What do I need to know before I start?

[Cinnamontwirl]

I've decided enough is enough and that I need to do something about my slow yet steady weight gain over the last few years, not helped with surgeries and failed fertility treatments. I think I'd like to give it slimming world a shot but how much will it cost? What do I need to know before I start? I'm a keen cook and baker and so don't want to rely on muller lights, hi-fi bars or mug shots (which is what a colleague who has done SW in the past tended to eat).

I've had a look and my local group are meeting on monday. Are there any current codes/discounts for membership? What happens if you're a newbie? I'm nervous about going to a group but feel it would give me some accountability.

Would love to know from others what tips and tricks have worked for them and what I need to do to prepare! I think mostly I need a bit of a reassurance

[GinisLife]

It didn't work for me but I did learn not to use Frylight spray in my non stick pans because it trashes them !!

[falange]

My advice is join a group. Stay to group. Don’t just go, get weighed and leave. Sometimes it can be boring listening to people talk about their week (some people talk for ages) but overall it’s useful because you can get some good hints and support. The other thing I’d say is remember that SW are in business with the muller, ryvita etc companies which is why they are named in the book. If you can find cheaper equivalents then just use them. Lots of info on Pinterest, two chubby cubs etc. Good luck.

[Oldowl]

I joined SW eight weeks ago as a complete newbie. You turn up at the start time and all new members sit in a corner of the room with the lead consultant whilst everyone weighs-in, chats, buys raffle tickets etc.

The consultant gives you a whistle stop guide to SW and leaves you with the pack. You then join the group for the session. This can be a lovely supportive part to the evening, full of positivity and tips. I had to try not to laugh the first time as it reminded me of the comedy 'Fat Friends'. Everybody clapping because 'Sheila has lost half a pound'!!

I have come to find the meetings and camaraderie really useful. This week some ladies told their weight loss stories. One lady was size 28 in January and fell over in a carpark. She could not get up, so that was her reason for joining SW 10 moths ago. She has lost 8 stone 10lbs!!! She is now size 12/14. Another young actress was a size 18 and was fed up with wardrobe saying her costumes would have to be taken out. She joined the same day as the other lady and she has lost 3 stone 9lbs since January. She is now a size 8. She brought a dress she wore last Christmas and tried it on in front of us. She is half the woman she was last Christmas!

I joined in September after a child at school asked if I had a baby in my tummy! I have lost a stone in 8 weeks. You can eat loads on SW, but it is all good stuff. I have not eaten so much fruit and veg for years. I make overnight oats for breakfast rather than having branflakes. No way would I ever eat yoghurt and fruit in the morning before. My health has improved. I used to get night cramps but they have now gone. I go for nightly walks (with a little jog to get the heart beating) and feel fitter than ever.

There are lots of threads on here to give support. It is a marathon not a sprint. You don't lose loads each week, but it all adds up and you steadily and sensibly. Hopefully my stone will stay off.

Good luck. x

[prettyprettyprettyprettyghoul]

There was a voucher in closer magazine last week for free membership (save £10) but I don’t know if the same voucher is in this week’s mag.

You definitely don’t have to eat all the processed products. There are other brands that are just as suitable - eg. Danone light and free is much nicer than Muller Lights and Alpen light bars are the same as Hifis.

It mainly focuses on cooking from scratch so you should be fine.

Good luck!

[Groovee]

You don’t need to eat miller lights, mugshots, hifi bars. There’s lots out there for you to eat. So much is free to eat. Make sure you weigh your healthy extras and fill your plate with 1/3rd speed foods first. I’m trying to get my 4st award by the end of November.

[pandorawithtreaclecolouredhair]

OP, you could buy a copy of the SW magazine, as that would give you an idea of the SW ethos, and some examples of recipes to cook/daily meal plans.

[latedecember1963]

I've lost 1.5 stones since February. Not a startlingly fast loss but I'm happy to be slow but steady. If you're happy to cook then there are loads of recipe ideas on the website to stop you getting bored. I use Light and Free yoghurt instead of Müller Lights and syn Flora Cuisine rather than use Fry Light, although I add a squirt of Fry Light to pasta to stop it sticking into clumps when boiling.

[Cinnamontwirl]

Thank you- I'm going to my local class this evening- is it sad to say I'm quite excited?

[latedecember1963]

Not sad at all! Good luck and hope you enjoy your first week.

[prettyprettyprettyprettyghoul]

It is exciting! It’s the whole ‘I’ve made a decision and this will change my life’ aspect of it. Which is true. If you follow the plan you will definitely lose weight.

I hope you enjoy the meeting. They are a bit eye rolly until you get into it and remember if you don’t like your group you can always look for another.

[LollipopViolet]

I love Slimming World, and I don’t use the named products much - my main one is Fry Light, and I may buy the odd box of bars from group. I do use the ready meals as they’re convenient and very tasty. But I’ve learnt to cook more, and have lost just over 2 stone this year. I’ve got another 2 and a half, maybe 3 stone to my target.

I really hope you enjoyed group, I love mine and stay every week - they’re friends not just people I see at slimming world if that makes sense? If you don’t click with a group or consultant it’s worth trying another IMO. A good one is worth its weight in gold.

[buzzmoon]

Hope your first group went well!
I love SW, my advice would be to use your syns for healthy fats like nuts and olive oil occasionally. This made me feel a lot healthier and more balanced.

Definitely get the magazines, they have great recipes and ideas! Good luck!