Alternatively:- Empowering Women on their Food Optimising journey with Slimming World and Prioritising Self-Care and Taking Control – I couldn’t decided on which title to give this article. So its both.
A Feeling of Completeness and tranquillity
As I write this blog post, I’m filled with an inexplicable sense of positivity and an overwhelming feeling of happiness. I can’t put my finger on why. It’s one of those days when the weekend seemed to stretch forever. It feels like I have been away on holiday and am refreshed and ready for the world. I was looking forward to coming into the office, and woe betide anyone who tries to ruin my mood. Food Optimising has been brilliant this weekend, and I have filled up on speed foods and free foods. For more information on these foods, click here.
I usually try to work on my business finances on a Mondays and lock myself away from everyone. However, today was an exception. One of my Slimming World colleagues has been going through a tough time on their weight loss journey. We started at the same time and I have been a more successful then her. I am keen to help and support her. She asked if I wanted to meet up for a coffee and chat. I said yes and knew what she wanted to discuss. Maybe together, we could find out why she is making bad choices and how to get her back on the plan she wants to follow. I am also a life coach and help people reach their personal goals.
The Food Optimising Elephant in the Room
Our conversation meandered through various topics, circling everything except the elephant in the room. Eventually, I had to bring up her weight loss journey and food optimising with Slimming World. Taking a deep breath, she said that she knew what to do. She has done it before but struggles to achieve the weight loss she wants. When we discussed her food optimising choices, I got a sly little smile, a resigned a deep breath, and an honest answer. “I haven’t been making great choices”. We continued our chat about Food Optimising and what steps she could take to help her with better choices, and she left with an action plan.
I also suggested she talk to her consultant, she would also be happy to help.
Thinking about my friend and Food Optimising on Slimming World
She is a busy mum of four. She has two children under the age of 7 and two teenagers. Her husband is out at work and is often away for the week working. The responsibility of looking after the children and the home is left to her. As a result, she is always last on the list. Added to this, one of her parents is seriously ill, and she is a caregiver. She has a lot on her plate.
Is it a trend?
It’s not uncommon for women to put themselves last on the priority list, consistently placing family, friends, and work ahead of their own needs. It’s a selfless act driven by love and responsibility but often leaves little or no energy for self-care. This is what my friend is doing. She is giving everything to everyone except herself. This is when those less-than-ideal food optimising choices have started to creep in. It’s a shame because she is the bedrock of her family, like many other women worldwide. The one person with whom everything revolves.
It’s disheartening when I hear women resign to a perpetual second place in their lives. My message to them is simple: “NO, YOU ARE NOT SECOND; YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD.” I encourage them to find just five or ten minutes to be themselves, to rediscover the passions they had as children. It could be as simple as listening to a favourite song, dancing, taking an exercise class, writing in a journal, or immersing themselves in a book or magazine.
I’m on my high horse – just so you know, a rant is about to follow
Regrettably, too few women take these moments for themselves. Yet, when a woman begins to prioritise herself, she gains control over her life. Whether that involves taking control of her eating habits or embarking on a weight loss journey like, it’s a decisive step toward self-empowerment. And remember, we’re here to offer guidance and unwavering support every step of the way.
When a woman embarks on self-discovery, strengthening her inner resolve, and learning to believe in herself, she undergoes a profound transformation. It’s as if she unlocks a wellspring of untapped potential and resilience, ready to propel her toward her goals and aspirations. This newfound strength is a physical manifestation and a profound shift in mindset and self-perception.
As she nurtures her well-being, tending to her physical, mental, and emotional health, she emerges as a formidable force capable of surmounting any obstacle that crosses her path. The trials and tribulations that once seemed impossible are now mere stepping stones on her journey to greatness. She faces challenges with courage, determination, and a sense of purpose, unshaken by the doubts and insecurities that may have held her back in the past.
A message to all incredible women
To all the incredible women out there, never forget that you are the heroines of your own stories. Your life’s narrative is written by your choices, dreams, and actions. It’s a tale of resilience, strength, and the relentless pursuit of your potential. You are not defined by the roles you play or the expectations placed upon you. Instead, you are defined by your choices and the unyielding belief you hold in your abilities.
In a world that often demands selflessness and sacrifice, prioritising self-care is crucial. This is not an act of selfishness but a necessary investment in your own well-being. When you care for yourself, you become better equipped to care for others, and your impact on the world multiplies exponentially.
