How to get back on plan with Slimming World

I have just come to the end of my first four weeks back on plan with Slimming World and I’m feeling good. At the start of the year, I made the decision to return to my local group to take control of my health. It’s a plan I had followed before and know it works. Armed with a determination to stick to the plan and the support from my family, I’ve had a good month. In my first month on the Slimming World plan, I’ve lost 14lb, that’s my first stone gone! This is how to get back on plan with Slimming World.

Do it for you and no-one else

One of the major things with following a weight loss plan is that you should want to do it for yourself and no-one else. You have to want to do it and make changes. You have to commit to making those changes and sticking to them. You have to want to succeed because if you aren’t in the right frame of mind, you won’t get back on plan with Slimming World.

Check and re-check the syn values

One of the ways I’ve found that has helped me over the last month is to re-check all the syn values of everything I eat. These syn values may have changed since the last time I was on plan and it’s good to refresh on the information you need at hand. Additionally, you should always check the Healthy Extra A and Healthy Extra B allowances to make sure nothing’s changed.

Write it down (or use the new app)

I’m not very good at remembering key information when under pressure (or I’m hungry!) and one of the ways I’ve been able to track what I’m eating is by writing down the meals I’m eating. I’ve been using the new Slimming World app (apparently currently only available to new and re-joiners from 31/12/2019) which lets me track my breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as my Healthy Extras and any syns. It’s really useful as you can search for foods and add them onto your meal plan. The app is such a useful tool. It is particularly helpful to let you track what you ate during a particular week and you can revisit it to remind yourself what you had.

Stay to group for support

If you joined Slimming World at a group, I would really recommend staying not just for the weigh-in but for the group chat too. In my experience, it can be happy clappy but it’s just in recognition of members having a good week or drawing the line (in some cases). I have found the support of my Slimming World groups to be invaluable. My current group are really friendly and are so open and honest about their weeks, it’s really refreshing to hear. They’re also really welcoming and I’ve found them to be really supportive so far. Your SW consultant has been trained to help you get the best out of you. I recommend you stay and listen to the group chat and join in.

Additionally, get social with other Slimming World members on Instagram or Facebook. They can give you support throughout the week and will help boost your mood knowing that you’re not alone.

Meal Plan / Plan ahead

Slimming World isn’t a plan you can do without preparation. You will need to plan your meals, plan ahead and think about what foods you’ll want to prepare and enjoy. As a family we meal plan every week. We then go food shopping the same day to make sure we have the food in for the week ahead. Having fresh food in the fridge for our evening meals has stopped us from wanting a take away and prevents food waste too!

Batch cook Slimming World friendly meals and make sure your fridge and cupboards have SW friendly foods in. I have some brilliant low syn snack ideas that I’ll share with you soon. I always try and cook up some crustless quiche and make a synfree soup to keep in the fridge for lunches.

Don’t let one bad day, ruin a good week

There’s no real secret to success on the Slimming World plan. You just have to stay focused and not reach for the chocolate, crisps, alcohol or takeaways (I am an emotional eater and have eaten all of this in the past!) If you have a bad day, draw a line and move on, you’re only human. Good luck!

If you’re looking for some inspiration of what to eat on the Slimming World plan, take a look at my SW friendly recipes here.