What is Slimming World?

Before I start, I should say that my experience of SW is the at-home package and that I don't attend meetings. Personally that suits me best: I'm pretty disciplined, I have good support at home, and I'm a cheapskate! I was lucky enough that a friend shared the basic information with me for free and after a week or two of trying it out, I've signed up for online.

Obviously, when you join SW you receive a lot of information. What is below doesn't replace that and, because I don't particularly want SW chasing me down, I'm not going to reproduce anything from their material... I entirely recognise that SW have to make their money - and if you want to have accurate 'syn' information (more on that below), you will need to pay up - but the basic principles can be followed by anyone. It ain't rocket science, and if you're really struggling to find the cash, you will certainly lose simply by limiting yourself to the basic free foods. Membership brings with it additional support and guidance, but eating healthily is not something that you should have to pay to do.

I follow the Extra Easy plan, which allows for the maximum flexibility. Partly because I don't have masses to lose, but also because I'm a greedy guts and I like the easy option!

This means I can eat lots of fruit, veg, lean means, rice, pasta and quorn. These are the building blocks for my meals. I also can have a small amount of dairy and some fibre (bread or dried fruits etc). In addition to these healthy foods, I have up to 15 'syns' a day. Upon joining, you have access to a large database which calculates syns. It's a clever little algorithm which crunches all the calories, grams of fat etc., and gives you a handy total. Keeps it simple, and gives you some insight into just how bad some things are. If you really can't afford the weekly membership, you can get a long way by searching online for syns, but it will take a fair amount of effort and the goodwill of those who do have access to the subscription services.

Recipes posted here will be largely syn-free on my plan, and will indicate if I have chosen to bolster them with something synful.

Also, I apologise now for the irritating spelling of syn. You will get used to it... ;)