRAPH: CHARLIE RICHARDS. RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: LOTTIE COVELL
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,
PROP STYLING: JENNY IGGLEDEN/PENNY MARKHAM
choose brands with one calorie

or less per spray as they’re Syn Chocolate
free. See page 6 for a complete
list of recipes and Syn values. & cherry
For an introduction to Food mousses,
Optimising, turn to page 26 recipe p82
WHAT’S COOKING?
Share your photos
of this issue’s recipes
on social media:
#SWMagazineMakes

‘The recipe
that reminds
me of... Eight slimmers share the meals that magically transport
them to special times in their lives
Photographs: Alex Luck
Fish, chips
& peas,
recipe p46
…the great
British seaside’
Daniella Ratcliff, 28, lives
with her partner, Josh, and
daughter, Sophia Belle, nine.
She has lost 1st at Georgina
Newbold’s Slimming
World group in Stretton,
Staffordshire
‘No family trip to the

seaside is complete without fish
and chips, and this low Syn
spin is to die for – I can
almost smell the
sea air’

happy days
…my
home country’
Anna Fariello, 34, lives
with her husband, Ian, and
daughter, Greta, 18 months.
She has lost 10½lbs at Davina
Gale’s Slimming World group
in Thatcham, Berkshire
‘I moved to the UK
from Italy in 2008
for university – then stayed here!
This classic southern Italian
dish always takes me
back to my roots…’
Broccoli &
anchovy pasta,
recipe p46

Fish, chips Broccoli & anchovy pasta
& peas Hearty Italian flavours pack a punch in this quick and easy dish (pictured on p45)
A lightened-up version of a Friday- EVERYDAY EASY 1 Boil the broccoli for 4-5 minutes until just tender.
night special (pictured on p44) Serves 4 Drain and set aside. Cook the pasta according to the
Syns per serving 6½ pack instructions.
EVERYDAY EASY Deduct 6 Syns if using the pecorino cheese
Serves 4 as a Healthy Extra 2 Meanwhile, spray a large, deep, non-stick frying
Syns per serving ½ Ready in 20 minutes pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over
Ready in 50 minutes a medium heat. Add the anchovies and chilli, and
2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets,
1kg floury potatoes, such as stalks sliced fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the anchovies are
Maris Piper or King Edward, 400g dried rigatoni pasta beginning to melt and the chilli has softened.
cut into thick chips Remove from the heat.
100g jar anchovy fillets in oil, drained 3 Put half the broccoli and a ladleful of the pasta
4 thick skinless and boneless cod and patted dry
or haddock fillets cooking water into a food processor and blitz into
1 red chilli, finely chopped
2 medium eggs, separated (deseeded, if you like)
a purée. Tip into the anchovy pan with the remaining
800g frozen garden peas 120g pecorino cheese, grated
broccoli and half the cheese, and keep warm over
Lemon wedges, to serve Juice of ½ lemon
a low heat.
For the tartare sauce: Cherry tomato and rocket salad, to serve 4 Drain the pasta and stir into the broccoli sauce,
2 medium pickled gherkins, adding a little more pasta water if the sauce is too
finely chopped thick. Season to taste with a pinch of salt, freshly
1 small red onion, finely chopped ground black pepper and lemon juice. Divide
1 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed between 4 bowls, top each with a quarter of the
2 level tbsp extra-light mayonnaise remaining cheese and serve with the salad.
200g fat-free natural fromage frais
Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
10g fresh dill, finely chopped
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/

fan 180°C/gas 6. Spread the chips
on a large, non-stick baking tray
Chicken tikka masala
As tasty as your favourite takeaway…and it’s gloriously Free, too!
in a single layer and spray with
low-calorie cooking spray. Season EVERYDAY EASY 1 In a large dish, mix together the lime juice, yogurt
and bake for 40 minutes, or until Serves 4 and 2 tbsp curry powder. Season well, then add the
golden, turning halfway. 0 chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for
Ready in 45 minutes, at least 4 hours, or overnight.
2 Meanwhile, for the tartare sauce, plus marinating
mix together all the ingredients 2 When you’re ready to cook, spray a large,
and set aside. Line a baking tray For the chicken pieces: non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray
with baking paper, place the fish Juice of 1 lime and place over a medium heat. Add the onion and
fillets on top and season. 150g fat-free natural yogurt fry gently for 5-6 minutes until softened, stirring
3 In a large, clean glass bowl, beat 3 tbsp tikka curry powder frequently. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli, cinnamon,
(see Cook’s note on p43) cumin and remaining curry powder with a large
the egg whites with an electric hand
4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, splash of water, and fry for 2-3 minutes until
whisk on a medium speed until they cut into bite-size pieces
form soft peaks. In a separate bowl, fragrant. Stir in the tomato purée and 250ml water.
lightly whisk the egg yolks, then For the curry sauce: Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer
whisk in the egg whites with a pinch Low-calorie cooking spray for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently.
of salt. Divide the batter over the 1 onion, finely chopped
3 Meanwhile, preheat your grill to high. Thread
tops of the fish fillets. Bake on the 4 garlic cloves, crushed the chicken pieces onto metal skewers, spray with
shelf above the chips for the final 2cm-piece fresh root ginger, low-calorie cooking spray and grill for 10-12 minutes,
peeled and grated
10-12 minutes of their cooking time, or until cooked through, turning occasionally.
1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
or until the batter is lightly golden
½ tsp ground cinnamon 4 For the green bean salad, pour the lemon juice
and the fish is cooked through.
1 tsp ground cumin over the onion, add a pinch of salt and set aside. Boil
4 Meanwhile, boil the peas for 6 tbsp tomato purée the green beans for 2 minutes, drain and allow
2-3 minutes. Drain, then roughly 5 tbsp fat-free natural yogurt, to cool a little.
crush using a potato masher or fork. at room temperature 5 Remove the chicken from the skewers (using an
Put in a serving dish and season with Fresh coriander leaves, oven mitt to handle the hot skewers) and stir into
freshly ground black pepper. Divide roughly chopped, to serve
the sauce. Take the pan from the heat, stir in the
the fish and chips between 4 plates. Cooked dried basmati rice, to serve
yogurt, a spoonful at a time, then scatter over the
Serve with the peas, a quarter of the For the warm green bean salad: coriander. Mix together the green beans, onion
tartare sauce per person and the Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon and any leftover juice, the lemon zest, chilli, nigella
lemon wedges for squeezing over. 1 red onion, sliced seeds and mint. Divide the curry between 4 plates
400g green beans, trimmed and serve with the salad and rice.
1 red chilli, finely chopped
1 tsp nigella seeds
10g fresh mint, finely shredded

happy days
...curry night
with the lads’
Tom Farrow, 31, is a Slimming
World Consultant with groups in
Markfield and Syston, Leicestershire.
He lives with his fiancée, Lottie,
and son, Alfie, 10 months. He has
lost 10st 7lbs at Gemma Goddard’s
group in Ratby, Leicestershire
‘I love experimenting
with home-made curries, and when
it comes to recreating that
genuine Indian restaurant
experience, this totally
hits the spot’
Chicken
tikka masala,
recipe opposite

…discovering
I could eat the food
I love and lose weight’
Donna Fletcher is 34. She has
lost 1st 10lbs and is a target
member of Kim James-Coggins’
Knowle, Bristol
‘If ever I need reminding
how filling and easy to
follow Food Optimising
is, I dish this up – it’s delicious,
colourful and everything
on the plate is Free!’
Gammon, egg,
chips & peas
with pepper
skewers,
recipe p51

happy days
Beef stroganoff,
recipe p51
…our holidays
in Tenerife’
Donna Simpson, 49, is a
Slimming World Consultant,
with groups in Huntington and
Stamford Bridge, York. She lives
with her husband, Mark, and has
lost 6st at Jayne Pitcher’s Slimming
World group in Pocklington, York
‘Lying on the beach
until sunset followed
by my favourite stroganoff at a
lovely bar called Friends –
I can’t wait to be able to
get back soon’

…my 50th
birthday’
Sharon Dolman, 55, lives
with her husband, Jimmy.
She has lost 2st at Sandra
Forbes’ Slimming World group
in Atherstone, Warwickshire
‘Everything about
my big birthday
trip to Mexico was
amazing – especially the food.
This enchilada recipe whisks
me back to Cancún in
an instant’
Veggie
enchiladas,
recipe opposite

happy days
Veggie enchiladas Beef stroganoff

This colourful Mexican feast serves up a fabulous flavour explosion A classic dish that’s been made
slimming friendly (pictured on p49)
A LITTLE EFFORT 1 Spray a 20cm, non-stick frying pan with low-
Serves 4 calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high EVERYDAY EASY
Syns per serving 1½ heat. Pour in an eighth of the egg mix and swirl to Serves 4
V 0
cover the base. Cook for 1 minute, or until just set,
Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes then flip over and cook for a further minute. Place Ready in 40 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray on a sheet of baking paper. Repeat until you have Low-calorie cooking spray
12 large eggs, beaten and seasoned 8 egg ‘tortillas’, separating each one with a layer of 400g lean rump steaks, visible fat
1 onion, finely chopped baking paper. Cover and set aside. removed, cut into thin strips
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 Spray a large, non-stick frying pan with low-calorie 2 onions, finely sliced
1 tsp ground cumin cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Fry 200g button mushrooms, halved
1 tsp ground coriander the onion for 5 minutes until softened, then add 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
1 tsp dried red chilli flakes the garlic and spices with a splash of water and 2 garlic cloves, crushed
500g frozen Quorn mince cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the mince, ½ tsp mustard powder
400g can red kidney beans, drained kidney beans, canned tomatoes and stock. Bring 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
and rinsed to a simmer, then reduce the heat and bubble very 200ml hot beef stock (made with
400g can chopped tomatoes gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until ½ stock cube)
600ml hot vegetable stock the sauce is rich and thick. 250g dried long-grain rice
40g reduced-fat Cheddar, grated 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets,
3 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. stalks chopped into bite-size pieces
Fresh coriander leaves, to serve
Spray a large, shallow, ovenproof dish with 450g fat-free natural fromage frais,
Cucumber, peeled into ribbons using at room temperature
a veg peeler, and chopped fresh mint,
low-calorie cooking spray. Take a tortilla and spoon
to serve an eighth of the mince mixture down the centre 15g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely
of it. Fold over the two sides and place in the dish. chopped, reserving some to serve
Fat-free natural yogurt, to serve
Repeat until everything is used up and you have Juice of 1 lemon
Paprika, to serve (optional)
8 enchiladas. Scatter the cheese evenly over the top.
For the salsa: 1 Spray a lidded, non-stick frying pan
Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, removing
4 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped with low-calorie cooking spray and
the foil for the last 5 minutes.
½ red onion, finely chopped place over a medium-high heat. Once
1 red chilli, finely chopped 4 Mix together the salsa ingredients, then spoon hot, fry the steak strips for 3 minutes
Juice of 2 limes over the enchiladas and scatter with the coriander. on each side for medium, or 4-5
Divide between 4 plates, and serve with the salad, minutes for medium-well done.
and yogurt topped with some paprika (if using) and Transfer to a plate to rest, covered
a twist of black pepper. with foil, then return the pan to
a medium heat.
2 Add a splash of water to get any
steak juices off the base of the pan,
then add the onions and mushrooms
with a pinch of salt, and stir-fry for
Gammon, egg, chips & peas with 2-3 minutes, or until they have some
pepper skewers colour. Add the pepper and garlic
You can enjoy this tasty pub combo for lunch or dinner (pictured on p48)
with a splash of water, and stir-fry
for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is
SUPER SIMPLE 1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. fragrant. Stir in the mustard powder,
Serves 4 Spread the chips on a large, non-stick baking tray Worcestershire sauce and stock, and
0 in a single layer, spray with low-calorie cooking bring to a gentle simmer. Half cover
Ready in 50 minutes spray and season. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the pan and simmer very gently for
1kg floury potatoes, such as
golden, turning halfway. 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally,
Maris Piper or King Edward, 2 Thread the tomatoes, pepper and onion onto until the vegetables are tender.
cut into thick chips
skewers (if wooden, soak in water first), and place in 3 Meanwhile, cook the rice
a shallow, non-stick baking tin. Spray with low-calorie according to the pack instructions.
500g cherry tomatoes
cooking spray and bake on the shelf below the chips Drain, return to the pan and cover
1 large red pepper, deseeded and
chopped into bite-size chunks
for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to blister. to keep warm. Boil the broccoli for
1 large red onion, cut into 3 Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium- 3-4 minutes, drain and keep warm.
small wedges high heat. Fry the gammon steaks, 2 at a time, for 4 Remove the frying pan from the
4 x 150-200g gammon steaks, 2 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. heat and gently stir through the
visible fat removed
Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm fromage frais, a spoonful at a time.
4 large eggs
until ready to serve. Allow the pan to cool, then Stir the steak strips and juices
400g frozen garden peas
wipe clean with kitchen paper. Spray with low-calorie through the sauce with the parsley,
cooking spray, then fry the eggs to your liking. then add the lemon juice to taste.
4 Boil the peas for 2-3 minutes and drain. Divide 5 Divide the stroganoff, rice and
the chips, skewers, gammon steaks and peas broccoli between 4 plates. Serve
between 4 plates. Top each steak with a fried with the reserved parsley scattered
egg and a twist of black pepper to serve. over the stroganoff.

