This is UK’s largest weight loss organization, set up in 1969 by Margaret Miles-Bramwell. The group helps people lose weight and get healthy through weekly group meetings conducted by trained consultants. According to the company’s statistics, it has helped more than five million members lose over 60 million pounds in the last 40 years.
Slimming world achieves weight loss through a food optimizing plan that relies on encouraging followers to eat nutritious, low energy density foods while limiting the intake of high energy, low satisfaction foods. There is no calorie counting involved. In fact, followers are allowed to eat daily portions of lean meat, fish, poultry, meat, rice, whole grains, vegetables and fruit.
The Slimming World diet also allows a number of ‘healthy extras’ like cereal, milk and bread. By taking in good quantities of calcium, fat absorption takes place faster and more efficiently, which in turn speeds up the weight loss process.
Finally, the program also allows followers to take in 5-15 syns (a measure of high calorie food) per day. These ‘cheat meals’ help followers curb cravings and ensure long term fidelity to the weight loss plan.
The Food Optimising plan is divided into three broad categories, which followers can choose according to their needs.
The original plan allows a broad spectrum of foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meat, poultry, dairy, fish, grains and beans. Then there is the ‘Green Plan’ and the ‘Extra Easy’ plan, which basically involve a wider choice of permitted foods.
Unlike many diet plans that rely only on regulating food intake without paying sufficient attention to exercise, Slimming World encourages members to participate in the ‘Body magic’ program. This program is not a rigorous exercise program. Rather, the program introduces gentle exercises like walking, climbing stairs instead of using the lift etc. Once these tasks are incorporated, members are encouraged to take up exercises in a more regular and structured form. To encourage and motivate them, awards are given.
Slimming World review
The diet plan is based on sound eating and exercise. It is easy to follow and the amount of support that members enjoy is tremendous. The program not only lays down a detailed eating and exercise plan, it also provides psychological counseling and conducts regular weight checks. This keeps members motivated and on the path of weight loss.
Followers are allowed to eat as many as 5 times a day, so they do not feel hungry or experience cravings. Since cheat meals are allowed, there is something to look forward to. The diet plan does not really feel like a rigor.
Pros:
- Encourages a lifestyle change
- Based on healthy eating habits
- No calorie counting involved
- Food choices available are very wide
- Encourages goal setting
- Encourages exercising
- Encourages a wholesome and nutritious meal plan
- Provides support through magazines and recipe booklets
Cons:
- Paid membership program
- Have to attend meetings
In Conclusion:
The Slimming world program is great for anyone who wants to lose weight and has the time to invest in group meetings. The diet plan is not difficult and there is a wide variety of permitted foods. So, there is no danger of boredom or feelings of restriction.
Many people who have followed the diet program have lost weight successfully. The greatest strengths of the program are flexibility and sound eating patterns. These factors ensure long term allegiance to the program and successful weight loss.
