love food. . .

Enjoy the food you love – curry, a full English breakfast, pasta – and lose
weight beautifully! It doesn’t sound like a diet, does it? That’s because it isn’t!
It’s Food Optimising, and it’s going to change your life.

super -charged slimming

You’ve probably heard people talk about Slimming World. They eat big portions of real
food with the whole family, they’re never hungry – yet the weight drops off! They can
hardly believe it, and neither will you. Because Food Optimising is every bit as delicious,
generous and effective as they say. And now, we’ve made it even easier – it’s the only
plan anywhere that lets you power up your portions and your weight loss, for super-
charged success that lasts a lifetime.

with you every step of the way

Because we know that forever weight loss goes so much deeper than what you eat,
we support you on every step of your journey at our friendly, inspiring groups all over
the UK and Ireland. Together, we’ll help you achieve things you never thought possible.

unbeatable value
Slimming World costs just £4.95/€9 a week and right now membership is half price, saving
you £5/€9*. You’ll pay just £9.95/€18 on week one. Better still, if you join together with five
friends, you’ll all get your first week FREE too! (You’ll pay just £5/€9 each on week one.)

Find out where,when and how the UK’s

favou
way to rite
search online for Slimming World lose weigh **
t
0844 897 8000
*Standard membership fee is £10/€18 and weekly group fee is £4.95/€9 – see website for full details.
**More people in the UK choose to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss group.
 love
Slimming
World
n ko rma
y chicke
C ream
Photograph: Gareth Morgans

visit slimmingworld.co.uk/2015
for your free 7 day slim-down plan!
 In this issue
● on the cover

be inspired
10 ‘Bring on 50!’
Nurse Natasha Mold is fit, fabulous and looking forward
to her milestone birthday after losing 6st

14 Celebrate good times

Three cheers for Abby, Suzi and Selina, nearly 16st slimmer
between them and sparkling with self-belief

23 Are you feeling the FOMO?

Is the Fear of Missing Out slowing your slimdown? Our
smart strategies will help

14
26 ‘How I found my happy balance’
Anita Yandell-Jones’s 7st 6lb weight loss has helped her
combine work, family and fun...

35 ● Slimmer by the weekend

Follow our five-day plan and feel the benefits by Friday night

42 The lighter side of Emily Dark

55
From overweight teen to glamorous young mum, Emily
reveals how losing 6st 10½lbs has transformed her twenties

49 ● Nikki’s slim-for-life secrets

After 15 years at target, life is just getting better and better
for bride-to-be Nikki McDonnell

look, cook, eat

52 Rush-hour suppers
From make-ahead feasts to meals in minutes, we’ve got the
recipes you can rely on when time is tight

82 63 Simply veg
Turn classic winter veggies into a comforting cheesy gratin

64 Curry night
Don’t takeaway... fakeaway! Feast on a scrumptious Prawn
biryani with veg, pickle and chutney, all for just 1½ Syns

67 Soup-er heroes
From meal-in-a-bowl meatballs to a smoky haddock chowder,
cosy up to a helping of home-made soup

75 Easy does it
Yippee for kedgeree – don’t miss our step-by-step guide
to mastering this anytime delight

76 It’s a cracker!
De-stress Christmas with a delicious turkey dinner for four
plus starter and dessert, all ready in just over an hour

67
78 Food news
Fill your trolley with the latest Food Optimising buys

82 The grand finale

Drum roll please... we present seven show-stopping
desserts, all less than 6 Syns a serving
 nov/dec 2015

112
86
‘M’ for men
94 Cool brand Luke
Stylist Luke Child is 7st 8lbs slimmer and finally
feels as camera-ready as his clients

101 Fatigue fighters

Product picks to wake up your grooming routine

102 ● Be a wise man about weight loss

How to make the most of the party season –
111
without following the crowd

104 ‘I couldn’t have lost 17½st

without Lesley’
Meet our slimming dream team, who found losing
weight together was twice as good as going it alone

be your best you

111 Merry spritzmas!
Switch up your scent this season

94
112 1 top 5 ways
Take one sequin tee and sparkle all Christmas
with our expert styling ideas

115 Are you living with a fatty liver?

How to show your liver some love

52
118 ● Fall in love with fitness
Discover your real motivation and make
exercise a habit that lasts

everything else
4 Recipe index

112
7 Editor’s welcome
41 ● Win a Costa del Sol break
worth over £1,500
61 Win a spa break worth £1,000
108 Subscribe & save!
120 From the heart
122 Terms and conditions
126 Shop the issue
128 Last orders

Cover credits Dress, from a selection at Little Black Dress. Jewellery, stylist’s own. Photograph:
Paul Buller. Styling: Louise Sykes. Hair & make-up: Lizzie Court. See p126 for stockists

SLIMMING WORLD 3
 Recipe index
Your at-a-glance guide to all the delicious
dishes in this issue and Syns per serving

meat and poultry

45 Bacon and veg frittata 2
54 Beef and Guinness pie 3
36 Beef and mushroom cannelloni FREE
71 Beetroot soup with sausage and wilted greens 2
59 Cheesy potato and ham bake FREE*
60 Chicken and pearl barley casserole FREE
70 Chicken and roast veg soup with pistou 1
68 Italian meatball soup ½
55 Lamb pasanda FREE
68 Pea and ham soup FREE
57 Pork stir-fry FREE n
39 Spiced lamb casserole FREE n
12 Spicy tikka burgers FREE*

54
40 Sweet and sour chicken noodles 1½
46 Thyme lamb with mash and beans FREE n
77 Turkey dinner at the double FREE
78 Turkey tikka skewers FREE

fish and seafood

37 Bacon cod with lemony chips FREE
76 Deluxe prawn cocktail 2½
75 Kedgeree FREE

70 64
69
56
Prawn biryani 1
Smoked haddock chowder 1
Tuna and sweetcorn pasta FREE

vegetarian
58 Black bean chipotle chilli ½
63 Cheesy root gratin ½*
54 Pappardelle with lentil ragù ½
47 Rapid ratatouille with rice ½
38 Sage, chilli and butternut squash risotto 1½

88
70 Spiced carrot and red lentil soup FREE n

vegetables and sides

65 Coriander and coconut chutney ½
65 Cucumber and carrot pickle FREE n
65 Kidney-bean rajma FREE

sweet things
85 Banoffee baked Alaska 3
88 Blood-orange bombe 2
77 Cherry Christmas trifles 4
85 Cranberry and rosemary meringue wreath ½
128 Gold bullion bites 1
87 Golden tiramisu 4½
84 Ombré raspberry slice ½
86 Star-topped fruit pots 6

59
88 Two-tone mulled pears 5

n Extra Easy SP recipes packed with Speed and Protein-rich foods; perfect when
you want to lose a little more in a little less time
*Add 6 Syns if not using the Red Leicester/wholemeal roll/Cheddar as a Healthy Extra
To find the Green and Original Syn values for our recipes, visit online.slimmingworld.
co.uk/useful-features/green-original.aspx and log in with your member details

4 SLIMMING WORLD
 editor’s welcome

Make it a happy one!

A
re you excitedly counting the number of sleeps until
Christmas? Or are you more likely to be counting sheep
as the list of everything you need to plan/buy/write/wrap/
cook before 25 December whirrs around your head?
While it’s fun, the build-up to the big day can be manic. And when
you’re surrounded by cupboards full of festive food, party invites and
other seasonal temptations, it’s all too easy for your slimming plans to
take a back seat. Which is why, when we were planning this issue, we
thought about all the things you’d need to help you pull off a cracking
family Christmas and keep your weight loss (and sanity!) on track.
Top of Santa’s slimming list are our rush-hour suppers (p52) –
recipes you can rely on, so one thing you don’t have to stress about
is tonight’s dinner. And if the prospect of catering for friends and loved ones is giving
you a headache, we’ve got hassle-free ideas for the main event (p76) as well as a
selection of low-Syn puds (p82) to impress your guests.
Sometimes, the problem lies in the pressure we put on ourselves to make Christmas
perfect – especially if it seems as though everyone else is having a better time. If FOMO
(that’s Fear of Missing Out to you and me) is in danger of spoiling your party season,
we’ve got simple strategies to support you (p23), so you can join in without giving in.
There’s plenty of real-life success to celebrate in this issue from slimmers who’ve
lost more than 70 stones between them, plus confidence-boosting fashion to help you
sparkle from here to new year (p112). Wishing you a
happy (and peaceful) Christmas and a healthy 2016.
Elise Wells, Editor

Meet some of this issue’s inspiring slimmers

“
In my thirties I’d get out of breath just
playing with my children – now I’m
hooked on running. Bring on being fit,
“ Losing weight has helped us get so much
more out of our life together. We hope
our story will inspire other couples, too.
“ I used to be the Queen of Excuses – I’d
always find a ‘reason’ why I couldn’t
go out with my friends. These days I’m
PHOTOGRAPH OF ELISE: PAUL BULLER

slim and healthy at 50! Chris, 52, lost 17st 7lbs and Lesley, 56, lost the life and soul of the party!
Natasha Mold, 49, lost 6st ½lb – p10 4st 10lbs – p104 Anita, 43, lost 7st 6lbs – p26

Get in touch! We’d love to hear what you think about the magazine. Email us at editorial@slimmingworld.co.uk, write to us
at Slimming World magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW, or call us on 01773 546 071

SLIMMING WORLD 7
 be inspired
Real-life slimming secrets and smart strategies to help you win at weight loss

Success found!
How Suzi Buccheri went from crash
diets and low self-esteem to being the
happy, healthy star of her son’s world
Read Suzi’s story, p20
PHOTOGRAPH: BILL MORTON. STYLING: FIONA REARDON. HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZZIE COURT
AND JULIE READ. SUZI WEARS: DRESS, COAST. SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS

SLIMMING WORLD 9
 ‘Bring
on 50!’
Nurse Natasha Mold is looking
forward to a slim sixth decade
after losing a sensational 6st

Natasha, 49, is a senior staff nurse in a critical-

care unit. She lives in Thetford, Norfolk, with
her husband Jason and their children Oliver,
16, and Katharine, 12. Natasha is 5ft 3ins tall
and weighs 9st 10lbs, having lost 6st ½lb at
Maxine Malkinson’s Thetford group

It wasn’t until I lost weight that I started to appreciate

quite how much being a size 22 had affected my life as
a mother, a wife, and as a nurse. I put on weight during
both my pregnancies, and although I managed to lose
some for my wedding in 2004, after that I just seemed
to get bigger and bigger. I’d get breathless playing
with my children and I felt lethargic all the time. I also
found it difficult getting into small spaces – very
inconvenient for a senior staff nurse manoeuvring
around the busy bedside of a critically ill patient.
Slimming World came into my life at the ideal
moment. I was starting to worry a lot about my
health when, in January 2013, I saw an advert
for a new group that was starting up. It was in
the right place, at the right time, and try as I
might, I couldn’t find any excuse not to go!
Although I was nervous when I walked in,
my Consultant Maxine quickly swept that away
and has guided me on every step of my journey.
Now, instead of cooking with jars and packets, I
make tasty chilli con carne from scratch, or pulled
pork with home-made potato wedges. I’ve made
great friends, too, and I look forward to spending
time with my fantastic group each week.
I reached my target in June 2014, and with
lots of support, I’ve maintained my slim figure
ever since. It’s not always easy, and if I’m ever
struggling, I take myself to a clothes shop, look
at all the lovely styles I can buy now and remind
myself how far I’ve come. It’s so liberating to
no longer feel self-conscious about my size.
I can walk into town without worrying I’m
getting in people’s way and browse
around shops without fear of knocking
something over. There’s no going
back. This is the fitter, healthier,
happier me – and it’s the way
I’m going to stay!

10 SLIMMING WORLD
 first word

My get-slim scrapbook
Natasha lets us in on the highs and lows of her slimming journey,
and the tips and treats that make life at target so good

Over a year at target and the

LBD I bought last Christmas
is too big – it must be all that
Body Magic! Shopping time...

Dress, £75,
Principles
by Ben de
Lisi; clutch,
£25, and
I always had a gazillion excuses not to
shoes, £49,
lose weight – until a new group opened J by Jasper
in a perfect place, at a perfect time! Conran; all at
Debenhams

My wonderful family has been supportive right from

My favourite the very start. As I cook for all of us, my kids are now
more aware of what they eat and making healthier
tipple? I like the choices. They’re so proud of their confident new mum.
occasional glass of
sherry at 3½ Syns
for 50ml. Cheers!
At a size 22, I
often felt like
I was invading
other people’s
space at
concerts. By
the time I’d lost
3st, I no longer
spilled over the
plastic seats
and already
felt more
comfortable
in a crowd.

A slick of nude lippy, mascara and

brown eyeliner always boosts my
mood and makes me feel ‘done’.

Receiving my Diamond Member I took part in a Parkrun with

award from my Consultant Maxine. my kids and got hooked! I ran
Seventeen
She’s supported me every step of Mirror Shine in a 5K race earlier this year
the way and is helping me stay at Lipstick in and enjoyed every minute.
target, too. I’m incredibly grateful. Camisole, I love knowing I’ll be fit at 50.
£4.79, Boots

SLIMMING WORLD 11
f irst word

My must-try
recipe

For me, the best thing

about Food Optimising
is the choice – I love
that nothing’s off limit.
At home, some of our
favourite meals include
spicy chilli with rice,
or yummy pulled pork
with potato wedges.
When I’m eating out,
I’ll ask for a jacket potato instead of chips,
and skip the butter and creamy sauces.
I know that I can have fun and stay on plan, Spicy tikka burgers
which means I can eat this well forever! Packing veggies into these turkey burgers gives them extra bite!

SUPER SIMPLE 1 Put the spring onion whites in a bowl with

Serves 4
‘Burger night ✱ (burgers only)
the garlic, carrots, coriander, turkey mince,
curry powder and egg yolk. Season, then mix
Ready in about 30 minutes well or blitz in a food processor.
is a real event at 4 spring onions, finely chopped, keeping 2 Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape
our house. This the white and green parts separate
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
each into a burger. Place a griddle or frying
pan over a medium heat. Spray the burgers all RECIPE: SARAH COOK. FOOD STYLING: SARA LEWIS. PROP STYLING: TAMZIN FERDINANDO

tangy tikka take

2 small carrots, peeled and
PHOTOGRAPHS: BILL MORTON. STYLING: LOUISE SYKES. HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZ KITCHINER
STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: ISTOCKPHOTO. BURGERS PHOTOGRAPH: ADRIAN LAWRENCE

over with low-calorie cooking spray and fry for

coarsely grated
5-6 minutes. Turn over and cook for a further
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh
is sure to go coriander leaves
500g lean turkey breast
5-6 minutes, or until the juices run clear when
the burger is pierced with a knife.

down a treat’ mince (5% fat or less)

1 tbsp tikka curry powder
1 egg yolk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Low-calorie cooking spray
For the raita:
150g fat-free natural Greek-style yogurt
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander or
mint leaves
3 Meanwhile, mix all the raita ingredients
together with the reserved green tops of the
spring onions, and season.
4 Split and toast the rolls. Layer up each base
with some tomato slices, salad leaves, a burger
and a dollop of raita, and top with a roll lid.
Syns per serving: FREE*
*Add 6 Syns if not using the wholemeal roll as a Healthy Extra
SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS

NATASHA WEARS: ½ cucumber, finely diced

p10: Dress, Phase Above: Collared To serve:
Eight. Boots, Marks jumper, Ted Baker. 4 x 60g wholemeal rolls
& Spencer. Earrings, Skirt, Coast. Bracelet,
Natasha’s own. Debenhams. Tomato slices
Necklace, Coast Bag, Lotus Mixed salad leaves

12 SLIMMING WORLD
 4
SYNS
PER 20g
SERVING

The new peanut butter creation

everyone’s talking about...
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PERFECT FOR RECIPES
MADE WITH REAL PEANUTS
- more than just a CAFFEINE FREE
SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS
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AVA I L A B L E AT. . .

Discover some amazing recipes at www.peanuthottie.com

facebook.com/PeanutHottie
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peanut_hottie_official
 Our three slimmers before they
swapped fast food and quick-fix
diets for healthy eating

Celebrate
good times
Abby, 26, Suzi, 35, and Selina, 42, have lost nearly 16st between them. Here,
they reflect on the many ways losing weight has changed their lives...

14 SLIMMING WORLD
 three cheers!

Selina lost
7st 3lbs

Abby lost
4st 8lbs

Suzi lost
4st
 SELINA WEARS:
Dress, Virgos
Lounge. Shoes,
Next. Bracelets,
Wallis. Ring,
Dorothy Perkins.
Bag, Coast

SNAPSHOT
Selina Pitchforth, 42, is
a primary school teaching
assistant. She lives in
Horbury, West Yorkshire,
with her partner Sean and
their children Harry, 14,
and George, 11
Height: 5ft 7ins
Starting weight: 16st 6½lbs
Weight now: 9st 3½lbs

WEIGHT LOST:
7st 3lbs
Selina is a target member of
Sarah Downs’ Slimming World
group in Horbury
 three cheers!

‘I’m at my slimmest
ever with a job I love’
At size 22, Selina Pitchforth felt lethargic and low. Now
she’s happily combining family life with a fulfilling career

W
hen I was 20 weeks pregnant lovely Consultant, Sarah, who
with my younger son George, never lost faith in me. I went to
my dad was diagnosed with IMAGE Therapy every week and
terminal cancer. I was crushed. as my habits gradually changed,
I’d always been a bit of a comfort eater, and I all the weight came off. Recently,
found myself using chocolate and takeaways as I reset my target a little lower and
a coping mechanism more than ever. I’m now the slimmest I’ve ever
Dad died when George was just three months been in my adult life – a size 10!
old. With a tiny baby and his elder brother Harry One of my new healthier
to look after, plus a full-time job, I didn’t really habits is cooking. Food
take enough time to grieve – or to look after myself. Optimising recipes are so easy
My partner Sean worked long, unpredictable and family-friendly. We like
hours as an electrical engineer, and after feeding lots of the recipes from the
the children I didn’t have the energy for anything Slimming World’s Fakeaways
other than a few glasses of wine, some biscuits, and book, and Harry and George
a takeaway or ready meal. I thought I was making are big fans of my home-made
myself feel better, but as the weight went on and chicken nuggets – served,
I felt more and more bloated and sluggish, all it of course, with some delicious
did was make me feel worse. Slimming World chips. I hated being
Gradually, I gained around 6st over the next six When I think about the way that I live now, big, and even
years, all the time pretending it didn’t bother me. compared with when I was overweight, I’m a refused to be
Sean knew I was unhappy, but didn’t want to upset completely different person. I used to refuse to go a bridesmaid
me by talking about my weight. I never went near anywhere near a pool with Sean and the kids – as I felt I’d ruin
my scales, avoided mirrors and hid my body beneath I couldn’t bear to be seen in a swimming costume. the photos
loose, dark outfits. Once, I dyed my hair black, too. Now I’m slim, we’ve got a family membership at
Looking back, I think I was probably depressed. the local leisure centre and all jump into the pool
I even turned down the chance to be a bridesmaid together! I can play outside for hours with the
at my friend’s beach wedding because, at a size 22, boys and take our beloved Border collie Harvey on
I thought I’d ruin the pictures. long walks; he’s been a brilliant
I tried several quick-fix diets Body Magic buddy since we got
and another weight-loss club
before re-joining Slimming World
Selina’s him four years ago.
I used to do office work, then
in August 2009. I’d been a member celebrating... as the boys grew up I needed a job
between pregnancies, though
hadn’t really got my head around Feeling fab at 42 that fitted into school hours, and
became a dinner lady. I loved being
Food Optimising. This time, I really Setting myself the goal of part of a school and, around the
wanted to stick with it. I’d realised losing weight in time for my same time as I re-joined Slimming
I was rapidly approaching 40 – 40th birthday really kept me World, I became a teaching
and I wanted to feel good about motivated. When the big day assistant for five and six year olds.
myself on my milestone birthday. came, I was down to 10st 2lbs At nearly 40, I’d finally found what
While some people have quick and wore a pair of skinny jeans, I wanted to do when I grew up, and
losses, I’ve taken the ‘scenic’ route, a sweet little top and a stylish I still love every minute of it. Initially,
reaching my first target of 10st in leather jacket. Sean was running around with the children
four years. I think I spent nearly a incredibly proud of me, and so all day exhausted me – now, I’m
year gaining and losing the same were my boys. I was pretty the first one to volunteer for an
half stone! Thank goodness for my chuffed, too. In fact, I still am! egg-and-spoon race on sports day!

SLIMMING WORLD 17
‘I’ve got a confidence
that comes from within’
Gone are the days when Abby Earl hid away from the
world – with her new body came a new-found self-belief

M
y weight that I was eating to cheer myself up about feeling
problems overweight and unattractive – and it made no sense
began when at all! Something inside my head clicked and I made
I graduated the decision to join Slimming World.
from uni and started work Straight away I could see Food Optimising was
as a product buyer. I’d put for me. The variety of recipes you could make was
on a stone or so as a endless and I soon developed a new passion for
student, and now, sitting cooking from scratch, especially Slimming World
all day at a desk coupled curries. We had a different one every Friday!
with a serious fast-food I really started to see a difference in August 2013,
habit meant the pounds when I hit my interim target of 12st 11lbs and went
really piled on. I set out shopping for a holiday wardrobe. I was amazed to
on a series of crash slip into size-14 dresses – the last time I could do
diets that left me shaking that, I was at uni. Since then, I’ve filled six bin bags
I envied my with hunger. And the weight I lost went straight with my frumpy old clothes and replaced them with
slim friends. back on when I gave up trying and went back to bright, slim-fitting outfits from high-street shops I’d
At a size 18 my usual menu of pizzas, fried chicken, and bacon never dared to enter before. The firm I work for has
and with adult baguettes slathered in mayonnaise. an annual Christmas party and last year, instead of
acne, I wanted My boyfriend Danny tried to reassure me I was disguising myself in something sack-like in black,
to be invisible
fine the way I was, but as my weight increased, I I wore a beautiful fitted blue and cream lace dress.
hated the way I looked so much, I wanted to disappear. Food Optimising didn’t just slim my body – it had
I tried to avoid cameras and if a friend posted a a dramatic effect on my complexion, too. Only four
picture of me on social media, I weeks after ditching the ready
would untag myself immediately – meals, my acne began to clear up
I couldn’t bear anyone seeing how
overweight I’d become. To make
Abby’s and I felt able to come out from
beneath my layers of concealer,
matters worse, I’d developed adult celebrating... foundation and bronzer. I’d had
acne, which flushed my face red loads of medical appointments
and caused horrible breakouts that Taking on new about my skin, but no one had ever
resisted any treatment.
By March 2013, I was nearly
challenges challenged me about my diet. I’m
certain there’s a link: a few months
16st and an unhappy size 18, Only three years ago, I was too ago, I slipped off plan for a few
dreading any situation where timid to speak in public – just the days, eating pizza and takeaways,
someone might notice my size or thought of giving a presentation and almost immediately came out
my skin. I remember looking at my to my eight colleagues would give in spots, which disappeared as
friends in their cute little tops and me the fear. Now, that shy Abby soon as I got back on track.
skirts, while I was covered up in has been replaced by someone I lost 4st 7lbs in 12 months, and
a baggy T-shirt dress and tights. with confidence and passion, and I’ve now reset my target, aiming
I felt like the odd one out. The final I think nothing of standing up in for a final weight loss of 5st exactly.
straw was going out for a friend’s front of a room full of people. I’m so full of energy. I go to the
birthday. Nothing fitted me and In fact, I do it every week as a gym three times a week and enjoy
I felt so awful, I ended up going Slimming World Consultant! I’ve long walks and bike rides with
home early, before the celebrations realised I’m the kind of person Danny. And you know what? Not
had even started. I ordered myself who loves to be busy, and I’ve got long ago, I went out for that same
a pizza and cried my eyes out as enough energy to embrace every friend’s birthday and was so excited.
I ate it. Suddenly, it dawned on me challenge that comes my way. I partied the whole night long!

18 SLIMMING WORLD
 three cheers!

ABBY WEARS:
Dress, Star by Julien
Macdonald at
Debenhams. Shoes,
Dune. Earrings and
bracelet, both Wallis

SNAPSHOT
Abby Earl, 26, is a buyer
for an oil company and a
Slimming World Consultant.
She lives in Beccles, Suffolk,
with her partner Danny
Height: 5ft 8ins
Starting weight: 15st 11lbs
Weight now: 11st 3lbs

WEIGHT LOST:
4st 8lbs
Abby lost weight at the
Slimming World group in Beccles,
then run by Debbie Blyth-Clarke,
and now runs her own group in
Loddon, Norfolk
 SNAPSHOT
Suzi Buccheri, 35, is a
Slimming World Consultant.
She lives in Southampton,
Hampshire, with her
son Bailey, five, and her
partner Tom
Height: 5ft 1in
Starting weight: 12st 11lbs
Weight now: 8st 11lbs

WEIGHT LOST:
4st
Suzi is a target member of SUZI WEARS:
Claire Henderson’s Slimming World Dress, Coast.
group in Hedge End, Southampton. Shoes, Dune
She runs groups in Bishops
Waltham and Wickham, Hants
 three cheers!