Hacienda pie Chicken Kiev
A melting butternut squash topping finishes off this warming bake with chunky
EVERYDAY EASY
Serves 4
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
Place a large, deep, non-stick frying pan over
chips
0
It’s the garlicky filling that makes this
a medium-high heat. Dry-fry the mince for 3-4 meal a forever favourite
sf minutes until browned all over, breaking it up with
Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes a wooden spoon. Drain off any liquid, transfer the EVERYDAY EASY
mince to a plate, then once the pan is cool wipe it Serves 4
500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less) Syns per serving 1½
with kitchen paper. Respray with low-calorie cooking
Low-calorie cooking spray Ready in 1 hour
spray and place over a medium heat.
1 large onion, diced
2 Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring 2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 garlic cloves, crushed
frequently, until softened. Stir in the garlic and Finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon,
2 red chillies, deseeded and
and the juice of ½
finely chopped chillies with a splash of water, and cook for 2-3
120g plain quark
1 tbsp ground cumin minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Stir in the spices
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley,
2 tsp each of ground coriander and paprika with a splash of water and cook for 2-3 minutes. finely chopped
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
3 Stir in the tomato purée, then add the tomatoes, 4 large skinless and boneless
2 tbsp tomato purée chicken breasts
stock, beans and mince. Bring to a simmer and
400g can chopped tomatoes 800g floury potatoes, such as
bubble gently for 15 minutes. Season to taste, then
300ml hot beef stock Maris Piper or King Edward,
transfer to an ovenproof dish (around 25 x 20cm) cut into chunky chips
400g can red kidney beans, drained and lay the squash slices evenly over the top. Spray
and rinsed Low-calorie cooking spray
with low-calorie cooking spray, scatter with chilli 1 medium egg, beaten
½ large butternut squash, deseeded,
peeled, halved lengthways and thinly flakes (if using), and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until 2 slices wholemeal bread from a small
sliced (around 450g peeled weight) the filling is bubbling up through the squash, and 400g loaf, whizzed into breadcrumbs
Dried red chilli flakes, to serve (optional) the top is golden and tender. Divide between in a food processor
Large green salad, to serve 4 plates and serve with the green salad. 300g carrots, peeled and cut into rounds
250g green beans, trimmed
200g thin-stemmed broccoli, to serve
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan

…my weight 180°C/gas 6. Mix together the garlic,
loss success’ lemon zest and juice, quark and
parsley, and season.
Suzette Pettifer, 57, lives
with her husband, Trevor, and 2 Slice a pocket lengthways into the
son, Lee, 18. She has lost 5st 1lb thickest part of each chicken breast,
at Jess Glover’s Slimming World making sure not to cut all the way
group in Grendon, Warwickshire through. Spoon a quarter of the
quark mixture into each pocket
‘I first tasted this pie and press together to seal.
when I reached our 3 Spread the chips on a large,
Woman of the Year non-stick baking tray in a single layer
competition regional final – and spray with low-calorie cooking
Trevor cooked it as a special spray. Season and bake on the top
shelf of the oven for 40 minutes,
meal to show how proud or until golden, turning halfway.
he was of me’
4 Meanwhile, brush the tops of the
chicken with egg, then pat a quarter
of the breadcrumbs on top of each
breast. Place on a baking tray lined
with baking paper, and cook on the
shelf below the chips for 25 minutes,
or until cooked through.
RECIPES: NICOLA ROBERTS. FOOD STYLING: LIZZIE KAMENETZKY
5 Meanwhile, boil the vegetables

for 4-5 minutes, or until tender,
then drain. Serve 1 chicken Kiev per
person with the chips and veg.
PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
happy days
…dinner
with my dad’
Kimberly Conerney, 26, lives
with her fiancé, Daniel. She
has lost 5st 1½lbs at Deana
Pugh’s Slimming World group
in Tilehurst, Berkshire
‘This is my favourite
dinner ever. It reminds
me of when I was little
and my dad and I would sit at
the table eating on a rainy
day after school…he still
loves it, too!’
Chicken Kiev
with chunky
chips,
recipe opposite

CHOC POT swirls... YES!
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Sweet recipes galore at sweetfreedom.co.uk
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Let’s cook! STAR OF THE SEASON

Jersey Royal potatoes
Make room in your shopping basket for these springtime
favourites – so simple to cook and flavoursome, too
● The island of Jersey ● The spuds with dirty
boasts the unique growing skins are the tastiest (and
conditions that give Jersey cheapest!) as the industrial
Royals their delicious nutty washing takes away some
flavour and waxy texture. of the flavour – just clean
Depending on the weather, with a stiff brush and cold
they will start to appear water. The skin is where
in shops from April and a lot of that lovely nuttiness
disappear in July, so they’re lies, so there’s no need to
a real seasonal treat. peel them. See page 67 to
● Jersey Royals are a Free try them in our steak salad.
Food and most delicious
Make simply boiled. You can
the also halve and roast them –
most just follow the same
of …butternut squash method as you would to
make Slimming World chips.
With a deliciously sweet flavour and creamy texture,
this Speed Food is perfect in our veggie dhal recipe on
page 29 – or try one of these Free and easy ideas
WARM SALAD Roast chopped squash at 200°C/fan 180°C/ MADE TO MEASURE For a quick way to
gas 6 for 35-40 minutes until caramelised and soft. Toss with measure how much a baking dish or tin
rocket, cooked dried pearl barley, halved cherry tomatoes and
chopped mint. Drizzle with red wine vinegar just before serving.
will hold, simply fill it with water from
RISOTTO Roast chunks of squash as above. Stir through
a measuring jug – however much water
a Food Optimising risotto just before serving – it works really it takes is the volume of the dish.
well with mushrooms, spinach and lean bacon.
PURÉE Fry sliced onion and garlic in
low-calorie cooking spray until softened,
then add peeled, chopped squash and How to strip a chicken
a pinch of ground nutmeg. Pour in veg Buying a whole chicken gets you the most value for your money. Roast it whole, break
stock to just cover the squash. Simmer it down, discard the skin and any visible fat, and remove the meat ready to use in all sorts
until tender. Season to taste and purée. of different meals. It will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two days.
POTATOES PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES. CHICKEN PHOTOGRAPHS: SAM FOLAN
Serve with a lean steak and greens.

WORDS: REBECCA WOOLLARD. RISOTTO PHOTOGRAPH: GARETH MORGANS
TOP TIP
If you’re adding fat-free
natural yogurt or fromage
frais to a recipe, such as
a curry, wait until it’s cooled
1 Once the cooked
chicken flesh has
cooled enough to
2 Run a sharp knife
down each side of
the breastbone, slicing
3 Pull the leg meat
off in chunks,
again discarding the
4 Pull the meat
off the rest of
the carcass, turning
down a little, then stir it in handle, pull the legs down the body to bring skin, the bones, and it over so that you
a tablespoon at a time off out and away from the the meat away from anything else you get all the meat
the heat – it’s less likely to body – they should the carcass. Discard the wouldn’t want to eat. from the back of the
separate this way. come away easily. skin and leave breasts chicken as well.
whole or chop up.

Pasta heaven
Keep your favourite Italian
food firmly on the menu
with fresh ingredients and
a bottle of Frylight
A
re you passionate about pasta?
We are, too! From spaghetti
carbonara to lasagne, this
versatile staple adds Italian style
to all sorts of everyday dishes. While you
may have heard that to lose the pounds
you have to lose the pasta, it’s a myth
we’re very happy to bust! As a Free Food,
dried pasta is one of the many surprising
foods you can enjoy while Food Optimising
and hitting your weight loss goals. And
when it comes to making tasty pasta
sauces and comforting bakes, a bottle
of Frylight can help to get things started.
From softening onions and garlic to
roasting Mediterranean veg, just a few
sprays of Frylight helps you to create those
Italian flavours – without adding a single
Syn. In fact, for every tablespoon of poured
oil you replace with Frylight, you save
6 Syns. Try it for yourself with our luscious
prawn linguine (right) or ratatouille-stuffed
giant pasta shells (far right) – great for
weeknights and special occasions, too.
Whichever variety you choose, using
Frylight will help you keep your weight
loss on track while eating the food you Prawn linguine
adore. And what’s not to love about that?
SUPER SIMPLE of water and cook for a further
Serves 2 4 minutes, or until softened.
0
2 Add the garlic and chilli, and cook
Ready in 20 minutes
for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and
200g dried linguine cook for a further 3-4 minutes, or
Frylight until the tomatoes are very soft.
1 onion, finely sliced 3 Stir in the prawns and vinegar,
1 garlic clove, finely chopped and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped the prawns are pink and cooked
200g cherry tomatoes, halved through. Drain the linguine, then
175g raw peeled king prawns add to the frying pan and stir to heat
1 tbsp red wine vinegar through. Divide between 2 bowls.
Fresh oregano leaves, chopped, to serve Sprinkle over the oregano, season
Mixed salad leaves, to serve with freshly ground black pepper
and serve with the salad.
1 Cook the linguine according to
the pack instructions. Meanwhile, COOK’S NOTE
spray a large, non-stick frying If you can’t get fresh oregano, you can
● Frylight is available from most major pan with Frylight and place over use roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
supermarkets. For more information, a medium heat. Cook the onion instead. And if you fancy an extra
visit frylight.co.uk. for 1 minute, then add a splash punch, add ½ tsp dried red chilli flakes

advertisement promotion
Ratatouille-stuffed giant pasta shells

EVERYDAY EASY 1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan a splash of water, and cook gently
Serves 4 180°C/gas 6. Spread all the roasting for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Syns per serving 6 veg on 1 or 2 non-stick baking trays Add the passata and simmer for
Deduct 6 Syns if using the mozzarella
as a Healthy Extra in a single layer. Add the rosemary, 10 minutes over a low heat. Season
Vf spray with Frylight and season to to taste.
Ready in 2 hours taste. Roast for 50 minutes, then 3 Fill the shells with the cooled veg,
leave to cool until needed. then stir any left over into the sauce
16 dried giant pasta shells
160g mozzarella, grated 2 While the veg are cooling, cook the with half the mozzarella. Pour the
Fresh basil leaves, to serve pasta shells for 3 minutes less than sauce into a 2-litre ovenproof dish,
the pack instructions. Drain, run then set the shells on top in 2 circles.
For the roasted veg: under cold water to cool completely, Evenly scatter over the remaining
2 red onions, each sliced into 6 wedges then set aside in a colander. For the mozzarella and bake for 25-30
4 garlic cloves, peeled sauce, spray a non-stick saucepan minutes. Top with the basil, then
3 red peppers, deseeded and each with Frylight and place over a medium divide between 4 plates, discarding
cut into 6 slices
3 courgettes, sliced diagonally
heat. Add the onion and garlic with the rosemary before eating.
into 2cm pieces
250g mushrooms, halved
6 large tomatoes, quartered
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Frylight
For the tomato sauce:
1 red onion, finely chopped
1kg passata
Food Optimising, Free, Free Food, Healthy Extra, Syn and Syns are registered trademarks of Miles-Bramwell Executive services Ltd trading as Slimming World.

10p/€0.10 from every book sold goes to our SMILES charity partners (registered charity number 1061429).
Discover our 50 best-ever recipes,

brought together in one brilliant book!
Available to Slimming World members

in our online shop or from your
Consultant, priced just £4.95/€7.95.
ready and waiting
Cupboard love
From canned tomatoes to frozen veg – with Free
ingredients on standby you’ll always be able
to make a tasty dinner
Photographs: Kate Whitaker
roast into a spicy number

kend
r wee
m you
sfor
n
Tra
Mexican chicken & split pea stew

EVERYDAY EASY 200g dried yellow split peas 2 Add the garlic and spices with COOK’S NOTE
Serves 4 400g can black beans, drained a splash of water, and cook for Buying a whole
0 and rinsed 2-3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. chicken to roast
f (stew and cooked chicken only) 4 roasted red peppers in brine
Add the tomato purée and cook and then shred
from a jar, roughly chopped is a great way
Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes,
400g roasted chicken, skin and visible of getting value
Low-calorie cooking spray fat removed, shredded (see Cook’s Note) stock and split peas, then bring to
for money, and
200g frozen chopped onions, Green chilli, finely sliced, to serve a simmer and bubble very gently the meat goes
or 1 fresh onion, chopped Fresh coriander leaves, roughly for 35-40 minutes, or until the peas a long way.
2 garlic cloves, crushed chopped, to serve are just tender. See our guide
2 tsp smoked paprika Fat-free natural Greek yogurt, to serve in Let’s cook
3 Add the black beans and peppers,
1½ tsp ground cumin on page 55 for
1 Spray a large, lidded, non-stick and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until
½-1 tsp dried red chilli flakes the best way to
(depending on how hot you like it) saucepan with low-calorie cooking the stew is fairly thick. Season to
portion it out
1 tbsp tomato purée spray and place over a medium-low taste. Divide between 4 bowls,
400g can chopped tomatoes heat. Add the onion, cover and and serve topped with the shredded
850ml chicken stock cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring chicken, chilli, coriander and a dollop
occasionally, until softened. of the yogurt.

Sausages & garlicky butter bean mash
EVERYDAY EASY 2 x 400g cans butter beans, 3 Crush 2 garlic cloves, add to
Serves 4 drained and rinsed the onion and cook for 1-2 minutes
0 100g fat-free natural Greek yogurt until fragrant. Add the butter beans
s f (butter bean mash only) Zest and juice of ½ unwaxed lemon and 150ml water, and simmer for
Ready in 40 minutes 600g frozen mixed green vegetables 5 minutes, or until the beans are
softened. Stir through the yogurt.
Low-calorie cooking spray 1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/ Transfer to a food processor and blitz
1 onion, finely sliced fan 180°C/gas 6. Spray a lidded, until smooth, or mash with a potato
1 tsp dried thyme non-stick saucepan with low-calorie masher. Season to taste.
8 frozen Slimming World Pork Sausages cooking spray and place over
(from Iceland) a medium-low heat. Add the onion 4 Crush the remaining garlic clove,
400g cherry vine tomatoes and thyme with 1 tbsp water. Cover and whisk with the lemon zest
3 garlic cloves and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring and juice. Season and set aside.
occasionally, until softened. Boil the veg for 2-3 minutes, then
drain and toss in the lemon dressing.
2 Meanwhile, put the sausages in Divide the mash and sausages
a non-stick roasting tin and spread between 4 plates, and serve with
the tomatoes, left on their vines, the tomatoes, mixed vegetables,
around them. Spritz with low-calorie and a twist of black pepper.
cooking spray, season and roast
for 25 minutes, or until the sausages
are golden and cooked through.
u tter beans puts a new spin on

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ready and waiting
Big fla
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i sh oh-s
o good Cheesy bean
pasta bake
EVERYDAY EASY
Serves 4
Syns per serving 6
Deduct 6 Syns if using the reduced-fat
Cheddar as a Healthy Extra
V
Ready in 1 hour

200g frozen chopped onions,
or 1 fresh onion, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp tomato purée
700g passata
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
400g can cannellini beans, drained
and rinsed
400g dried penne, or other short pasta
200g frozen broccoli
150g frozen spinach
20g fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
160g reduced-fat Cheddar, grated
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan

180°C/gas 6. Spray a large, lidded,
non-stick saucepan with low-calorie
cooking spray and place over
a medium-low heat. Add the onion,
cover and cook for 8-10 minutes,
stirring occasionally, until softened.
2 Add the garlic and oregano, and
cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the tomato purée, cook for
1 minute, then add the passata,
350ml water and the vinegar. Bring
to the boil, reduce the heat and
simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or
until the sauce is slightly reduced
and thickened. Stir in the beans
and remove from the heat.
3 Cook the pasta according to the
pack instructions. After 5 minutes,
add the broccoli and spinach, and
cook for a further 3 minutes. Drain,
stir into the sauce and season.
4 Transfer the pasta mixture to
a large baking dish. Top with the
basil, then evenly scatter over the
cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes,
or until bubbling and golden.
Divide between 4 plates to serve.

ready and waiting
e kd ay st aple gets a blast of s

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T hi s w ne w
ith a
sun
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ide-
up eg
g!
Tuna Niçoise fishcakes RECIPES: EMILY JONZEN. FOOD STYLING: LOTTIE COVELL. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
SUPER SIMPLE 1 Mash the potatoes until 3 Meanwhile, spray a large, non-stick
Serves 4 smooth. Stir through the tuna, frying pan with low-calorie cooking
Syns per serving 1 olives, lemon zest, chilli flakes, spray and place over a medium-high
Ready in 40 minutes, plus chilling heat. Fry the remaining eggs to your
parsley, beaten egg and cornflour.
2 x 300g cans new potatoes, drained Season and divide the mixture liking. Stir the lemon juice into the
2 x 145g cans tuna in spring water, into 8 portions. Using your yogurt and season to taste. Boil the
drained and flaked hands, shape them into fishcakes. beans for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
16 pitted black olives in brine, chopped Chill for 30 minutes.
Zest and juice of ½ unwaxed lemon
4 Serve 2 fishcakes per person with
Pinch of dried red chilli flakes 2 Preheat your oven to 200°C/ an egg, and the green beans drizzled
fan 180°C/gas 6. Spray a non-stick with the yogurt dressing. Scatter
20g fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves
finely chopped, reserving some to serve baking tray with low-calorie cooking over the reserved parsley and top
5 medium eggs, 1 beaten spray and lay the fishcakes on it. with a twist of black pepper.
1½ level tsp cornflour Lightly spritz the fishcakes with
Low-calorie cooking spray low-calorie cooking spray. Bake for
50g fat-free natural Greek-style yogurt 20 minutes until golden and piping
600g frozen green beans hot throughout, turning halfway.