So, stand tall, take control of your life, and watch as you radiate with an inner light that can only be ignited when you prioritise your needs and dreams. As you invest in your own growth and happiness, you become the best version of yourself—an inspiration to those around you and a testament to the incredible power that resides within every woman.
You are not alone
Remember that you are not alone in your journey of self-discovery and empowerment. There is a community of women who share your aspirations, dreams, and challenges. Lean on this sisterhood for support, encouragement, and shared wisdom. Together, we can redefine the narrative of what it means to be a woman, breaking free from the constraints of society’s expectations and forging our paths toward success and fulfilment.
So, to all the remarkable women, not just in the Slimming World group, but all women. I say this: Prioritise self-care, nurture your inner strength, and embrace the transformative journey ahead. You are capable of achieving greatness, and your story is one of inspiration and empowerment. Let your light shine brightly, for you are a force to be reckoned with, and the world is a better place with your unique brilliance.
Not sure about you, but I find there is always a wavier day on Slimming World. That day in the week where you think I have tried so hard for such a long time and nothing to show for it. For me it’s day 3. I know, not enough time, but day three is my challenge day.
Day three was a Sunday, meaning we were about to have my favourite meal of the week. Roast Pork, roast potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, carrots and sometimes sweet corn. I also use some of my syns on gravy granules. I love to smother my potatoes in gravy. This is the one day I know that I will stick to my plan. Breakfast was satsumas, grapes and apples covered in Greek fat-free yoghurt and cinnamon. Then it’s waiting until lunch time. We eat at about 3 p.m., so a big meal will keep you stuffed until bedtime. I may grab a bliss bar or packet of crisps at about 7:30 p.m. Got to love a roast.
Day 3 is typically my waiver day on Slimming World
You are so good on days one and two that all the weight should have fallen off by now. But alas, no, it’s still onwards and upwards. I have been thinking about my goal for this week. I want to lose 4 pounds. When I first started Slimming World, I lost 5 pounds, but I don’t think it will be as good this time.
Nevertheless, this is going to be my target. My first target that I will concentrate on is 10 pounds. Ideally I want to lose three stone, then I can call it a day. I don’t want to spend my life trying to lose weight. I want to spend my days at target. A very different proposition. However, at my age, I don’t think I have three stone on me to lose. I don’t want to end up look haggard and gaunt. My first goal is the that pesky 10 pounds in six weeks.
My home wouldn’t be complete without a dog, and my little Molly is fantastic. A small terrier that gives you all the love you need. Today is her walk. That means she selects the route when we go out, and I follow her. Today, she went to the allotments to quickly wander around before heading back uphill via a local field. She loved it.
One of the other plans I am undertaking during the next 6 weeks is to turn my bedroom into a haven of tranquillity. So, today, I also spent two hours decluttering and tidying. I have one quick question: how can someone have so many odd socks. How does that happen? Is there some sock monster that only likes odd socks? Ridiculous.
Binning old Clothes
I have an issue throwing away some of my older and larger clothes. I keep telling myself that I may need the again. Alternatively, I might take them in and redesign them. I’m not sure I have the skill, but I hope this decluttering will make me ditch some clothes that no longer work for me. I am pretty proud of myself today. I selected a pair of trousers, a top and a cardigan for work. After looking at the outfit in the mirror, I looked like a drowned rat. The clothes swamped me. Instead of ignoring the look, I changed to better-fitting clothes and looked much better.
This may sound like a silly remark to make, but most of us who are on diets have massive body issues. I have one. I don’t know where it came from or when it will go. Its there and has been there most of my life. I expect it will always be there. It rears its head occasionally, like today, but other times, it is well under control, and I manage it.
To be clear, I don’t see myself as two sizes larger than I am. I don’t think of myself as obese anymore. I look in the mirror and imagine how I want to look. My tummy needs to be flatter and I would like smaller breasts and a waist. That’s it. I’m getting there, and once I reach my ideal weight, I will find something else to focus on.
I am still passionate about my weight loss plan. Day three is under my belt, and I look forward to day four.
Fear not. The banana issue will be shared later in this blog.
How much does a Slimming World Consultant earn? That will depend on the group they manage and the number of members in that group. However, each consultant has a passion for their group and helping their members lose weight. As stated before my friend is a Slimming World Consultant and I am helping her with her groups. Let me explain.