‘I’m setting my son

a shining example’
Suzi Buccheri ditched the fad diets to show her little boy what
healthy eating was about. And Mummy’s 4st lighter now...

A
s a toddler I was chubby, and I grew into just out to educate myself about
an overweight child. By the time I reached healthy eating because I wanted
my teens I was a size 16. My ambition had to be a good role model for Bailey.
always been to act professionally, so at 16 In my first week I lost an amazing
I went to The BRIT School for performing arts. A place 6lbs, all while enjoying cottage pie,
at drama school afterwards eluded me, though. I lasagne and bowlfuls of pasta with
think the audition panels could sense that I was only home-made sauces. Over the next
pretending to be outgoing and confident, when, in 16 months the weight came off
fact, all the years of feeling overweight and bigger steadily (with the occasional little
than my peers had deeply affected my self-esteem. glitch – I’m only human!), until
Instead of pursuing an acting career, I went to I’d lost 4st. When I stepped off the
university. I managed to lose 2st when I started, scales having hit target, Bailey
then gradually the pounds crept back on again in shouted, ‘Yes Mummy, you did it!’.
my 20s. Pregnancy added even more weight, Slimming World also brought
and when my son Bailey was two weeks old, I was me closer to my partner, Tom.
upset to realise I was over 15st. We met at work – he’s a chef at the
With a combination of fad diets, starvation and restaurant where until recently
sheer self-denial, somehow I managed to get myself I was a waitress – and he used to
down to around 13st, but I knew my eating habits make me special Food Optimising
I was a classic
were extremely unhealthy. While I made nutritious lunches. We’re now living together and, yo-yo dieter,
meals packed with fresh fruit and vegetables for although he says he doesn’t mind what I weigh, either living
Bailey, I never shopped for groceries or cooked he’s been so supportive. He loves my healthy on watery
properly for myself. I was either eating loads of cooking and he definitely appreciates how soup, or
watery vegetable soup on some crash diet or other, I look in my skinny jeans, too! overeating
or guiltily spreading hunks of crusty white bread I used to think fitness just wasn’t for me – now
with butter and brie, then following them with crisps I’ve got the confidence to embrace an active life.
and cake – all washed down with I completed the Couch to 5K
INTERVIEWS: ROSALIND GRAINGER. PHOTOGRAPHS: BILL MORTON. STYLING: FIONA REARDON

big glasses of full-sugar cola. running plan a few months ago

One morning, when Bailey
was about three, he was tucking
Suzi’s and hope to train for a marathon
one day. When I was still working
into his breakfast cereal when he celebrating... at the restaurant, I also saved about
HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZZIE COURT AND JULIE READ. SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS

pointed the spoon at me to offer

a taste. At the time, I was trying
out another one of my diets. As
I caught myself about to say, ‘No
thank you, Mummy’s not eating
today’, I realised how utterly
ridiculous I would sound. Did I
want Bailey to grow up thinking
it was normal for people to
deliberately starve themselves?
Luckily, salvation (and a
sensible eating plan) was just at the
bottom of my road, in the shape of
my local Slimming World group. I
didn’t approach it as a diet – I was
Her big break
Being a professional actress was
my dream job – then I discovered
another one! I recently gave up
my job as a waitress and am now
a full-time Slimming World
Consultant. I love the buzz I get
when I’m delivering IMAGE
Therapy, it fits perfectly around
life as a mum and it’s amazing to
see my members transform
before my eyes. Helping people
get to target is the most fulfilling
role I’ve ever played.
£1,000 on parking charges by
leaving my car further from work
and walking the rest of the way –
money I could put towards fun
stuff for Bailey and me.
The best thing of all is that
Bailey doesn’t know what a diet
is. ‘Normal’ to him is eating a
delicious, home-cooked meal
with lots of fresh vegetables, and
having Mummy tuck in, too. All the
faddy diet books have disappeared
from my shelves for good. Who
needs a quick fix when you can do
something that’s truly lasting? ●

SLIMMING WORLD 21
BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR TEA?
Tasty, low fat sausages by HECK.

Premium 85% British Chicken Sausages.

1/2 Syn per sausage. Low in fat. Gluten free.
We pull out all the stops to bring farmers’ market quality sausages, burgers
and meatballs to your supermarket shelves.
(1 Syn per burger / 1/2 Syn per 2 meatballs)

www.heckfood.co.uk

Are you feeling
the FOMO?
Fear of Missing Out not only brings the blues, it can wreak
havoc on your well-laid weight-loss plans. Here’s how to
enjoy the festive season FOMO-free
Words: Anna Magee
W
e’ve all felt that pang
of anxious jealousy
at someone else
enjoying themselves.
Whether it’s seeing a colleague’s
holiday snaps from a sandy beach in
Barbados on Facebook, or watching
a slim friend happily tuck into a
double helping of birthday cake while
we’re choosing to drink mint tea, this
feeling now has a name – FOMO, or
Fear of Missing Out.
FOMO is a term popularised by Professor
Sherry Turkle from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, a psychologist and
author of Alone Together: Why We Expect
More from Technology and Less from Each
Other (Basic Books, £18.99). ‘FOMO is the
increased anxiety resulting from constantly
measuring ourselves against other people,’
says Sherry. ‘It’s a hyped-up version of
“keeping up with the Joneses” – that
feeling that others are living better, more
interesting lives than us.’ And the rise of
social media is making it worse. As people
play out their (perfectly edited) lives on
Facebook and Instagram, we’re exposed
to FOMO everywhere!
As well as stopping us appreciating the
good things in our own lives, FOMO could
also be having an impact on our weight.
‘Believe it or not, FOMO puts a lot of
people off even beginning to slim,’ says
Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s head
of nutrition and research. ‘We know that
one of the main reasons for delaying
starting a healthy eating plan is the fear it
will be too restrictive and you’ll miss out
on all your favourite things – but that
doesn’t have to be the case.’ Here are some
success strategies
suzi_slimspiration
FAB NIGHT
OUT WITH MY
FAVOURITE
GIRLS
annababes_12, diamondgail21,
and swjourney86 like this
suzi_slimspiration
strategies to help you deal with four key
moments when FOMO just might sabotage
your best slimming intentions.
FEAR OF MISSING OUT...
…on bonding over meals
You know the feeling – you’re at a friend’s SHARING A TANDOORI
house and somebody says, ‘Let’s get a
AND STILL ON PLAN
takeaway!’. Or it’s someone’s birthday and
they’ve got a celebratory trip to their local kereeandjim, annababes_12, and
jencanslim like this
restaurant planned. You feel both the
pressure to indulge, and the fear you’ll
suzi_slimspiration
miss out on the connection and fun your
friends will share around their Indian or
Chinese. You’re not alone. Psychologists
4lbs TO GO
at the University of Toronto compiled 30
years of overeating and obesity research
UNTIL TARGET
and concluded that social cues dictate our
food intake more than hunger does – and
AND FEELING
that usually means we eat more when
we’re with other people. In fact, the
GOOD!
researchers found that even in groups as
small as two people, we eat 30 to 50 per
cent more than when we’re eating alone.
‘On a practical level, you can make
choices that are Slimming World friendly, loser1arry, diamondgail21,
so you’re not missing out on the fun,’ says kereeandjim, and 6 others like this
Dr Jacquie Lavin. If the idea is to eat out, View all 10 comments
get involved at the planning stage and do
some research to find a restaurant that has suzi_slimspiration
a great salad bar or has grilled meats and
fish on the menu. ‘If you’re eating in – #SLIMMINGSUNDAYLUNCH
Sunday lunch with family, for example –
and the food has already been prepared,
pile your plate with a variety of veg, remove
any visible fat from meat or the skin from
chicken or turkey, and keep an eye on gravy
and sauces.’ Or offer to make something
and bring it along, like midwife Emily Brace,
who lost more than 6st at Annamarie
Vincent’s group in Barry, Glamorgan, and
has kept it off for more than nine years.
‘When I go to parties at friends’ houses, > loser1arry, diamondgail21, and
swjourney86 like this
SLIMMING WORLD 23
success strategies
I take things like Slimming World sausages
and fruit kebabs, which I know I can enjoy
plenty of – and everyone’s always really
grateful for the help, too!’
And as for that takeaway? ‘Remember
that friends pushing you to eat fast food
with them is not about you or your
waistline – it’s about them,’ says life coach
Jacqueline Hurst. ‘It makes them feel
better about their own food choices.’
Open up to them, suggests Dr Jacquie
Lavin – explain what losing weight means
to you and how pleased you are with
your progress. ‘You might even find
they’re relieved you’ve mentioned it
and that they would like some support
with their own weight loss.’
● FOMO-BUSTING MANTRA:
‘I plan ahead to make the best food
choices I can in social situations.’
FEAR OF MISSING OUT...
…on your favourite foods
Food Optimising – the cornerstone of the
Slimming World plan – has been developed
specifically so that you don’t have to give
up your favourite foods, says Jacquie Lavin.
‘Going hungry is every slimmer’s fear: we
know from our research it’s the main
reason for giving up previous weight-loss
attempts. Food Optimising uses the
science of appetite regulation to make sure
you never feel hungry – this means you’re
far less likely to feel you’re missing out on
the foods you love.’
Don’t forget, too, that the clever thing
about incorporating Syns into your Food
Optimising day is precisely that you
can have some of what you fancy – it’s
completely up to you what you spend
them on, so you never have to miss out.
‘When it comes to the party season,
there’s a lot more food and drink around,
so you might choose to use Flexible Syns,’
says Jacquie. The idea is that you accept
that at certain special events – weddings,
parties, Christmas – you’re going to want
more than your normal Syn allocation.
‘And a few occasions over the course
of the year aren’t going to blow your
weight-loss plans,’ says Jacquie.
The secret is to think ahead and ask
yourself, ‘Realistically, what will I want
to have?’. Will it be sausage rolls, wine,
cheesecake? Then work out how many
Syns you’ll need beforehand (it might be as
many as 20, 25, even 50 or more) and keep
‘With a few smart strategies up your sleeve
you can enjoy nights out, parties, Christmas...
and still be closer to target by 1 January’
24 SLIMMING WORLD
suzi_slimspiration
SIZE-12 SHOPPING
SPREE :)
loser1arry, carrie_partyX and
swjourney86 like this
carrie_partyX OMG @suzi_slimspiration
size 12, so jel! Can’t wait to see outfit pix...
suzi_slimspiration Thanks! Couldn't believe it
when I tried on the skinny jeans :) #size12suzi
swjourney86 Great feeling, isn't it? x
count on the day, knowing you can really
enjoy them because you’ve made the
conscious decision to have them. ‘Most
members find that by the end of the
occasion they haven’t had anywhere near
the number of Syns they thought they
would – and it’s OK if they have,’ says
Jacquie. ‘The key thing is they’ve felt in
control, so are ready to get straight back
to Food Optimising. It’s when you haven’t
planned ahead and don’t keep counting
that you feel out of control – you think
“I’ve blown it” and lose motivation.’
● FOMO-BUSTING MANTRA:
‘Everyone overindulges on certain
occasions. By planning for these moments,
I stay in control, enjoy myself and get
straight back on track.’
FEAR OF MISSING OUT...
…on letting your hair down
(and having a drink!)
Awareness is everything when it comes to
smart drinking, especially during Christmas
when it’s all about excess. ‘It’s not just
about the Syns in alcohol, it’s also about
the way it can affect you,’ says Dr Jacquie
Lavin. ‘It actually stimulates your appetite
so you end up wanting to eat more.’
This was shown in a study published in
the journal Obesity in which researchers did
MRI scans on women given alcohol. They
found alcohol made a part of the brain –
the hypothalamus – more active and the
women’s sensitivity to food aromas was
enhanced, leading them to eat more.
‘Be aware of your “tipping point”,’ says
Jacquie. ‘This is when your resolve goes
completely and most people will know
roughly how much alcohol it takes to get
them there.’ If you’re not sure, our quiz at
slimmingworld.co.uk/alcohol will help.
‘There are so many small ways to make
sure you don’t reach your “tipping point”,’
says Jacquie. ‘Alternate each alcoholic drink
with a diet soft drink,’ she suggests. ‘And
be more mindful of how you drink. If you
have a glass of wine with your meal, keep
a glass of water on the go, too – and resist
the top-ups from waiters, which can lead
to you losing track of how much you’ve
had. When you’re thirsty – often the case
at parties where you’ve been working up
a sweat on the dance floor – quench your
thirst with water first rather than alcohol.’
Remember, too, that you can make
Syn-friendly alcohol choices, says Jacquie.
‘Ordering wine spritzers or spirits with diet
mixers in tall glasses will also help you drink
alcohol more slowly, without missing out.’
● FOMO-BUSTING MANTRA:
‘I know my alcohol “tipping point” and
take steps to avoid getting to it.’
FEAR OF MISSING OUT...
…on the buzz of losing
When Emily Brace started her Slimming
World journey in 2004, she was a size 20.
In the first year she slimmed down fast.
‘Then my weight loss slowed. I still wasn’t
at target and I felt I was missing out on the
feelings of satisfaction and pride that come
with achieving your weight-loss goals,’ she
remembers. ‘I was still going to group and
Food Optimising, I just wasn’t seeing the
same results – and it was disheartening.’
That despondent feeling can be even
worse if you’re surrounded by other
members who seem to be ‘better at
slimming’ than you. Especially if there’s
someone in group consistently losing more
weight, week after week. While it’s only
natural to compare yourself to those around
you, remember that everyone’s weight-loss
journey is unique and personal to them.
PHOTOGRAPHS: GETTY IMAGES, IMAGE SOURCE, ISTOCKPHOTO, SHUTTERSTOCK
It’s possible, for example, that they had a
bigger weight-loss goal in the first place.
Emily got over those difficult feelings
with a seemingly simple strategy – she
went back to her ‘why’. ‘Revisiting my
reasons for joining Slimming World in the
beginning reminded me of how unhappy
I was when I was heavier and reinforced
my resolve.’ Then she made her FOMO
work for her. ‘I didn’t want to miss out
on the benefits of getting to target, and
that idea kept me on track,’ says Emily.
● FOMO-BUSTING MANTRA:
‘If my weight loss slows, I remind myself
why I started my Slimming World
journey – and that motivates me.’ ●
 Welcome to a
veg box revolution
A new kind of organic, seasonal veg box delivered
to your door. Now with swappable fruit & veg.

Save up to Order this week and get

£2 6
25% OFF your first four seasonal veg boxes.
Enter SW15 at the checkout: abelandcole.co.uk/sw
 At a size 20, Anita Yandell-Jones buried herself
in work and put the rest of her life on hold – until
she lost more than 7st. Now she’s enjoying
socialising, surfing, roller skating and good health…
as well as a successful career

‘How I
found my “
I have a new

happy positivity and

confidence at

balance’
work. My boss
says I’m a
different person

At 17½st I was bitterly

unhappy with my body and
hectic work life, but told
myself there was nothing
I could do about either

26 SLIMMING WORLD
 fabulous forties

“
I’ve got the
all-clear after
my cancer
scare and am
determined
to enjoy life

”
SNAPSHOT
Anita Yandell-Jones, 43, is
an operational development
manager for an insurance
company. She lives in
Weston-super-Mare,
Somerset, with her husband
Baz and their son Oliver, 10.
She also has a daughter,
Charlotte, 20
Height: 5ft 9ins
Starting weight: 17st 8½lbs
Weight now: 10st 2½lbs

WEIGHT LOST:
7st 6lbs
Anita is a target member of
Anna Robinson’s Slimming World
group in Weston-super-Mare

“
I’ve moved my well-being up my priority
list and my whole family’s benefiting

” SLIMMING WORLD 27
>
 M y life today is so different from
the way it was in my thirties.
Back then, it was literally all
about work. I’d started my
current job with an insurance company, which
involved long hours and travelling both in the UK
and abroad. I enjoyed it, but my work-life balance
was completely out of kilter.
I’d been a busy single mum throughout most
of my twenties, and my own health and well-being
were very low on my list of priorities.
At 30, I met my husband Baz, who
works in IT, and we settled into a
routine I can only describe as
comfortable. I was so tied up with I’m done being
work I rarely ate proper meals and
would grab snacks from vending the Queen of
machines in the day. My daughter
Charlotte was eight years old and
although I’d make her healthy
Excuses – now
meals, Baz and I often rang for a
takeaway, before settling down on
I’ll find any
the sofa to eat a bag of sweets each.
reason to party!
No wonder we both gained weight.
Over three years, I put on about
8st, while Baz put on 4st. I became
bitterly unhappy with my size-20
body and my hectic work life, but I told myself there
was nothing I could do about either of them. I’d gone
from being outgoing with a good social life to shy
and retiring. When friends invited me out, I always
had a ‘reason’ I couldn’t go – or I’d accept their
invitation then pull out at the last minute, pretending
I had to work. I was the Queen of Excuses.
On the times I did go out, I convinced myself
that people were looking at me and thinking I’d
‘let myself go’. I wanted to be invisible. Looking back,
How I slimmed down my
working day
HECTIC AND SYN-HEAVY
Before, I’d leave the house as early as 4.30am with an empty stomach.
At around 8am I’d stop at the vending machine and buy chocolate
and crisps for breakfast – then someone would do a bacon-sandwich
run and I’d join in. For lunch, I’d fill up on a huge mayonnaise-heavy
sandwich, then after work I’d stop off for fish and chips and take them
home to have with four slices of bread.
STAY-LEAN ROUTINE
I’m still up and out at 4.30am! Only now I take boiled eggs, fruit or
porridge to the office. I’ll make a big salad for lunch, and if we eat out,
I’ll order steak with salad. I always have fruit on my desk at work – I’d
forgotten how much I like bananas and strawberries. At weekends
I’ll bulk-cook five or six Slimming World curries, Bolognese sauces
and pulled pork or chicken dishes – so I’ve got healthy dinners sorted,
however manic my Monday-to-Friday schedule turns out to be.
28 SLIMMING WORLD
I realise now that I even distanced myself from my
own family, which is so sad.
I hated clothes shopping and would take the tags
off hangers so no one could see which size I was
buying. I lost count of the number of times I left
a changing room close to tears. Eventually, I avoided
clothes shops altogether and lived in shapeless
dresses, voluminous trousers, leggings and T-shirts
that I bought from the supermarket. I stopped
making an effort with my nails, hair and make-up,
“
too – I felt like I wasn’t worth it.
There were many embarrassing
moments. One Christmas, as we all
sat down at the table, my chair gave
way. Mortified, I went to the toilet
and wept. Another time, I went to an
event at Goodwood Racecourse –
I couldn’t find a single thing to wear,
so I borrowed a summer dress from
my aunt, who is 25 years older than
me. I had a photograph taken and
when I saw the snap, I wanted the
ground to swallow me, I looked so
”
huge and unhappy.
At work, my boss told me I was
becoming too aggressive. It was
a defence mechanism because I felt
so bad about myself – I’d go on the attack and make
enemies of people before they got the chance to say
anything negative about me. I always felt like the odd
one out and as if I was being judged because of my
size. I didn’t like the person I was turning into.
My weight was affecting my health, too. I had five
miscarriages after Baz and I got married, and, while
we’ll never know the direct cause, I think my size
and how I felt about myself didn’t help. I was getting
bigger and bigger, and I wasn’t in a good place.
We were overjoyed when, at 33, my pregnancy
with Oliver progressed normally. I avoided going to
the antenatal appointments, though, as I knew I’d
have to be weighed and I was worried my midwife
would judge me. What upsets me most is that I have
only one photograph of myself with my baby son
because I avoided the camera. When my children
look back at their childhood photos, there’ll be hardly
any pictures of them with their mum.
The turning point came in the spring of 2013,
when Baz, Oliver and I went on holiday to Spain.
I kept covered up the whole time, I never went in the
pool with my son, and I avoided other holidaymakers
when they tried to make conversation. I remember
feeling as though I was lost. We flew back on a
Saturday and on the following Monday I told Baz
we were both joining Slimming World that night.
Something had switched on in my head, and
I knew I had to tackle my weight. And while I was
horrified when I saw the number on the scales,
I knew I’d taken an important first step.
On the way home from group, I went to the
supermarket and stocked up on loads of Free >
 fabulous forties

THEN I always NOW I’m more

felt I was being accepting of
judged, which myself, and of
made me act others… and
aggressively at I’m the first
work and avoid to suggest a
social invites night out!

SLIMMING WORLD 29
fabulous forties

NOW I roller-
skate, do yoga, go
to the gym, swim
with my son and
have even got
back into surfing

THEN I missed
so much, telling
myself I was
too busy, too
unattractive
or too tired

ANITA WEARS:
p26: Top, Whistles.
Trousers, Hobbs.
Necklace, Rebecca
Hollywood, and
cuff, Rebecca
Sahara, both at
House of Fraser.
Bag, Hobbs

p27: Jumper, Jigsaw.

Vest, Gap. Jeans,
Monsoon. Scarf,
Hobbs. Shoes,
New Look

p27 and 29: Dress,

Ted Baker. Bolero,
Coast. Shoes, New
Look. Bracelet and
ring, Rebecca
Bahamas at House
of Fraser

Left: Jacket, H&M.

Vest, Gap. Leggings,
Hush. Skates, socks
and protective
wear, Anita’s own

Foods. I wasn’t totally convinced it would work
because I seemed to be able to eat so much. So I
was delighted when I went back the next week to
find I’d lost half a stone! What’s more, I hadn’t been
hungry at all. That was it for me – I was hooked. I
scheduled my work trips so they’d fit around my
Monday visit to group and I didn’t miss a single
session in the first six months.
It was during this time I got a phone call that
changed everything. For a long time, I’d had
so proud of what I’ve achieved. They’ve been
incredibly supportive and have reaped the benefits
of Food Optimising themselves, too. Baz has lost
3st, my parents have lost the same amount between
them, and my daughter Charlotte has even lost
a little weight during her first year at university –
no ‘freshers’ 14’ gain for her!
My slim life takes off
The night I got to target, I came home from group,
HAIR & MAKE-UP: JULIE READ. WITH THANKS TO THE HYATT REGENCY CHURCHILL
INTERVIEW: JILL FOSTER. PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: LOUISE SYKES

abnormal cells around my cervix and I’d undergone put my award on my fridge and thought, ‘That’s it,
nine operations to help. Now, I was told the cells I’m where I want to be. I’m at target, I’m well again –
had progressed and were cancerous. I was offered and I’m going to start living my life!’ And that’s
HOTEL, LONDON.CHURCHILL.HYATT.COM. SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS

chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but I opted for a
hysterectomy instead – I already had my children
and surgery offered the best chance of survival.
I’d lost around 3½st when I had the operation
and I’m sure I recovered more easily as a result.
The weight carried on coming off – I kept winning
Slimmer of the Week – and I was so happy when,
in January 2014, I achieved my goal of losing 5st.
By May that year, when I got the all-clear from
the hospital, I was down to 11st 8lbs. I was relieved
and elated, and felt so positive about life that
I decided to reset my target weight at 10st 2lbs –
and I got there in January this year. My family is
exactly what I’ve done. I go to the gym five days a
week, do yoga classes, and love roller skating – I’ve
even taken up surfing again after years of staying
out of the water! My social life has skyrocketed, too.
I meet up with friends every Saturday for coffee and
a catch-up, and never turn down an invitation – I’m
the life and soul of the party!
At last, I’m the real me – the confident, happy
Anita. And the knock-on effect it’s had is just amazing.
My boss says I’m a different person – and I can’t
help but agree. Losing more than 7st has changed
my life so much, words can’t explain it – I just hope
these pictures will come close! ●

30 SLIMMING WORLD
6 triangles are a Healthy Extra ‘a’
or just 1 Syn per triangle
 success in f ive

Sage, chilli and

butternut squash
risotto, recipe p38

Slimmer by
the weekend
Five days of super-filling meals and snappy snack ideas – Operation Christmas Party starts here!
Photographs: Stuart Ovenden

LET’S GET STARTED >>

✓ Tuck into 5 days’

worth of simple
and filling Extra Easy
✓ Fill up on
hunger-busting
Free Foods, which you
✓ When cooking,
trim all fat off
meat and remove skin
✓ Also enjoy
a portion of
wholemeal bread
✓ Choose a
Healthy Extra
portion of milk or
✓ Foods that
aren’t Free have
a Syn value – treat
breakfasts, lunches and can eat in unlimited from poultry. Use or cereal each day. cheese each day, too. yourself to around
dinners. Simply follow amounts. These include low-calorie cooking We call this a Healthy Pick from 350ml 10 Syns each day. Use
the days in any order, most fresh or frozen spray for frying (only Extra and to keep skimmed milk, 250ml these for extras like
and feel free to repeat fruit and veg; lean brands with one calorie things simple, we’ve semi-skimmed milk, ketchup (1 Syn per level
any you really love meats, poultry and fish; or less per spray are built your bread or or 30g full-fat or 40g tbsp), or favourite
beans and pulses; Free) – you’ll find them cereal Healthy Extra reduced-fat hard luxuries such as crisps,
cooked dried couscous, in the cooking oils aisle into each day’s menu cheese. If having wine or chocolate.
pasta and rice, and at the supermarket. cheese, use skimmed You’ll find an idea on
many fat-free yogurts. Swap sugar for milk in drinks and each page, or see your
Make your meals even sweetener and pick count ½ Syn (see Food Optimising book,
more filling by serving diet soft drinks, too right) per dash available from group
with a third of a plate
of Speed vegetables >

SLIMMING WORLD 35

Monday
Breakfast
Omelette and beans: Beat 2 eggs,
season and fry in low-calorie cooking
spray until set. Garnish with finely
chopped fresh parsley and serve with
hot baked beans. Crunch into an
apple afterwards...
Lunch
Picnic box: Fill a lunch box with
cooked skinless chicken, a Mini
Babybel Light (2 Syns), salad leaves,
cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes
and a good blob of fat-free natural
Greek-style yogurt. Pop in a 60g
wholemeal roll (a Healthy Extra)
spread with Marmite, too
Dinner
Beef and mushroom cannelloni
(see recipe right)
Total Syns: 2
Family fave
made Free
Beef and mushroom cannelloni
SIMPLE
Serves 4
✱ and fry for 10 minutes, or until
Ready in about 1 hour 30 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
200g button mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp dried red chilli flakes
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 beef stock pot
2 x 500g cartons passata with basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
14 tubes dried cannelloni
500g quark
2 large eggs
Chopped fresh basil, to garnish
1 Preheat your oven to 190°C/fan
170°C/gas 5. Spray a large frying
pan with low-calorie cooking spray
and place over a medium-high
heat. Fry the mince until browned,
breaking up any clumps, then
remove from the pan and set aside.
2 Wipe out the pan, re-spray with
low-calorie cooking spray and place
over a medium heat. Add the
onion, garlic and mushrooms FREE FOOD
SNACK
softened. Return the beef to the Mix quark and
pan with the chilli flakes, mixed sweetener to
herbs, stock and 1 carton passata. taste and spoon
over juicy fresh
Season well and simmer for 15-20
blackberries
minutes, or until thickened.
3 Spread half the remaining passata
onto the base of a medium-size SYN & WIN
baking dish. Using a piping bag or
Monday been
small spoon, fill the cannelloni tubes a toughie? Put
with the beef mixture and place your feet up
on top in a single layer or stacked, with a Cadbury
depending on the shape of your dish. Dairy Milk
Pour over the remaining passata. Freddo (5 Syns)
4 Whisk together the quark and
eggs, season and pour over the
cannelloni to cover. Bake for 30-35
minutes, or until lightly golden.
Garnish with basil and serve.
Syns per serving: FREE
 success in f ive

Crushes
chip-shop
cravings!