advertisement promotion
No-fuss
moussaka
EVERYDAY EASY
Serves 2
Easy cheesy
Give meals a delicious lift with a squeeze of Primula Light Cheese
Syns per serving 6
Deduct 6 Syns if using the Primula Light Cheese
as a Healthy Extra
Ready in 1 hour
2 aubergines, thinly sliced lengthways
500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
1 onion, finely diced
½ tsp dried mint
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp red wine vinegar
1 dried bay leaf
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 beef stock cube
150g tube Primula Light Cheese
Fresh mint leaves, and a green salad
dressed with red wine vinegar, to serve

fan 160°C/gas 4. Spray 2 non-stick
baking trays with low-calorie cooking
spray, then add the aubergine slices –
they can overlap slightly. Spray with
low-calorie cooking spray and season
with a little salt. Bake for 30 minutes
until tender and starting to crisp at
the edges, turning and switching the
trays over halfway. Set aside.
2 Meanwhile, dry-fry the mince in
a non-stick frying pan over a medium-
high heat until browned all over. Drain
off any liquid and transfer to a plate.
3 Wipe out the pan and return to a
medium heat. Add the onion, season
and fry for 5-6 minutes until softened
and a little coloured. Add the garlic or count it as 6 Syns. That’s enough to add
O
ne of the many beauties of the
with a splash of water and fry for Slimming World plan is you can a delicious hit of cheese to any dish!
1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the still enjoy all your favourite food, Smother Primula Light Cheese pizza-
dried mint and cinnamon, and fry for including cheese! And a tube style over skinless chicken breasts, stir into
1-2 minutes, adding more water if the
of Primula Light Cheese is an easy and risotto, or give Slimming World chips loaded
spices start to catch. Add the mince,
convenient way to get that savoury flavour. with chilli a cheesy topping. Or bring
vinegar, bay leaf, tomatoes, stock cube
As well as being high in calcium and a taste of Greece to your table with our
and a canful of water. Bring to a brisk
simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes protein, it has 40 per cent less fat than gorgeously gooey no-fuss moussaka
until the sauce is reduced and thick. Primula Original Cheese – so you can use (left). It’s a handy way to squeeze
half a tube (75g) as a Healthy Extra ‘a’, even more flavour into your day.
4 Layer the aubergines and mince in
a serving dish (you’ll use about two-
thirds of the mince – see Cook’s note).
Evenly squeeze over the Primula Light DID YOU KNOW…
Cheese and top with the mint leaves. …Primula donates profits to charity?
Divide between 2 plates, discarding All profits from the sale of Primula Cheese are shared
the bay leaf, and serve with the salad. among charities and good causes, internationally
and here in the UK, through its owner, the Kavli Trust.
COOK’S NOTE Primula Light Cheese is available at selected Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s
You’ll have a bit of mince leftover – it’s and Tesco stores, and online at Ocado. For more information visit primula.co.uk.
Free and perfect to top a baked potato
or cooked dried pasta. The mince will
keep in the fridge for up to 2 days Slimming World, Free, Healthy Extra and Syns are registered trademarks of Miles-Bramwell
Executive Services Ltd trading as Slimming World.

Classic falafel
Lauren Upcott loves traditional Middle Eastern falafel and was after a lightened-
up version. This flavoursome recipe, perfect for lunch or dinner, fits the bill!
Photographs: Kate Whitaker
A LITTLE EFFORT
Serves 4
Syns per serving 7
Deduct 7 Syns if using the wholemeal pitta
bread as a Healthy Extra
V f (uncooked falafel only)
Ready in 1 hour, plus soaking
and chilling
250g dried chickpeas, soaked in 2-3 litres
cold water for 24 hours, then drained
1½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg
Lauren Upcott, and ginger
27, lives in Cardiff 2 spring onions, finely sliced
To make the falafel, put 350g Add the remaining
with her mum,
Judith. Lauren,
who has type 1
diabetes, has lost
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley, stalks and
leaves roughly chopped
20g fresh coriander, stalks and leaves
roughly chopped
1 of the soaked chickpeas
(once soaked and drained
you should have 500g chickpeas
2 chickpeas to the food
processor. Pulse until they
are broken up a bit, but still have
in total) in a food processor. Add a bit of texture. Tip the mixture
3st 1lb and is ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
the spices, spring onions, garlic, into a bowl, cover and chill for
a member of herbs, baking powder and salt. at least 1 hour. If you want to prep
Alex Alexander’s Blitz until you have a very fine, ahead, the mixture will keep in
4 x 60g wholemeal pitta breads,
Slimming World toasted to serve thick paste – you may need to the fridge quite happily for up
group in Lemon wedges, to serve (optional) do this in a few bursts. to 24 hours.
Birchgrove, For the salads:
Cardiff ½ red onion, finely diced
1 cucumber, halved, cut into quarters
lengthways and thinly sliced
6 tomatoes, roughly chopped
½ white cabbage, shredded
Juice of 1 lemon
10g fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked
1 tsp sumac (optional)
For the garlic yogurt:
200g fat-free natural Greek yogurt
1 small garlic clove, crushed
Make it Free
For a different meze platter, swap
the pitta bread for 150g plain dried
Preheat your oven to 220°C/ Meanwhile, prepare the
couscous, made up according to the
pack instructions (without butter or
oil). Finely dice the cucumber and
tomato from the recipe above and
4 fan 200°C/gas 7. Spray a
large, non-stick frying pan
with low-calorie cooking spray and
5 salads and garlic yogurt.
Mix together the onion,
cucumber and tomatoes, season
mix with the finely diced onion. Add place over a medium-high heat. and set aside. Mix together the
to the couscous with 20g each of Fry the falafel in batches, for 1-2 shredded cabbage, lemon juice
finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley minutes on each side until lightly and a pinch of salt, and leave
and coriander. Season, mix well and golden, then transfer to a large, to stand for 15-20 minutes. Mix
serve as pictured left. 0 V non-stick baking tray. Bake for together the yogurt and garlic.
20-25 minutes, or until piping hot.

step by step
“
These falafel also
taste great cold,
so I’ll be making
a batch and popping
“
some in the fridge
for the next day
Line a large tray or dish
3 with baking paper. To shape

each falafel, scoop up a
small amount of the mixture with
your fingers. Gently roll and pat
it into a thick disc and transfer to
the tray or plate. Repeat until you
have 20 falafel. If the mixture is
sticking to your hands too much,
add a splash of water to them and
shake off any excess.
RECIPE: REBECCA WOOLLARD. FOOD STYLING: LOTTIE COVELL. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
Just before serving, toss the
6 parsley and sumac (if using)

through the cabbage salad.
Divide the falafel between 4 plates
COOK’S NOTE
You can bake the
falafel without frying
first – they won’t look
and serve each with the salads,
a dollop of yogurt, a pitta bread, as golden, but they’ll
and lemon wedges for squeezing taste just as good!
Simply add 5 minutes
over (if using).
to the baking time

Available at selected Tesco stores from 29th March 2021.
foodnews We’ve searched the shelves to bring you three pages of tasty inspiration
Morrisons Naturally
Wonky Berries, 0
£2.75 for 1kg. e f
5FREE
FINDS
FOOD
Save your Syns for later –
these buys are all Free!
TT
Naked Glory No-Beef Strips, 0

SWANKY £2.75 for 165g, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s
SALAD!
and Waitrose & Partners. e
Steak salad with Parmesan shavings

ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY IMAGES
Syns per serving 1

To serve 4, boil 750g halved the steaks, reduce the heat onions. Divide 100g rocket Sainsbury’s
new potatoes for 20 minutes. slightly and cook for 4 minutes between 4 plates and add Tagine Seasoning,
0 £1.50 for 110g.
SALAD PHOTOGRAPH: TOBY SCOTT
Meanwhile, spray 4 lean rump on each side for medium, or the potato mixture. Slice the e
steaks (visible fat removed) 5 minutes for medium-well steaks, then place on top. Add
with low-calorie cooking spray done. Transfer to a plate to rest. extra rocket and sliced spring
and season to taste. When the Drain the potatoes and roughly onions. Divide over 20g fresh
potatoes have 10 minutes to crush with a fork. Season and Parmesan shavings. Spoon over
go, place a non-stick griddle or toss with 30g chopped fresh the juice of 2 lemons and finish Batchelors Gastro
frying pan over a high heat. Add basil and ½ bunch sliced spring with a twist of black pepper. Pub Mushy Peas
with Mint, 0
70p for a 300g
can, Asda and
Morrisons. e
SEASON’S CHEAP THE LOW-
PICKS RIGHT DOWN ON...
NOW
Buying UK-grown Gluten-free foods
veg can save you If you have coeliac disease or
money at the
non-coeliac gluten sensitivity,
supermarket, and
great news: many Free Foods
right now it’s a Speed
are still on the menu. These
Food bonanza!
On the shelves include potatoes, gluten-free
pasta, lean meat, fish, eggs, Slimming World Naked Beef
you’ll find: asparagus, Burrito Lunch Bowl, 0
carrots, cauliflower, chard, chicory, beans, fruit and vegetables.
£2.50 for 400g, Iceland.
cucumber, peppers, purple sprouting broccoli, Search ‘coeliac’ in Features
radishes, rocket, shallots, spinach, spring greens on the members’ website for f You’ll find these products in the
and spring onions. Eat a third of a plate at every advice and a very tasty gluten- freezer cabinets – look out for the
meal, where it makes sense, to slim and save! free seven-day meal plan. symbol across the Food news pages

foodnews
How you pack
in more veg
Three great ways Slimming World
members get extra Speed Food into meals
● ‘My rainbow rice is so versatile. I cook
chopped peppers, courgettes and onions (or
Heinz Beanz Protein Pot Classic any Speed Food veg I have in), add spinach,
with Scrambled Egg & Sausage, dill and lemon juice, and mix with cooked
2½ Syns per 230g pot; £2.50, Tesco. dried rice. Lovely with salmon or chicken!’
Gemma Norris, Cambridgeshire
● ‘I sauté chopped carrot, onion and leek
5 FAB SYN
STRETCHERS
Make your Syns go even
in low-calorie cooking spray with potato,
crushed garlic and coriander, simmer with
veg stock and canned butter beans, and
further with these top blend it into a delicious, filling soup.’
supermarket picks... Maxine Griffin, West Midlands
● ‘To make a pizza base, I mix steamed
cauliflower rice with beaten egg and dried
oregano, baking it on both sides in the oven.
I top it with herby tomato purée, lots of veg,
Tesco tuna and a Healthy Extra portion of cheese.’
2 Thai Inspired
Bea Stevens, Essex
Salmon Fillets,
½ Syn each;
£4 for 180g.
No garden? GROW
No problem! YOUR
OWN
You don’t need outdoor
space to start growing food – a
windowsill is a great place to flex your
green fingers. Seeing salad ingredients
WE go from seed to plate is a great way to
LOVE get kids interested in what they’re
eating, and it means fresh Speed Food
Asda Tikka Chicken Breast Slices,
½ Syn per 180g pack; £2.25. Serve Slimming World is on hand for you, too! One no-fuss crop
is cress, which grows happily on wet
chips on the side, and veg kitchen paper in a shallow tray. Herbs
Lidl Vemondo sticks and salsa in style! are also ideal, or you could sow rocket
in a pot of multipurpose compost.
2 Vegan Chips Cone, £3, and Dip plate, It grows like wildfire, making it the
Beetroot £8, both Matalan perfect cut-and-come-again salad.
Burgers,
1½ Syns each;
£1.69 for 250g.
e
HEALTHY EXTRAS
Just a few more of the latest ‘a’ and ‘b’ options added to our growing list
SALMON RICE PHOTOGRAPH: GARETH MORGANS
MOMA Jumbo
Oat Porridge M&S Plant
Peanut Butter Kitchen
& Maple Morrisons Unsweetened
Syrup, 1 x 35g Double Soya Drink,
sachet is Gloucester 400ml is
a Healthy Extra with Onion & a Healthy
‘b’; £2.90 for 7 Chives, 30g Extra ‘a’; £1 for
Morrisons Nourish High in Protein sachets, major is a Healthy 1 litre, Marks
Aromatic Chicken Noodles, supermarkets. Extra ‘a’; £1.75 & Spencer and
4 Syns per 400g pack; £3.25. e for 200g. V Ocado. e

coconut!
GO NUTS FO
R
From stir-fries to curries, Frylight Coconut Oil can save you

100 calories compared to regular oil*.
Infusing a beautiful aroma into your daily dishes, this cooking spray is
perfect for grilling, frying and roasting your favourite foods — and even
provides a great non-stick alternative to greasing baking tins!
One small change, so many benefits.
*20 sprays of Frylight = 20 kcals. 1 tablespoon of regular oil by comparison = 120kcals.

foodnews
Mars Snack Bars, 4½ Syns per
21g bar; £2.50 for 10, most major
supermarkets. V
Jammie Dodgers
Minis, 4½ Syns per
snack pack of 4; £1 for
6 snack packs, major
supermarkets. e
McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Bars,

5 Syns per 24.5g bar;
£1.65 for 5, Morrisons,
Sainsbury’s and Tesco. V
Are you craving a sweet treat?
No foods are off limits as you can use your Syns to enjoy
them, and planning in those treats in advance is a powerful
Nestlé Strawberry Ski Mousse,
3½ Syns per 60g pot; £2 for 4, Asda, way to stay on plan day after day. It might be that you
Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. choose to stretch out your Syns by buying a lighter
alternative. So, if a hankering for jelly sweets hits in the
evening, a low-calorie jelly pot might curb the same urge for
a fraction of the Syns. Or you might choose an individually
Hartley’s 10 Cal wrapped snack pack of your favourite biscuits, because it’s
Cranberry & Raspberry just so much harder psychologically not to finish a full-size
Flavour Jelly, ½ Syn per
175g pot; 80p, major
packet. Here are a few Syn counted buys to hit your sweet
supermarkets. V spot – plus you’ll get lots more ideas in group!
Advert
_
or from your Consultant; also ● Slimming World, Chicken in
Find available from Iceland stores Black Bean Sauce, Singapore-
the Syn for a limited period. style Noodles, and Sweet &
values of all Sour Chicken Noodles, all Free,
Syn values
● Kingsmill, No Crusts
advertised Wholemeal bread, 3 slices from Iceland.
products count as a Healthy Extra ‘b’ ● Soreen Lunchbox Loaves,
here or 6 Syns. Apple, Original Malt and
● Müllerlight Skyr, Salted Strawberry, 4½ Syns; Banana,
5 Syns.
Caramel, ½ Syn per 150g pot.
● Sweet Freedom, Choc Pot
● New York Bakery Co.,
Chocolate Spread, ½ Syn per
Soft Seeded Bagel Thins,
level tsp.
● Bannisters, 8 Baked Jacket ● Finn Crisp, Original 1 bagel thin counts as a
Potatoes, ½ Syn per potato Sourdough Rye Thins, 6 thins Healthy Extra ‘b’ or 6 Syns. ● Wilson’s Country, You Say
Potato Fresh Cut Chips, Free.
(without butter); 6 Little Jacket count as a Healthy Extra ‘b’ ● Pink ’n’ Whites, 2½ Syns
Potatoes, ½ Syn per potato or 6 Syns. per wafer.
(without butter); 4 Baked ● Frylight, Coconut Oil, ● Primula, Light Cheese, 75g
Jacket Potatoes, 1 Syn per low-calorie cooking spray, Free. counts as a Healthy Extra ‘a’
potato (without butter). or 6 Syns.
● Heck, Vegan Italia burgers,
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
● Fibre One, Chocolate Fudge 2½ Syns per burger. ● Quorn, Smoky Fajita Strips
Brownies, 4 Syns per bar. and Spicy Tikka Strips, both
● Hi-fi, Salted Caramel, Free. Classic Chilli, 2 Syns per Slimming World, Free, Free Food,
● Filippo Berio, Extra Virgin 2 bars count as a Healthy 225g pouch; Spiced Chickpea Healthy Extra, Healthy Extras, Syn
Olive Oil Spray and Mild & Extra ‘b’ or 3 Syns per bar, & Lentil Bowl, 2 Syns per 300g and Syns are registered trademarks
Light Olive Oil Spray, both available to Slimming World bowl; Chilli Bean Bowl, 2½ Syns of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services
½ Syn per 7 sprays. members via our online shop per 300g bowl. Ltd trading as Slimming World.

