Absolute newbie. Please share your go to tips and hints

[neverendinglaundrypile]

I haven't a clue where to begin besides doing a shop based on the books.
Went to group last evening.
Knew I'd piled it on but have hovered around the two stone overweight mark for a while now ( years)
I've two and a half stone to lose.
I'd really
Appreciate tips.
Can i ask what to use in 'cream' based sauces instead of cream and can I keep
My syns for dinner and drinks one night at the weekend
Please .

I’ve just lost 2.5 stone on it. I found the thing that made the biggest difference was swapping out parts of things I had regularly…so swapped all my milk to skimmed, changed using oil in cooking to the spray, changed yoghurt to fat free Greek yoghurt. Get reduced fat cheese etc. I swapped white bread for a smaller whole meal loaf. Butter for flora light etc Then with meals just swap out a part of it for more veg.
Also make sure you always have in ingredients for something quick that is free that you can make in a rush So that you aren’t tempted to snack instead. I always gave eggs in and do scrambled eggs and mushrooms, tomatoes etc

Well Done on your loss !
Thanks for your reply.
Did you track everything to the nth degree?

I bought a spray bottle for oil rather than using the one cal stuff. I find it's hard on pans.

Agree with having snacks available- I keep hard boiled eggs and muller light in the fridge for hungry/snacking moments.

Focus on speed then protein and free foods.

You can get 0% fat Creme fraiche, but I tend to just use yogurt for everything. The thick Greek yogurt, fage, is good.

Track the first week so the consultant can check you are doing it correctly if needed.

After that, track syns and healthy extras. The rest doesn't really need recording.

Record when things are going slowly to help you see what needs to change.

Buy the recipe books and magazine. I found it too hard coming up with my own meals but when you plan them and know what to buy, it's easy

Low fat cream cheese (philly or own brand) is used in lots of recipes. Also try the cheese triangles.

One of my favourite breakfast hacks is to use fried (fry light or oil spray) potatoes instead of your healthy b like cereal or toast. I use sliced tinned potatoes to have with mushrooms, tomatoes, egg etc. Then you’ve still got all your a and b allowance for the rest of the day.

Apparently quark is a good creamy alternative in sauces

@neverendinglaundrypile I don't think you are meant to save syns for the weekend but a lot of people do! Pinch of nom recipes are mostly SW friendly and there are loads free online so you don't need to buy the books.