Bacon cod with lemony chips

Tuesday
Breakfast
2-minute porridge: Microwave
35g plain porridge oats (a Healthy
Extra) with milk from your daily
allowance and top with a dollop
of fat-free natural Greek-style
yogurt, pear slices and a sprinkle
of ground cinnamon
Lunch
Pukka curry: A sachet of Jamie
Oliver Incredible Curried Chickpeas
(3 Syns) is a handy midweek bite –
serve on a baked potato, if you like,
with a big green salad
Dinner
Bacon cod with lemony chips
(see recipe right)
Total Syns: 3
SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 45 minutes
300g Chantenay carrots, peeled
and halved
4 leeks, thickly sliced
200g cauliflower florets
100ml hot vegetable stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Low-calorie cooking spray
4 skinless and boneless cod fillets
8 back bacon rashers, all visible
fat removed
900g floury potatoes, such as Desiree or
King Edward, peeled and cut into chips
Finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon,
plus wedges to serve
1 Preheat your oven to 220°C/
fan 200°C/gas 7. Boil the carrots, FREE FOOD
leeks and cauliflower florets for SNACK
5-6 minutes, then drain well. Spread Gather an
out on the base of a large baking anytime
dish, pour over the stock, season and snacking platter
spray with low-calorie cooking spray. of hard-boiled
eggs, gherkins
2 Wrap each cod fillet in 2 bacon and sliced
rashers and arrange on top of the roasted red
vegetables. Roast for 20-25 minutes, peppers in brine
or until the fish is cooked through. from a jar
3 Meanwhile, boil the chips for
3-4 minutes, drain well and spread
SYN & WIN
on a non-stick baking tray in a single
Perk up a dull
layer. Spray with low-calorie cooking
afternoon with
spray, season and scatter over the a take-out
lemon zest. Place in the oven below coffee. Go for a
the fish and bake for 15-20 minutes, Starbucks tall
or until golden. Divide everything cappuccino
between 4 plates and serve with with skimmed
lemon wedges for squeezing over. milk, 3½ Syns
Syns per serving: FREE

SLIMMING WORLD 37

Wednesday
Breakfast
Fruit tower: Layer sliced orange,
banana and kiwi fruit in a tall glass
with fat-free natural Greek-style
yogurt. Top with berries and fat-free
natural fromage frais
Lunch
Ham melts: Split and toast a 60g
wholemeal roll (a Healthy Extra),
then top each half with tomato
purée, a slice of ham (all visible fat
removed) and sliced red onion.
Divide over 20g grated reduced-fat
Cheddar (3 Syns), grill until gooey
and serve with a big mixed salad
Dinner
Sage, chilli and butternut
squash risotto
(see recipe right)
Total Syns: 4½
38 SLIMMING WORLD
Sage, chilli and butternut squash risotto
SIMPLE
Serves 4
V mixture and whizz into a purée. Set
Ready in about 1 hour 10 minutes
500g butternut squash, peeled,
deseeded and cut into cubes
1 bay leaf
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 vegetable stock cube
Low-calorie cooking spray
10 fresh sage leaves
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
350g dried arborio rice
25g fresh parmesan, or vegetarian
alternative, finely grated
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Put the squash in a large pan with
the bay leaf, rosemary, 1.5 litres cold
water and half the onion. Bring to
the boil and cook for 10 minutes
until the squash is soft. Drain over
a pan to collect the cooking liquid,
and discard the bay leaf and
rosemary. Stir the stock cube into
the reserved liquid and leave to
simmer over a medium-low heat
while you continue with the recipe.
Fresh winter
flavours
2 Put half the cooked veg in a food
processor with 2 tbsp of the stock FREE FOOD
SNACK
aside, along with the remaining veg. Grate cucumber
and a garlic
3 Spray a frying pan with low-calorie clove into
cooking spray and place over a
fat-free natural
medium-high heat. Fry 8 sage leaves yogurt. Chill for
briefly on each side and set aside an hour then
on kitchen paper to crisp up. dip in veg sticks
4 Add the remaining raw onion to
the frying pan, reduce the heat to
SYN & WIN
low and cook gently for 10 minutes
Eyeing up the
until very soft but not coloured.
kids’ chocolate
Finely chop the remaining sage
advent calendar?
leaves and add to the pan with the Whisk an
garlic, chilli and rice. Options Belgian
5 Add the hot stock a ladleful at Choc Orange
a time, stirring until it has been sachet (1½ Syns)
absorbed before adding another. into ½ small
After 20-25 minutes, all the stock pot of quark
for a moussey
will have been absorbed and the rice
will be creamy with a little bite. Stir miracle instead
in the purée and the reserved veg
to heat through. Divide between
4 bowls, scatter a quarter of the
cheese over each and top with the
sage leaves and a twist of pepper.
Syns per serving: 1½

Thursday
Breakfast
Philly toast: Spread 2 slices of
wholemeal toast from a small 400g
loaf (a Healthy Extra) with
a Philadelphia Lightest Mini Tub
(1½ Syns). Follow with an orange
Lunch
Lunch to go: Nip to Boots for a
Nutritious Moroccan Style Roasted
Vegetable Salad (2½ Syns), and a
Nutritious Broccoli & Carrot with
a Roasted Beetroot Dip (½ Syn)
to munch while you’re out
Dinner
Spiced lamb casserole
(see recipe right)
Total Syns: 4½
Saves on
washing-up
success in five
Spiced lamb casserole
SIMPLE 1 Spray a large, flameproof casserole
Serves 4 dish with low-calorie cooking spray FREE FOOD
✱ and place over a high heat. Cook SNACK
Ready in about 1 hour the lamb and shallots for 2-3 Get sweet on
minutes, or until the lamb is sealed Free ‘toffee
Low-calorie cooking spray apple’ – apple
and both are lightly browned (you
500g lean lamb fillet or lean wedges dipped
lamb leg steaks, all visible fat may need to do this in batches).
into a Müllerlight
removed, cut into strips Add the courgettes and cook for
Toffee yogurt,
6 echalion (banana) shallots, halved, 3-4 minutes until starting to soften.
or 2 onions cut into wedges or another Free
2 large courgettes, cut into chunks 2 Stir in the spices, then add the toffee yogurt
peppers and garlic. Reduce the
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
heat to medium and cook for
1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
4-5 minutes, or until the peppers SYN & WIN
are starting to soften. A 23g bag of
1 each of red, orange and yellow peppers,
cut into chunks Nairn’s Cheese
3 Add the stock and cherry tomatoes Snackers
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped and season well. Cover and simmer
(5 Syns)
200ml vegetable stock gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring should keep
400g can cherry tomatoes occasionally, until the veg are tender. you grinning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper Stir through the coriander to serve. through a
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander drizzly day
leaves and stalks Syns per serving: FREE n
SLIMMING WORLD 39
success in five
Friday
Breakfast
Morning energiser: Scramble eggs
and serve on 2 slices of wholemeal
toast from a small 400g loaf (a
Healthy Extra). Top with finely
chopped cherry tomatoes, red onion
and fresh flat-leaf parsley
Lunch
Speedy pasta salad: Toss cooked and
cooled pasta with salad leaves and
a John West Light Lunch Moroccan
Style Salmon Salad (1 Syn)
Dinner
Sweet and sour chicken noodles
(see recipe right)
Total Syns: 2½
Easy as
ordering in
40 SLIMMING WORLD
Sweet and sour chicken noodles
SUPER SIMPLE season well. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes,
Serves 4 then transfer to a plate and set aside. FREE FOOD
Ready in about 30 minutes SNACK
2 Wipe out the pan with kitchen
Sprinkle bite-
4 skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into paper, re-spray with low-calorie size pieces of
bite-size pieces
cooking spray and place over a cauliflower
Low-calorie cooking spray high heat. Stir-fry the onion, pepper,
and butternut
Salt and freshly ground black pepper carrots and sugar snap peas for squash with a
1 large onion, cut into chunks 5-6 minutes. Return the chicken little mild curry
1 red pepper, deseeded and cut to the pan and cook for a further powder, cumin
into chunks 3-4 minutes until piping hot. seeds and black
2 large carrots, cut into matchsticks mustard seeds,
200g sugar snap peas 3 In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp of the
and toss in
reserved pineapple juice with the
227g can pineapple slices in natural juice, lemon juice and
pineapple quartered, juice reserved five-spice, garlic, cornflour, tomato low-calorie
¼ tsp Chinese five-spice powder purée, vinegar, soy sauce and chicken cooking spray.
2 garlic cloves, grated stock. Add the mixture to the pan Roast at 200°C/
and cook for 4-5 minutes over a low
1 level tsp cornflour fan 180°C/gas 6
4 tbsp tomato purée heat until thickened. for 20-25
1 tbsp white wine vinegar 4 Meanwhile, cook the noodles minutes,
4 tbsp light soy sauce according to the packet instructions, turning halfway
200ml chicken stock drain and divide between 4 bowls.
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR
400g dried medium egg noodles Remove the chicken mixture from
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely the heat and stir through the SYN & WIN
PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
chopped, to garnish (optional) pineapple chunks. Divide between Make merry
with a 125ml
the bowls and garnish with the
1 Heat a wok or large frying pan to glass of
chopped chilli, if you like.
hot. Spray the chicken pieces with sparkling wine
low-calorie cooking spray and Syns per serving: 1½ (4½ Syns) – just
the thing to
wrap up a
glittering week
 reader competition

WIN! A luxury
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Spabreaks.com offers a wide range of getaways, including short spa days and weekend stays in the UK,
as well as overseas packages, so make it your first port of call when you want to book a break.

SLIMMING WORLD 41
 The
lighter
side of
Emily Dark
Strutting her stuff in slinky dresses and full of energy for her fast-moving
toddler, Emily Dark’s acing her twenties as a young mum.
Here, she opens up about looking after a newborn, her 16st post-baby
body and the small changes that led to big results

When I was growing up, I thought I could never be slim. My
whole family is tall and well built, and I believed my shapely
figure was as much a part of my genes as my dark hair and
blue eyes. I didn’t give too much thought to the chips we had
with every meal or the chocolate bars I’d snack on throughout
the day. At size 16, I was the biggest in my class; although my
classmates seemed as oblivious to it as I was. I had lots of
friends and no one ever commented
on my extra curves. Being big
was just part of who I was.
It was when I became pregnant at
18 that my weight really changed –
though not in the way you’d expect.
I suffered from extreme morning
sickness, and I couldn’t keep
anything down apart from dry toast
and crackers. I was sick every day
for the whole nine months, so as my
bump grew, the rest of me slimmed
down. My maternity clothes were
a size 14, but I felt too ill and worried
about my baby to be pleased about
my weight loss. I couldn’t wait to
give birth, not just to meet my
daughter, but to feel well again, too.
Becoming a mum turned my world upside down. I adored
Princess Stella from the moment she was put into my arms.
At 6lbs 12oz, she was the most perfect little thing I’d ever seen
and I couldn’t believe the fierce love I felt for her straight
away. Taking care of a newborn was far harder than I’d ever
imagined, though. I’d always loved cooking and baking, but
now, exhausted from the sleepless nights, I started filling up
on quick and easy food. I’d have chocolate for breakfast,
shop-bought baguettes for lunch and ready meals for dinner.
I’d get taxis everywhere, even to my
local shops which were just five
minutes away. My friends were
great, coming round to visit us
during the day – but while they
continued to go out drinking
and dancing every weekend,
I’d be staying in with a few
glasses of wine and a takeaway.
Even when I did try to eat well, I had
no idea what I was doing. I’d cook
jacket potatoes, then pile on butter
and cheese. Or I’d buy jars of pasta
sauces that were full of salt and
sugar. And whatever else I was up to
around the house, I’d find myself in >

42 SLIMMING WORLD
 pram to glam

THEN I’d started to hate

my body. The worse I felt,
though, the more I turned
to food for comfort

NOW At almost 7st lighter,

I feel so differently about
myself. Instead of going to
bed feeling bad, I fall asleep
feeling proud
SNAPSHOT
Emily Dark, 21, lives in
Keynsham, Somerset, with
her 21-month-old daughter,
Princess Stella
Height: 5ft 8ins
Starting weight: 16st
Weight now: 9st 3½lbs

WEIGHT LOSS:
6st 10½lbs
Emily is a member of
Sharon Snook’s Slimming World
group in Keynsham

SLIMMING WORLD 43

EMILY WEARS:
p43: Dress, Ruby Ray.
Shoes, Moda in Pelle.
Cuff, Butterfly
Above: Dress, Virgos
Lounge. Shoes, Little
Mistress. Bangle,
Jon Richard at
Debenhams
front of the fridge, snacking. I wasn’t
even hungry; I was just eating without
thinking. I began to notice the excess
inches around my waist, arms and legs
and became horribly self-conscious.
I didn’t want to look in the mirror and tried to avoid having my
picture taken on the rare occasions I went out. Posting photos
on social media was out of the question. I started to hate my
body. In the daytime, I’d wear long-sleeved tops to cover up. At
night, I’d go to bed and lie staring at the ceiling, feeling bloated
and guilty about the amount I’d eaten. It was a vicious cycle I
couldn’t seem to break – the worse I felt, the more I turned to
food for comfort. I felt so low, I made an appointment with my
GP. When I described how I wasn’t sleeping and how down I
felt, she asked me what exactly was worrying me. I didn’t have
to think about it: my size. Rather than prescribing medication,
she suggested I lose weight to help improve how I felt.
I knew about Slimming World because my nan had lost 2st since
becoming a member. And I’d always loved the magazine, even
before I fell pregnant. So, in November 2014, when Princess
Stella was 10 months old, I finally joined. My first night didn’t go
well. I was devastated to discover I weighed 16st, and I couldn’t
“ My sister in America couldn’t believe her eyes when we met up
44 SLIMMING WORLD
stop crying. And even though my Consultant, Sharon, was
friendly, I couldn’t get caught up in her enthusiasm. As she told
me how exciting my first week would be, all I could think about
was how much I was dreading it. I thought I’d have to give up
chocolate, cheese and lots of the other foods I loved. It would
be a big lifestyle change and I worried I wouldn’t stick to it.
When I got home and read the books, I couldn’t believe how
much food was Free. And when I saw I could have home-made
burgers, I had to check with Nan that I was reading that part
correctly. We went through the plan together and I realised
it was about making small changes to my eating habits,
rather than big ones. I could still have my jacket potatoes –
only with tuna, baked beans and salad instead of tons of
cheese – and I could enjoy tasty pasta sauces that I could
easily make myself. To my amazement, I could still treat
myself to chocolate, as long as I included it in my Syns. In
my first week I lost 4½lbs, and I was delighted.
The results didn’t take long to come. Within the first month,
I’d lost almost a stone and already felt so much better. Instead
of going to bed feeling bad about how much I’d eaten, I’d fall
asleep feeling proud of how healthy I’d been. And I loved the
variety of food I was eating. Before I joined Slimming World,
I assumed I’d have to eat steamed fish and vegetables every
night to lose weight. Instead I was feasting on healthy ‘fry-ups’,
BLT sandwiches, home-made curries and stir-fries. And the
food I ate wasn’t the only thing I changed. I made sure I took
Princess Stella for a walk every day, even if it was
just to the shops to buy fresh fruit and veg.
By March 2015, I’d lost 3st and was down to a size 14.
Everyone I knew told me how good I looked or asked
how I’d lost my ‘mummy tummy’. Even the cashier at
my local bank complimented me. Rather than stopping
there, I decided to keep going to group and following
the plan to see what happened. As the pounds kept
coming off, I decided to set a new target and in eight
months I’ve lost more than 6st. My sister, who lives in
America, couldn’t believe her eyes when we met up this
summer, and I know how she felt. I’m still getting used
to the way I look – and the way I feel.
Far from being stuck inside the house day after day, now I’m
never in! It’s such good fun taking Princess Stella out to the
park or to playgroups. And because I don’t have a car, we still
walk everywhere. I’ve also started running twice a week and HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZ KITCHINER. WITH THANKS TO JJLOCATIONS.COM. SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS
INTERVIEW: SARAH WHITELEY. PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: RACHEL FANCONI
going to Zumba classes with friends. It’s a great way to tone up
and what’s really satisfying is that it’s something I’d never have
done a year ago. I’m full of energy and feel ready to try anything.
Losing weight has changed every part of my life. I wear little
shorts and dresses that show off my arms, and I bought my
first bikini for a family holiday in Croatia earlier this year. My
skin is so much clearer than it used to be. My social life has
improved no end – I love going out with my mates. I even feel
I’m doing a better job as a mum. Princess Stella is nearly two
now and her constant toddling around keeps me on my toes.
I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with her if I was still 16st. I
used to feel like an old woman – now I feel like a girl in her
early twenties really should, and there’s no stopping me! ● “
 advertisement promotion

Bacon and veg

frittata
SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 30 minutes
100g baby spinach
100g runner beans, trimmed
and sliced
100g Brussels sprouts, shredded
6 large British Lion eggs
A large pinch of dried red
chilli flakes
Salt and freshly ground
black pepper
Low-calorie cooking spray
4 rashers back bacon, all visible
fat removed, roughly chopped
100g roasted red peppers in
brine from a jar, drained and

Simply cracking
cut into strips
50g feta, crumbled
A large handful of rocket leaves,
to serve

1 Put the spinach in a colander

and pour over freshly boiled
water. Rinse under cold water
Dinner’s a doddle with eggs – whisk up a Food Optimising feast

and gently squeeze dry with
your hands, then set aside. Boil
the beans and Brussels sprouts
for 2 minutes. Crack the eggs
into a bowl, add the chilli flakes,
season and whisk well.
2 Preheat your grill to medium-
high. Place a 22cm-diameter
frying pan sprayed with low-
calorie cooking spray over a
medium heat and cook the
bacon until it browns. Scatter in
the spinach, beans and sprouts
and pour over the egg. Arrange
the peppers and feta on top.
3 Cook for 8-10 minutes, until
nearly set, then place under the
grill for 3-4 minutes (insert a
knife into the middle – if there
is still some runny egg, grill for
a little longer). Cut into 4 wedges
and serve with the rocket.
Syns per serving: 2
T
here’s no need to shell out SP days – when you want to lose a
on a takeaway when time is little more in a little less time.
tight. With eggs in your fridge, You can’t top eggs for providing
you’re only minutes away from a main meal that’s tasty, simple and
a low-cost, low-Syn family dinner – good for you. Keep it classic with an
such as our scrumptious Bacon and easy-peasy omelette, or cook up a
veg frittata recipe (left). tasty ‘fakeaway’ egg curry or a bowl
A Free Food at Slimming World, of aromatic egg fried rice. Or satisfy
eggs are healthy, natural and rich comfort-food cravings with Slimming
in high-quality protein. And, with World chips topped with a delicious
evidence showing that foods high in egg fried in low-calorie cooking spray.
protein may help to keep you feeling Eggs are so versatile, you’ll never
fuller for longer, they’re great for your be stuck for ideas – you can bake, boil,
weight loss! In fact, they’re an ideal fry, scramble, poach and even pickle on
Protein food to choose on Extra Easy your way to Food Optimising success!
DID YOU KNOW?
● The British Lion mark on eggs means they come from hens vaccinated against
salmonella and have been produced to the highest standards of food safety.
● Eggs are a natural source of many nutrients, including high-quality
protein and vitamins B2, B12 and D, selenium and iodine. They also
contain vitamin A and other B vitamins including folate and choline.