reader competition
Win a spa break

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with a drink in the new Twilight Bar. Enjoy
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then slip on a robe and flip-flops and spend
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● One 50-minute or two 25-minute Offer includes a Clarins gift set per person
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call 01664 433 000 and quote SW21.
For full offer terms and conditions, see p105.
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conditions, see p105.
HOW TO ENTER Email

For your chance to win, answer the following question:
Daytime tel
Where is breakfast served at Ragdale Hall Spa?
Send your competition entry form to Ragdale Hall Spa
Competition, Slimming World Magazine, Clover Nook Road,
Name
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Address 27 May 2021, or visit slimmingworld.co.uk/magcomps to
enter online by 27 May 2021.
DATA PROTECTION: By entering the competition, all entrants consent to the use of their personal
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and county will be published in the October 2021 issue of Slimming World Magazine.

book club
Pan-fried pork
& mushrooms,
recipe p74
‘
‘ Believe it or not, this elegant pork and
mushroom dish is ready in 30 minutes!
Simply delicious
Supercharge your weight loss with three easy-to-make recipes
from Slimming World’s SP Sensations cookbook
Photographs: Toby Scott

Louisiana fish creole
SUPER SIMPLE 1 Place a wide, deep, non-stick
Serves 4 saucepan over a medium heat.
0 Add the onions, peppers, celery
sf and 2 tbsp water, and stir-fry for
Ready in 1 hour 5 minutes, or until softened.
2 onions, finely chopped 2 Stir in the garlic and Cajun spice
4 red peppers (romano if possible), mix, and cook for 2 minutes. Add
deseeded and roughly chopped the okra, tomatoes, tomato purée,
6 celery sticks, roughly chopped Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves
4 garlic cloves, crushed and stock, and stir well. Bring to
3 tbsp Cajun spice mix the boil, then reduce the heat
(see Cook’s note on p43) to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
400g okra, thickly sliced
400g can chopped tomatoes 3 Add the fish and cook for a further
3 tbsp tomato purée
6-8 minutes, or until the fish is
cooked through. Season to taste
Pan-fried pork 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 fresh or dried bay leaves
and serve, discarding the bay leaves
& mushrooms 500ml hot vegetable, chicken or fish stock
before eating.
500g thick skinless and boneless white
SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
0
s
Ready in 30 minutes
fish fillets, cut into large chunks
‘
500g lean pork tenderloin fillet,
visible fat removed, thinly sliced
600g mixed mushrooms, sliced
6 shallots, peeled and halved, or
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
‘ Okra is great teamed with spices, and
it helps to thicken this tasty stew, too
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves finely

chopped, plus sprigs to serve
300ml hot chicken or vegetable stock
300g green beans, trimmed and halved
4 tbsp fat-free natural Greek
yogurt, whisked
1 Spray a wide, non-stick frying

pan with low-calorie cooking spray
and place over a medium-high heat.
Add the pork and fry for 2-3 minutes,
or until lightly browned, turning
halfway. Transfer to a plate.
2 Wipe out the pan, add the
mushrooms and shallots or onions,
and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Return the
pork to the pan and stir in the garlic,
rosemary and stock. Bring to the
boil, then reduce the heat to low
and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or
until the pork is cooked through
and the mushrooms are tender.
Meanwhile, boil the green beans
for 8-10 minutes, then drain well.
3 Lightly season the pork mixture,
then remove from the heat and
stir in the yogurt. Scatter over the
rosemary sprigs and serve with
the green beans.
COOK’S NOTE
This is delicious with swede mash.
Boil peeled, chopped swede until
tender, then season and mash.
Recipe remains 0 s

book club
Quorn & root

veg roast
SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
0
sV
Ready in 1 hour
3 red onions, cut into wedges
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small celeriac, peeled and diced
300g ready-prepared cubed
butternut squash
400g can cherry tomatoes
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves
finely chopped
200ml hot vegetable stock
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 frozen Quorn Fillets
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, to serve

fan 200°C/gas 7. Put the onions,
garlic, celeriac, squash, tomatoes
and rosemary in a non-stick roasting
tin. Pour over the stock, drizzle over
the vinegar and lightly season. Toss
to coat and spread out in an even
layer. Cover loosely with foil and
roast for 20-25 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, spray a non-stick
frying pan with low-calorie cooking
spray and place over a medium-
high heat. Fry the Quorn fillets for
2 minutes on each side, or until
lightly browned. Transfer to a plate,
leave to cool slightly, then cut into
thick slices.
3 Remove the foil from the roasting
tin, stir in the sliced fillets and cook
uncovered for a further 20 minutes.
Scatter over the parsley to serve.
MAKE IT VEGAN
To make this recipe vegan, simply
use vegan Quorn Fillets and vegan
vegetable stock instead. Recipe
remains 0 s
Slimming World
’s
s sens_ations
STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
IF YOU LIKE THESE RECIPES...

RECIPES & FOOD STYLING:
SUNIL VIJAYAKAR. PROP
…you’ll find more than 60 weight loss boosting dishes in Slimming World’s
SP Sensations cookbook. From Mexican beefburgers and cheesy salsa omelette
to chicken satay goujons and spicy tofu scramble, there’s a tasty, super-
slimming meal for every occasion. Available to Slimming World members
via our online shop or from your Consultant, price £4.95/€7.95.
More than 60
amazing
Extra Easy s
meals

chopsticks
and chill
Three new Chinese-style firecrackers
from Slimming World – fast, Free & fabulous ®
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or snuggling up for a Slimming World

fakeaway feast, you’re in for pure fireworks with our latest trio of Chinese-style
frozen dishes. Satisfy the midday munchies with our sweet and sour chicken lunch
bowl, go for a flavour-packed classic with chicken in black bean sauce brimming
with a rainbow of veg or turn up the heat with our sexy Singapore-style noodles
— starring char siu pork, chicken and sugar snap peas. What’s not to love?
bean sauce
in black
n
cke
chi
exclusive to
Serving suggestion
dles
le noo
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o
gap
sin
The full Slimming World range may not be available

in smaller Iceland stores. Please check with your
local store for more details.
Juicy, rum-soaked pineapple
brings holiday vibes to this
delicious, no-bake dessert

sweet and smooth
Firm
favourites
From crème brûlée to dark chocolate mousse,
these set puddings will steal the show
Photographs: Charlie Richards
Piña colada cheesecake

Transport your taste buds to a tropical island with our cocktail-inspired creation
A LITTLE EFFORT tin, then use the back of the spoon

Serves 8 to press them down into a thin base.
Syns per serving 4½ Place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Ready in 30 minutes, plus chilling
2 Meanwhile, put 100g quark in
10 reduced-fat rich tea biscuits a small, non-stick saucepan, then
50g low-fat spread stir in the gelatine and set aside.
4 x 150g pots Lindahls Kvarg In a large mixing bowl, use a balloon
Coconut quark
whisk to beat together the remaining
18g powdered gelatine
quark, soft cheese, vanilla extract
150g extra-light plain soft cheese
and sweetener until smooth.
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 level tbsp sweetener granules 3 Place the gelatine mixture over
300g fresh pineapple, peeled, cored a low heat and stir frequently
and thinly sliced into small triangles until the gelatine has completely
25ml dark rum dissolved (don’t let it boil). Add
Fresh mint leaves, to decorate to the quark mixture and stir well.
Spoon the mixture over the biscuit
1 Line an 18 or 20cm loose-bottomed, base. Chill for 3-4 hours.
round cake tin with baking paper. Put
the biscuits in a food bag and bash 4 When you’re almost ready to serve,
with a rolling pin to make fine crumbs. mix together the pineapple and rum,
Alternatively, put the biscuits in a food and leave to stand for 10 minutes.
processor and blitz. Melt the spread in Evenly top the cheesecake with the
a small, non-stick saucepan over a low pineapple and scatter over the mint.
heat, then stir in the crumbs until fully Cut into 8 equal slices and divide
coated. Spoon the crumbs into the over any leftover rum.

Mango jellies with pistachio crumble
We’ve given a childhood pud a grown-up makeover with nutty biscuit sprinkles
EVERYDAY EASY a saucepan and place over a low by the jelly. Drop the remaining
Serves 4 heat until steaming. Use a balloon mango gently on top. Chill for
Syns per serving 2½ whisk to stir in the gelatine until at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Ready in 20 minutes, plus chilling completely dissolved. Pour into the 3 For the crumble, roughly chop
200ml orange and pineapple cold squash, then sit the bowl in the pistachios and biscuits, then mix
no-added-sugar squash (100ml a larger bowl of iced water. Using together in a small bowl. To serve,
if using double concentrate) a spatula, stir gently for 10 minutes,
18g powdered gelatine turn out the jellies onto 4 plates and
bringing the mixture away from the divide over the crumble.
1 small ripe mango, peeled, stoned edges and into the centre until the
and cut into small dice
jelly starts to thicken and stays apart
For the crumble: for a few seconds when you run the COOK’S NOTE
25g unsalted roasted spatula through it. (This speeds up We used nibbed pistachios, which
pistachio kernels have had their skins removed, so
the setting process and will help the
2 reduced-fat rich tea biscuits they’re bright green. You can find them
mango to stay evenly distributed.)
in Turkish or Middle Eastern grocers.
1 In a medium bowl, mix the squash 2 Divide half the mango between Regular unsalted pistachios with the
with 300ml cold water. Pour half into 4 x 150ml jelly moulds, followed shells removed will work, too
Get set to impress with

exotic fruit flavours and jelly
the colour of sunshine

sweet and smooth
Crème brûlées with raspberries

The crisp, caramel topping makes this classic dessert something really special
EVERYDAY EASY 1 Preheat your oven to 190°C/fan the ramekins. Bake for 30 minutes, or
Serves 4 170°C/gas 5. Pour the milk into until the custard has set, but still has
Syns per serving 4 a non-stick saucepan and place over a good wobble when you gently shake
V
a low heat. Gently warm through the ramekins. Set aside to cool for 30
Ready in 45 minutes, plus until steaming, then set aside. In minutes, then chill for up to 24 hours.
cooling and chilling
a medium mixing bowl, mix together 3 When you’re ready to serve, divide
350ml skimmed milk the cornflour, egg yolks, sweetener over the sugar, then use a chef’s
2 level tsp cornflour and vanilla extract. Using a balloon blowtorch to caramelise it. Or, set
4 medium egg yolks whisk, slowly whisk in the warm milk your grill to its highest setting, then
1 level tbsp sweetener granules to make a thin, smooth custard. put the brûlées directly underneath
½ tbsp vanilla extract 2 Divide the custard between the grill for 5-6 minutes, or until
40g caster sugar 4 x 150ml ramekins. Place the golden brown. (The sugar caramelises
Fresh raspberries, to decorate ramekins in a baking tin, then pour very quickly, so keep an eye on them.)
(or hulled strawberries, if you like) in a kettle of freshly boiled water, Leave to harden for 5 minutes, then
so it comes halfway up the sides of serve with the raspberries.

sweet and smooth
Chocolate & cherry mousses

These rich, velvety treats are a taste of sheer heaven
EVERYDAY EASY simmering water, without stirring. the mousse between 4 dessert
Serves 4 Leave to cool for 5 minutes. Add glasses, cover with cling film and
Syns per serving 4 the egg yolks and sweetener to the chill for 1 hour, or until ready to
V
chocolate, then beat using a balloon serve (up to 3 days).
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: LOTTIE COVELL. PROP STYLING:
Ready in 20 minutes, plus chilling

whisk until smooth. Put the egg 3 Discard the cling film. Top with the
60g plain chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) whites in a clean, glass bowl. Beat cherries, then a grating of chocolate
3 large eggs, separated* with an electric hand whisk until from the remaining square.
1 level tbsp sweetener granules they form medium-stiff peaks.
JENNY IGGLEDEN/PENNY MARKHAM
Fresh cherries, halved and pitted,

to decorate
2 Using a metal spoon, add a large
spoonful of egg whites to the *Pregnant women, the elderly, babies
1 Set aside 1 square of chocolate. chocolate, folding it through to and toddlers are advised not to eat raw
Melt the rest in a heatproof bowl loosen the mixture. Gently fold in or partially cooked eggs, unless eating
placed over a pan of gently the remaining egg whites. Divide eggs showing the British Lion stamp

promotional feature
Available
24/7 on your
computer, tablet
or mobile. It’s
all part of your
membership
package!
Tap into Slimming World

support, all week long!
Did you know that as a Slimming World member you get exclusive access to LifelineOnline, the members-only
website, and the Slimming World app? It’s all part and parcel of your Slimming World support – at no extra cost
N
othing can rival the special out food when you’re just not sure how
support you’ll find at group. it fits into Food Optimising. Don’t miss out
And there’s a whole extra layer ● ‘How do I know what to choose when It couldn’t be easier to start using
of support between groups, I eat out or order in?’ LifelineOnline and our app to
too – for help during tricky times, for meal Browse our eating out articles online support your weight loss journey –
inspiration, or for a motivational boost – for weight loss boosting advice, tips and visit slimmingworld.co.uk and
all waiting for you on LifelineOnline! handy Syn values. click on ‘Register your group card’
Log in if you find yourself asking… ● ‘Am I on track for a Body Magic award?’ in the top right-hand corner, or
● ‘What can I eat today?’ Add your activity to the online planner ask your Consultant for details.
You’ll find 1,400+ recipes online and on the and we’ll let you know how many minutes
app. Sort them by cuisine, prep time, even you’ve done towards your next award.
veggie/vegan options, then add your dish to ● ‘How do I get my slimming mojo back?’
the online planner. See your weight loss soar In addition to all the help you’ll find in
by getting into the meal-planning groove! group, there are hundreds of insightful and
● ‘What if I spot something new to try enlightening articles on the LifelineOnline
in the supermarket?’ site (and coming soon to the app!), to help
Our barcode scanner (on the Slimming you overcome stoppers, create brand-new
World app) is perfect for quickly checking lifelong habits, and boost your motivation!
Slimming World, Food Optimising, Body Magic and Syn are registered trademarks of Miles-Bramwell
Executive Services Ltd trading as Slimming World.