Today, I was up extra early for a Saturday as my friend had agreed to cover another consultant group as she was sick. It was strange being back in the group as this is where I started my weight loss journey. However, I am much lighter this time, and helping in this group brings back some good and bad memories. I remember walking into the hall and thinking that here we go again. I know it is common for consultants to say that walking through the door is the hardest thing to do. Some consultants will even say they came to the group and then drove away because they couldn’t face walking in alone, etc.
I have to be truthful, I never felt like that. I know some people do, but most members walk through the door and are resigned to wanting to lose weight. That was me. I was 17 stone 12 pounds and knew I wanted to lose weight. There was no big drama; I was fat, big, whatever you want to call it, and I wanted to lose some weight. End of story.
Let’s Talk Money
Now, let us talk money. This is the one thing that seems to be the biggest secret where Slimming World is concerned. How much do Slimming World Consultants get paid? Well, this seems to depend on the size of the group, the more members you have the better paid. It’s all based on percentages. Consultants get a percentage of the income they take each week. This percentage can and does change each week.
For ease of reference here are the percentages
0-34 members = 35%
34 – 49 members = 45 %
50 – 64 members = 50%
65 – 99+ members = 55%
If you have 35 members, you will receive 35% of the fees that day. The rest of the money goes to Slimming World. The Consultant must pay for the room rent (although Slimming World will cover a small percentage).
The Consultant must buy all the food diaries they hand out, so they often hang on to them. Every time a member receives an award and is given a sticker and certificate, the consultant has to buy the certificate, and Slimming World pays for the sticker. Here’s the kicker: if you have a target member, they can come to the group for free. The consultant doesn’t get a penny for them being in the group. Also, they don’t count towards your number of group attendees. It’s only paying members.
So if you have a room of 35 people, 5 are target members, you only have 30 paying members. From that, 30 members (for example, 23 members paying £5.95 as they are under the age of 65, the income will be £136.80. 7 members are over the age of 65, so they only pay £5.65 so the payment will be £39.55).
It’s not that simple. Some of these members may have purchased a 6 or 12-week countdown, which means they get 1 or 2 weeks free. Additionally, the consultant get a percentage of the total countdown fee when they purchase it. That means the member joins the group for the next 6 or 12 weeks, having already paid. So, some weeks, the income will be much less than stated above.
Slimming World Consultant Earn after Room Rent
Room rent is split between the Consultant and Slimming World. For example m friends room rent is £55.00. So, working on the figures above, £176.35 (the fees, we are pretending there are no countdowns, so our figures will be good). Our income is £121.35.
From that figure, because we only have 30 paying members, our weekly income is £42.47.
How Much Does a Slimming World Consultant Earn – Hourly Rate
My Friend has worked out that it takes a minimum of 10 hours per week to run a group. You have to arrive at the venue an hour before to set up. Welcome the members and run the group, that’s an hour and a half. Answer questions, coach and support members on the day, usually another hour. Then packing up for 1 hour. Slimming World has some stringent reporting rules, so when you get home, there is about an hour’s worth of paperwork. Then there is mid-week support. You contact your members to ensure they are OK, coach them, talk to them, send emails, etc. This takes, on average, 3 hours.
Slimming World has team developers who like to chat with you every week for 30 minutes, which is an hour in reality. Once a month, there are team meetings that start at 7 and don’t finish until 9 on a Friday night.
Some nights, she has walked away from the group owing slimming world money. Her average income has been between £50-60 a group. she has selected to ignore the time she spend outside of the group.
I will discuss Marketing, Leafletting and the constant training she has to do, at her own expense, later.
Back to being a substitute Consultant
It is common when a substitute consultant takes a group for the group members to weigh and go. This is a shame as each consultant brings a new view and enthusiasm to the plan. She only had 10 members stay in the group, but we had a blast. At least I did.
The group was over by 11. She got £30 as a substitute consultant, and I was there to help my friend. We arrived at 8 a.m. and left at 11. £10.00 per hour, below minimum wage!!! She did buy me a coffee and we went shopping after, so she actually got a little less than that.
Back to me and my Plan
Breakfast was a massive fruit bowl of satsumas, grapes, and watermelon. It is one of my favourite meals. All speed foods. The rest of my food was on plan, and I love this renewed enthusiasm for weight loss.