MAKE IT n ● All major UK heart and health advisory bodies have removed the
Leave out the feta and serve with previous limits on egg consumption due to their lack of impact on
extra salad for a tasty SP meal blood cholesterol levels.
that’s fantastic hot or cold For more information and recipe ideas, visit eggrecipes.co.uk

SLIMMING WORLD 45
 Thyme lamb with mash and beans
SIMPLE 1 Boil the celeriac in the stock
Serves 4 for 20-25 minutes, or until
Ready in about 30 minutes

The speed
1 large celeriac, peeled and diced
2 litres hot vegetable stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
tender. Drain, return to the pan
and mash until fairly smooth.
Season and keep warm.
2 Meanwhile, mix together the
garlic, thyme and lemon juice,

of light
2 tsp dried thyme then spoon over the lamb to
Finely grated zest and juice of coat. Season well.
1 unwaxed lemon
3 Place a large griddle or frying
8 lamb leg steaks, all visible
fat removed pan over a high heat until smoking
Frylight Sunflower Oil hot. Spray the lamb with Frylight
400g green beans, trimmed
On your marks, get set, cook! With a Lemon wedges, to serve

bottle of Frylight cooking spray, you’ve

got a shortcut to a slimming-friendly
feast on every night of the week

A
s the evenings draw in and dinner times feel
like a race against the clock, Frylight is your
store-cupboard hero. It helps fry, grill, griddle
or bake your food to perfection. And unlike
cooking oil, it’s completely Free – meaning you can
rustle up mouth-watering Food Optimising meals
without using unnecessary Syns!
Try Frylight in our recipes for Thyme lamb with mash
and beans (right), or Rapid ratatouille with rice (far right),
and discover just how easy it is to dish up a healthy
family meal, all in the space of half an hour or less.
A few sprays of Frylight will save you 6 Syns
compared with a tablespoon of regular cooking oil,
and there’s a variety to suit every dish. Spritz Frylight
Sunflower Oil on your Slimming World chips for a
gloriously golden bite; roast batches of Mediterranean
veg in Frylight Extra Virgin Olive Oil; softly scramble
eggs with Frylight Butter Flavour, or add a hint of the
tropics to stir-fries using new Frylight with Coconut Oil.
Every bottle will earn its place on your shelves, and
because you only need a few sprays to get top cooking
results, it’s great for your wallet, too. As for those Syns
you’ve saved? They could go towards chocolate, wine,
or another of life’s little pleasures – something you can
really savour when you do finally hit the couch…

● Frylight is
available in
most major
supermarkets.
For more
information, visit
frylight.co.uk

46 SLIMMING WORLD
 advertisement promotion

Sunflower Oil and cook for 2-4

minutes on each side, or until
done to your liking. Remove from
the heat, cover and leave to rest.
4 Boil the beans for 3-4 minutes,
drain and toss in a bowl with the
lemon zest. Divide the beans,
celeriac mash and lamb between
4 plates. Add a twist of pepper
and lemon wedges to serve.
Syns per serving: FREE n

Rapid ratatouille with rice

SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
V ✱ (ratatouille only)
Ready in about 20 minutes
Frylight Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 onions, roughly chopped
1 aubergine, cut into bite-size chunks
2 large courgettes, cut into
bite-size chunks
1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded
and cut into bite-size chunks
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
400g can chopped tomatoes
400g passata with onion and garlic
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp sweetener
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
300g dried basmati rice
12 pitted black olives
A small handful of fresh basil leaves
1 Spray a large pan with Frylight Extra
Virgin Olive Oil and place over a
medium-high heat. Add the onions,
aubergine, courgettes, peppers and
garlic and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
2 Add the tomatoes, passata, balsamic
vinegar and sweetener. Season and
stir. Cover tightly, reduce the heat to
low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3 Meanwhile, cook the rice according
to the packet instructions and drain.
4 Remove the ratatouille from the
heat and scatter over the olives.
Add a twist of black pepper, divide
between 4 plates with the rice and
scatter with the basil to serve.
Syns per serving: ½

SLIMMING WORLD 47
Only available in Slimming World groups.
£1.95/€3 for six bars. To find your nearest group
search online for Slimming World
 meet our cover star

Nikki’s slim-for-
life secrets
Target member Nikki McDonnell
has maintained her 3st weight
loss for a fabulous 15 years. We
asked her to share the stick-with-
it tricks that keep her on track

Nikki, 34, is a Slimming World Consultant and

Team Developer, and lives in Leamington Spa,
Warwickshire, with her fiancé Chris. She is
5ft 6ins tall and lost 3st to reach her 9½st target

The thing that shocked me most about gaining weight

was the effect it had on my confidence. I put on 3st in
my first year at university and my self-esteem was so
low, I considered giving up my business studies degree.
Luckily, my mum and auntie had joined Slimming World,
so during the long summer break, I tagged along. By the
time I went back to uni three months later, in September
2000, I was back down to 9½st and wearing slim-fitting,
size-10 jeans – and my confidence was sky-high.
Fifteen years later, I’m still at that target weight. It’s not
always easy, of course, and occasionally old habits creep
”
back in. On days when I’m struggling, I ask myself: ‘What
do I want more? To stay slim and happy, or to go back to
the way I used to be?’. There’s no contest. And if I do slip
up, I’ve learnt the most important thing is not to be
If I do slip up,
hard on myself – I just draw a line underneath it and
go straight back to Food Optimising 100 per cent.
I’ve learnt to
2015 will always be a special year for me – I’m getting
married! My weight loss has given me the courage to do
draw a line
so many new things over the years, including meeting
Chris via social media and going on what was more or
under it and get
back on plan
PHOTOGRAPH: PAUL BULLER. STYLING: LOUISE SYKES. HAIR & MAKE-UP: LIZZIE COURT. NIKKI WEARS:

less a blind date. He proposed on a beautiful bridge in

”
Amsterdam while we were on holiday there – it was
DRESS, FROM A SELECTION BY GODDIVA AT LITTLE BLACK DRESS. SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS

incredibly romantic. Shopping for my dream dress has

been a really emotional experience and I can’t wait to
wear my gorgeous, figure-hugging gown when I take
my vows. Every girl wants to feel like a princess on her
wedding day and I know I absolutely will…
I’ve got such a busy and exciting time ahead, and several
things will be key to staying motivated. Number one is
sharing advice and inspiration in IMAGE Therapy. And
I’m a big Extra Easy SP fan as it’s a great weight-loss tool
in between social events. Taking the time to plan ahead
is also really important – if I’m eating out, I’ll check the
menu online beforehand and then ask for sauces on the
side or for a dish to be cooked without oil. When I’m
ordering drinks, I usually opt for spirits with diet mixers
Gaining 3st at
rather than wine – although, with our wedding coming
university had
up, followed by an all-inclusive honeymoon in Barbados, a huge effect on
my birthday, and then Christmas to celebrate, there’s my self-esteem
bound to be the odd glass of bubbly, too! ●

SLIMMING WORLD 49
 look, cook, eat
Delicious new recipes to boost your kitchen confidence and your weight loss

Ombré
raspberry slice,
recipe p84
PHOTOGRAPH: PHILIP WEBB. RECIPE & FOOD STYLING: SARAH COOK

A slice of heaven...
Look out for these When using low-calorie
symbols on our recipes: cooking spray in our
PROP STYLING: JENNY IGGLEDEN

V Suitable for recipes, choose brands

vegetarians with one calorie or less per
spray as they’re Free. See
✱ Suitable for freezing page 4 for a complete list
n Extra Easy SP recipe of recipes and Syn values.

SLIMMING WORLD 51
 Rush-hour
suppers
With all of the flavour and none of the faff,
these are the recipes you can really rely on in
the frantic run-up to Christmas
Photographs: Gareth Morgans

Beef and Guinness pie,

recipe p54

p-
Hearty pre
ahead pie

52 SLIMMING WORLD
 stress savers

Chea
pasta t’s
sauc ’n’
e

Pappardelle
with lentil ragù,
recipe p54

SLIMMING WORLD 53
Beef and
Guinness pie
Get this ready the day before, then
chill (that means you, too) until needed
SIMPLE
Serves 4
✱ 6 Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan
Ready in about 3 hours 30 minutes,
plus cooling time
50g dried porcini mushrooms
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
700g stewing or braising beef, all visible
fat removed, cut into large chunks
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 onions, sliced
4 celery sticks, thickly sliced
2 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 bay leaves
1 thick strip of orange zest
100ml Guinness
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
250ml hot beef stock
200g chestnut mushrooms, halved
2 level tsp gravy granules
100g cooked and peeled whole chestnuts
2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
400g sliced runner beans, steamed,
to serve
For the topping:
900g floury potatoes, such as Desiree or
King Edward, peeled and diced
100ml hot vegetable stock
1 Preheat your oven to 160°C/
fan 140°C/gas 3. Soak the porcini
mushrooms in 300ml boiling
water for 20 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, season the beef and
spray with low-calorie cooking spray.
Place a large, flameproof casserole
dish over a high heat and brown the
beef all over, in batches if necessary.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3 Drain the porcini mushrooms,
reserving the liquid. Add the onions,
celery and carrots to the casserole
dish and stir-fry over a medium-low
heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic,
bay leaves, orange zest and drained
mushrooms and cook for a few
minutes. Return the beef to the pan
and stir in the Guinness, thyme,
stock and mushroom liquid, then
season and bring to the boil. Stir in
the chestnut mushrooms and gravy
granules, cover and cook in the oven
for 2½ hours, or until tender.
4 For the pie topping, boil the
potatoes for 12-15 minutes, or until
tender. Drain and mash with the
stock. Season and set aside to cool.
5 Remove the casserole from the
oven and discard the bay leaves. Stir
54 SLIMMING WORLD
in the chestnuts and parsley, then
transfer to a pie dish and leave until
cold. Top with the cold mashed
potatoes, fluff up with a fork
and sprinkle with a little freshly
ground black pepper. Cover and
chill until ready to cook.
200°C/gas 7 and bake for 25-30
minutes, or until bubbling and the
top is lightly browned. Divide the pie
between 4 plates and serve with the
runner beans on the side.
Syns per serving: 3
Pappardelle with
lentil ragù
Pre-prepared ingredients make this
toss-it-all-in pasta a cinch
SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
V ✱ (ragù only)
Ready in about 50 minutes
300g ready-prepared chopped onions
1 vegetable stock cube, crumbled
2 tsp frozen chopped garlic
50g frozen chopped basil
2 x 400g cans green lentils in water,
rinsed and drained
400g can cherry tomatoes
4 tbsp tomato purée
500g carton passata with onion and garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
400g dried pappardelle pasta
2 level tbsp finely grated fresh
parmesan, or vegetarian alternative,
to serve
1 Put all the ingredients, except the
pappardelle and the parmesan, in
a pan and bring to the boil. Reduce
the heat and simmer gently for
30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally,
until thickened.
2 Meanwhile, cook the pasta
according to the packet instructions,
then drain well.
3 Remove half the ragù from the
pan. Using a hand blender, whizz
the remainder until smooth. Return
the other half to the pan and mix
well. Divide the pasta and ragù
between 4 bowls and sprinkle ½ level
tbsp parmesan over each to serve.
Syns per serving: ½
 stress savers

Frozen Free meals can be a lifesaver Lamb pasanda

Make double, freeze half, and you’ve
when you get home from your got two ‘takeaway’ nights sorted

late-night Christmas shopping SIMPLE

Serves 4
✱ (curry only)
Ready in about 1 hour, plus cooling
and freezing time
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp finely grated fresh root ginger
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cardamom seeds
1 tsp chilli powder (mild or hot)
700g lamb leg steaks, all visible fat
removed, cut into bite-size pieces
400g can chopped tomatoes
300g passata
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 red, 1 yellow and 1 orange pepper,
Freezer deseeded and cut into bite-size pieces

standby To serve:
200g fat-free natural Greek-style
yogurt, lightly beaten
Finely chopped fresh coriander leaves,
to garnish
375g dried basmati rice, freshly boiled,
to serve

1 Spray a large frying pan with

low-calorie cooking spray and place
over a medium heat. Add the onions,
garlic and ginger and stir-fry for
3-4 minutes until softened. Add
the cumin, ground coriander,
cardamom and chilli powder and
stir-fry for a further minute.
2 Add the lamb and cook for 2-3
minutes, then add the tomatoes,
passata and 200ml water and bring
to the boil. Season, reduce the heat
to a simmer and cook for 15-20
minutes. Stir in the peppers and
cook for a further 12-15 minutes,
or until just tender. Pour into
a freezerproof container and leave
to cool completely before freezing.
3 To serve, defrost thoroughly in the
fridge overnight. Transfer to a pan
and cook over a medium heat until
piping hot, stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat and stir in the
yogurt. Garnish with the coriander
and serve with freshly boiled rice.
Syns per serving: FREE

SLIMMING WORLD 55
Tuna and sweetcorn pasta
A filling meal made just for you – with no awkward measures or leftovers

SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 1
Ready in about 15 minutes
100g dried curly pasta (we used
mafalda corta)
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped or crushed
1 ripe plum tomato, roughly chopped
200g can sweetcorn, drained and rinsed
120g tuna in spring water, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chopped fresh dill, to garnish
A baby-leaf salad, to serve
1 Cook the pasta according to the
packet instructions, then drain well,
reserving 1-2 tbsp cooking water.
2 Meanwhile, spray a frying pan with
low-calorie cooking spray and place
over a medium heat. Add the spring
onions, chilli and garlic and stir-fry
for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato and
sweetcorn and fry for 2-3 minutes.
Flake in the tuna, stir and cook for
a further 2-3 minutes.
3 Add the pasta to the pan with the
reserved cooking water and toss
to combine. Season, garnish with
chopped dill and serve with the
baby-leaf salad on the side.
Syns per serving: FREE
Mea
for l
one

A go-to dinner made

from ingredients you can
grab on the way home

56 SLIMMING WORLD

Pork stir-fry
This veg-packed sizzler is on the table in 20 – perfect when you (and your weight loss!) are in a hurry
SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 20 minutes
1 tbsp lime juice, plus wedges to serve
100ml oyster sauce
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
Low-calorie cooking spray
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
500g pork fillet, all visible fat
removed, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp finely grated fresh root ginger
1 red onion, cut into chunks
ee
Super sp
100g Chinese cabbage or pak choi,
roughly shredded
200g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
200g mangetout, thinly sliced
lengthways
100ml chicken or vegetable stock
1 spring onion, finely sliced, to garnish
1 Mix together the lime juice, oyster
sauce, five-spice and half the soy
sauce and set aside.
2 Spray a large wok or frying pan
with low-calorie cooking spray and
place over a high heat. Season the
pork, toss in the remaining soy sauce
stress savers
dy
and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Remove
from the pan and set aside.
3 Add the garlic, ginger, onion,
cabbage or pak choi, mushrooms,
mangetout and stock to the pan and
stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Return the
meat to the pan with the oyster sauce
mixture and stir-fry for a further
3 minutes, or until the sauce has
thickened and the meat is cooked.
Garnish with the spring onion and
serve with lime wedges.
Syns per serving: FREE n
SLIMMING WORLD 57

Black bean chipotle chilli
Raid your cupboards and freezer for smoky veggie chilli at the drop of a hat
SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
V ✱ (chilli only)
Ready in about 40 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sweet smoked paprika, plus
extra to garnish
2 level tsp Bart Smokey Chipotle Rub
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1 tsp red wine vinegar
200g roasted red peppers in brine from
a jar, drained and roughly chopped
150g frozen sweetcorn
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
350g dried long-grain rice
2 x 400g cans black beans, drained
and rinsed
4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
Fat-free natural fromage frais, to serve
58 SLIMMING WORLD
Stor
cupb e-
oa
savio rd
ur
1 Spray a large frying pan with GIVE IT
low-calorie cooking spray and place A TWIST
over a medium heat. Stir-fry the onion Swap the black
beans for your
for 5-6 minutes, or until just softened.
favourite
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1
canned pulses,
minute. Add the spices, chipotle rub,
such as kidney,
chopped tomatoes, red wine vinegar,
cannellini or
roasted red peppers and sweetcorn. mixed beans
Season, bring to the boil, then cover
and simmer for 20 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, cook the rice according
to the packet instructions. Drain well.
3 Add the black beans to the chilli.
Simmer for 5 minutes, uncovered,
then remove from the heat and stir
in half the coriander. Divide the
rice and chilli between 4 bowls and
top with a dollop of fromage frais
sprinkled with paprika. Garnish with
the remaining coriander and serve.
Syns per serving: ½
 stress savers

Scrumptious supper
in two simple steps.
There’s even time to
wrap a few pressies
while it’s in the oven

ve
Take fi ts...
ien
ingred

Cheesy potato
and ham bake
Shorten your shopping list with
an easy-make family bake

SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 1 hour
700g potatoes, peeled and cubed
650g baby leeks, thickly sliced
500g ham, all visible fat removed,
roughly chopped
4 medium eggs, lightly beaten
120g Red Leicester, grated
From your store cupboard:
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan

180°C/gas 6. Boil the potatoes in a
large pan for 10-12 minutes, adding
the leeks for the final 2 minutes.
Drain well and transfer to a baking
dish. Add the ham and toss well.
2 Season the egg and pour over the
potato mixture. Scatter over the
cheese and sprinkle on a little more
freshly ground black pepper. Bake for
35-40 minutes, or until golden and
set. Divide between 4 plates to serve.
Syns per serving: FREE*
*Add 6 Syns if not using the Red Leicester
as a Healthy Extra

COOK’S NOTE
This dish is great for using up any
leftover cooked veggies – just add
them to the baking dish in step 1

SLIMMING WORLD 59
stress savers
Chicken and pearl barley casserole
What’s so wonderful about one-pots? Minimal washing up!
SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
✱ 1 bay leaf
Ready in about 1 hour
2 large onions, each cut into 6 wedges
3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
3 celery sticks, cut into chunks
200g swede or butternut squash, peeled,
deseeded and cut into chunks
1.5 litres hot chicken stock
8 large skinless chicken thighs, all
visible fat removed
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 leeks, thickly sliced
60 SLIMMING WORLD
100g dried pearl barley
10 peppercorns
2 tsp dried mixed herbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley,
to garnish
1 Put all the ingredients, except
the parsley, in a flameproof
casserole dish and bring to the boil.
Cover, reduce the heat to low and
cook gently for 45-50 minutes,
stirring occasionally.
2 Remove the chicken using a slotted
spoon and roughly shred the flesh,
discarding the bones. Return the
chicken to the casserole and cook for
a further 5-6 minutes, or until piping
hot. Garnish with the parsley and
remove the bay leaf to serve.
Syns per serving: FREE
One
-
won pot
der
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR. PROP STYLING: LIZ BELTON

Win a spa break
…at Careys Manor Hotel &
SenSpa in the New Forest
Get ready to retreat, relax and
recharge! Our lucky winner and their
guest will enjoy a two-night break
at this elegant country-house hotel
nestled within the unspoilt beauty
of the New Forest National Park,
Hampshire. Located on the edge of
the village of Brockenhurst, it’s the
perfect base for exploring – or simply
enjoying the hotel’s warm, welcoming
service, locally sourced food and
Thai-influenced spa facilities. All
in all, a truly pampering prize!
PRIZE DETAILS
● Two nights’ accommodation for two
sharing an Oakwood Garden Room ● New
Forest breakfast each morning, two-course
lunch in the Zen Garden restaurant on two
days, and dinner allowance of £40 each
in any of the hotel’s three restaurants on
both evenings ● Selected soft drinks
● Two 60-minute massages or facials each
● A SenSpa product gift pack ● A mind and
body class each on two days ● Full use of
the spa facilities including ozone pool, herbal
sauna, crystal steam room and gymnasium
For more information about Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa,
visit careysmanor.com. Prize to be taken Sunday-Thursday
only. Prize is subject to availability and restrictions apply.
The competition is open to UK and RoI residents aged
18 or over; guest must be 16 or over.
No purchase necessary. For full competition
terms and conditions, see p122.
HOW TO ENTER
For your chance to win, answer the following question:
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa is located in which UK national park?
Then complete the following sentence in no more than 15 words:
I’d love to win a break at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa because…
reader competition
worth £1,000
READER
OFFER!
Enjoy a free room upgrade
and bottle of bubbly at Careys Manor
Take a one-night Zen Spa Escape Break for
two by 30 April 2016 and receive 18 per cent
more for your money! Pay from £175 per
person and get a free upgrade to an Oakwood
Garden Room, plus a bottle of Champagne.
Also includes a two-course lunch in the
Zen Garden restaurant; dinner allowance of
£40 each in any of the three restaurants; a
New Forest breakfast; a mind and body class
each; full use of the spa facilities, and 20 per
cent off pre-booked 60-minute facials and
massages. Offer is subject to availability;
restrictions apply. A single supplement applies.
Guests must be aged 18 or over. To book, call
01590 624 467 and quote Slimming World.
For full offer terms and conditions, see p122.
Name
Address
Postcode
Email Daytime tel
Send your competition entry to Careys Manor Hotel &
SenSpa Competition, Slimming World magazine, Clover Nook
Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW, to arrive no later than
17 December 2015.
DATA PROTECTION By entering this competition, all entrants consent to the use of their personal
data by the data controller for the purpose of the administration of this competition. Data controller:
Slimming World magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW. The winner’s name,
county and slogan will be published in the May/June 2016 issue of Slimming World magazine.
SLIMMING WORLD 61
 best–loved
new
recip

extra easy recipes

book
e

In this essential cookbook we’ve rounded up our greatest recipes

and made them more stunning and delicious than ever before.

The best just go t even better!

get your copy today!

Just £5.99/€ 8.99 to Slimming World
members in group, and if you’re a
member of Slimming World Online you
can buy it through the online bookshop.
 simply veg

Cheesy root gratin

Winter veg comes alive in this comforting bake – go tasty side or all-star main

SIMPLE 1 Preheat your oven to 190°C/fan then spoon into a deep baking dish,
Serves 4 170°C/gas 5. Whizz the bread in a food pressing the mixture down with the
V processor to make fine crumbs. back of a spoon.
Ready in about 1 hour
2 Boil the carrots, swede, potatoes 4 Pour over the stock and scatter with
1 slice of day-old wholemeal bread and parsnip for 2-3 minutes. Drain well the breadcrumbs and cheese. Bake
from a small 400g loaf, crusts removed, and stir through the chopped herbs. for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbling
roughly torn into chunks
3 Spray a large frying pan with and golden (cover with foil if it starts
3 carrots, peeled and cut into thin batons
low-calorie cooking spray and place to brown too much). Divide between
1 swede, peeled and cut into thin batons
over a medium heat. Add the leeks 4 plates to serve.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut
into thin batons and garlic and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Syns per serving: ½*
1 parsnip, peeled and cut into thin batons Stir in the root veg and cook gently for *Add 6 Syns if not using the cheese as
1 tbsp each of very finely chopped fresh a further 2-3 minutes. Season well, a Healthy Extra
chives and flat-leaf parsley
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 leeks, very thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
300ml vegetable stock
120g Cheddar or Red Leicester, grated

Hearty
and
healthy
PHOTOGRAPH: WILL HEAP. RECIPE & FOOD STYLING: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR

SLIMMING WORLD 63
Curry
night
Make your own blowout biryani with a spicy side,
pickle and chutney for only 1½ Syns! Who needs a
takeout when home-made is this good?
Photograph: Adrian Lawrence
Prawn biryani
SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 50 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp medium curry powder
275g dried basmati rice
2 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
6 cardamom pods,
lightly crushed
4 cloves
600g large raw prawns,
peeled with the tails left on
600ml hot vegetable or
chicken stock
100g frozen peas
Juice of 1 lemon
1 level tbsp toasted
flaked almonds
Fresh coriander leaves,
to garnish
64 SLIMMING WORLD
1 Spray a heavy-based pan with
low-calorie cooking spray and place
over a medium heat. Cook the onion
for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden,
adding a splash of water if needed.
Stir in the garlic and curry powder
and cook for 30 seconds.
2 Add the rice, bay leaves, cinnamon
sticks, cardamom pods, cloves,
prawns and stock and bring to
a simmer. Cover with foil, followed
by a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat
to low and cook for 12-15 minutes.
3 Uncover, stir through the peas,
then re-cover tightly with the foil
and lid. Cook for a further 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and leave to
stand, covered, for 10-12 minutes. Stir
in the lemon juice and scatter over
the flaked almonds and coriander.
Discard the bay leaves, cinnamon
sticks and cloves before serving with
the beans, pickle and chutney.
Syns per serving: 1
 DIY delicious

Kidney-bean rajma
SIMPLE 1 Spray a frying pan with low-calorie
Serves 4 cooking spray and place over a
V ✱ medium heat. Add the cumin seeds
Ready in about 25 minutes and stir-fry for a few seconds. Add
Low-calorie cooking spray the onion, ginger, garlic, chillies,
2 tsp cumin seeds tomatoes and remaining spices and
1 onion, finely chopped
stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
2 tsp finely grated fresh 2 Add the beans, salt and 300ml
root ginger warm water. Turn the heat to high
1 garlic clove, crushed and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring
2 green chillies, deseeded often, until thickened. Drizzle over
and finely chopped
the fromage frais and garnish with
2 large tomatoes,
roughly chopped
the coriander to serve.
2 tsp ground coriander Syns per serving: FREE
1 tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
2 x 400g cans red kidney
beans, drained and rinsed
A pinch of salt
100g fat-free natural
fromage frais
3 tbsp chopped fresh
coriander, to garnish

Cucumber and carrot pickle

SUPER SIMPLE 1 Spray a frying pan with low-calorie
Serves 4 cooking spray and place over
V a medium heat. Add the spices and
Ready in about 35 minutes stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Remove from
Low-calorie cooking spray the heat and stir in the cucumber
2 tsp black mustard seeds and carrots. Mix in the remaining
1 tsp cumin seeds
ingredients and leave to pickle for
1 tsp dried red chilli flakes
at least 30 minutes before serving.
1 cucumber, halved Syns per serving: FREE n
lengthways, deseeded and
cut into julienne strips
6 baby carrots, peeled and
cut into julienne strips
A pinch of salt
6 tbsp cider vinegar
¼ tsp sweetener

Coriander and coconut chutney

SUPER SIMPLE 1 Place a frying pan over a high heat.
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR. PROP STYLING: ROSIE HOPPER

Serves 4 Cook the cumin seeds for 1 minute,

V shaking constantly, until slightly
Ready in about 10 minutes darkened and toasted.
1 tsp cumin seeds 2 Tip the seeds into a food processor
50g each of fresh coriander with the remaining ingredients and
and fresh mint leaves, blend until fairly smooth. Chill until
roughly chopped
ready to serve.
2 green chillies, deseeded
and chopped
Syns per serving: ½
4 garlic cloves, crushed
¼ tsp sweetener
Juice of 2 limes
1 level tbsp coconut cream
200g fat-free natural
Greek-style yogurt
A pinch of salt

SLIMMING WORLD 65
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 bowled over

Soup-er
heroes
Need a little wintry-day rescue? Cosy up to a heart-warming
helping of home-made soup. Happy spooning!
Photographs: Will Heap

Pea and ham soup,

recipe p68

SLIMMING WORLD 67
Pea and Italian meatball soup
ham soup A low-Syn soup with pasta, cheese and mighty meatballs – salute!