Zaheer’s
paying it forward
Family and friendship were the inspiration for Zaheer Bhatti’s
3st weight loss, and now he’s found a way to help people in his
local community to forge their healthier future, too
A After a busy morning delivering Slimming World

leaflets, my eight volunteers and I had worked up
a real appetite, so we were thrilled to see our saviour
rounding the corner in the family car. My wife Afshan
waved as she saw us approach. There were oohs and
aahs as she handed out containers
of her lentil curry, rice, salad and
raita, and I was so proud to say:
‘Home cooked by my amazing wife,
and all Food Optimising friendly…
I’ll have the recipe ready at group
on Thursday.’ It was April 2019,
and I’d been out promoting the
group I was launching, helped by
Meet Zaheer
of holding my breath would work. Eventually, I gave
up and asked Anaaya for help. She’d only just learnt
to tie laces, and after a little while she looked up at
me and said: ‘I’ve tried my best, Daddy, I hope that’s
OK.’ I suddenly felt a wave of sadness that I couldn’t
Zaheer Bhatti, 42, is an

IT project manager and
Slimming World Consultant.
He lives in Birmingham
with his wife, Afshan, and
even do up my shoes without my
little girl’s help. And I wasn’t the
healthy role model I wanted to be
for Anaaya and her brother Daniyal.
It prompted me to see my GP, who
warned me I was at risk of type 2
diabetes and fatty liver disease –
and that made up my mind.
My first attempt to lose weight
Slimming World members Hayley, their children, Anaaya, 11, was by having shakes to replace
Tracey, Joti, Louise, Mel and Asad, and Daniyal, six my meals. Although it worked
and my sister Farzana and niece to begin with, Afshan wasn’t best
Alisha. As we ate, excited for the Height: 5ft 8ins pleased about me abandoning her
new business I was building, I was Starting weight: 16st 4lbs home cooking, and the moment
blown away by the power of family Weight now: 13st 4lbs I started eating proper meals again
and friendship, knowing my the weight came straight back on.
own weight loss had given me WEIGHT LOST: At the same time, a colleague had
the confidence to pay it forward… been losing weight with Slimming
It had been because of my
3st World. So, in July 2018, I decided
family that I’d gone to a Slimming to find my local group.
World group in the first place. Zaheer is a member of At first I felt a bit intimidated
As I’d got into my 30s, I knew Jeni O’Brien’s Slimming World group when I realised I was the only man
in King’s Heath, Birmingham,
my weight was creeping up, but and runs his own group in there. But the Consultant Jeni
being a busy dad I told myself Hall Green, Birmingham helped me realise straight away
I didn’t have time to worry about it. that, male or female, everyone was
Then one day, when our there for the same reason, and they
daughter Anaaya was about six, I was getting ready were there for one another. That gave me confidence,
to go to work and realised I couldn’t reach down because I knew I’d be making some big changes.
to tie my shoes. I’d been sucking my tummy in for I’d often skipped breakfast and got through the
months to bend down, but on that day no amount morning at work on a hot chocolate, followed by >

sharing his success
You never
stop learning
about yourself
as a slimmer,
and every
setback makes
you stronger!
THEN My NOW I’ve
weight learnt how
gradually to make
crept up changes to
in my 30s stay slim

THEN I felt
I wasn’t a
healthy role
model for
my children
NOW I’m a
fitter, more
energetic
dad!

sharing his success
It was all about keeping meals easy a full-time job as an IT project manager, though, and
often ended up working long hours. Could I really fit
in running my own business around the demanding
and tasty, cooking around work career I loved? I went to a Consultant opportunity
event, then spoke to my company to see if there was
and the kids, and enjoying my food enough flexibility to make it happen. We arranged
a timetable that would allow me to run a group on
a Thursday evening, if I started my work early in
the morning. Although it would be hard balancing
a bowl of chips or loaded sandwich for lunch. Dinner two jobs, I was determined to try, and Afshan was
was usually a chicken curry cooked in lots of oil, with supportive, too, knowing how much it meant to me.
a naan and full-fat Greek yogurt, while my favourite
dessert was gulab jamun – fried dough balls dipped Getting the word out
in a sugary syrup. Now I had a Healthy Extra portion In early 2019 I travelled to Slimming World’s head
of blueberry wheats with skimmed milk, topped with office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, to start my training.
sliced banana and berries for breakfast, and a jacket I discovered that, as a Consultant, I’d develop a deep
potato with baked beans and salad for lunch. In the understanding of the company’s methods to help
evening, I’d make a curry from Slimming World’s members reach their dreams. As I was introduced
Curry Club cookbook, or have roast chicken, with to techniques to help people make lasting changes,
the skin removed, with home-made Slimming World they just blew my mind! I also loved all the training
chips and veg. We soon discovered a new favourite on how to run my group and promote it in the
family dessert, too – fat-free natural Greek yogurt community. It struck me how important it would
topped with lots of fresh berries and a crumbled be to reach out to people and spread the word. I felt
plain meringue nest (2½ Syns). For me it was all there were so many whose lives could be changed
about keeping it easy and tasty, cooking around as mine had been.
work and the kids, and enjoying my food. I was going to be launching a group in the
Hall Green area of Birmingham and, as well as
Resetting my target promoting it by delivering leaflets and on social
I’d set myself a target of losing 2st and when I got media, I threw myself into getting to know the local
there 10 weeks later, the old me would have been community. In my free time I contacted community
satisfied with that. But I’d seen the other members hubs, businesses and supermarkets. The more I got
lowering their targets, and being a bit competitive to know about the diverse communities in the area,
myself, I wanted to see what I could do. I loved being the more I wanted to get the word out to all cultures
applauded for a successful weight loss week, but and religions. I knew that lots of Muslim men in
the best feeling was when someone said, ‘Thanks, particular would assume that Slimming World
I tried your idea and it really helped.’ Over the next wasn’t for them – and I was proof that it could be!
two months, I lost another stone, and I was feeling I also realised that many people in the Asian
amazing. Not long afterwards I was nominated for community might be put off by the idea they couldn’t
the Mr Sleek competition in group, which meant carry on eating their traditional meals and lose
telling the other members about my journey. weight, whereas in reality Food Optimising adapts
Afterwards, Jeni said: ‘You spoke really well and so well to all cuisines and tastes. Afshan is a much
seemed comfortable. Have you ever thought of better cook than I am, so together we sat down
becoming a Consultant yourself?’ and thought about how to use Food Optimising
It stopped me in my tracks. I thought about principles to adapt the traditional Pakistani recipes
IMAGE Therapy, and how much I’d enjoyed helping our family loves. The first thing was the oil, which
others by sharing my own ideas and experiences. I had I realised was really only there to brown the >
ZAHEER’S At group At home

WORK- All Consultants are trained with the same tools, but My wife Afshan and
LIFE we really can be ourselves, and I love that. Whether children Anaaya and
BALANCE group is virtual or real-life, it’s great to see members Daniyal have been
My days are coming out of my motivation from
busy, yet so their shells and the start, and
rewarding! making the most they’ve supported
of each other’s me every step of the
support. There’s way. It’s lovely to see the knock-on effect my new
nothing like lifestyle has had on the whole family. These days it’s
being together. a race to see who gets first pick from the fruit bowl!

sharing his success
ZAHEER WEARS
p85: Shirt and
trainers, both
ASOS. T-shirt,
Celio at ASOS.
Chinos, River Island.
Watch, Swatch
p86: Shirt and

jeans, both River
Island. T-shirt, Next.
Boots, Brave Soul
at ASOS. Watch,
as before
Left: Jacket, ASOS.

Shirt, River Island.
Jeans, Topman at
ASOS. Trainers,
Silver Street London.
Watch, as before
NOW My
favourite
Pakistani
recipes are
slimming
friendly
THEN
Meals were
cooked in
lots of oil
onions in the first stages of cooking. ‘So we can cook a big smile. When my group went virtual during
them with low-calorie cooking spray*,’ I said. We the lockdowns, my members said how much they’d
came up with delicious meals, such as keema matar, missed seeing my little helper. So now she always
loading up Speed Food vegetables on the side. And makes an appearance on my Zoom session, and
by serving dishes with plain boiled rice instead of it’s lovely to see everyone wave and smile at her.
naan, we could save the Syns for something else. I’ve always been proud to tell members that I’ve
It was rewarding when my recipe suggestions started been in their shoes and, of course, I do have my own
OF THIS, ALWAYS CHECK THE LABEL. ONLY SPRAY OILS WITH ONE CALORIE OR LESS PER SPRAY ARE SYN FREE. FOR THE SYN
*SOME LOW-CALORIE COOKING SPRAYS CONTAIN ALCOHOL AS A PRESERVATIVE. IF YOU’D PREFER TO AVOID ANY TRACE
VALUES OF OTHER SPRAYS, CHECK ON THE SLIMMING WORLD MEMBERS’ WEBSITE OR APP. INTERVIEW: KEVIN DONALD
to go down well with the members in my new group. ups and downs. I’m out of my 12st 4lb target at the
After doing some local media interviews, which moment and, while I’m confident I know what to do
I learnt all about in training, I was thrilled to find some to get back there, I’m not leaving anything to chance.
Asian men among my brand-new members. The first I still attend Jeni’s group, because that’s my time
thing they nearly always said when they rang me was: to focus on me, and I continue to pick up great ideas
‘Isn’t this just for women?’ I’d share my own worries and lots of motivation from the other members. You
when I’d first joined Jeni’s group. ‘And look how that never stop learning about yourself as a slimmer, PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: SHARNA VALENTINE. SEE P105 FOR STOCKISTS
turned out for me,’ I’d say. ‘If I can do it, so can you!’ and every setback just makes you stronger!
My family are everything to me, and I’m so
Loving the support pleased that Afshan and the kids have played a part
My group and the people in it became more and in my group’s success. I started my Slimming World
more important to me as I got into my stride, and journey in order to be a healthy, positive role model
it gave me a sense of pride that was very different for my children, and now it feels even bigger than
to anything I’d experienced before. While I loved that – what I’ve ended up creating with their support
the freedom of building my own business, I certainly is something we can all be proud of! ●
wasn’t going it alone. As well as head office support,
I had a local team and a Team Developer to support
and inspire me – always just a phone call away. I was ● If you’re inspired by Zaheer’s journey, are well on your way to your
still loving my career in IT, but when you succeed final target weight and would like to know more about becoming
at something you’ve created, it’s a different type of a Slimming World Consultant, call Maggie on 0344 892 0434 (01 656
job satisfaction. Now I had the best of both worlds! 9600 from Republic of Ireland) or email [email protected].
Anaaya – my inspiration to slim – has been with Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/careers for more information about the exciting
me since the night I launched my group, helping me opportunities available with Slimming World.
to set up the room and greeting everyone with

We Say LIGHT AS AIR
ESH CUT C H I P S
FR
Tasty home cooked chips
without the hassle. Perfect
for air fryers or to oven bake.
Available at Tesco
OUR PROTEIN
PERSONAL BEST
-14G Protein
- Fat Free
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OFFICIAL
YOGURT
the knowledge
Water Sip and win

When you feel thirsty,
you’re already slightly
dehydrated. Sipping
works!
through the day, even if
you don’t feel thirsty, will
keep you nicely hydrated.
Slimming World nutritionist Evie Lovell explains the

many health benefits of staying hydrated, and shares
some great tips for maintaining your H20
Does it HAVE
to be water? 6-8 glasses a day
Nope! It’s a complete myth That’s how much fluid we’re advised to
that only pure water will
FAST drink for health and general wellbeing*.
*ACCORDING TO PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND’S THE EATWELL GUIDE. PHOTOGRAPHS/ILLUSTRATIONS: GETTY IMAGES
hydrate you. Your six to

eight 250ml glasses
could include sugar-free
FACT
squash or fizzy drinks, tea, Water won’t make What does good
herbal tea, coffee – the only you lose weight hydration do for you?
fluid that doesn’t count It’s another myth that drinking ✔ Supports healthy digestion
(sorry) is booze! If you love water burns fat, or that if you
coffee, it’s worth knowing didn’t lose weight you didn’t drink
✔ Great for skin
lots of caffeine may have enough water. The truth is water ✔ Promotes better concentration
a diuretic effect, meaning doesn’t cause us to lose weight ✔ Helps cushion your joints
you might pee more of it
out, so it won’t hydrate you
or burn fat better. But there are ✔ Avoids thirst signals being
lots of other great reasons
as well. So aim for a variety mistaken for feeling hungry
to stay hydrated!
of drinks over the day. ✔ Helps boost mental alertness
Did you know?

In extreme circumstances, you can survive for weeks
without food, but only days without water.
Drinking for your gut

For some people, Food Optimising
Making hydration
sees them eating more fibre – all the a habit
Your body lovely fresh fruit and veg, as Try these ideas to encourage
LOVES water well as their Healthy Extra ‘b’ yourself to keep glugging:
Water is Free and choices. If you up your fibre Flavouring it with sugar-free
doesn’t contain any without drinking enough squash, fresh fruit or cucumber slices
calories, and whether to stay hydrated, it can Sipping through a straw can
you drink it as it lead to constipation. make you drink more
comes, with a slice Drinking a bit more Using a water bottle with time
of lemon, in tea or fluid through the lines will help you track your intake
sugar-free squash, day can help you Changing it up with sparkling
it goes to every cell in break down those water – it tastes great flavoured, too
your body. In fact, your filling, fibrous Adding some ice cubes can make
body is constantly foods and make your loo it feel more of a treat. Clink!
using up water! visits more comfortable.

steps to fitness
When Helen Hackett

discovered exercise
could help her to get
more mobile,
everything changed.
Now she’s running,
striking yoga poses and
scaling mountains!
‘Activity has given

me my life back’
W hen I look back to my life five years
ago, it’s like I’m picturing another
woman and another lifetime. Back
then, even getting out of bed was
a challenge, and I couldn’t get downstairs without
help from my husband Lee. I took 13 painkillers a day
and still found any kind of activity uncomfortable –
I’d joined Slimming World and lost 3st. Then, in
February 2015, everything changed. Lee and I were
decorating our loft conversion and as I reached
up with the paintbrush, I felt a sharp, familiar pain.
I’d slipped another disc.
I tried everything – hip injections, spinal injections,
hydrotherapy, physiotherapy – but I was in constant
even moving from one room to another using my pain. Then, in 2016, I was diagnosed with degenerative
walking stick wore me out. If you’d told me I’d go on disc disease and my specialist told me they couldn’t
to become an active person who went for 5K runs and operate again. My weight was back to what it had been
hiked up mountains, I’d probably have laughed at you. five years earlier and emotionally I was at rock bottom.
I’d had back problems for years, but thought I’d Each morning I’d strap on my TENS machine –
beaten them. After surgery for a slipped disc in 2011, a form of pain relief that uses a mild electrical
pain free and finally able to think about losing weight, current – and take my cocktail of painkillers just to >

get through the day. At one point someone suggested up slowly and listen to my body,
swimming might be good for me. I almost laughed I carried on increasing my
out loud. Some days I didn’t even have the strength walking, taking short strolls
to dress myself, so how could I attempt swimming? with Lee and our two grown-up
The truth was, I was terrified of trying any exercise children, Kayleigh and Marc. I’d
at all. What if I did more damage to myself? I put started to really enjoy that time
off filling in the application form for a blue badge out of the house, and more than
for as long as I could, but eventually I had to admit to that, I’d completely overcome
myself that I really needed it. I even had to borrow a my fear that walking too much
wheelchair once, just to have a day out with the family. might hurt me. I remember one
Then, in January 2017, I was referred to a pain day, while I was sitting in IMAGE
management course, where I learnt that becoming Therapy at group, listening to
more active could actually help my back. They showed a woman talking about how
me gentle strengthening exercises, and I started much she loved running. How
being able to walk very short distances without my lovely it must be to be able to
stick. In 2018, I joined a yoga class on their advice do that, I thought. If only…
and started seeing an osteopath. Over time, I started Meanwhile, I’d carried on
walking to the end of the road, and then to the local gradually upping my walking,
shop and back. By spring 2019, feeling more hopeful, and in September 2019 I was presented with my Being active
I decided I was ready to attempt to lose weight again. Bronze Body Magic award. That certificate felt like has changed
a culmination of all the little steps I’d taken over the my world. I’ve
Small changes, big results past couple of years – from accepting it was OK, and gone from
My sister Joanne had joined a Slimming World group even beneficial for me to start becoming active, to having limited
mobility to
near where we lived in Didcot, Oxfordshire, and using the Body Magic awards to support me as I made
going on walks
mentioned how lovely everyone was, including the my occasional walks into a regular, health-boosting with my family,
Consultant, Clint White. So, one Tuesday morning habit. Now I was ready to start building up to Silver! completing
in April 2019, I decided to go with her. As soon as Inspired by Joanne and me, my sister Amanda the Couch to
I stepped through the doors I was made to feel so decided to join group with us, too. We all supported 5K app, hiking
welcome, and without hesitating I threw myself each other, which was a real boost, and by the time up mountains
back into Food Optimising. As the pounds started of the first lockdown in March 2020, I’d lost 3st. At and more. I’m
to come off, I began to think about working towards home together, Lee and I now started walking every doing things
my Body Magic awards for the first time. I’d known day. Not only was walking for longer getting easier, I never dreamt
about Body Magic when I was a member before, but but it was becoming a normal and much-enjoyed possible!
I’d convinced myself that part of my everyday life. Each week I dialled into
it wasn’t for someone my virtual Slimming World group, grateful for the
like me, with mobility support and continuing to take inspiration from other
problems. Now that I’d people’s journeys. I started logging our daily walks
learnt activity was good on the Slimming World app to keep track, and by May
for my back, I asked my I’d achieved my Silver Body Magic award.
Consultant and realised My confidence was soaring and the strangest
I was already on my thought struck me. Perhaps exercise was for me
way to achieving after all? Still on a high from getting Silver and
my Bronze award. with my osteo’s blessing, I had a mad thought –
Following my why don’t I try Couch to 5K? I thought back to that
osteo’s advice, to build day I’d envied the woman in group talking about
running. Maybe, just maybe, I might be able to take
my fitness journey that little bit further? On the first
morning, I pulled on a T-shirt, leggings and some
old trainers, and headed outside. At first it was really
tough. Running for just 60 seconds left me out of
breath and I honestly couldn’t see how I’d ever be
able to run for 30 minutes! But I stuck with it, and
the more regularly I got out, the easier it felt. And
there was one thing I was ready to do right now: slip
my blue badge into an envelope and send it back!
‘I don’t need it any more,’ I told Lee with a smile.
I took 13 painkillers One day, I went into a sports shop to treat myself
a day and needed to some proper running trainers. Trying on a bright
a walking stick just blue pair, I glanced around the shop and could hardly
to get from A to B believe I was there! Now, I was walking and running
regularly, and doing two yoga sessions each week as

steps to fitness
Getting
all kinds of
active... my muscle-strengthening activity. In June, I was
full of pride as I got my Gold Body Magic award, and
I immediately set my sights on Platinum! By now,
I’d realised there’s nothing special about people who
exercise – whether you walk, run, or do whatever
takes your fancy, it’s all about finding out what you’re
capable of, and I’d definitely surprised myself!
New challenges
Later that month, on my 49th birthday, the family
bought me a weighted hula hoop. At first I kept
dropping it on the floor. After a while, though, I could
keep it going for 30 minutes non-stop. I’d take it into
the kitchen, stick my favourite playlist on and go
for it. I was still building up my running, too, and
nine weeks after starting the Couch to 5K
programme I did it – I ran 5K!
In July last summer, when lockdown
restrictions were eased for a while, the whole
family managed to get away on holiday to
North Wales. We discovered a beautiful place
called Yr Eifl Nature Reserve, and walked to
the top of its three breathtaking mountains
together. Standing at the third summit,
gazing out to sea, I reflected on how far I’d
come – from believing that regular activity
was out of my league forever, to having the
energy to climb not one mountain but three!
I still love to walk with Lee, Kayleigh
and Marc, and as being active has become
second nature, I’m now the proud owner of
a Platinum Body Magic award! It really is an
integral part of my life. Whenever I’m feeling
stressed, the minute I’m out there walking
or running, hula hooping in the kitchen or
holding a yoga pose, I can feel the tension melt away.
I’ve lost 4st 7lbs, my back pain is manageable, and
I’m turning 50 this summer feeling younger and
fitter than when I was 40. The most amazing thing
is that each of the steps I took to get here were so
small, but somehow they all added up to something
much bigger – a love of activity that has given me
a quality of life I thought I’d never have again! ●
●●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.
SHOULD NOT BE USED TO REPLACE THE ADVICE GIVEN
BY YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM. WORDS: SARAH VENESS
INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND
IS IT REALLY  ‘With any sort of medical  Even with limited mobility,  ‘While the Bronze Body Magic
THE HEALTH INFORMATION IN THIS STORY IS
FOR ME? condition or injury, the most it’s still possible to become more award is great to aim for, as soon
Activity can feel important thing is to make sure active. ‘Chair-based exercises as you set foot on the activity
particularly out of reach that, before you start increasing can be a good starting point,’ pathway, where you’re just
if you have pain or your activity, you speak to your says Jacquie Lavin. ‘You could moving more, more often, you’re
mobility issues – the doctor or specialist about what hold a water bottle in each hand making beneficial changes,’ says
Body Magic programme is right and safe for you,’ says and use them as weights. Or, if Jacquie. ‘It’s about finding the
is based on small steps to Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming you’re OK standing, you could type and level of activity that
help everyone enjoy the World’s head of research and use a chair to help you balance suits you, and that you enjoy, and
benefits of moving more. scientific affairs. while doing gentle exercises.’ seeing every step as a success.’

Power through
During the menopause, your weight loss doesn’t will be different.’ It’s also reassuring to know that
symptoms will disappear with time, and these natural
have to take a back seat. Read on for expert advice hormonal changes don’t directly cause weight gain
(more on what they do do, below). So we’re not
on how to understand your body’s changes while powerless against some kind of inner biological force
motoring towards slimming success! that will inevitably send the scales upwards.
Here’s how being prepared for what might happen
Words: Jane Murphy Illustration: Veronica Collignon can help to keep your weight loss firing, whatever your
hormones decide to throw at you…
Why the myth?

It’s true, a lot of women do seem to gain weight during
Y
and after the menopause. And there may be a number
ou might have been told that the menopause means your of reasons for this. Hormonal shifts during the
weight is inevitably going to go up whatever you do. In perimenopause and menopause might affect your mood,
and if you’re someone who tends to seek comfort in
fact, the truth isn’t quite that cut and dried. While the
food, that could affect your weight. Or, if you feel
menopause can be a challenging time if you’re slimming, exhausted after a disturbed night, you might start to
that doesn’t mean giving up on your weight loss dreams – or even automatically reach for sugary snacks in the daytime in
accepting that the scales will only go in one direction from now on. the hopes of an energy boost. Then there’s the lifestyle
factor. Many of us gradually become less active as we
‘Whatever your experience of the menopause, you absolutely can grow older, and start to burn fewer calories. Perhaps your
manage your weight with Food Optimising,’ says Carolyn Pallister, kids are getting more independent, or heading off to
Slimming World’s nutrition and health policy manager. Here’s how university, so now you’re rushing around after them less.
Maybe you have more time to have a coffee with friends,
you can put strategies in place to keep on losing, and move through
or open a bottle of wine in the evening more regularly.
this key life stage feeling empowered and healthier than ever. There’s also a physiological change that means
even if your weight remains stable, you may find it gets
What’s going on? trickier to fasten your jeans. Oestrogen levels –
The menopause is when a woman stops the hormone which drops during the
having periods due to a decline in levels menopause – play a vital role in fat
of the hormone oestrogen. ‘It starts storage and distribution. During
exactly a year after a woman’s last women’s reproductive years, body
period; the average age for this fat is more likely to gather on the
in the UK is 51,’ explains GP and hips, legs and bottom. But around
menopause specialist Dr Louise the menopause, it’s more likely to
Newson (menopausedoctor.co.uk). shift to the tummy. So you might
Though the age at which we notice you’re getting bigger around
reach the menopause will vary, the middle, even if the scales aren’t
most women will experience going up. However, as you start to
symptoms for several years lose weight it’ll go from all over your
beforehand. ‘The perimenopause is when body. And there are things you can do to
menopause symptoms start to occur and help with cravings, exhaustion and low mood
a woman’s periods are changing, either in nature that can help you keep slimming successfully, too.
or frequency, due to the drop in hormone levels,’ says
Dr Newson. ‘Symptoms are the same, and may include Coping with cravings
hot flushes, brain fog and extreme mood swings. These Low mood and disturbed sleep are two of the most
might change over time and every woman’s experience common menopause symptoms. And, as many of us

“ There are strategies you can use to steer
through your symptoms and stay on track
”
health update
the menopause
know only too well, both can make it harder to ignore (3 Syns each) or fresh fruit, which is Free, can help. Or,
the siren call of the snack drawer. ‘When you’ve had if you really fancy your favourite chocolate bar, plan
a bad night’s sleep, everything can feel like an extra it in using your Syns and take time to enjoy it.’
struggle, including making healthier choices,’ says Slimming World Consultant Sharon Robinson, who
Carolyn Pallister. ‘And if this, or any other symptom, is runs groups in Greater London, can reassure members
affecting your daily life, it can be helpful to talk to your who are concerned about cravings sending them off
GP. It’s also useful to have some strategies up your sleeve track – her weight loss journey included losing 5st 7lbs
to help you stay on track. If you have a sweet tooth, during the menopause. ‘At one point, I started craving
choosing options that are lower in Syns, such as Hi-fi bars chocolate and biscuits, and gained half a stone in a few
weeks,’ she says. ‘It was demoralising at first. But when
I realised I could switch to sweet foods that fitted more >
health update
“ Even a 10-minute walk can be enough to lift

your mood and start having body benefits
easily into my daily Syns allowance, including sugar-free

”
jellies and fat-free flavoured yogurts, it got easier.’
When to see your GP
Energy boost Everyone’s experience of the menopause is
Around three out of four Slimming World members different. While some women may breeze
say their food choices are affected by tiredness* – so through with no problems whatsoever, others
planning ahead for low-energy days is key, and speaking have a more challenging time. So, if any of the
to your GP may help if you’re having broken nights. symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life,
‘Disturbed sleep messes with your body clock, so you get in touch with your doctor’s surgery. ‘There’s
might find yourself grazing throughout the day instead a misconception that we just have to put up
of eating proper meals, like I did,’ says Sharon Robinson. with it, but that really isn’t the case,’ says
Some people find they’re hungrier during the menopause, Carolyn. ‘There are lots of lifestyle changes
so if you’re also not eating regular, filling meals, you could and treatments that can help get menopause
find you start snacking more. ‘It’s easy to fall into a cycle symptoms under control. Talking things through
of broken sleep, comfort eating and low mood. with your GP will help you to identify the
Trust me, though, with a little careful planning personalised approach that could work for you.’
you can break out of it,’ adds Sharon. For more information about symptoms and
Carolyn also suggests batch cooking treatments, go to nhs.uk/conditions/menopause.
some Food Optimising meals when
your energy levels are higher, so
they’re on standby in the freezer for
those times you don’t feel up to or too, including hot flushes and night sweats, which can
in the mood for cooking from scratch. also be triggered by spicy foods, caffeine or alcohol.
‘Making high-fibre meal choices
will sustain your energy throughout Uplifting moves
the day, too,’ she adds. ‘Something like Getting active can help alleviate menopause symptoms
porridge or overnight oats for breakfast such as low mood and tiredness, as it’s great for
(using your Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice), and emotional wellbeing and overall energy. Even knowing
a jacket potato with beans and salad for lunch.’ the benefits, though, it can be hard to motivate yourself,
Remember, too, that with Food Optimising you can particularly if you’re feeling drained. ‘It’s helpful to make
always eat to satisfy your appetite, no matter how exercise goals completely achievable,’ says Carolyn.
hungry you feel, says Carolyn. ‘That’s the beauty of Free ‘A 10-minute walk can be enough to lift your mood and
Foods, and by including at least a third of a plate of Speed start having body benefits, and once you’re out there,
Foods, you’ll be helping to keep your weight loss on track.’ you might decide to go further. You’re also more likely
Eating healthy, balanced meals may have the added to stick to your plans if you arrange to exercise with
benefit of helping reduce other menopause symptoms, a friend (if coronavirus restrictions allow). One trick
many members use is to lay out their kit the night before
or leave their trainers by the front door, as it helps stop
their future self backing out.’
Regular walks played an important part in Sharon’s
Future-proof your bones weight loss during the menopause, and as a lot of her
During the menopause, the drop enjoying your two Healthy Extra members have fitness trackers, they’ve started making
in oestrogen kick-starts a gradual ‘a’ choices each day, as well as a a game of it. ‘I come up with challenges to motivate us
loss of calcium, which increases variety of Free Foods that contain all – from a daily challenge to see who can rack up the
your risk of bone-thinning calcium (marked with a C in your most steps, to a weekly one to be active on all seven
osteoporosis. Getting enough Food Optimising book), such as days. I know from personal experience how a walk can
calcium is a key way to protect fat-free natural yogurt, canned help manage cravings as well as lift your mood.’
*SLIMMING WORLD SNOOZE MORE LOSE MORE REPORT
your bones and ensure you can sardines in brine or tomato sauce, Activity is the gift that keeps on giving – as well as
stay as physically active as plain tofu and green, leafy veg.’ easing symptoms, it supports weight loss, helps you to
possible in years to come. Vitamin D is also key for tone up, boosts body confidence, and could even help
‘The main sources are dairy bones. It’s not as easy to get via you feel stronger and more resilient. So, by gradually
foods, such as milk, cheese and your diet, so you could consider increasing your activity through the menopause, you
yogurt – things lots of members a supplement, especially in could come out of it feeling fitter and more energetic! ●
enjoy while Food Optimising,’ says autumn and winter, when the sun
Carolyn. ‘Non-dairy alternatives isn’t strong enough for the body
with added calcium are great to make all the vitamin D it needs. ● The health information in this feature is intended to provide
choices, too. We’d recommend To find out more, visit nhs.uk. general knowledge and should not be used to replace the advice
given by your healthcare team.