Top this soup with a soft-poached SIMPLE 1 For the meatballs, spray a frying
egg for the ultimate chill-beater Serves 4 pan with low-calorie cooking spray
Ready in about 1 hour and place over a medium heat. Cook
SIMPLE
Serves 4 400g can cannellini beans, the onion for 2-3 minutes until
✱ (without the eggs) drained and rinsed softened, then set aside to cool. Put
Ready in about 2 hours 1 litre vegetable stock the mince, cooled onion and parsley
1 onion, finely chopped in a bowl and season well. Using
1 onion, quartered your hands, mix well and shape into
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 24 small walnut-size meatballs.
large chunks 1 small red chilli, deseeded and
finely chopped
1 celery stick, cut into large chunks 2 Re-spray the pan with low-calorie
1 celery stick, finely diced
10 black peppercorns cooking spray and place over a
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
2 sprigs of fresh thyme medium heat. Cook the meatballs
1 tbsp tomato purée
A few sprigs of fresh curly parsley for 6-8 minutes until browned all
300g dried small pasta shapes over, then remove from the pan with
2 bay leaves
Fresh basil leaves, to garnish a slotted spoon and set aside.
1 ham hock or 400g gammon, all
visible fat removed 2 level tbsp finely grated fresh
parmesan, to serve 3 Whizz the cannellini beans and
1 large floury potato, such as Desiree 250ml vegetable stock in a food
or King Edward, peeled and diced For the meatballs:
processor until smooth.
640g frozen peas Low-calorie cooking spray
4 large eggs 1 onion, finely chopped 4 Spray a large pan with low-calorie
Freshly ground black pepper 400g lean beef mince (5% fat or less) cooking spray and place over a
2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley medium heat. Add the onion, garlic,
1 Put the onion, carrot, celery, Salt and freshly ground black pepper chilli, celery and carrot and cook for
peppercorns and herbs in a deep pan. 4-5 minutes. Cover, reduce the heat
Add the ham hock or gammon and
enough water to cover fully. Bring to
the boil, then reduce the heat, cover
and simmer for 1½ hours, or until the
meat is really tender. Remove the
meat with a slotted spoon and set
aside to cool completely.
2 Drain the cooking liquid into
a bowl, discarding the veg and herbs.
Put 700ml of the liquid in a clean
pan (keep the remainder in case you
want to adjust the thickness later),
then add the potato and cook for 5-6
minutes, or until tender. Remove the
potato with a slotted spoon and set
aside. Add the frozen peas to the
pan, bring to a simmer and cook for
2 minutes. Turn off the heat, whizz
with a hand blender until smooth,
then return the potato to the soup.
3 Flake or shred the meat, then add
two thirds to the soup and reheat,
without letting it boil. Poach the
eggs in simmering water to your
liking. To serve, divide the soup
between 4 bowls and top each with
a quarter of the remaining ham or
gammon, a poached egg and a twist
of black pepper.
Syns per serving: FREE

68 SLIMMING WORLD
 bowled over

to low and cook for a further

5 minutes. Add the tomato purée,
bean purée and the remaining
vegetable stock, then bring to
a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5 Stir in the pasta and cook for 8-10
minutes, or until just soft. Add the
meatballs, cook for a couple of
minutes to heat through, then divide
the soup between 4 bowls. Season,
garnish with basil and top each bowl
with a quarter of the parmesan.
Syns per serving: ½

COOK’S NOTE
Some types of pasta absorb more
liquid than others, so you may want
to add a little extra stock if you find
the soup slightly on the thick side

Smoked haddock chowder

A rich-tasting meal in a bowl that’s perfect during the Christmas rush

SIMPLE 2-3 minutes until softened, then add

Serves 4
Ready in about 55 minutes
500g butternut squash, peeled,
deseeded and cubed
300g floury potatoes, such as Desiree
or King Edward, peeled and cubed
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 onion, finely chopped
450g skinless and boneless undyed
smoked haddock fillets
2 bay leaves
250ml skimmed milk
150g baby spinach
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
1 Boil the squash for 15-20 minutes
until tender. Drain and set aside.
2 Meanwhile, boil the potatoes for
10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and
set aside with the squash.
3 Spray a pan with low-calorie
cooking spray and place over
a medium heat. Cook the onion for
the haddock and 550ml water just
to cover. Add the bay leaves, bring
to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Leave to cool for 10 minutes, then
remove the fish using a slotted
spoon and set the cooking liquid
aside, discarding the bay leaves.
4 Press the potatoes through a sieve
into a large pan, then whisk in the
reserved cooking liquid and the milk.
Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Flake the fish into large pieces and
add to the pan with the squash and
spinach. Stir until the spinach is just
wilted, season and serve garnished
with the chives.
Syns per serving: 1
GET AHEAD
Follow the recipe as described,
leaving out the spinach. When you’re
ready to serve, gently reheat until
nearly boiling, then stir in the spinach,
season and garnish with chives

SLIMMING WORLD 69

Chicken and roast veg soup with pistou
A delicious way to use up leftover chicken – and well worth faking a cold for!
SIMPLE
Serves 4
✱ Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Ready in about 1 hour 15 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 large red onion, cut into thin wedges
3 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 medium swede, peeled and cut
into chunks
2 floury potatoes, such as Desiree or
King Edward, peeled and cut into chunks
2 leeks, thickly sliced
A few sprigs of fresh thyme
1 garlic bulb, broken into cloves, unpeeled
1.2 litres vegetable or chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Leftover skinless roast chicken, shredded
For the pistou:
1 garlic clove, crushed
A pinch of salt
2 small packs of fresh basil leaves
½ tbsp olive oil
1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan
180°C/gas 6. Spray a large roasting
tin with low-calorie cooking spray.
Add all the vegetables, the thyme
and garlic cloves and toss well. Roast
70 SLIMMING WORLD
for 45 minutes, tossing once, until
tender and slightly charred.
2 Meanwhile, put all the pistou
ingredients in a food processor with
5 tbsp water and whizz into a smooth
paste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3 Discard the thyme from the
roasted veg. Squeeze the garlic
cloves from their skins into the food
processor, add half the veg with the
stock (it’s fine if there’s still some
pistou in there, too) and whizz until
almost smooth. Tip into a pan with
the remaining veg, bring to a simmer
and season well. Divide between 4
bowls, drizzle a quarter of the pistou
over each and top with shredded
roast chicken and black pepper.
Syns per serving: 1
COOK’S NOTE
Pistou is a French version of Italian
pesto, made without the pine nuts
Spiced carrot and
red lentil soup
With warming chilli and cumin, this
classic soup is central eating
SIMPLE
Serves 4
V ✱ (at the end of step 3)
Ready in about 35 minutes
2 tsp cumin seeds
A pinch of dried red chilli flakes
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 red onion, finely chopped
650g carrots, peeled and cubed
140g dried red split lentils
1.2 litres vegetable stock
A small packet of fresh coriander,
chopped, reserving some to garnish
2 tbsp quark thinned with a little
water, to garnish
1 Dry-fry the cumin seeds and chilli
flakes over a high heat for a few
minutes until fragrant. Tip into a bowl.
2 Spray a pan with low-calorie cooking
spray and place over a medium heat.
Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes until
softened. Add two-thirds of the
cumin and chilli, and the carrots,
lentils and stock. Cook for 15-20
minutes, then drain through a large
sieve, reserving the cooking liquid.
3 Put half the carrots and lentils back
in the pan with the reserved liquid
and blend until smooth using a hand
blender. Add the remaining carrots
and lentils, and stir in the chopped
coriander over a medium heat.
4 Season and serve in mugs or
bowls, drizzled with the quark and
garnished with the remaining cumin,
chilli and coriander.
Syns per serving: FREE n

Beetroot soup with sausage and wilted greens
Crumbling over fried sausage meat makes this slightly sweet ’n’ spicy soup even more special
SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 1 hour 30 minutes
Low-calorie cooking spray
500g fresh beetroots, trimmed,
scrubbed and cubed
1 small celeriac, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery sticks, diced
2 dessert apples, such as Cox’s,
cored and diced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp paprika
A large pinch of dried red chilli flakes
1 litre vegetable stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Slimming World frozen Syn-free
Pork Sausages, thawed, skins removed
and discarded
1½ tsp caraway seeds
75g kale, chopped
RECIPES: MATTHEW DRENNAN. FOOD STYLING: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR
PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR
1 Spray a large pan with low-calorie
cooking spray and place over a low
heat. Add the beetroots, celeriac,
onion, celery, apples, garlic and
a splash of water. Cover and cook
for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally,
until the onion is soft. Add the
paprika and chilli, cook for a further
2 minutes, then add the stock.
2 Bring to the boil, then simmer for
50 minutes, half covered, until the
beetroots are tender. Turn off the
heat and scoop half the veg into a
bowl with a slotted spoon. Using
a hand blender, whizz the remainder
until almost smooth, and season.
Return the veg chunks to the pan.
bowled over
3 Spray a frying pan with low-calorie
cooking spray and place over a
medium heat. Crumble in the
sausage meat and stir-fry until
golden. Add the caraway seeds and
cook for a further 30 seconds.
Remove from the heat.
4 Reheat the soup over a medium
heat, adding the kale and letting
it wilt for 5-6 minutes. Divide the
soup between 4 bowls and top with
the crumbled sausage meat.
Syns per serving: 2
COOK’S NOTE
Leave out the sausage meat for
a delicious vegetarian soup
SLIMMING WORLD 71
 Dinner?
Done!
Satisfying comfort food that’s ready when
you need it – now there’s even more on the
menu when slimmers go to Iceland!
W
ith the evenings getting
nippier, there’s no better
time to fire up your winter
slimming resolve and
make lots of hot, home-cooked Food
Optimising meals. Some nights, though –
when the kids have colds, you’ve had
a full-on day at work or rush-hour traffic
means you’re late home – even the
best-laid plans can fall by the wayside,
and it feels like there’s nothing to turn
to but a high-Syn takeaway.
That’s why, over the last few
months, we’ve done some more prep
work for you. Together with frozen-food
innovator Iceland, we’ve come up
with seven new tempting Free Food
meals to keep in your freezer, so when
life gets in the way there’s a delicious
choice to suit everyone.
Warm up your evenings with
Beef & three-bean chilli con carne,
Cottage pie, Bolognese ragu, Three-
bean & roasted veg chilli, Chicken
saag, Beef chana saag, or Chicken &
Mediterranean vegetable pasta – all in
stores now and just the ticket to keep
72 SLIMMING WORLD
you slimming through the
busiest of times.
Each Slimming World
meal is a generous serving
for one, or can be shared
by two. Pop it in the oven
or microwave, and serve with still gaining confidence in the kitchen,
a third of a plate of your favourite add our brand-new Chunky tomato and
Speed Free Food to keep on track with Spicy tikka masala frozen sauces to your
your weight-loss goals. Oh, and stash shopping list as well. They’re super-
the sleeve somewhere safe ready to helpful if you’re new to cooking – or on
pick up when life settles down – we’ve a hectic day when you want to serve up
given away our recipe on the packaging, a show-stopping curry, or a tasty fish or
so you can recreate your favourites pasta dish, in double-quick time!
whenever you want, using fresh
ingredients cooked from scratch. ● The range of Slimming World frozen
Talking of fresh ingredients – is meals and products is available exclusively
there anything better than a hearty soup at Iceland. Smaller Iceland stores may not
to recharge the soul? We think not, sell the full range – please contact your local
store for details. Meals, burgers, sausages
which is why we’ve also launched four
and meatballs are priced at £3; soups and
Syn-free frozen soups – fragrant Carrot
sauces are priced at £1.50 for a 500g pot
& coriander, herby Pea & mint, warming and a 350g pot respectively.
Spicy lentil and classic Tomato & basil.
With no measuring or counting Healthy
Extras required, they’re not just perfect
lunchtime warmers, they’re great no-prep
dinner-party starters, too. And if you’re
 Slimming World promotion

Our range of
Syn-free frozen
food is even
bigger

FILL YOUR FREEZER

WITH A FEW STANDBY
FAVOURITES

Speedy sauces
Chunky tomato V
Spicy tikka masala V

Satisfying soups
Carrot & coriander V
Pea & mint V
Spicy lentil V
Tomato & basil V

Meaty eats
Beef & pork meatballs
Beef quarter pounders
Mediterranean-style chicken sausages
Pork sausages

Mouth-watering mains
Beef & three-bean chilli con carne
Beef chana saag
Beef in red onion gravy with veg crush
Bolognese ragu
Chicken & Mediterranean vegetable pasta
Chicken pizzaiola
Chicken saag
Chicken tikka masala
Cottage pie
Hot-smoked salmon farfalle
Meatballs & pasta with a
spicy tomato sauce
Roasted vegetable pasta V
Singapore noodles
Sweet potato curry V
Three-bean & roasted veg chilli V

V Suitable for vegetarians

SLIMMING WORLD 73
 become a Slimming World
Consultant – a uniquely
rewarding role

Being a Slimming World

Consultant offers:
An excellent income and flexible hours
that fit around family life. On average,
Consultants earn between £100 and
£400 ( 200 and 600) for working
10 to 20 flexible hours a week*.
Encouragement, help and support, along
S with expert training at the Slimming World
at limm Academy, as you continue your journey with
M

t,
Lis ing us and transform the lives of people in
a W
o
an , Ca rld C your community.
d the on
Ge ri su
ne ne, C ltants If you’re a successful member on your way
vie aro – to target and you’d love to share with others the
ve le
support, motivation and success you’ve experienced
as a member, we’d love to hear from you.
*Consultants invest in a Slimming World franchise.
Quoted earnings are commission levels based on group size.

Call Penny today on 0844 892 0434 (01 656 9600 from ROI)
or email: penny@slimmingworld.co.uk

As well as being inspirational, warm, caring and compassionate, our

Consultants all have another thing in common: they’ve been there –
they’ve experienced the problems of being overweight, the joys of seeing
the pounds disappear and their life transform. Now they’re dedicated to
helping others achieve the same amazing success!

scan this, or visit

slimmingworld.co.uk/careers
for more information about the exciting
opportunities available with Slimming World
 easy does it

Kedgeree
Traditionally a breakfast fave, this smoky, spicy fish-and-rice dish makes a super supper, too

SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 1 hour
2 Add 1 tsp each of ground
cumin, coriander and turmeric,
2 tsp curry powder and 1 cinnamon
3 Add 300g easy-cook
long-grain rice and stir
well. Add 600ml water and
Syns per serving: FREE stick. Season with salt, then stir-fry bring to the boil. Reduce to
for 2-3 minutes until aromatic. a simmer, then cover tightly
1 Spray a large pan with
low-calorie cooking spray
and place over a medium heat.
and cook for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and
leave to stand, covered, for
Stir-fry 1 finely chopped onion
10-12 minutes.
for 5 minutes until softened.

4 Meanwhile, put 350g skinless and

boneless smoked haddock and 2
bay leaves in a frying pan, cover with
5 Remove the haddock from
the pan with a slotted
spoon and flake into large
6 Put 4 large
eggs in a pan
of water and
350ml water and poach for 10 minutes pieces. Set aside. bring to the boil.
until the haddock starts to flake. Reduce to a
simmer, cook for
5-6 minutes, then
drain. Plunge
the eggs into
cold water,
then peel
and quarter.

7 Finely chop fresh flat-

leaf parsley and fresh
coriander leaves to give
8 Discard the
cinnamon
stick. Serve
1 tbsp of each. Gently with lemon
RECIPE: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR. ILLUSTRATIONS: FELICITA SALA

stir into the rice with wedges and

the haddock and eggs. your favourite
Speed veg.

SLIMMING WORLD 75
 It’s a cracker!
Here’s how to pull off a simple, stress-free Christmas dinner for four in just over an hour
Photographs: Lara Holmes
3 courses
Deluxe prawn for only
6½ Syns!
cocktail
SUPER SIMPLE
Serves 4
Ready in about 15 minutes
6 level tbsp extra-light mayonnaise
2 level tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 level tsp creamed horseradish
A few drops of Tabasco sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
500g cooked and peeled king prawns
1 little gem lettuce, leaves separated
1 tsp smoked paprika, to garnish
Sprigs of fresh dill, to garnish
Lime wedges, to serve

1 Mix together the mayonnaise,

ketchup, Worcestershire sauce,
horseradish, Tabasco and lemon
juice in a large bowl. Season and
stir in the prawns.
2 Divide the lettuce leaves
between 4 cocktail or dessert
glasses and spoon in the prawns.
3 Sprinkle each with a little paprika
and garnish with the dill. Serve with
lime wedges for squeezing over.
Syns per serving: 2½

76 SLIMMING WORLD
 good timings

Turkey dinner
at the double
SIMPLE
Serves 4
✱
Ready in about 50 minutes
1kg baby new potatoes
Low-calorie cooking spray
300g ready-prepared chopped
butternut squash
4 large parsnips, peeled and
cut into chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp dried mixed herbs
8 turkey breast steaks
4 Slimming World frozen Syn-free
Pork Sausages
4 back bacon rashers, all visible
fat removed
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf
parsley, to garnish

1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/

fan 180°C/gas 6. Boil the potatoes
for 8-10 minutes, or until just starting
to soften. Drain well and tip into
a roasting tin sprayed with low-
calorie cooking spray.
2 Meanwhile, boil the squash and
parsnips for 8-10 minutes, or until
just soft. Drain well and put into
another roasting tin sprayed with
low-calorie cooking spray.
3 Sprinkle the vegetables with salt
Cherry Christmas trifles
and the mixed herbs, and roast for SIMPLE 1 Put the thawed cherries,
10 minutes. Season the turkey steaks, Serves 4 sweetener, brandy or kirsch and
spray with low-calorie cooking spray V conserve in a bowl and stir well.
and place on top of the veg. Roast Ready in about 15 minutes
2 Divide three-quarters of the
for a further 20 minutes. 200g frozen cherries, thawed crushed amaretti biscuits between
4 Preheat your grill to medium- ½ tsp sweetener 4 dessert glasses. Top each with
high. Wrap the sausages in the 2 tsp cherry brandy or kirsch a quarter of the cherry mixture,
bacon and grill for 15 minutes,
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR

1 level tbsp cherry conserve followed by a quarter of the custard

or until cooked through, turning
them occasionally.
5 Divide the turkey steaks, pigs
in blankets and roast vegetables
between 4 plates and garnish with
the parsley. Serve with gravy (see
the cook’s note below), if you like.
2 soft amaretti biscuits, crushed
200g ready-made low-fat custard
4 tbsp fat-free natural fromage frais,
sweetened with sweetener to taste
Fresh cherries (or thawed frozen
cherries), to decorate
and a dollop of fromage frais.
3 Divide the remaining crushed
biscuits evenly over each trifle.
Decorate with fresh cherries and
chill until ready to serve.
Syns per serving: 4

Syns per serving: FREE

IF YOU LIKE THESE RECIPES...
COOK’S NOTE ...pick up A Slimming World Christmas. You’ll get
If you’d like gravy with your dinner, a free copy when you buy a 12-week Countdown
make up some gravy granules course up to 31 October, or it’s on sale in Slimming
according to the packet instructions.
World groups from 2 November, price £4.95 (€7.95).
Use 1 level tsp of dried granules per
person and add 1 Syn per serving

SLIMMING WORLD 77
 Food news
Shop yourself slimmer with these savvy low-Syn finds and speedy meal ideas
GO POTTY
Lunch doesn’t get easier than
these Syn-counted heat-and-eat
options. Merchant Gourmet
Quinoa Snack Pot Vegetable
Ragu is 3½ Syns per 210g tub
and costs £2.29 from all major
supermarkets. Soulful One Pot
Butternut, Lentil & Spinach
Hotpot is 3 Syns per 380g chilled
tub and costs £3.49 from Ocado.
Or for an Asian-style pot, try
Bol Thai Tom Yum at 2½ Syns
per 380g chilled tub and £3.30
from Ocado and Sainsbury’s.
What’s new
Hook yourself a low-Syn dinner with Young’s
Gastro 2 Prime Cod Loins with a Sundried
Tomato & Roasted Garlic Sauce (1½ Syns
per half 270g pack), 2 Prime Cod
Loins with a Sicilian Lemon &
Herb Sauce (1 Syn per half
270g pack), or 2 Wild Alaskan
Salmon Fillets with a Sweet
Chilli & Ginger Sauce (2 Syns
per half 270g pack). Each chilled
pack costs £4 from Asda and
selected supermarkets.
78 SLIMMING WORLD
Free & fab…
TURKEY TIKKA
SKEWERS
Give turkey a spicy kick
with our Indian-inspired
finger food – perfect
for entertaining, these
skewers are tasty, easy
and Free! Makes 12.
In a large bowl, mix 200g
fat-free natural yogurt
with 3 tbsp tikka curry
powder, 3 finely grated the fridge for 20 minutes, side, or until lightly charred
garlic cloves, a peeled and or overnight if you can. and the turkey is cooked
grated 3cm piece of fresh When ready to eat, preheat through. Arrange on a large
root ginger and the juice your grill to medium-high plate, scatter over chopped
of 2 limes. Season with and halve and deseed 2 fresh coriander leaves and
salt and pepper, add 800g red peppers. Thread the serve hot with lime wedges
turkey breast fillets cut into turkey and peppers onto and fat-free natural yogurt
bite-size pieces, and stir to 12 metal skewers and grill sprinkled with a little tikka
coat. Cover and marinate in for 6-8 minutes on each curry powder for dipping.
Get your finger on the pulse with
a can of Heinz Tagine Chickpeas
Ring the changes with a veggie
banger. Goodlife French Bean
or Dhal Curry Lentils. They’re Free & Spinach Sausages with
and the 390g cans cost £1.29 each Wensleydale
from Asda, Morrisons and Ocado. Cheese are ½
Syn per sausage,
and a frozen
250g pack of
four costs £2.49
from Waitrose
and Ocado.
 trolley talk

Catch of
the day
Put omega 3-rich
mackerel on the
menu with a shoal
of tantalising new
flavours. John West
Mackerel Fillets
Stocking come in seven
filler different sauces: Teriyaki, Sweet
Chilli, Sundried Tomato & Basil, Dijon
Mustard, Mexican Style, Korma Style
and Tomato & Chilli – all Free! A 125g
can costs £1.39. Available from
Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado.

Blending real meat juices Raise a glass! lbd

and veg with herbs and Apple Cranberry
seasoning, the new OXO is a fruity vodka
Stock Pots are a no-fuss, blend that’s just
Free way to add flavour to 1½ Syns per 25ml.
your recipes. Available in It also comes in
Succulent Chicken with Lime Watermelon
Garlic & Thyme, Rich Beef and Peach
with Onion & Rosemary Raspberry,
and Garden Vegetables and 500ml
with Parsley & Bay, each costs £7
four-pack costs £1.49 from from Asda.
Asda and Waitrose.

GET YOUR MITTS ON...

...this cheeky pair of ice tongs.
Topping up drinks with diet
mixers and ice is a great way
to make tipples (and Syns!) go
further. These silicon ‘mittens’
will grip slippery cubes with Great news for lovers of the classic teatime treat – while a standard
ease. Cold Fingers Ice Tongs crumpet is 5 Syns a pop, Kingsmill Crumpet Thins are just 2½ Syns
are £9.98 from lakeland.co.uk. each. They cost 75p for six from the bakery section at Asda.

In a hurry but fancy something Top your lunchtime jacket spud with Change up your grains – Uncle Ben’s Cheat a sumptuous pub-style
hot and hearty? Lidl Manor Aldi Be Light Tuna Mayonnaise & Wholegrain & Quinoa, Wholegrain dinner by serving Tesco Slow-
House Stewed Steak is a great Sweetcorn (1 Syn per 80g can) or & Quinoa with Tomato & Basil, Cooked Lamb Shank with Minted
store- Tuna with Beans & Sweetcorn (1½ 5 Whole Gravy, plus lots of microwaved
cupboard Syns per 80g can) – both varieties Grains, Rice Speed veggies. It’s 1½ Syns per half
standby for cost £1.79 for a pack of three. Medley, or 400g chilled pack and costs £4.
those busy, Pearl Wheat,
chilly winter Quinoa &
evenings. Wholegrain
It’s Free and are all 2½
a 392g can Syns per
costs £1.99. 220g pouch
and cost
£1.99 each.