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Are you a rebel
without a cause?
Being told what to do can set off the rebel in any of us – so we empower you to lose
weight your way, says Slimming World’s founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell
a As you know, I sometimes take to pondering and I’ve

been at it again. I keep seeing similarities between the
rules around the pandemic restrictions and the rules,
or in our case, guidelines, around Food Optimising.
I was – and still am – a rebel, although with a cause.
To this day, I still feel a deep antipathy to unnecessary
and illogical rules. Well, I ask you, who wouldn’t?!
The government certainly have their hands full
with us. We are a bit like water – no matter how well
they think they’ve sealed the pandemic transmission
pipes, a few of us will find the minutest of cracks, and
wondrously easy to love food and lose weight! You
can delve into your member books and soak it all
up again to remind you just how much choice there
is. And yes – it’s limitless. So, really, trying to find
a route around the guidelines? I ask you this. Is it
worth it? Are you now a rebel without a cause?
Slimming World has no hidden agendas. Ours is
up front and crystal clear. Slimming World offers you
guidelines. You have a choice. You have information.
Use it as you think fit. Tailor your Free Food, your
Healthy Extras and your Syns in such a way as
will wriggle and jiggle and seep out until the cracks to lose weight fast or slow – whichever appeals
become gaping holes for all to see. to you the most and whichever you find the most
The other little stumbling block to a willingness sustainable – knowing that, with Food Optimising,
to follow someone else’s rules is that we can’t help either or both is healthy and safe. Slimming World
suspecting that the rule makers may not be showing offers you our incredible groups, both physical and
their full hand. There’s a lack of transparency lurking virtual. And those groups, run by highly trained
in sometimes murky waters. When MPs avoid people who understand you and have the knowledge
answering pretty clear-cut questions, we wonder what to help you, are far better than any Facebook group
their real agenda might be. Are they hiding something you can ever find, nice and chatty though they may
more sinister than a simple and embarrassing lack be. ‘When you get stuck, you need your group, and
of knowledge or competence? In fact, when one of when you are doing well, your group needs you.’
them shows a refreshing honesty and a willingness Wise words from a successful Consultant.
to admit to errors, it is a wondrous thing to behold. To be fair, there is something joyful, daring,
We tend to think of rebels as teenagers testing the and a little naughty about being a rebel, and I would
boundaries, feeling for their independence, but adults be the last person to want to spoil your fun. But
can do the same, too. When you’ve been encouraged something else I know – life becomes full of joy
(pressured) to put yourself into a straitjacket for years and happiness when you lose that weight that has
in order to lose weight, and you discover you really been such a burden to you. Nothing feels as good
don’t think anything is worth that level of discomfort, as that. The self-esteem, the wonderful feelings
who can blame you for wanting to break free? of delight, pride and satisfaction with your personal
Information is what we deliver, not rules. And achievement are, quite simply, the best!
not just any old information – this is Slimming World
information and guidance – with our 52 years of Yours, as always,
research, science and a deep understanding behind
it. Information as to which food may be considered
Margaret particularly healthy (especially for your weight loss),
Miles-Bramwell and which food may bring about a speeding up of your
OBE is Slimming
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
World’s founder
weight loss. It’s all there for your consumption – with
and chair the complex psychology of weight loss simply woven
into the science behind our Free Foods, to make it

from the heart
Information is
what we deliver,
not rules –
information based
on Slimming World’s
52 years of
research and
science, with a deep
understanding
behind it
‘The moments
that helped me
lose 12½st’
Jason Dury shares the milestones that saw him shed
half of his body weight and start truly living – and now
he’s Slimming World’s Man of the Year
The moment…that still makes me cringe. I gestured at the idea of gastric bypass surgery.
up to the trailer of my lorry and asked: ‘Could you Then I came across a healthy way to lose
give me a hand here, mate?’ The forklift driver called weight and keep it off without feeling
back: ‘Sure, what needs lifting?’ I felt my face redden hungry. And the more I read, the more
as I said: ‘It’s me, I can’t get up there by myself.’ As I felt Slimming World was the right fit.
he cranked me up to the back of my lorry’s trailer,
I wished the ground would open up and swallow The moment…I plucked up the courage.
me whole. At almost 25st, all I wanted was to hide Driving to group, I was so nervous
myself away from the world. At work, I avoided I stopped in a lay-by a mile away. Was
lengthy chats so I wasn’t looked at for too long. Slimming World even suitable for
Even at family weddings, I’d go to the service then men? What if I was the biggest
slip away. I didn’t let anybody take my photo, and person there? What if people judged
completely stopped getting on the scales or looking me? But somehow, I managed to tell
in the mirror. My circle of friends got myself: Come on,
smaller and smaller, with me telling Jason, you’ve got to
them I already had plans or wasn’t
feeling well, when really I was home
Meet Jason do this. Eventually
I walked through
alone, with only a microwave dinner Jason Dury, 48, is the door, and my
or takeaway to keep me company. a class 1 lorry driver and Consultant Clare immediately put I was nervous
Slimming World’s Man my mind at ease. As I braved a look about going
The moment…I was ready to lose of the Year 2020. He lives around the room I noticed a few to group, but I
weight. I’d been feeling breathless, other men, and lots of smiling, kind received a really
in Risca, Caerphilly
and had pain in my knees and lower faces. Back at home, I was ready to warm welcome,
back, but it was a three-day-long give Food Optimising my best shot. and after
Height: 6ft three months
migraine that finally took me to my Though I’d survived on ready meals
Starting weight: 24st 11½lbs I’d lost 2st
GP. She took my blood pressure for years, I was actually quite handy
and found it was very high, and told Weight now: 12st 4lbs around the kitchen and it felt great
me if I didn’t lose weight I might be to rustle up slimming-friendly
heading for a heart attack, stroke, or WEIGHT LOST: chicken curries. A week later, seeing
both. My mum had worried about me 12st 7½lbs an 8½lb loss on the scales, I thought:
for years, but I hadn’t felt motivated Wow, this really works!
to change. Now, with the doctor’s Jason is a member of
stark warning, I went home and Clare Lewis’s Slimming World The moment…it all came together.
researched my options online. group in Cwmbran, Torfaen In my job as a lorry driver, I was
I ruled out diet pills and felt queasy away Sunday night to Friday, but

what a feeling
Real-lif
e
SLIMMING
WORLD
there? All I had to do was think of that forklift, and
w inner it was enough to spur me on.
The moment…I got moving. After a few months, I’d lost

3½st, my aches and pains had eased, and my blood
pressure had started to come down. Now I felt ready
to add activity into the mix. I spoke to Clare about
aiming for my Body Magic awards and she was
really reassuring: ‘Just start small and build from
there.’ My local park was flat with lots of benches for
breaks, so I walked around it for 20 minutes. I felt
very self-conscious and worried people would see
me and laugh, but nobody did. Over time, regular
park-goers said hello and, eventually, we’d stop
and chat – maybe it was group rubbing off on me,
because now I was being sociable! Within months,
“
I’d increased my distance and pace so much I could
walk seven or eight hours in the nearby Brecon
Beacons with no trouble. Mum was so pleased. She’d
My weight been sworn to secrecy when I’d started slimming –
loss has the only person I’d told for fear of failing or looking
foolish. By the time I’d lost 5½st, though, I couldn’t
transformed disguise it! People I worked with noticed and to my
amazement wished me nothing but success, asking
my body, my me every Monday how I’d got on at my weigh-in.
health and The moment…that filled me with pride. It took

a while for my mind to catch up with my new shape.
my energy – One day, I found myself glancing at my reflection
in a shop window. My goodness, I thought, stopping
and I’m more and turning side-on. I had lost 10st in 18 months,
sociable, too! my stomach had gone and my face was much
slimmer. After walking on a bit further, with my
confidence boosted, I couldn’t resist nipping back
” for another look – as I checked out my reflection,

I noticed the women in the shop watching me and
smiling, amused that I was back for more. If only
they knew, I thought, as I waved cheerily and
walked off with a grin plastered all over my face.
The moment…I won Man of the Year. The weight loss

had transformed my body, my health and my energy.
Getting up at 3am for work was so much easier,
and I didn’t flag terribly in the afternoon. As I became
more confident, people at work said how approachable
MIDWIFE. INTERVIEW: PUNTEHA VAN TERHEYDEN. PHOTOGRAPH: DARREN BRITTON
I was, and by now I’d made some close friends

IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO START A NEW ACTIVITY PROGRAMME, WE RECOMMEND
WAISTCOAT AND SHIRT, ALL NEXT. SHOES, ASOS. POCKET SQUARE, JASON’S OWN
HEALTH CONDITION, SUCH AS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES OR ASTHMA.
FROM WALES NEWS SERVICE. STYLING: RACHEL FANCONI. JASON WEARS: SUIT,
I had a good set-up in my cab: a small fridge, through group. By Christmas 2019, I felt ready to
IF YOU’RE PREGNANT, CHECK THE SUITABILITY OF THE ACTIVITY WITH YOUR
YOU CHECK WITH YOUR GP FIRST – ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE AN EXISTING
microwave, camping cooker and some saucepans. meet up with six old friends, and when one asked,
I planned all of my meals in advance and did ‘Where have you been this last decade?’ I told them
a food shop every Saturday, ready for a week of everything. I was met with hugs and kind words: ‘If
chicken tikka masala with rice and green beans, only you’d told us. We’d have supported you.’ I realised
spaghetti bolognese, chilli con carne, and salmon all my fears about seeing them had been in my mind.
pasta salad. The only snag was getting enough They would have been there for me all along. When
fresh fruit and vegetables into my tiny fridge. Then, I entered Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2020,
in group one week, another member said: ‘What I didn’t think I stood a chance. So, when Clare called
about having it delivered to your truck?’ That idea me to say, ‘You did it Jason, you won!’ it was an
turned out to be a lifesaver! Sometimes I’d gain unbelievable feeling. There was a time I couldn’t see
SEE P105 FOR STOCKISTS
a little, and with Clare’s help I’d usually spot where any future for myself. Now, pandemic allowing, I’m
I’d veered off track – as soon as I went back to going on a 12-day trek through the Himalayas, with
counting my daily Syns, I’d lose again. And if ever two nights at Everest Base Camp. I feel such hope
I was having a bad day, I’d remember where I’d and I’m making exciting plans – and it’s all because
started and ask myself: Do you want to go back I found the courage to walk through that door. ●

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small print
magazine THE FINER DETAILS

Editor Sara Ward
Creative Director Lynn Hayes
Deputy Editor Sarah Davison DIRECTORY
Publisher Emma Wild
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J johnlewis.com
N newlook.com
Associate Editor (Copy) Zoë Handley
Senior Sub Editor Laura Heappey B Boohoo
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Jon Richard
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Next
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Art Director Julian Barrett Boots
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L L.K.Bennett
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Q Quizquizclothing.co.uk
Digital Art Editor Anna Rick
Deputy Art Editor Joanne Gultig C Chi Chi London
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Little Mistress
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R Ravel
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Features Editor Rachel Callen Claudia Bradby Lovisa River Island
Food Editor Rebecca Woollard claudiabradby.com lovisa.co.uk riverisland.com
Closet London
Editorial Assistant Laura Wybrow
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M Marks & Spencer
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S Silver Street London
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Advertising and Promotion Sales Manager
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Production Controller Alice Henrick coastfashion.com matalan.co.uk solebliss.com
Production/Digital Co-ordinator Bekki Gent Monsoon Swatch
Group Publishing Systems Manager James Naylor G Glamorous
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Circulation Manager Tim Harris
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 ANutr; Carolyn Pallister BSc RD
COMPETITION Ts & Cs
Ragdale Hall Spa Competition (p72) or instructions; (iii) any delay or failure due to an event outside
With thanks this issue to Megan Featherstone, Catherine
1. Send your entry form by post to Ragdale Hall Spa Slimming World’s reasonable control; (iv) any costs associated
Fox, Clare Lewis, Lisa McCormick, Sian Redman-Jama,
Competition, Slimming World Magazine, Clover Nook Road, with the prize; (v) any terms or decisions of Ragdale Hall Spa in
Graeme Simpson and Rebecca Whalley
Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW. Entry form must be received relation to the fulfilment of the prize. 9. The promoter is Miles-
SLIMMING WORLD FOUNDER AND CHAIR by the promoter on or before the closing date, 27 May 2021, Bramwell Executive Services Ltd trading as Slimming World.
Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE or visit slimmingworld.co.uk/magcomps and enter online by Promoter’s address: Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire
27 May 2021. 2. Only one entry per person is permitted. No DE55 4SW. The prize provider is Ragdale Hall Spa, Ragdale
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Caryl Richards
purchase necessary. 3. The competition is open to UK and Village, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 3PB. 10. Miles-
MANAGING DIRECTORS Jan Boxshall and Lisa Salmon Republic of Ireland residents aged 18 or over, except employees Bramwell Executive Services Ltd is part of a group of companies
of Slimming World (or any other company that trades under that operates the Slimming World business through a network
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Elise Wells the name Slimming World), Miles-Bramwell Executive Services of self-employed Consultants. Full details can be obtained from
SLIMMING WORLD ADVISORY PANEL Ltd, Ragdale Hall Spa, or anyone professionally connected the promoter upon request. 11. The laws of England and Wales
Dr William Bird MBE MBBS MRCGP DRCOG; Prof Judy with this promotion (this does not include Slimming World’s apply to this competition.
Buttriss PhD RPHNutr DipDiet; Prof Ken Fox PhD FPEA; self-employed Consultants and Team Developers). 4. No
Prof Andrew Hill PhD CPsychol; Prof Mike Kelly PhD Hon bulk or third-party entries will be accepted. No responsibility Ragdale Hall Spa Reader Offer (p72)
FRCP FRCPE FFPH; Jennifer Percival RGN RM RHV FETC is accepted by the promoter for entries lost, damaged or 1. Offer valid up to and including 19 December 2021. To book,
DipCouns; Paul Sacher PhD RD; Prof James Stubbs PhD delayed in the post. Proof of posting not accepted as proof of call 01664 433 000 and quote code SW21 to receive your
delivery. By submitting a competition entry, you are agreeing discount of up to 35 per cent on the full rack rate. 2. You’ll pay
Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW to be bound by these terms and conditions. 5. The winner £425 per person for two nights Sunday to Thursday, or £485
Editorial: 01773 546 071 will be chosen at random by the promoter from all qualifying per person for two nights Friday to Saturday. Offer includes:
[email protected] entries within 28 days of the closing date of the competition. a two-night stay for two or three people sharing a Luxury Twin/
They will receive a stay for two (winner must be aged 18 or Double/Triple Room; all meals throughout your stay, including
Advertising: 01773 546 312/07770 807 760 over; guest must be aged 16 or over) comprising: two nights’ breakfast served in your room on both mornings with a choice
[email protected] accommodation for two people sharing a Luxury Plus Room, of tea, coffee, fruit juice or herbal teas, a three-course lunch and
Group Distribution: 0344 892 0436 arrival time scheduled between 2pm and 4pm; a Clarins gift per three-course dinner in the Main Dining Room on both days,
Newsstand Distribution: 01202 586 848 person on arrival, worth £37.50, comprising Clarins Tonic Body including still or sparkling water; complimentary robe hire and
Treatment Oil (30ml), Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate a pair of Ragdale Hall flip-flops each; one 40-minute treatment
Subscriptions: 0800 131 3150 (100ml) and Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub (100ml); all meals each (choice of Body Massage, Ragdale Prescription Facial,
Publicity: 01773 546 039 throughout your stay, including breakfast served in your room Classic Manicure or Moisturising Lavender Body Treatment);
on both mornings with a choice of tea, coffee, fruit juice or use of all Ragdale Hall’s spa and leisure facilities, gym and a
Group Enquiries: 0344 897 8000 herbal teas, a three-course lunch and three-course dinner in choice of exercise classes per day; a Clarins gift per person on
Slimming World Magazine is published by Miles-Bramwell the Main Dining Room on both days, including still or sparkling arrival, worth£37.50, comprising Clarins Tonic Body Treatment
Executive Services Ltd, trading as Slimming World. water; complimentary robe hire and a pair of Ragdale Hall Oil (30ml),Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate (100ml)
0344 892 0400, slimmingworld.co.uk flip-flops each; a choice each of either a 50-minute Blissful and Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub (100ml). Extra night offer:
Face and Back Therapy, a 50-minute Pure Radiance Facial, or Book an extra night for just £165 per person. Includes all meals,
a 25-minute Conditioning Hand Treatment and a 25-minute a 25-minute Conditioning Hand Treatment, plus full use of all
Conditioning Foot Treatment; and use of all Ragdale Hall’s spa the facilities. A single supplement of £25 per night applies. All
and leisure facilities, including six pools, Thermal Spa, gym, subject to availability. Services and facilities may change at any
exercise classes, tennis courts, mountain bikes, retail areas time in line with the latest government guidance relating to
and relaxation rooms. All subject to availability. Travel to and Covid-19restrictions in force at the time. 3. Minimum guest age
from the hotel and any other expenses are not included in is 16. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other
the prize. The winner and guest are responsible for ensuring promotional offer or discount. Offer applies to new bookings only.
they have valid and appropriate travel insurance. The winner
We welcome letters, unsolicited manuscripts and photos, can call to book meal and treatment times ahead of their
which should be sent with a stamped addressed envelope on visit, otherwise these will be scheduled on their behalf. The
the understanding that we cannot be held responsible for their Congratulations to the 15 lucky winners
prize must be taken Monday to Thursday by 25 May 2022.
safe custody or return. The Editor reserves the right to modify or
Services and facilities may change at any time in line with the of our Nov/Dec 2020 competition!
shorten any material submitted. In submitting any such letters,
unsolicited manuscripts and photographs or other contributions, latest government guidance relating to Covid-19 restrictions in KitchenAid Competition Steven Alexander, Merseyside;
the contributor gives Slimming World and Slimming World force at the time. Ragdale Hall Spa reserves the right to offer Beverley Barlow, Derbyshire; Nicky Batchelor, Cardiff;
Magazine the express right to publish the contribution in any reasonable alternatives if necessary. If the winner has to change Victoria Burton, Essex; Lorna Clarke, West Midlands; Lynne
way that it sees fit and appropriate. The views expressed by their booking due to changes in Covid-19 restrictions, then Dann, Sussex; Maureen Devonshire, London; Kate Grimbley-
contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of Slimming Ragdale Hall Spa asks that as much notice is given as possible. Smith, Worcestershire; Stacey Halbert, Merseyside;
World or Slimming World Magazine. All information and prices 6. No correspondence will be entered into and the promoter’s Lesley Hoverd, Warwickshire; Tina Shaw, South Yorkshire;
are correct at time of going to press. © Slimming World 2021. decision is final. The winner will be notified in writing by 24 Joanne Solomons, London; Hilary Taylor, Wiltshire; Rachel
All images used under licence. All rights reserved and June 2021 using the details provided on the entry form. Visit Thompson, Tyne and Wear; Claire Willmer, Lancashire
reproduction without permission is strictly forbidden. slimmingworld.co.uk/privacy-policy to find out how your data
Readers responding to advertisements or offers in Slimming is handled. If Slimming World cannot contact the winner or the
World Magazine should be aware that they are contracting with winner fails to claim the prize by 22 July 2021, the winner will
the advertiser, which is responsible for the contract. When
branded products are mentioned in editorial or advertisement
forfeit the prize and the promoter may draw another winner. Don’t miss the next issue of
The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.
promotions, this should not be taken to imply endorsement of The prize value is correct at time of going to press. The prize
these products by Slimming World or Slimming World Magazine. 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 2021 issue of magazine
Slimming World Magazine. 8. Slimming World is not responsible
for: (i) any loss, damage or liability to entrants in relation to On sale 27 May
Repro Rhapsody Media Printed by Walstead Roche their entering the competition or accepting the prize; (ii) any (earlier to members of Slimming World groups)
Print Management Westcolour Print Distribution Seymour failure by the winner to comply with Ragdale Hall Spa’s terms