SLIMMING WORLD 79
trolley talk

Advert Syn values

Find the Syn values of all
advertised products here
Beanies The Flavour Co

Little luxuries flavoured instant coffee, all

varieties, Free; flavoured ground
coffee, all varieties, Free
Delight your inner elf with our selection of sublimely Bravura Foods Peanut Hottie,
sweet treats – they’re all Syn-counted so they won’t Peanut Butter Flavour Hot Drink and
set back your slimdown… Peanut Butter & Chocolate Flavour
Hot Drink, both 4 Syns per 20g serving
Elizabeth Shaw Dark Chocolate Flutes, any variety, 1 Syn
per flute; £2.50 for a 105g box at Ocado. Lidl Snowy Lodge Fresh & Naked salad bags,
all varieties, Free
12 Luxury Mini Mince Pies, 3½ Syns per pie; £1.79 for a box.
Tesco Angel Biscuits, 4½ Syns per biscuit; £1 for a box of six. Frylight, all varieties, Free
Nestlé Mini Smarties penguin, 5½ Syns per 21g penguin; Heck Chicken Italia sausages,
50p at Tesco. Maltesers Merryteaser reindeer, 8 Syns per ½ Syn per sausage
29g reindeer; 50p at Tesco. Lindt chocolate Santas,
Hi-fi Light Tempt Me Toffee Apple
3 Syns per 10g Santa; £2.75 for five at Tesco and Popcorn, available from Slimming
Ocado. The Co-operative Loved by Us 9 Mini World groups, 2 bars count as a
Stollen Bites, 3½ Syns per bite; £2 for a box. Healthy Extra ‘b’ or 3 Syns per bar
Koko Dairy Free coconut drink,
Original + Calcium, 425ml as
a Healthy Extra or 1½ Syns per
100ml; Light – Low Fat, 500ml as
a Healthy Extra or 1 Syn per 100ml
Müllerlight Fruitopolis, all varieties,
½ Syn per 130g pot
The Lake District Dairy Co Quark,
Original, Free; Lemon, 1 Syn per 100g;

TURKEY TIKKA SKEWERS PHOTOGRAPH: LARA HOLMES. RECIPE & FOOD STYLING:
Vanilla, 2 Syns per 100g
The Laughing Cow Extra Light,
6 triangles count as a Healthy
Extra ‘a’ or 1 Syn per triangle
Werther’s Original Sugar Free
SUNIL VIJAYAKAR. PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR

Chewy Toffees, 1 Syn per toffee

Healthy Extra update Ideal for gluten-free Food Optimising,

Dietary Specials Brown Ciabatta
Make your favourite sandwiches
or soldiers for your boiled eggs
Skip the measuring and just Rolls cost £2 for a four-pack from Tesco with Hovis Wheatgerm Original
grab-and-go with Aldi The and Waitrose. Each 50g roll counts as bread. Two slices from a 400g
Cheese Emporium Lighter a Healthy Extra ‘b’. Bake for 5 minutes loaf count as a Healthy Extra ‘b’
Cheese Triangles – four following pack instructions, then enjoy! and it costs 75p.
count as a Healthy Extra ‘a’,
and a chilled pack
of eight costs 59p.
Two Lighter Cheese
Slices also count as
a Healthy Extra ‘a’
and a chilled pack
of eight costs 65p.

80 SLIMMING WORLD

READER
OFFER!
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With its stay-sharp serrator blade
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SLIMMING WORLD 81
The grand finale
Wrap up 2015 in show-stopping style – our gloriously good puds are all 6 Syns or less
Photographs: Philip Webb

Cranberry and
rosemary meringue
wreath, recipe p85

82 SLIMMING WORLD
 party pieces

Banoffee baked
Alaska, recipe p85

SLIMMING WORLD 83
Ombré
raspberry slice
Watch eyes light up with this
lusciously layered, no-cook treat

WORTH THE EFFORT

Serves 8
Ready in about 1 hour, plus 7 hours’
chilling time

Sunflower or vegetable oil, for brushing

For the base:
3½ sheets leaf gelatine
500g quark
4 tbsp sweetener
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the middle:
11.5g sachet Hartley’s Raspberry Sugar
Free Jelly crystals
2 x 125g pots Activia 0% Fat
Raspberry yogurt
200g quark
For the top:
11.5g sachet Hartley’s Raspberry Sugar
Free Jelly crystals
150g fresh or frozen raspberries (see
cook’s note below)

1 Brush a 20cm loose-bottomed

square tin with a little oil (this won’t
add Syns, it just helps the lining to
stick) and line the base and sides
with baking paper.
2 For the base, soak the gelatine in
a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes.
Pour 150ml freshly boiled water into
a bowl. Squeeze the water out of the
gelatine, then add the gelatine to
the hot water, stirring until dissolved.
Tip into a food processor with the
quark, sweetener and vanilla extract,
and whizz until smooth. Pour into
the tin and chill for 2 hours, or until
set. Clean your blender thoroughly.
3 For the middle layer, tip the jelly
crystals into a measuring jug, then
add 125ml freshly boiled water and
stir until dissolved. Tip into the clean
food processor with the yogurt and
quark, and whizz until smooth. Pour
the mixture over the base layer and
chill for a further 2 hours.
4 For the final layer, make up the
jelly according to the packet
instructions, but using 450ml water.
Leave to cool completely, then gently
pour on top of the chilled middle layer.
Drop in the raspberries and chill for at
least 3 hours, or overnight, until set.
5 To serve, carefully push up the
bottom of the tin and peel the COOK’S NOTE
baking paper off the sides of the If you’re using frozen raspberries,
raspberry slice. Slide it onto a serving defrost first by spreading the berries
plate and cut into 8. on kitchen paper – any watery bits
will be absorbed, and the delicate
Syns per serving: ½ raspberries won’t get squidged

84 SLIMMING WORLD

Cranberry
and rosemary
meringue wreath
Make holiday magic for just ½ Syn per
serving, complete with candied fruit
WORTH THE EFFORT
Serves 8
V
Ready in about 3 hours, plus 2 hours’
cooling and drying time
7 large egg whites*
9 tbsp granulated sweetener, plus
extra to decorate
2 tsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 sprig of rosemary, leaves finely
chopped, plus extra leaves from
2 sprigs of rosemary to decorate
125g fresh cranberries, plus
extra to decorate
Finely grated zest and juice of 2 oranges
450g fat-free natural Greek-style yogurt
1 Preheat your oven to 120°C/fan
100°C/gas ½. Draw a 25cm-diameter
circle on a large sheet of baking
paper, then draw a 15cm-diameter
circle inside it to create a doughnut
shape. Flip the paper over onto a
large, flat baking tray.
2 Put 6 egg whites in a clean glass
bowl and beat with an electric hand
whisk until they form stiff peaks.
Add 5 tbsp of the sweetener, 1 tbsp
at a time, whisking for 3-4 seconds
between each addition. Whisk in the
white wine vinegar, vanilla extract
and chopped rosemary.
3 Spoon an eighth of the meringue
at a time onto the paper, staying
within the lines, to create a wreath
shape. Use a dessert spoon to push
a dip into the middle of each to
make eight shallow nests.
4 Bake for 30 minutes, then turn the
heat to 110°C/fan 90°C/gas ¼ and
cook for a further 1½ hours. Turn off
the oven, open the door slightly and
leave the meringue to cool completely.
5 Meanwhile, for the decorations,
line a baking tray with baking paper.
Beat the remaining egg white in
a shallow bowl until bubbly, and
put 2 tbsp sweetener in another
bowl. Coat the rosemary needles
and extra cranberries in the egg
white, shake off the excess and dip
in the sweetener to coat. Place on
the tray and leave to dry completely
(this will take about 2 hours), turning
occasionally and dipping into a
little extra sweetener if it dissolves.
6 Put 125g cranberries, 1 tbsp
sweetener and all but 1 tbsp orange
party pieces
juice in a small pan and place
over a medium-low heat. Bubble
then mix in the flour, cocoa and oil.
Wash the beaters thoroughly.
for 5-10 minutes, or until the 4 Beat the egg whites in a separate
cranberries have softened and
are sauce-like. Leave to cool.
clean glass bowl until they form soft
peaks. Add the muscovado sugar and
7 Fold the remaining 1 tbsp orange beat until thick and glossy. Gently
juice and 1 tbsp sweetener through fold the egg whites into the flour
the yogurt. Carefully transfer the mixture, a third at a time, until most
wreath to a serving plate. Swirl streaks have disappeared. Spread
the stewed cranberry mixture smoothly into the tin and bake for
20 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack
into the yogurt and spoon dollops
into each meringue nest. Decorate and cool completely.
with the candied cranberries and 5 When ready to serve, preheat your
rosemary and sprinkle over the oven to 230°C/fan 210°C/gas 8. For
orange zest and extra sweetener. the meringue coating, put the egg
Divide into 8 nests and serve. whites in a clean glass bowl and beat
Syns per serving: ½ with an electric hand whisk until they
*Pregnant women, the elderly and babies should
form stiff peaks. Add the sweetener
not eat raw or partially cooked eggs 1 tbsp at a time, whisking for 3-4
seconds between each spoonful.
6 Line a baking tray with baking
Banoffee baked paper and sit the chocolate sponge
Alaska on top. With the help of the cling
film (if used), turn the frozen banana
Impress guests with a mountain of
mixture out onto the sponge, then
billowy meringue... go on, let it snow!
discard the cling film. Quickly spoon
WORTH THE EFFORT over the meringue, spreading it in
Serves 8 peaks right down to the tray. Bake
Ready in about 1 hour 15 minutes, for 10 minutes until golden.
plus 5 hours’ freezing and cooling time
7 Carefully slide the baked Alaska
Sunflower oil, for brushing onto a serving dish. Cut into 8
150g frozen banana wedges and serve immediately.
2 x 175g pots Müllerlight Banana &
Custard yogurt Syns per serving: 3
*Pregnant women, the elderly and babies should
For the base:
not eat raw or partially cooked eggs
3 large eggs, 2 separated
1 tbsp sweetener
30g plain flour
MAKE IT MORE SPECIAL
One by one, very quickly dip the
1 level tbsp cocoa powder
ends of 8 milk- or dark-chocolate
1 tbsp sunflower oil
Mikado sticks into hot water, then
25g dark muscovado sugar dip immediately into edible gold
For the meringue coating: glitter to coat. Leave to set, then pop
4 large egg whites* the sticks into the baked Alaska to
4 tbsp sweetener serve – add ½ Syn per serving
1 Brush a 600ml (1-pint) ceramic
pudding basin with a little oil (this
won’t add Syns, it just helps the
lining to stick) and line with cling
film, leaving some overhanging.
If you’re using a plastic basin, there’s
no need for oil or cling film.
2 Put the frozen banana and yogurt
in a food processor and whizz until
smooth. Spoon the mixture into the
basin, smooth the top and freeze,
covered with cling film, for 5 hours,
or until solid.
3 Meanwhile, make the chocolate
base. Preheat your oven to 180°C/
fan 160°C/gas 4 and line the base of
an 18cm round cake tin with baking
paper. Beat the egg yolks, the whole
egg and sweetener with an electric
hand whisk until pale and frothy,
SLIMMING WORLD 85
 Star-topped fruit pots
Great for low-key entertaining – and ready in the twinkling of an eye
SIMPLE
Serves 4
V ✱
Ready in about 30 minutes
50g reduced-fat shortcrust pastry
1 egg white, lightly beaten
3 tbsp granulated sweetener, plus
extra for the stars
1 large Bramley apple, peeled, cored
and cut into small cubes
Juice of 1 lemon
2 firm pears, peeled, cored and cut
into small cubes
1 tsp mixed spice
200g frozen forest fruit mix
Fat-free natural yogurt,
to serve (optional)
1 Preheat your oven to 180°C/fan
160°C/gas 4. Roll out the pastry
thinly. Use a 3cm star cutter to cut
out 12 small stars (even if you’re
using ready-rolled pastry, roll it
86 SLIMMING WORLD
a little thinner, and keep re-rolling
the trimmings to cut all the stars).
2 Brush the tops of the stars with
egg white, then sprinkle over a little
sweetener. Transfer to a baking tray
lined with baking paper and cook for
15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
Coat with a little more sweetener
and leave to cool.
3 Meanwhile, put the apple, lemon
juice, pears, 3 tbsp sweetener, mixed
spice and 100ml water in a pan and
stir well. Cook over a medium-low
heat for 5-10 minutes until the juices
are running and the apples are soft.
Stir in the forest fruits, cook for
another minute, then divide between
4 small pots or ramekins and top
each with 3 pastry stars. Serve with
fat-free natural yogurt, if you like.
Syns per serving: 6
 party pieces

GIVE IT A TWIST
Swap almond-
flavoured amaretto
liqueur for 2 tbsp
coffee liqueur or
Fratello Hazelnut
Liqueur – Syns per
serving stay the same!

Golden tiramisu
Coffee sponge and a dash of festive
spirit – this one’s just for grown-ups

WORTH THE EFFORT

Serves 8
Ready in about 1 hour 30 minutes,
plus overnight chilling time
2 sheets leaf gelatine
2 large eggs
5 tbsp sweetener
1½ level tbsp plain flour
1½ level tbsp cornflour
400ml skimmed milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Seeds from 2 vanilla pods
400g quark
2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
Sunflower or vegetable oil, for brushing
150ml brewed good-quality strong
coffee, cooled
18 sponge fingers
Edible gold leaf, to decorate (optional)
2 level tsp cocoa powder, to dust

1 Soak the gelatine in a shallow bowl

of cold water for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium mixing
bowl, whisk together the eggs, 3 tbsp
of the sweetener, the plain flour
and cornflour. Put the milk in a pan
over a low heat, then when nearly
boiling, slowly add it to the egg
mixture, whisking continuously. Wipe
out the pan, then tip the mixture
back in and return to a low heat.
Whisk continuously for about 10
minutes, or until very thick, then set
aside and allow to cool slightly.
2 Squeeze out the water and add the
gelatine to the milk mixture, stirring
to dissolve. Whisk in the vanilla
extract and seeds, quark, remaining
sweetener and amaretto liqueur. Lay
a sheet of cling film directly over the
surface and leave to cool.
3 Brush a 2lb loaf tin with a little oil
(this won’t add Syns, it just helps the
lining to stick). Line with a double
layer of cling film, smoothing right
into the corners and leaving plenty
of film overhanging.
4 To assemble, put the coffee in
a shallow bowl. Spread just over a
quarter of the cooled milk mixture
into the base of the lined tin. One
by one, dip a sponge finger into the
coffee for 1 or 2 seconds each side.
Lay them lengthways in the tin to
form 3 stripes – use about 7 of the
fingers, snapping them into smaller
pieces to fit neatly.
5 Spread just under half of the
remaining milk mixture over the top.
Repeat the coffee-dipping process
and form another layer of sponge
fingers, this time making 4 stripes
of sponge. Use about 11 fingers, COOK’S NOTE
snapping them to fit. Finally, spread You can buy
over the remaining milk mixture edible gold leaf
as smoothly as possible. Cover the and glitter from
tiramisu with the overhanging cling Sainsbury’s,
Tesco and Ocado
film and chill overnight.
6 To serve, open the cling film and
carefully tip the tiramisu out onto
a serving dish. Peel off the cling-film
lining. Decorate with gold leaf, using
tweezers to pull off small pieces and
press onto the top. Dust with the
cocoa and cut into 8 slices.
Syns per serving: 4½

SLIMMING WORLD 87

Two-tone mulled pears
A make-ahead classic that gives any dinner party star treatment
SIMPLE
Serves 4
V 2 Peel each pear, halve lengthways,
Ready in about 45 minutes, plus
overnight marinating time
4 firm Conference pears
8 star anise
For the red-pear marinade:
100ml low-alcohol red wine
100ml freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp no-added-sugar
blackcurrant cordial
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
For the white-pear marinade:
100ml low-alcohol white wine
100ml unsweetened apple juice
1 tbsp elderflower cordial
1 unwaxed lemon, zest pared with
a peeler and half juiced
1 vanilla pod, halved to release the seeds
5 cloves
88 SLIMMING WORLD
ON THE SIDE
After baking the
pears, stir 1 tbsp
of the marinade
through a 500ml
tub of fat-free
natural Greek-
style yogurt, along
with any seeds
scraped from the
discarded vanilla
pod and a pinch of
ground cinnamon
1 Mix each marinade in separate jugs.
then use a melon baller or teaspoon
to scoop out and discard the cores.
Take 2 large, sturdy food bags and
put 4 pear halves in each. Pour the
red marinade into one and the white
marinade into the other. Squeeze out
any air and knot to seal. Marinate
in the fridge overnight, turning the
bags occasionally to soak evenly.
3 Preheat your oven to 180°C/fan
160°C/gas 4. Sit the pear halves,
cut-side up, in a medium baking dish
and pour over both marinades. Push
a star anise into the core of each
pear. Bake for 20 minutes and enjoy
warm or cold, serving 1 red and
1 white pear half per person with
the juice divided over (discard the
spices before eating).
Syns per serving: 5
Blood-orange
bombe
Got an ice-cream maker? Brace
yourself for a flavour explosion!
WORTH THE EFFORT
Serves 6
✱
Ready in about 12 hours
Sunflower or vegetable oil, for brushing
1-2 blood oranges, thinly sliced
For the outer layer:
2 x 175g pots Müllerlight
Mandarin yogurt
150g fat-free natural fromage frais
Zest of 3 oranges, plus 225ml
freshly squeezed orange juice (about
3-4 oranges)
For the middle layer:
175g pot Müllerlight Raspberry &
Cranberry yogurt
100g fat-free natural fromage frais
300ml freshly squeezed blood-orange
juice (about 5 oranges)
A few drops of pink or red food colouring
For the centre:
½ x 175g pot Müllerlight Raspberry &
Cranberry yogurt
½ x 175g pot Müllerlight
Mandarin yogurt
50g fat-free natural fromage frais
1 orange or blood orange, peeled,
segmented and flesh roughly chopped
1 You’ll need 3 ceramic pudding
basins – a 1.1 litre (2-pint) basin, a
600ml (1-pint) basin and a 250-275ml
(½-pint) basin. Brush the inside of
the largest basin with a little oil (this
won’t add Syns, it just helps the
lining to stick) and line with cling film,
leaving some overhanging. Line the
outside of the other basins with cling
film. If you’re using plastic basins,
there’s no need for oil or cling film.
2 Whisk together all the ingredients
for the outer layer, transfer to an
ice-cream maker and churn
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions until thick. Working
quickly, dot the orange slices around
the sides of the largest basin and
spoon in the ice-cream mixture to
hold them in place, spreading it
evenly around the basin. Push in
the 600ml (1-pint) basin to keep the
bombe shape and freeze for 2-3
hours, or until solid.
3 Churn the ingredients for the
middle layer. Once thick, remove the
inner basin and spread the mixture
evenly around the inside of the
orange layer. This time push in the
smallest basin to keep the shape and
freeze for 2-3 hours, or until solid.
 party pieces

4 Finally, churn the centre layer.

Once thick, remove the inner basin
and spoon in the mixture to fill the
hole. Scrape and smooth the bottom
to flatten, then cover with cling film.
Freeze again for 2-3 hours, or
overnight if you can, until solid.
5 About an hour before you want
to eat the bombe, transfer it to the
fridge. To serve, remove the top
cover of cling film and turn out onto
a serving plate, carefully removing
the basin and remaining cling film
(if used). Cut into 6 wedges.
Syns per serving: 2
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING: SARAH COOK. PROP STYLING: JENNY IGGLEDEN

COOK’S NOTE
If blood oranges are hard to find,
you can use clementine or satsuma
slices to line the largest basin and
regular orange segments and juice
for the layers

SLIMMING WORLD 89
 make something truly
great happen
If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity – a career
in which your passionate desire to help others achieve
their dreams makes a real difference to people’s lives,
a career in which your own weight loss journey and
your management skills inspire others to sparkling
success, a career which offers you flexibility and
boundless opportunities – then you’re looking in the
right place!
We’re looking for new District Managers across the UK and
Ireland. It’s a full-time, full-on, challenging, service-focused role,
and for the right person, it’ll be the most fulfilling, life-changing
career move you’ll ever make.

You’ll be a committed individual with the experience and drive to

lead teams and achieve targets. You’ll understand what it means
to want to lose weight and be motivated by helping others to do
the same. With training, support and a determination to succeed,
you’ll develop your district to its full potential, inspire others to
deliver the best possible service in our groups and recruit new
team members.

And in return, you’ll be highly rewarded for your dedication and

results. With a basic salary of £40,000 / €50,000 (15% London
weighting) per year plus a generous bonus package for meeting
targets, you’ll earn on average £65,000 / €89,000 per year. You’ll
also receive a company car, expenses, healthcare package, plus
extensive training and the opportunity to progress to more senior
management positions in the field.

So, if you are:

passionate about Slimming World and your journey as a
member (past or present)
a senior manager with a strong background in leading
teams to success
experienced in managing sales, multi-site or
field based teams

highly organised with first-class time management skills

motivated by delivering exceptional customer service

and excited by the idea of changing people’s lives
able to work varied hours including evenings and
weekends with occasional overnight stays

… then we’d love to hear from you.

Please visit slimmingworld.co.uk/dmcareers
for more information, or scan the QR code opposite

In 2015, Slimming World became the first weight management

organisation to achieve a Gold Investors in People award, recognising
the highest standards of people development and leadership.
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M SLI
MM
UNDER THE
ING
INFLUENCE?
WO
How to join in
RLD without giving in
ME
N

‘I Iost

7
Are you man enough?

st ’
Now fashion
stylist Luke
is looking
sharp!

FACE
THE DAY
Partners
Skin-ovations
for the sleep

in prime
deprived

How Chris
and Lesley lost
an amazing
22 stones p104
 COOL
BRAND
Stylist Luke Child has made a career from getting other
people camera-ready – all the while feeling conscious
Luke
of his size. Now he’s nearly 8st slimmer, and ready to
take his own place in front of the lens

Focus on… my health

My mum told me about Slimming World.
She’d dropped two dress sizes in just a few
months and whenever I went to visit, she’d
cook these amazing meals. The amount of
tasty food she could eat while still losing
weight was astonishing. Mum encouraged
me to join my local group – I was very
overweight and she was concerned about the
health implications, particularly as Type 2
diabetes runs in our family. But did I take
her advice? No. I was fighting a battle with
depression at the time and just couldn’t
muster up the energy to tackle anything else.
As a child, I was fairly slim until the age
of about nine – when I began to gain weight
mainly through comfort eating and being
completely inactive. Then, in my third year
at university, I suffered my first serious bout
of depression, and that’s when my weight
spiralled out of control. I had no enthusiasm
for anything and rarely left my room. full of strangers. I met Viv, my Consultant, and
Throughout my twenties, I got bigger and bigger. helped her set up the room. She seemed lovely,
Despite forging a career I love, I had no confidence though I was still utterly terrified of stepping on
in myself or my abilities, and even less energy. Then, the scales. When Viv told me the numbers, I have
at the start of 2014, my relationship broke up and I to admit, I was in shock. Then she pointed out
felt I was sinking back into depression. That’s when I was there to do something about it. I’d never have
I decided to lose weight. At first, I thought I could do to be that weight again. It made me determined to
it just by following Mum’s Slimming World tips and succeed – and because it had worked for Mum,
recipes – and it worked, to an extent. After a few I figured there was no reason it wouldn’t for me.
weeks, though, I realised I needed something more.
My physiotherapist, who I’d been seeing for the knee Focus on… my fitness
problems I’d had for years, told me how people who It turned out everyone had been right: once I’d joined
join a group have more success than those who go group, I lost weight fast. After a couple of weeks of
it alone. And when my GP also recommended group encouraging weigh-ins – and spurred on by hearing
support, I decided to join Slimming World properly. Viv talk about the benefits of Body Magic – I decided
When I first went along to group, I made sure it was time to start exercising. I’d known for a while
I got there early so I didn’t have to walk into a room that regular activity can be hugely beneficial if >

94 SLIMMING WORLD
 working it

THEN I was
dressing clients
in the way I really
wanted to dress
myself. But great
clothes didn’t
come in my size

NOW At last the

way I look reflects
the way I feel
inside and I can
show the real me!

SNAPSHOT
Luke Child, 29, is a
fashion stylist and lives
in north London
Height: 6ft 4ins
Starting weight: 21st 8lbs
Weight now: 13st 9lbs

WEIGHT LOST:
7st 13lbs
Time to target: 7 months
Luke is a target member of
Vivien Eder’s Slimming World
group in Hampstead
THEN My weight
spiralled after a
bout of depression
at uni. I had little
confidence and
even less energy

NOW Exercise
is a regular part
of my life and
helps me manage
my weight as
well as my mood

you’re prone to depression, but I’d
never had the energy or self-belief
to try any kind of workout. I must
have looked such a sight when I came
back from my first run. I had tears
of happiness streaming down my
face and the biggest grin from ear
to ear! At school I’d been told I wasn’t
good at sport, so I was so proud of
myself for having achieved
something after all those years of
believing that I just wasn’t cut out for
it. I’d heard about the NHS Couch to
5K plan, so I looked it up online and
began following it. My fitness
rapidly improved and I felt far more
energetic throughout the day, too.
Although my weight loss
slowed a little after those first few
weeks, the numbers on the scales
continued to go down – even
after disaster struck. I suffered
a serious knee injury, which
meant hobbling around on
crutches for a month or so.
I came home from hospital with
loads of chocolates and biscuits,
and phoned Viv to tell her
I wouldn’t be able to get to group
for a while. I felt completely
deflated. It just seemed like
all my determination had been
for nothing. I’d inevitably gain
weight and feel depressed
again, then I’d be back
at square one – except Viv
wasn’t having any of it! She encouraged me
to carry on Food Optimising while I was recovering,
so I stuck to the eating plan and continued to do
whatever activity I could manage. When I went
back to group, I’d lost 12lbs.
I was really missing the exercise kick, though,
so I went to see my doctor, who suggested I do
a low-impact workout in the gym. Going to the gym
was another of those things I never thought I’d do.
It was possibly even more terrifying than stepping
on the scales for the first time. Now, though, it’s
second nature and part of my daily routine. I use
the cross-trainer and rower, plus some weights.
I could only manage a few minutes at first, then I
gradually improved and now I’ve got real stamina
and endurance. My knees are loads better, too, and
‘
I love to go for long walks around London and the
My mates have all been impressed and inspired by my weight loss –
nobody’s ever been anything other than supportive
working it
surrounding countryside.
I honestly can’t imagine my
life without exercise.
Focus on… my style
I’ve always been particularly
self-conscious about how
I look because I work in
fashion. Before I joined
Slimming World, I couldn’t
help wondering what clients
would think when they met
me – partly because I couldn’t
dress the way I wanted to.
The options are so much more
limited in bigger sizes. Even
though I loved my job, it was as
if I was on the outside of the
fashion world looking in –
dressing other people in the way
I would really have liked to dress
myself. I felt as though I couldn’t
show the real me.
When I started losing weight
it felt like a whole new fashion
adventure was unfolding. My body
shape transformed from one
month to the next, so I kept
adapting and experimenting with
different clothes and styles. And
now that I’m slim, it’s like I’ve got
access to a never-ending wardrobe,
and I can finally immerse myself
fully in my working world. I think it’s
safe to say my style has changed
dramatically. I’ve spent an absolute
fortune on clothes. It’s brilliant!
Recently I stood in for a model on a photoshoot,
which was a very proud moment. I feel so much
more energetic and confident at work now, and
I wake up in the morning raring to go. I’ve just
completed a massive project that involved being
filmed every day – and I enjoyed every minute.
In fact, I quite like the idea of getting into a TV
career. I’m comfortable in my own skin and I think
that shows now, whether I’m getting other people
camera-ready or I’m in front of it myself.
Focus on… my family and friends
‘
My mates have all been impressed and inspired by
my weight loss – and nobody’s ever been anything
other than supportive. One of my oldest friends
actually walked past me in the street because he >
SLIMMING WORLD 97
 working it

‘
‘ I recently stood in for a model on a shoot,
which was a very proud moment

and everyone else at group – more than I ever

anticipated. You end up really caring about how
everyone else is getting on, and look forward to
seeing them each week. You’re there for one
another. In a way, you become a family as much as
a support network – spurring each other on and
helping one another through the tough weeks. That’s
been a massive factor in my success – if I hadn’t
joined group, I don’t think I would have stuck at it.
It’s been the most positive thing I’ve ever done.
I’ve been at target for nearly a year and I’m
already forgetting what it felt like to be overweight.
Every now and then, though, I’ll stumble across
an old photograph of myself when I was at my
largest – and for a second or two, it takes me right
back. That’s when I stop and remind myself just
how much has changed since then. It’s only after
slimming down that I’ve realised how much my
size was affecting my life – I was avoiding certain
people and situations without realising it. For
example, I’d never been to a theme park because
I convinced myself I hated them – turns out, I
actually love them! I’ve discovered so many new
and surprising things about the real me and I’m
excited to see what happens next. I feel like I’ve
been handed the keys to a whole new world. ●

LUKE WEARS: didn’t recognise me. I know I can use my Syns to

INTERVIEW: JANE MURPHY. PHOTOGRAPHS: DAVID CUMMINGS. STYLING: KAREN BUGLASS

p93 and 97: Sweater enjoy socialising at the weekend – I can still have
and shoes, both ASOS.
Jeans, Next. Hat, Marks
a ‘naughty night’ as long as it doesn’t turn into a
& Spencer. Watch, ‘naughty week’! Generally, though, I find myself
French Connection making healthier choices wherever I am. After all,
p95: Jacket, the evening won’t actually be less enjoyable if I don’t
Farah. Shirt, jeans and have fries or I skip dessert – I’m out with my friends
shoes, all ASOS.
T-shirt, New Look. Hat,
and that’s what’s important. In the early days, I went
Marks & Spencer. for a meal with my two brothers and took some stick
GROOMING: CLAIRE RAY. SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS

Socks, Uniqlo about my choices. They soon got over it, especially
p96: Jacket, waistcoat when they saw how much happier I was becoming.
and jeans, all Next. Mum’s been my biggest inspiration – and
T-shirt, ASOS.
Shoes, Luke’s own she’s supported me every step of the way. She gets
quite emotional about the difference she can see in
This page: Shirt and
jeans, Next. Watch, me and it’s fantastic to have made her so proud.
French Connection Several of my aunts and cousins Food Optimise,
too, and we encourage each other on Facebook –
swapping recipes, motivational tips and Body Magic
ideas. I’ve also had massive support from Viv

98 SLIMMING WORLD
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Bike Ride 1- 4 Sept 2016

Cycle from London to Paris and raise funds for

the charity of your choice
For more information and to register online:

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01590 646410 | events@dreamchallenges.co.uk
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Delicious, nutritious dairy from

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SLIMMING WORLD 101

 Be a wise man G
‘ o on, it’s Christmas…’
How many times are
you likely to hear that

about
during the run-up to
25 December? Whether it’s one
final mince pie, more peanuts,
or another night out at the pub,

weight loss
the party season can be tough
on even the most determined
of slimmers – especially when
everyone around you is gearing
up for an end-of-year blowout.
Here’s how to sidestep the
peer pressure that can come
Give yourself the gift of a slimmer Christmas – without from friends and family, and
missing out on the party throw yourself into the
festivities without sacrificing
Words: Jon Axworthy Illustration: Susan Burghart your healthy eating plan.

102 SLIMMING WORLD

 goodwill-power

FESTIVE DRINKS WORK CHRISTMAS LUNCH

You know the party season is getting Volunteer to book the lunch in control, so you don’t feel have some work to go back
into full swing when you receive the yourself and not only will you guilty or stressed about the to. ‘People are less likely to
first – probably, of many – drinks be the most popular bloke at choices you make and go off try to persuade you to drink
invite. So, how do you prevent the work, you’ll also be able to track for the rest of the day.’ or polish off three courses
booziest month of the year from control where you go. ‘This It’s also important to if they know you’ve got to go
running away with your willpower? way, you can recommend remind yourself that this is back to the office,’ she says.
‘When I go out with friends at a restaurant you know has just one meal within the If you only do one thing…
Christmas, I’m very aware of my healthy options to choose whole day, adds Jacquie: ‘Food At group, stay to IMAGE
tipping point – when alcohol starts from,’ says Dr Jacquie Lavin, Optimise in the morning and Therapy and ask for advice
to weaken my resolve and I end up Slimming World’s head of get straight back on track on good restaurants to book
drinking and eating much more nutrition and research. ‘The after lunch is finished.’ And that will help you stay on
than I normally would,’ says Kieran key thing is to know you’re subtly let everyone know you the lean and narrow.
Lloyd, who lost 7st 11½lbs at Tori
Jones’s group in Leigh, Lancashire.
To avoid this, Kieran eats a
healthy meal before he leaves the
house, so he’s not drinking on an ‘Volunteer to book the lunch yourself and not
empty stomach. At the same time,
he plans what he’s going to drink only will you be the most popular bloke at work,
while he’s out and sticks to it –
making sure he also has something you’ll also be able to control where you go’
ready to eat when he gets in. ‘I like
to prepare kebabs or southern-style
chicken from the Slimming World’s
Fakeaways book,’ he says. ‘That way,
however long I stay out, it’s easy LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING THE BIG-DAY MEAL
to steer clear of the kebab shop or It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without the mad rush ‘The main event can be tough and
chippy on the way home.’ of panicked blokes frantically trying to cross off names family pressure to eat a lot can be
If it’s a particularly special on their present list. If you’re on board for a smash-and- huge, but if you plan your treats
occasion, Kieran opts for Flexible grab raid on the high street with friends, pack healthy and drinks you can offset the
Syns. ‘I decide how many Syns I snacks so you’re less likely to succumb to their refuelling damage,’ says Ronan Heeney, a
realistically need to really enjoy stops at fast-food chains. ‘And, whatever you do, don’t go target member of Alison Kelly’s
myself, keep count until I reach that hungry all day just because you’re eating out that night,’ group in Finglas, Dublin. ‘Also, if I’m
number, then stop drinking. It’s says Dr Jacquie Lavin. ‘It can lead to you being impulsive not hosting dinner, the first thing
a one-off and I always go straight and indulging in more than you intended later on because I do when I arrive is offer to help.
back to Food Optimising the next you feel you’ve deprived yourself all day.’ Remember, When has anyone ever turned
day – plus it saves on hangover too, that just because you’ve crossed the threshold of a down an extra pair of hands in the
cures the following morning, too!’ burger bar, doesn’t mean you have to throw caution to kitchen on Christmas Day?!’ Get
If you only do one thing… the wind. Let your mates go first in the queue and use stuck in and you can steam the veg
Look out for lower-alcohol bottled the time to scan the overhead menus for regular burgers and dry-roast the potatoes and
lagers that save on volume and (rather than anything super-size) or grilled-chicken meals. parsnips. ‘Even sauces and gravy can
Syns (a 330ml bottle of Bud Light If you only do one thing… be Food Optimised,’ adds Ronan.
is 4 Syns), or go for a whisky Check Syn values on the go using the Slimming World Finally, don’t forget that usually
(a 25ml shot is 3 Syns) and soda app, or log on to Lifeline Online, the Slimming World all the people gathering around the
with plenty of ice. members’ site, on your mobile or tablet. table are the ones you’re closest
to, and so you can be really honest
with them during the run-up to
CELEBRATORY CURRY NIGHT Christmas. ‘Talk to them about your
The festive visit to your the trend for everyone else. a main packed with Syns. weight loss and how you’ve come
favourite Indian restaurant Get there early enough to Ask for a mixed grill from the this far through the festivities
with mates can take on grab the seat of your choice tandoori oven: the protein- without wavering,’ says Dr Jacquie
banquet form with everyone at the end of the table, so rich meats are baked in a clay Lavin. ‘Let them know all the
over-ordering on mains and that if a high-Syn korma or oven and are lower in Syns reasons why it’s so important you
sides, and taking a tear-and- madras does come your way, than a buttery curry. The dish stay on track – you’ll find they’ll
share approach to the naan you can politely send it down is always cooked with plenty want to support, rather than
breads and chapattis. This to the other end to see if of herbs and spices, too, so sabotage, your plans.’
means you can end up being anyone else wants some. you won’t lose out on flavour, If you only do one thing…
cornered by other people’s Don’t hold back from and you’ll still reach for the Take control of the carving knife,
Syn-heavy starters and asking for your food to be hot hand towels at the end of so you can fill your plate with lean
tempting tikka masalas. Go cooked a certain way, either. the meal a wise man indeed. meat. You can always cut yourself
online or pick up a menu from You’ll get some serious If you only do one thing… extra slices for later, too – that
the restaurant before your respect for knowing your Switch from pilau rice way you know you’ve got a Free
night out – that way you can curries and your mates won’t (5 Syns per 350g serving) to snack to hand when the cheese
be the first to order and set hassle you to go halves on Free plain boiled rice. and chocolates come out.

SLIMMING WORLD 103

 ‘It’s only now
we realise the
impact our
weight was
having on our
life together’

104 SLIMMING WORLD

 double take

‘I couldn’t have lost

17½st without Lesley’
How Chris Coulter put health problems, sleep apnoea and a 66ins waist
behind him – with his partner and fellow slimmer by his side

Chris’s story
Lesley and I have so much in common. The same girls had all left home in 2006 – we told ourselves
laid-back attitude to life. The same taste in music. it was nice just to stay home together. The truth was,
The same sense of fun. And, unfortunately, the same I was so overweight I could barely walk without pain
capacity to enjoy huge meals washed down by lots of in my heels and feet. I couldn’t even bend down to
wine and cider. I must have been 15st when we met, tie my laces and had to rely on Lesley to do it for me.
and Lesley was about a size 12. We moved in together When we did venture out to a cafe or bar, Lesley
in 2001 and 10 years later, I’d nearly doubled my was always sensitive to the way I felt about people >
weight, while Lesley had put on more than 5st.
I look back now and wonder how I could have let
myself get so big. I can only say it was a combination
of the wrong food, no exercise and a total refusal SNAPSHOT
to listen to the part of me that knew I was gaining
Chris Coulter, 52, and Lesley Hutchinson, 56, live in Newcastle-upon-
more than a stone every year.
Tyne. Chris runs a food company and has two daughters – Louise, 33,
Our eating habits definitely left a lot to be
and Rachael, 32 – and four grandchildren. Lesley is a service manager
desired. A regular Saturday night consisted of up
for a children’s charity and has a daughter, Tracy, 32
to a dozen bottles of cider for me and lots of red wine
for Lesley, followed by an 18ins pizza with garlic
bread; or a Chinese with noodles, spring rolls, prawn
Chris Lesley
crackers, chips and curry sauce – the works! I don’t Height: 5ft 7ins Height: 5ft 3ins
think I ever ate fresh fruit or vegetables, even when Starting weight: 29st 5lbs Starting weight: 15st 4½lbs
we cooked from scratch. I’d drown everything in Weight now: 11st 12lbs Weight now: 10st 8½lbs
butter, oil or cream – sometimes all three. Not
surprisingly, we both had constant heartburn and WEIGHT LOST: WEIGHT LOST:
indigestion, and carried tablets with us at all times.
As I got bigger, it became harder and harder to
17st 7lbs 4st 10lbs
find clothes that fitted. We’d both change into baggy Chris and Lesley are Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2015.
tracksuit bottoms as soon as we got home from They attend Adam Redshaw’s group in Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
work. We rarely went anywhere, especially once our

SLIMMING WORLD 105


looking at me and would check
out the seats beforehand to make
sure I could fit into them.
At 25st, I needed a minor
operation, and was so embarrassed
when the hospital had to bring in
a special reinforced bed. By now,
I was having problems driving
because my stomach would jam
under the steering wheel. And
when I played a round of golf with
my bosses, I’d be exhausted by the fourth tee. I even
resorted to putting sticky tack on the handles of my
golf clubs, so I didn’t have to bend down to pick up
the ball. I was completely mortified, but I would
make jokes to hide how I really felt.
My health scare
When a chair collapsed underneath me at a family
barbecue in 2010, I didn’t expect it to change my life.
Lesley helped me up and dressed my grazed right
leg with antiseptic. Somehow, though, it never
seemed to heal properly.
A few months later, in February 2011, we were
on holiday in Scotland. It was a disaster. First, we
had to change our beautiful hotel room for one with
a bath, as I couldn’t fit into the shower. Then, my
leg developed about 50 painful, weeping ulcers.
Back home, I was diagnosed with cellulitis and, for
the first time in my life, I had to be signed off work
for an extended period while the leg was treated
with dressings and antibiotics. My doctor didn’t
mince her words and said that my weight would
prevent it from healing properly. Luckily, she had
a solution – Slimming World on Referral, which
offered free weight-loss support at a local group.
I was a bit daunted by the idea of a room full of
strangers, so it was a relief when Lesley agreed to
come along with me. Even so, I was still nervous on
the first night. I needn’t have worried, though, as the
friendly welcome from our Consultant put me at
ease. I remember being particularly inspired by a
member who’d lost 4st. There, right in front of me,
was proof that weight loss was possible.
As soon as I realised we could still eat healthy
versions of our favourite dishes – like curry, burgers
and fry-ups – and spend Syns on alcohol, I knew Food
Optimising would work for us. Obviously, the 12 ciders
would need to go, but there was nothing stopping
me from having the odd one, or a couple of gin and
106 SLIMMING WORLD
diet tonics instead. One of the first
meals we made was a spaghetti
carbonara; it was delicious. In fact,
we ate so well I didn’t think I’d lose
any weight at all. So imagine my
surprise when, in just four weeks,
I was more than a stone lighter; and
again when, after 10 weeks, I’d lost
about a tenth of my body weight. In
eight months, I was down to 21st,
and Lesley had lost almost 3st, too.
Slowly but surely the weight kept
coming off and Food Optimising
became a way of life. Lesley reached
her first target weight of 11st in July
2013 and recently decided to lower
it. As my target approaches, I feel
confident that, like Lesley, I’ll stay
on track. I’ll keep going to group –
if I can inspire other big blokes to
lose weight, I’ll be delighted.
While the cellulitis has left me
with pain when I try high-impact
exercise, there are tons of things
I can do now that I couldn’t before.
We walk and cycle, and use a
CHRIS WEARS: cross-trainer and exercise bike at home – some
p104: Suit, Burton. weeks we clock up 100km. And a full round of golf is
Shirt and tie, both
Autograph at
a breeze – my swing has improved beyond belief.
Marks & Spencer.
Shoes, Lotus
Above and right:
Lesley’s story
Suit, shirt and When Chris and I first met 25 years ago, we were
waistcoat, all
Autograph at Marks both single parents. My daughter and Chris’s
& Spencer. Pocket youngest, Rachael, were seven at the time and close
square, Burton.
Shoes, as above
friends. They decided it would be a good idea to
bring us together – and their plan worked!
LESLEY WEARS:
I was around 10st then, and although Chris
p104: Dress, Karen
Millen. Bolero,
ended up with the bigger weight problem, falling in
Phase Eight. Shoes love was disastrous for my waistline, too. We’d tell
and bag, both Lotus. ourselves we worked hard so we ‘deserved’ our red
Necklace, Coast.
Bracelets, Marks & wine, cider and takeaways – the truth was, I’d often
Spencer Collection be doubled over with indigestion afterwards.
Above and right: Although I didn’t gain as much weight as Chris,
Dress, Phase Eight. my self-esteem was pretty much non-existent by
Shoes and bag, both
Lotus. Necklace,
the time I was 40 – I hated people looking at me.
Autograph at I remember my stepdaughter Louise’s wedding in
Marks & Spencer. 2003, when I must have been a size 20. I wore an
Bracelet, Marks &
Spencer Collection
unflattering grey trouser suit and wanted to erase
myself from the wedding pictures. Another time,
what should have been a romantic trip to London
turned into a nightmare as we struggled to walk
through Hyde Park to our hotel on a baking hot day,
then spent a very uncomfortable evening in the
Royal Albert Hall, where we could barely fit into our
seats. I was beginning to worry about our health, even
if I didn’t actually do anything at that stage. It’s hard to
explain... part of me knew I needed to lose weight,
while the other part pretended everything was fine.
When Chris joined Slimming World, I thought I’d
go along to give him support. I soon realised how
much I wanted to lose weight, too. I reached my first
target of 11st in just over two years and have now
lowered it to 10st. It’s wonderful to feel confident
enough to go on clothes-shopping trips with my
 double take

Lesley on Chris
At 29st, Chris had sleep
apnoea and would stop
breathing for up to
45 seconds at a time; then
during the day he’d be
so exhausted he’d drop
off mid-conversation. It
terrified me. Now he’s got
the energy for anything –
he’s shed about 25 years
along with all that weight.
Chris used to pretend that
nothing bothered him and
hid behind a ‘bubbly’
personality. He doesn’t
need to do that any more:
he has the confidence
just to be himself.

Chris on Lesley
I couldn’t be more proud
of Lesley’s weight loss.
The other day we went
shopping for outfits for
Slimming World’s annual
awards ceremony, and
the dress she chose was
beautiful. Although she
always looked lovely
to me no matter what
size she was, the great
thing is that she’s happy,
healthy and more
confident now, too.

daughter Tracy instead of hiding away in the house. We want to

STYLING: LOUISE SYKES. HAIR, MAKE-UP & GROOMING: LIZ KITCHINER

When we had our hair and nails done for Ladies Day inspire other What’s Slimming World on Referral?
INTERVIEW: ROSALIND GRAINGER. PHOTOGRAPHS: BILL MORTON

at Newcastle Racecourse, I felt like a million dollars – couples so they

I’d never have gone anywhere like that before.
Chris and I didn’t realise quite how much we
were missing when we were overweight. We feel
younger and energetic, and are able to enjoy life so
much more. After years of driving past Pen y Fan
mountain in the Brecon Beacons while on holidays,
we’ve since climbed up to enjoy the view from the
SEE P126 FOR STOCKISTS
can experience Chris’s GP recommended the Slimming World on
Referral scheme – a programme that lets health
the difference
professionals offer patients 12 weeks’ free
losing weight membership of their local group. The scheme is
makes to every now well established in areas where funding has
single day been made available. Many referred patients
report improvements to their health and well-
being, as well as significant weight loss. If you’re

top – three times. We’ve been to Paris and Venice,
too, spending hours exploring on foot. We’ve
promised ourselves we’ll revisit lots of the places we
went to when we were overweight – and this time
around, we’re going to enjoy them properly! ●
overweight, motivated to change and would like
the chance to attend a Slimming World group
without charge, contact your GP practice to see
if it participates in the referral scheme.

SLIMMING WORLD 107

Fantastic subscription offer for you

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108 SLIMMING WORLD

 subscribe & save

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SLIMMING WORLD 109

 be your best you
Expert advice and brilliant feel-good buys to fast-track you to fabulous
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 health check

Are you living

with a fatty liver?
Find out if you’re at risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – and how to reduce any damage
Words: Helen Foster Illustration: Kari Modén

N
on-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) is one of the most
common forms of liver disease
in the UK – and its primary
cause is being overweight.
‘When you gain fat, it doesn’t just
show on the outside – it can also collect
around internal organs, including your
liver,’ says Slimming World nutritionist
Jenny Barber. ‘These fat cells then secrete
acids that can damage surrounding cells,
and eventually lead to inflammation and
scarring, which damage your liver’s health.’
NAFLD also increases the risk of
developing cardiovascular disease, as
well as the likelihood of complications
from some other conditions. ‘For example,
if you have two patients with Type 2
diabetes who both control their condition
to the same extent, the person with
fat in their liver will have a higher risk
of heart attack and stroke,’ says Philip
Newsome, Professor of Hepatology at
the University of Birmingham.
NAFLD is estimated to affect one
in four people in the UK. Men and
women are equally likely to develop the
disease, and you’re most at risk between
the ages of 40 and 60. On the plus side,
though – and it’s a big plus! – being
diagnosed doesn’t mean you’ll inevitably
suffer from long-term effects. If you take
steps to tackle it, fat in the liver can
be greatly reduced, along with any >

‘Non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) is estimated
to affect one in four
people in the UK’
SLIMMING WORLD 115
health check

500The approximate
of the associated risks. number of tasks the kind of aerobic exercise
Here’s everything you liver has in the body, for eight weeks – whether
need to know… high-intensity workouts or
including storing fuel
something more moderate
Every pound you for energy, removing like brisk walking – reduced
lose counts toxins, and processing liver fat in some cases by
Each time you see a drop fats and proteins as much as 29 per cent.
on the scales, you’re They also found that some
lowering your risk people lost fat in their liver without losing
of NAFLD – another reason to celebrate any obvious weight on the scales. So
all those little milestones! ‘With this remember, if you do have a week when
condition, it’s not about reaching a set you don’t lose as much as you hoped, that
weight or Body Mass Index,’ says Philip doesn’t mean your liver isn’t benefiting –
Newsome. ‘If you lose five to 10 per cent you still might be shedding harmful fat ‘Losing weight
of your body weight, you dramatically
reduce your risk of the damaging
from your organs. gave me a
inflammation associated with fat build-up.’ What to do if you’re concerned healthier liver’
Get past your Club 10 award, though, Unlike most parts of your body, your
Charlotte Ratcliffe, 43, lives in
and the benefits are even greater. liver doesn’t send out signals to say
Daventry, Northamptonshire.
‘When you lose more than 10 per cent it’s suffering. ‘Some people might get
She joined Slimming World
of your body weight, you can also start a bit of discomfort on the right side of
weighing 19st 8lbs and has lost
to reverse any scarring that might have their tummy if the liver is distended, but
7st 4½lbs so far at Kate Isaac’s
already occurred,’ adds Philip. most of the time people have no idea
group in Daventry.
that they have a problem,’ says Philip
It’s still best to limit the booze ‘Caring for my father – who
Newsome. It’s also worth bearing in
suffered ailments linked to excess
While NAFLD only accounts for eight mind that having Type 2 diabetes, high
weight – made me worry about my
per cent of deaths from liver disease cholesterol or high blood pressure can
own health, so I joined my local
(compared with 80 per cent triggered increase your risk of developing fat in the
Slimming World group. A few
by alcohol consumption), there is some liver. If you’re reading this and are worried,
weeks later, I went for my annual
evidence to suggest that alcohol is make your first stop your GP – they can
blood test (recommended as I’d
more likely to harm your liver if you’re do a simple blood test to check levels had gestational diabetes) and I was
overweight, says Professor Nick Sheron of enzymes that might be raised. If that’s diagnosed with a fatty liver.
from the University of Southampton. the case, you could be referred for further I carried on Food Optimising...
‘So, if you are carrying extra pounds, it’s tests, such as a scan to explore whether and when I went back after three
important to stick to the recommended you have any liver scarring. months for a follow-up test, my
drinking guidelines – or even less.’ The liver reading had hugely improved.
NHS recommends women should It’s never too late
Even though I’d only lost around
not regularly drink more than 2-3 units Only a few people with fatty liver go
1½st at that point, my results had
of alcohol (the amount in a 175ml glass on to develop stage two of the condition,
already gone from worryingly high
of wine) a day, while men shouldn’t called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
to the upper end of normal.
regularly drink more than 3-4 units daily (NASH). It’s estimated that around two
Soon afterwards, my dad
(roughly the amount in a pint of beer to five per cent of the population has
passed away due to a combination
or cider). And by drinking less alcohol, NASH. ‘Even then, it can be a very slow
of weight-related illnesses. He’d
you’ll automatically be cutting down process, taking 40-50 years for damage
been so proud of my slimdown that
your Syns, so it will be great for your to appear – whereas similar effects from
I was determined to stick with it.
weight loss, too. Double bubble! alcohol occur much more quickly,’ says
My liver readings continued to
Nick Sheron. So, by taking steps now
improve and are now very healthy –
Body Magic is liver magic to counteract any fat build-up, you can plus my blood sugar is normal, so
Scientists at the University of Sydney reduce your risk… it’s never too late I’m less likely to develop Type 2
in Australia discovered that doing any to show your liver some love! diabetes in the future, too.
I just wish my dad could see me
now! I’ve dropped eight dress sizes
and I’m so full of energy. I’m even
‘Each time you see a drop on the scales, you’re planning to take part in a 20-mile
extreme mud run next year. Best
lowering your risk of NAFLD – another reason of all, I can be a healthy mum to my
two children for years to come.’
to celebrate all those little milestones!’
116 SLIMMING WORLD
 actionforcharity

women cancer
RIDE THE
NIGHT
SATURDAY 28 MAY 2016
Cycle 100km through London
at night and raise funds to
fight women’s cancers.