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Share your Magazine
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a photo that
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success)
in the picture
(Adrian own pix

you? You could
'That feeling when...'

en...
‘‘That feeling wh inspire others…
we said ‘‘
I do
SUBS
aching,
With his 40th appro
ART
Adrian Pitham-Cole
to
decided it was time
tackle his weight.
As well
as helping his health
,
he got 6s t
Since reaching your target weight,
losing 6st meant
PRODUCTION
gone!
to look and feel his
on his wedding day
best
have you transformed your health,
his own delicates ,
sen
got back into a favourite hobby, or

CLIENT
Adrian, 46, runs
He lives in Harwich
and coffee shop. , Richard. Adrian
Essex, with his husbandlost 6st to reach
his
is 5ft 10ins tall and 5½lbs at Emma
target weight of
12st NOW: I was
Mason’s Slimming
World group in Harwich
I looked up my favouriteSlimming
ready-made
THEN: Whether
I was buying
clothes for a
special occasion
thrilled to be
able to wear that
slimline, velvet taken up a new sport? We’d love
F doctor had
or weeks I’d been
in agony
with painful, swollen at
Now
ankles,
struggling to walk. what the
diagnos
gasped. I nodded.
ed.
Richard,
last I told my partner, ‘Gout?’ Richard
‘Crazy, eh?’ I said.
Bolognese sauce
World members’
a jar had 16½ Syns.
action – batch cooking
sauces, and
on the
website to discover
That spurred me
learning
my own pasta
new recipes made
loads of Speed Food
with lean meat and in my first week.
that
into
or for everyday,
always meant just
making do with
whatever fitted
it jacket when
Richard and I got
married – I felt
smart and stylish
, I spotted
were shopping together be ideal for
would
to hear about it! Email good-
a velvet jacket that
quality before and after photos

Gout was an older I lost 6½lbs
I was in my 30s. and veg – and I’d got down to it on,’ he said. ‘That
our wedding. ‘Try
Y
surely? As Richard Within six months

PHOTOGRAPH
man’s condition, I actually . But it turned out

every day and went
14st, and I had so
much energy won’t fit me,’ I laughed
I walked our dog . I started running A year later, I wore
the weekends, I thought wanted to exercise Richard was right. venue,
on 5km hikes at p sessions with elegant London
though I was bigger and going to boot-cam I forgot to take that jacket in an and friends, as
: DEWAN DEMMER
I was fairly healthy, took the tablets my

than I wanted to
GP prescribed to
be. I
control the symptom
my life. As my 40th
and carried on with some friends told
s
my gout medicat
have resulted in
ion.
day
Richard. Then, one Usually, that would
a painful flare-up
absolutely fine. My
, but
GP
surrounded by family the man who’d
I exchanged vows
always been there
with
for me, no matter
unforgettable day.
what. It was a truly t have hesitated
of those moments to editorial@
PHOTOGRAPH
birthday approac
hed, my ankles were
g World gout was probably I wouldn’
me they’d been going
to Slimmin explained that the And though losing
were losing weight,
for a few weeks and and I’d enjoy it. linked to my weight,
something I’d never
I could stop taking
the to tie the knot at
over 18st, I know
d my chances of
weight has improve life together – less slimmingworld.co.uk for the chance
CARPENTER. WEDDING
it was friendly and

fun, realised. He said life.
what harm could it do? I thought I’d need be on for enjoying our married ‘in health’! ●
Well, I thought, tablets
I listened as they proposed to Richard ‘in sickness’ and
more
Sitting in group, there That New Year, I when we
ys. Could months later,
in Paris. And
to share your story in a future

takeawa
discussed Indian Later, .co.uk
in a plain naan? @slimmingworld
really be 20 Syns to us at editorial
INTERVIEW: ADAM
target? Email it
moment since hitting
photo of a special
Have you got a
Over to you SLIMMING WORLD
47
91SLWJUL18155
.pgs 26.04.20
18 10:33
issue of Slimming World Magazine.
Cynthia Morris
from south
London lost
4st 8½lbs… and
not only dropped
four dress sizes,
but also reversed
her type 2 diabetes
PHOTOGRAPH OF CYNTHIA: PAUL BULLER. WEDDING PHOTOGRAPH:
in the process
Paul Holmes
from the West
Midlands lost
Maria Roberts 12st 2lbs… now
from Gwent lost he has the energy
8st 1lb… and is
DEWAN DEMMER PHOTOGRAPHY
for the pastime

brimming with he loves: hitting
confidence. Now the open road on
she loves trying his motorbike
out new activities
and has even
learnt how to ski

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The first 50 readers to subscribe
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In this book, you’ll find new
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and discover delicious Free
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to zesty gremolata pork chops,
eating well and losing weight ● May/June 2021 issue goes live 1 April
will be as easy as ABC!
Slimming World members can
also buy the cookbook via our online
shop or from their Consultant.

‘We’ve found our
Slimming World
5 smiles!’
real-life
slimmers
share
their joy
‘My feel-good moment’
‘I used to dodge the camera and
Losing weight can enrich our lives in so many
cover up in shapeless dresses, so
different ways. Whether it’s finding confidence
in front of the camera, enjoying new hobbies, when I hit my target weight I went
or spending precious time with loved ones... on an online shopping spree.
these five Slimming World members are loving I wasn’t sure I had the confidence
the feeling of weight loss success – and their to carry off this red jacket, but
happiness is infectious! I couldn’t stop
smiling when I put
it on. My husband
Lee says he can’t
wait to take me out
celebrating as soon
as we’re allowed!’
Susan Hensleigh, 52,

lost 3st at Lee Madin’s
Mansfield, Derbyshire
‘I love being an energetic mum’

‘After becoming a new mum again in my
40s, I knew it would be tough juggling
my newborn, Freddie, and my five-year-
old, George. Joining Slimming World
helped me to make healthy changes, and
by the end of my maternity leave I was
in the best shape of my life. And now I’m
full of energy for my growing boys.’
Dianne Bourne, 44, lost 4st 7lbs at Penny Kelly’s Slimming World
group in Sandbach, Cheshire

loving life
‘I’m reaching new heights’

‘When I got my 4st award last summer,
my boyfriend Oliver suggested we do
something fun to celebrate. Climbing
up the O2 together was amazing –
especially as I didn’t have to worry
about getting out of breath or if the
harness was going to fit. I’ve lost
a further 2st since, and I can’t wait
for more adventures!’
Emma McKenna, 22, lost 6st at Lorraine Abery’s
Slimming World group in Buckhurst Hill, Essex
‘At 66, I can do the splits!’

‘As a child, I’d always wanted to do ballet, but the
moment passed me by. So at 64, I thought now
was the perfect opportunity to realise my dream –
I’d just retired from
work and reached my
target weight, so I
didn’t feel like my size
was holding me back
any more. During
lockdown, I did
classes virtually –
ballet’s such a fun
part of my life
now, and
Steve Lodge, 43, I’ve never
lost 12st and is a
Slimming World been so
Consultant in
Birmingham, flexible!’
West Midlands
Sheila Iremonger,
PHOTOGRAPH OF STEVE RUNNING: GEOFF HUGHES AT PARKRUN
66, lost 4st 12½lbs

‘Look at me go!’ at Ana Mantovani
‘I took up running as a member, then when Higgins’ Slimming
World group in
I became a Slimming World Consultant, I Hoole, Cheshire
wanted to share my love of Body Magic
with the group. Some of my members began
coming along to Parkruns, including Michelle
(pictured), and while we wait for the events to
start up again, getting out for runs on my own
OVER TO YOU Have you got a weight loss story you’d like to share in the
has been a real boost to my mental health.’ magazine? We’d love to hear all about it! Simply email a few details to us
at [email protected] – and we’ll take it from there!

cheat it!
Chilli-topped chips
In our new series of easy-prep meals, here’s a shortcut supper the whole family will love
SUPER SIMPLE 1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/ 3 Preheat your grill to high. Transfer
Serves 4 fan 180°C/gas 6. Spread the chips the chips to a shallow baking tin
Syns per serving 1 on 1 or 2 large, non-stick baking or dish. Top the chips with the chilli
f (chilli only)
trays in a single layer and spray with mixture, evenly scatter the cheese
Ready in 50 minutes
low-calorie cooking spray. Season over the top and grill until melted.
1kg floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper and cook for 40 minutes, or until Scatter over the coriander leaves,
or King Edward, cut into chips golden, turning halfway. then divide between 4 plates. Serve
2 When the chips have 10 minutes with the lime wedges for squeezing
400g can M&S Chunky Steak, or left to cook, mix the steak, kidney over and the salad.
392g can Asda Stewed Steak
(see Cook’s note) beans and cumin in a saucepan and
place over a medium heat. Cook for COOK’S NOTE
400g can red kidney beans in chilli sauce The canned steak
2 tsp ground cumin 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until
in gravy we’ve used
25g reduced-fat Cheddar, grated the steak has broken down slightly
is Free, but other
Fresh coriander leaves and lime and the mixture is piping hot. brands can be high
wedges, to serve in Syns. Check on
Large green salad, to serve the Slimming World
members’ website,
LifelineOnline,
or the app
Steak
your
claim!
FOOD STYLING: LOTTIE COVELL. PROP STYLING: LUIS PERAL

PHOTOGRAPH: ALEX LUCK. RECIPE: REBECCA WOOLLARD

The Amazon
Wilderness
Trek
Discover the wild beauty of the Amazon rainforest, the most

biodiverse ecosystem on earth! Paying respect to the diverse natural
habitat, we’ll use only the bare necessities we need to survive as we
trek through the jungle.
10-18 September 2022
For more information and to register online:
www.dream-challenges.com
01590 646410 or
email: [email protected]
that
Slimming World
feeling!
save
£5/ 9
*S ail
s
ee
website for det
Faye lost 2st in six months, read her story here

slimmingworld.co.uk #ThatFeeling

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that

Slimming World is a trademark owned by Miles-Bramwell

support and encouragement

It’s abouthelping you make eating and activity changes

find out more at

22 ● Beth’s found her balance

38 ‘I’ve got so much to smile about’

84 Zaheer’s paying it forward

112 ‘We’ve found our Slimming World

4 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

100 the Syn

RECIPES & FOOD IDEAS HEALTH, FITNESS

59 Cupboard love 34 ● The magic of meal planning

64 Step by step 91 Water works!

73 Simply delicious 96 Power through the menopause

78 Firm favourites 100 From the heart

SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 5

Look out for these

63 No-fuss moussaka, 6 Syns* 1½ Syns V for up to 1 month

29 Pan-fried lamb steaks with warm 51 Veggie enchiladas, 1½ Syns V

6 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

HANDY TO HAVE IN THE FREEZER

BRITISH POTATOES. BAKED IN YORKSHIRE. FROZEN IN TIME.

Nook Road, Alfreton,

SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 9

Height: 5ft 9ins

to stand out. Since dropping 12 dress

Seeking comfort in food

SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 11

12 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

walking a little every day. I only managed

kinder to myself. I remember Carole telling me I wake up raring to go.

14 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

CARAMEL Consu your

A gorgeously gooey cereal bar with

also available in stores

Build your self-belief

SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 17

“ Once you spot where stress

on emotional-eating triggers is the first

SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 19

to your stress levels. ‘In reality, there’s

“ Find a positive to praise It could be, “I measured my Healthy Extra

20 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

Our commitment to the environment means you

A fur sped through the

Height: 5ft 2ins

22 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

I was starting to leave

wedges. Seeing me hesitate, about to serve myself

NOW Trusting the plan

SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 23

Losing weight has

Jeans, River Island.

24 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

√ Fill up on Free Food®

26 SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE

Your seven-day guide at a glance

BREAKFASTS LUNCHES DINNERS

SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 27