For more information and to register online:

www.ridethenight.co.uk PLACES
01590 677854 LIMITED
events@actionforcharity.co.uk

TO TA K E PA RT YO U N EED TO PAY A R EG I S T R AT I O N FEE O F £3 9 A N D R A I S E M I N I M U M S P O N S O R S H I P O F £19 9. ction

for charity
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 Fall in love
with fitness
Tapping into the feel-good benefits of exercise is the secret to making it a habit that lasts
L
et’s be honest. How many of
us tend to think of exercise
as some sort of penance or
punishment? Something we
know we ought to do, but don’t
really want to. Our head tells us that
being active is ‘a good thing’. And we
know the health benefits – reduced
risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, heart
disease, cancer – are brilliant. Somehow,
though, our heart just isn’t in it.
The trouble is, if we’ve mentally filed
exercise under ‘things we should do’, our
brain will immediately come up with
reasons why we shouldn’t: we haven’t
got time, we feel embarrassed, we’re too
tired, we don’t know where to start…
If that sounds all-too familiar, it’s easy
to assume you’re not the exercising type.
‘Not true!’ says exercise
psychologist Dr Jeff
Breckon from Sheffield
Hallam University. The
‘Exercise can
key to making exercise
a lifelong habit is to do
have a powerful
it for the right reasons.
‘There’s nothing wrong effect on the
with short-term goals
like training for a way you see
charity race or toning
up for the beach,’ says yourself as
Jeff – though it’s easy
for our fitness intentions
to fall away afterwards.
a person’
‘To learn to love fitness
long-term,’ he says, ‘you have to do one
thing – and that’s to value it, for reasons
that are genuinely important to you.’
That might mean seeing exercise
in terms of the general benefits you get
from having a strong and healthy body.
Or as something that leaves you with a
feel-great buzz and is life-affirming in its
own right. Being active isn’t just a means
of supporting your weight loss, it’s about
118 SLIMMING WORLD
Words: Sally Brown
having fun, nurturing your body and
reaping the rewards.
‘It’s the feeling of wellness that
exercise gives you that will keep you
coming back for more,’ says Jeff Breckon.
So, how do we engineer that mind shift
and simply turn our main reason for
exercising into the way it makes us feel?
Have a happier mind
It’s long been known that regular exercisers
produce more feel-good endorphins, which
can reset your mood thermostat a few
degrees higher. Studies also show that when
you’re fitter, you don’t react so strongly to
stress. ‘You don’t have such an increase
in heart rate or produce so many stress
hormones when faced with a challenging
situation,’ says sports psychologist
Professor Stuart Biddle
from Victoria University
in Australia. ‘It means
you don’t experience
that fight-or-flight
response so often –
which leaves you with
the overall feeling that
you are better able to
cope with life.’
Exercise also seems
to affect the way
your brain functions.
According to US
research, aerobic
exercise such as
walking could actually improve your ability
to plan, organise and juggle different
intellectual tasks. And there’s even evidence
to suggest walking rather than sitting can
help you think more creatively, too.
A happier, calmer, more productive
mind – who wouldn’t say ‘yes’ to that? And
that’s only part of the picture, says Jeff
Breckon. Exercise can also have a powerful
effect on the way you see yourself as a
person. ‘What regular exercisers come to
appreciate is the sense of autonomy they
get from being active. You feel in control
of your health and your destiny,’ he says.
‘You’re shaping your own future and it
builds your confidence in a way that
radiates into your whole life.’
Sarah Alexander, 38, a sales associate
from Norfolk who lost 9st 5lbs with
Slimming World, says she was barely able
to tie her own shoelaces when she started
exercising. Her initial motivation was to
improve her health after hitting 22st and
being diagnosed with diabetes. ‘To begin
with, I just walked, as that was all I felt
capable of. As I got a little fitter, I alternated
walking and running with some friends,’
she says. ‘They inspired me to stick with it,
and I was amazed at what I could achieve.
Exercise has given me the mental strength
to cope with whatever life throws at me.’
Find your exercise fit
Like Sarah, you don’t have to take up
marathon running or spend your life in the
gym to enjoy the benefits of exercise. Your
best choice is a moderate activity that you
enjoy, says Stuart Biddle. It doesn’t matter
whether you choose a brisk walk, a swim
or a Zumba class; the most important thing
is that you do it regularly. ‘The positive
effects on mood triggered by exercise are
cumulative,’ he says. ‘So yes, you will feel
better immediately after a session – do it
several times a week, though, and you’ll
start to enjoy more prolonged benefits.’
You’re more likely to exercise regularly
if it ticks three essential boxes, says sports
and exercise psychologist Dr Ruth Lowry
from the University of Chichester.
‘Psychologists have identified three key
needs we all have: the need to feel
confident; the need for connectedness
to others, and the need for a sense of
autonomy.’ Discovering a way of exercising
 head strong

that fulfils these needs hugely increases

your chances of keeping it up. ‘Consider
something like joining a netball team or a
Nordic walking group,’ says Ruth. ‘Think
about what would suit you personally (the
autonomy bit), whether it would either
bring new friendships or reinforce existing
ones (connectedness), and if you feel you
could get good at it (building confidence).’
It can be a case of trial and error until
you find what fits, says Slimming World
member Hollie Krause, 31, a probation
officer from East Sussex. Exercise had
never appealed to her until, on a whim,
she tried a group Vibe Cycle class. ‘I loved
it! The music was upbeat, the instructor
was enthusiastic, the group was friendly
and there was a great atmosphere,’ she
says. ‘I started off going once a week, then
twice, then three times, then four – then
I trained as an instructor and now I teach
my own classes in the evenings!’
Combined with her 8st weight loss,
finding ‘her thing’ has been life-changing
for Hollie. ‘While I’d always admired fit
and active people, they seemed like a
different species!’ she says. ‘Now I think
nothing of doing a 300-mile charity bike
ride to Paris. It’s so empowering. If I can
do that, what else am I capable of?’

6 WAYS TO GET YOUR BRAIN IN EXERCISE GEAR

1 2 3
Create a personal Rebrand yourself Scale your
mantra that as ‘active’. mood from one
sums up your Research shows to 10 before you
key reasons for that simply exercise, then
exercising – perhaps thinking of yourself as rate it again afterwards.
something like, ‘Every time an active person can It’s a good way to make
I exercise I feel strong make you move more the mood-enhancing
and in control of my life’. throughout the day. benefits tangible.

4
Do some ‘if, then’ planning to deal with obstacles – once you’ve embedded
the intention in your mind, you’re far more likely to carry it out. For
example, ‘If it’s too cold and rainy for a walk this weekend, then we’ll head
to the leisure centre for a swim instead’.

5 6
Do a cost-benefit analysis, says
Dr Ruth Lowry. ‘On a piece of
paper, list as many pros as you
can of living an active lifestyle,
making them personal to you. Then list
the costs, such as taking up time and
money. Now think about how you can put
a positive spin on them – maybe, ‘Exercise
increases energy levels so helps me get
more done’, or, ‘Getting to work by foot
saves me money on petrol’. Before long,
Keep track. Just as weighing
in at group is important to
monitor your weight loss,
noting the changes you feel
after exercise helps you continue
to be aware of its effects, says Dr Jeff
Breckon. ‘Keeping an exercise diary
is a good idea – jotting down how you
feel after each session, and noting
any changes in confidence, or general
well-being, such as fewer aches and
PHOTOGRAPH: JUMPFOTO

you’ll see each cost is actually a benefit! pains or a better night’s sleep.’

● If you’re planning to start a new exercise programme, it’s always a good idea to check with
your GP first – especially if you have an existing health condition such as high blood pressure
or diabetes. If you’re pregnant, check the suitability of the exercise with your midwife.

SLIMMING WORLD 119

 Mind over media
Cut through the maze of health buzzes and hypes – we’ve got a plan
that works for you in the real world, says Margaret Miles-Bramwell

D o you agree or disagree with the statement

that as a country we are sleepwalking into
obesity, diabetes and an early death (of the
NHS – not to mention our own)?
I don’t believe that. Certainly from our
perspective at Slimming World, where we
meet nearly one million members every single
week, we are intensely conscious of how real
people think, behave, struggle and finally find
answers to a problem that has been a challenge
for a great slice of their adult life.
We do, however, see people who are
confused, angry and depressed about the
mountains of conflicting information that
hit our news daily. They simply do not know
who to believe, or what to believe.
Although I’m writing this at a time when
yet another piece of research regarding alcohol
is the hot topic of the day (contradicting the
many other ‘alco’ news stories that already
abound), and although I’m writing it weeks
before you will be reading it, my letter to you
will still be current and topical, because it’s a
never-ending story. In fact, it will continue to
be the never-ending story of the 21st century,
long after I’ve gone.
Science – and scientific research – is
a many-splendoured thing. The argument will
continue as to whether some of this published
research and ‘groundbreaking new evidence’,
that contradicts the last lot of ‘groundbreaking
new evidence’, is a case of junk science, or
junk reporting. Yes, we will one day find a
cure for cancer, for Alzheimer’s, and for
hundreds of other horrific diseases known
today. Yes, they will discover that an unhealthy
lifestyle, tightly linked of course to eating
habits as well as a lack of regular and useful
Margaret
Miles-Bramwell exercise, is at the heart of many debilitating
OBE, HonMUniv, diseases. And no, we at Slimming World are
FRSA, is not going to wait around for these new
Slimming discoveries to hit the headlines.
World’s
everyone who struggles with the results of
making poor choices about food and drink.
The nation as a whole knows that fatty, sugary
stuff will cause weight gain. The sleepwalking
bit comes around because many people
deliberately choose to ignore that – not
because they don’t believe it, but because
they find the habit too difficult to break. And
that’s where we come in – if you will allow us.
Breaking old habits isn’t easy. How you
feel about breaking old habits will be a key
factor in how much you are setting yourself
up for success – or failure. So when you join
a Slimming World group, come with an open
mind. From the minute you walk in that door,
the one thing I know, above all else, is that you
will find yourself among friends, and people
with whom you have something in common.
Everyone in that room has either the challenge
in front of them, or behind them. For some,
it is about maintaining those new choices
and that new lifestyle, for others it’s about
making those changes to begin with. Whether
it’s your Consultant – that professional and
trained person in the room – or your fellow
members, you will, I can assure you, find
comfort, find love and care, find support and
great tips and inspiration, and a way to keep
your motivation levels high. With all that in
place, you will not just discover Slimming
World, you will discover yourself – all that
you are, and all that you can be. And you will
discover that you are, quite simply, amazing.
Have a wonderful Christmas filled with
excitement, love and laughter.
Yours, as always,
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES

We all know enough already to believe that

founder and
chair at Slimming World we have to keep working,
keep focused, and commit our lives to helping

120 SLIMMING WORLD

 from the heart

Most people know that fatty, sugary

food causes weight gain. They just don’t
know how to break the habit. And that’s
where we come in – if you’ll let us
the small print
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Spabreaks.com La Cala Resort
competition (p41)
1. Send your entry form to Spabreaks.com
La Cala Resort Competition, Slimming World
magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton,
Derbyshire DE55 4SW. The closing date is
17 December 2015. 2. Only one entry per person.
No purchase necessary. For a copy of the entry
form, send an SAE to Entry Form, Spabreaks.com
La Cala Resort Competition at the Slimming
World magazine address above, to arrive no
later than 3 December 2015. 3. The competition
is open to all UK and RoI residents aged 18 or
over, except employees of Slimming World,
Miles-Bramwell Ltd, La Cala Resort, Spabreaks.
com, Palatinate Leisure Group or anyone
professionally connected with this promotion.
(This does not include Slimming World
Consultants and Team Developers.) 4. No
bulk or third-party entries will be accepted.
Responsibility not accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post. Proof of
posting not accepted as proof of delivery. 5. The competition will be judged by a panel
that includes one independent member. The winner is the entrant who answers the
question correctly and, in the opinion of the judging panel, completes the sentence
in the most apt and original way. He/she will receive a five-night half-board break for
two people at the La Cala Resort, Málaga, Spain, comprising: return EasyJet flights
to Málaga-Costa del Sol airport from Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Gatwick,
London Luton, London Southend, Manchester or Newcastle airports, including airport
taxes and one piece of hold luggage per couple; return transfers between Málaga-
Costa del Sol airport and La Cala Resort; five nights’ half-board accommodation for
two people in a Superior double or twin room (subject to availability); a welcome
basket of fruit on arrival; breakfast buffet each morning in the La Terraza Restaurant;
three-course dinner each evening in the La Terraza Restaurant (drinks not included);
one 25-minute back massage each; one 90-minute Thermal Circuit in the La Cala Spa
each (hammam, herbal steam room, garden crystal sauna, experience showers, igloo,
Kneipp foot baths, tepidarium, exercise pool, hydrotherapy pools and relaxation
room); plus complimentary use of the indoor and outdoor pools (outdoor pool open
April-October, weather dependent) and the Clubhouse gymnasium. Winner and guest
must be aged 18 or over. The prize does not include transport to and from UK airports;
airport parking; flight extras; spending money; additional meals; drinks; activities,
including golf; additional spa use and spa treatments, or any other expenses. Travel
insurance is not included and is highly recommended. A minimum of one dinner
reservation should be made at time of booking. 6. Prize is subject to availability and
must be taken by 7 September 2016. It cannot be taken during March 2016 and August
2016. Flights must be booked at least eight weeks prior to preferred departure date
and are subject to availability. 7. No correspondence will be entered into and the
judging panel’s decision is final. The winner will be notified in writing by 14 January
2016. If Slimming World cannot contact the winner or the winner fails to claim the
prize by 11 February 2016, the winner will forfeit the prize and the panel may select
another winner. Prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Prize value
is correct at time of going to press. Prize cannot be used in conjunction with any
other offer or any existing bookings. 8. By entering this competition, the winner
agrees to take part in any publicity relating to the competition and consents to their
details and slogan being published. The winner’s name, county and slogan will be
published in the May/June 2016 issue of Slimming World magazine. 9. Slimming
World is not responsible for: (i) any loss, damage or liability to entrants in relation
to their entering the competition or accepting the prize; (ii) any failure by the winner
to comply with the terms or instructions of La Cala Resort, Spabreaks.com and
Palatinate Leisure Group; (iii) any delay or failure due to an event outside Slimming
World’s reasonable control; (iv) any costs associated with the prize; (v) any terms
or decisions of La Cala Resort, Spabreaks.com and Palatinate Leisure Group in relation
to the fulfilment of the prize. 10. The competition promoter is Slimming World. The
promoter’s address: Slimming World magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire
DE55 4SW. The prize provider is Spabreaks.com (part of the Palatinate Leisure Group),
First Floor, Clerks Court, 18-20 Farringdon Lane, London EC1R 3AU. 11. The laws of
England and Wales apply to this competition.
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa competition (p61)
1. Send your entry form to Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa Competition, Slimming
World magazine, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW. The closing
date is 17 December 2015. 2. Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary. For
a copy of the entry form, send an SAE to Entry Form, Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Competition at the Slimming World magazine address above, to arrive no later than
3 December 2015. 3. The competition is open to all UK and RoI residents aged 18 or
over, except employees of Slimming World, Miles-Bramwell Ltd, Careys Manor Hotel
& SenSpa, or anyone professionally connected with this promotion. (This does not
include Slimming World Consultants and Team Developers.) 4. No bulk or third-party
entries will be accepted. Responsibility not accepted for entries lost, damaged or
122 SLIMMING WORLD
delayed in the post. Proof of posting not accepted as proof of delivery. 5. The
competition will be judged by a panel that includes one independent member. The
winner is the entrant who answers the question correctly and, in the opinion of the
judging panel, completes the sentence in the most apt and original way. He/she will
receive a stay for two (guest must be aged 16 or over) at Careys Manor Hotel &
SenSpa, comprising: two nights’ accommodation for two sharing a double or twin
Oakwood Garden Room, subject to availability; a two-course Thai lunch on two days
in the Zen Garden restaurant; a dinner allowance of £40 each on both evenings in the
Cambium, Le Blaireau or Zen Garden restaurants; a full New Forest breakfast in the
Zen Garden each morning, and selected soft drinks each day. The prize also includes
two 60-minute facials or massages per person chosen from the spa menu, a SenSpa
product gift pack, a mind and body class each on two days in the Thai Temple Studio,
and full use of the spa facilities, including ozone swimming pool, herbal sauna, crystal
steam room and gymnasium, all subject to availability. Additional meals, drinks, travel
to and from the hotel and any other expenses are not included. Dinner and spa
treatments should be reserved at time of booking and are subject to availability.
The prize is valid Sunday-Thursday only, excludes bank holidays and is subject to
availability. The prize must be taken before 14 July 2016. 6. No correspondence will
be entered into and the judging panel’s decision is final. The winner will be notified in
writing by 14 January 2016. If Slimming World cannot contact the winner or the winner
fails to claim the prize by 11 February 2016, the winner will forfeit the prize and the
panel may select another winner. The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash
alternative. The prize value is correct at time of going to press. The prize cannot be
used in conjunction with any other offer or any existing bookings. 7. By entering this
competition, the winner agrees to take part in any publicity relating to the
competition and consents to their details and
slogan being published. The winner’s name, county
and slogan will be published in the May/June 2016
issue of Slimming World magazine. 8. Slimming
World is not responsible for: (i) any loss, damage
or liability to entrants in relation to their entering
the competition or accepting the prize; (ii) any
failure by the winner to comply with Careys Manor
Hotel & SenSpa’s terms or instructions; (iii) any
delay or failure due to an event outside Slimming
World’s reasonable control; (iv) any costs
associated with the prize; (v) any terms or
decisions of Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in
relation to the fulfilment of the prize. 9. The
promoter is Slimming World. Promoter’s address:
Slimming World magazine, Clover Nook Road,
Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4SW. The prize provider
is Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa, Brockenhurst,
New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7RH. 10. The laws
of England and Wales apply to this competition.
Reader offer (p61)
1. Offer valid up to and including 30 April 2016. Offer is valid for one night, Sunday-
Thursday only. Offer excludes bank holidays and is subject to availability. Quote
Slimming World when booking to receive your free upgrade. Full prepayment will be
taken at the time of booking. 2. Offer price is per person based on two adults sharing
a double or twin Oakwood Garden Room. A single supplement of £50 applies. Offer
also includes a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Brut NV; a two-course Thai lunch in the Zen
Garden restaurant; an allowance of £40 per person for dinner in the Cambium, Le
Blaireau or Zen Garden restaurants; a full New Forest breakfast; one mind and body
class per person in the Thai Temple Studio; a 20 per cent discount on any pre-booked
60-minute massage or facial treatments chosen from the spa menu, and unlimited use
of the spa facilities, including ozone swimming pool, herbal sauna, crystal steam room
and gymnasium, subject to availability. 3. Guests must be aged 18 or over. Offer is
non-refundable and non-transferable, and cannot be used in conjunction with any
other promotional offer or discount. Offer applies to new bookings only. Dinner and spa
treatments should be reserved at time of booking break and are subject to availability.
Don’t miss the next issue of
SlimmingWorld
On sale 17 December
(earlier to members of Slimming World groups)
REMEMBER YOUR
MIDNIGHT
ADVENTURE

Midnight Challenge Series

May–July 2016
Take part in our Midnight Challenge series and experience
a truly unique moonlight adventure. Choose your challenge
by scaling Snowdon, Skiddaw or Ben Nevis in the middle
of the night and watch the sunrise on your early morning
descent. Feeling tough? Take on all three!
10% off registration fee before midnight on 1 November 2015

alzheimers.org.uk/midnightchallenges
0330 333 0804
Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Registered charity no. 296645
 log on,lose

in g w o r ld .co.uk
mm is!
searc h rselai t recipes like th
for g
 weight,love it!
Slimming World
Every day, our friendly and supportive groups help thousands of people reach their dream weight.
If you can’t get to a group, you can still enjoy our tried and trusted weight loss plan with
Slimming World Online.

Here for you 24/7, you’ll love our unique online programme:

1,500 delicious recipes – all searchable by ingredient, meal-type and preparation time

enter your weight once a week in the privacy of your own home, then celebrate your
success with awards galore!

overcome difficult weeks with unique motivation and clever support tools tailored to you

access to hundreds of features – for hints, tips and support when you need them most

a brand new way to plan your week’s meals, complete your food diary and update
your journal with our Weight Loss Planner

create your own daily menus in a moment!

To take
advantag
e of this
special o
ffer… cho
the Gold ose
members
package hip

Join us online with an

then use th
SWMAG1 e code
21 when
to the pay y ou get

exclusive reader offer

ment pag
This offer e.
is available
17th Dece until
mber 201
5
We’re offering readers a three-month Gold membership
for the price of Silver! For £64.95 you’ll receive:

a saving of £35 on the standard price – it works out around 72p a day!
a one-year subscription to Slimming World magazine
new member books – Food Optimising and Body Magic
Photograph: Lara Holmes

slimmingworld.co.uk/online
a world of slimming support at your fingertips
directory

SHOP THE ISSUE SlimmingWorld

Editor/Publisher Elise Wells
Creative Director Lynn Hayes
Deputy Editor Sarah Davison
Deputy Publisher Emma Wild
F Farah
0800 031 9737
Monsoon
020 3372 3000
Chief Sub Editor Louisa Barrett
Associate Editor (Copy) Zoë Handley
farah.co.uk monsoon.co.uk Sub Editors Jacqui Hawkins, Laura Heappey
Freedom New Look Deputy Art Director Julian Barrett
At Topshop N 0500 454 094
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newlook.com
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G gap.co.uk
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last orders

Gold bullion bites

Frozen choc-toffee treats sprinkled with edible glitter – they won’t break the Syns bank!

SIMPLE
Makes 14
✱
Ready in about 10 minutes, plus
3 hours’ freezing time
45g bar Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate,
broken into pieces
175g pot Müllerlight Smooth
Toffee yogurt
2 level tsp cocoa powder
Edible gold glitter, to decorate

1 Melt the chocolate in a heatproof

bowl over a pan of gently simmering
water, making sure the bowl doesn’t
touch the water. Remove from the
heat, stir until smooth and leave to
cool for a minute.
2 Quickly mix in 1 tbsp of the yogurt
to loosen, then add the rest. Sift in
1 level tsp cocoa powder and mix well.
3 Divide between a standard 14-hole
ice-cube tray (allow about 2 level tsp
per cube), then gently tap the tray to
level the mixture. Freeze for 3 hours,
or until set.
4 When ready to serve, turn the
chocolates out and arrange on a
serving dish. Sift over the remaining
cocoa powder and sprinkle with the
glitter. Serve immediately.
Syns per chocolate: 1

A cool
1 Syn
each
PHOTOGRAPH: ADRIAN LAWRENCE. FOOD STYLING: SUNIL VIJAYAKAR
PROP STYLING: MORAG FARQUHAR

128 SLIMMING WORLD

 love
Slimming
World
the UK
’s favou
way to rite
lose we
ight*

Visit the website to read Zoë’s story…

search online for Slimming World
save
up to
– ask in group
£5
for more details
0844 897 8000
*More people in the UK choose to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss group.