What is Slimming World? We have had the introduction of why I am restarting in a new Slimming World group, if you missed it here it is. So, here I am, ready to start my new eating plan. I am excited about my new day one in a new group as a member. You’d think I’d be enthusiastic and prepared to tackle those 42 pounds I’ve set my sights on shedding. And trust me, I am!
But let me tell you about my quirky little family, who are ready to support me 100%. I discussed my plan of joining a Slimming World Group with them in the morning, and they were there. 100%, encouraging me to go to the group. They asked if I was greeted by a friendly group and if they knew I was the consultants friend, the whole kit and kaboodle. Then reality kicks in.
I’m on my way home after work, about 7 p.m., and I quickly stop at our local supermarket. My wonderful family, bless their little hearts, kindly requested some “treats.” In their language, that means cake, chocolate, and crisps. This is just a reminder that we had our heart-to-heart that morning about my renewed focus on this journey. Only 11 hours ago! But here we are, end of Day One, and they’re craving those “treats.” This will put me in a danger zone of ‘treats’.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that I’ll always be near those mouth watering goodies. Also, I don’t have the right to put them on the same plan because I am on a weight loss journey. They have the right to eat whatever they want. So, I decided to compromise. I selected crisps that work within the Slimming World plan. I chose a smaller bag of chocolate raisins for the family and treated myself to a small bag of Haribo Starmix.
So why did I select Haribo? To appreciate my choice, you must understand the Slimming World plan. So, let me explain my understanding of the Slimming World plan.
I don’t care who you speak to or what they say, but any weight loss program is about a calorie deficit. If you try the 80:20 diet, the cabbage diet, Weight Watchers, Calorie Counting, or my preferred plan, Slimming World. Each plan works on one premise. If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight.
The food and drinks we consume are like little packets of energy. Our bodies are incredible machines that use these little packets of energy to help our bodies function correctly. This energy makes your heart beat, muscles work, and the other organs in your body function.
We can measure this energy, and the term we use is a “Calorie”. A calorie is a number that has been assigned to all foods.
Your body needs a certain amount of calories to function each day. If you lay in bed and do nothing all day, your body will burn calories. When you move around, just daily living, your body will burn even more calories.
You will gain weight if you eat more calories than your body needs. You will lose weight if you eat fewer calories than your body needs.
It must be said that not all calories are equal here, but that discussion will be for another post.
Slimming World also acknowledges that people don’t like to count calories; they want a plan that can fit in with their lives, and this one does.
Now that we understand that all eating plans are about a calorie deficit, let’s look at the slimming World Plan. This plan is one of the most popular plans to lose weight, as many people don’t want to count calories. A Slimming World plan is much easier to follow.
Slimming World has looked at all the available foods and divided them into five unique categories, each with its own name. There is no complicated jargon, just simple labels:
Free Foods
Speed Foods
Healthy A
Healthy B
Syns
To reconfirm, if you want to shed those extra pounds, you’ve got to create a calorie deficit. Slimming World gets that and discusses this in their books, which every member receives.
Slimming World employs expert dietitians and psychologists who’ve poured their wisdom into this plan. The psychological side of weight loss is often underestimated, but I think it’s the most crucial part of any weight loss program. We can all eat fewer calories daily and lose weight, but it’s that fear of losing out. When all around you are eating high-calorie, high-fat foods, you look at your apple or an orange with envy. Your friends are eating a bar of chocolate, and you have nothing. This fear of losing out or missing out is enormous. This is where the re-education and refocus of our goals and eating habits need to change. This, for me, is the hardest part of my journey.
Free Foods is up first on our list. Slimming World gets it – every food item has its own calorie value. But here’s the exciting news: they’ve identified certain foods that keep hunger pangs at bay for longer. These magical foods are called free foods. You can indulge in them to your heart’s content. No weighing or measuring.
However, there are three caveats to this:
You need to listen to your body and know if you’re hungry, bored, fed up, angry, or cross. If you are hungry, then eat. If not, you must create another coping mechanism and eat your feelings.
Stop eating when you are full. You do not have to clear your plate. You are in control.
Have a third of speed foods on your plate (we will come to this soon).
Slimming World has a few tweaks they want you to make to help you lose weight. For example, remove all the fat if you eat a pork chop or bacon. Grill or cook them in the oven. Roasting a chicken is perfect; don’t eat the skin. When pasta night rolls around, consider choosing wholemeal pasta.
These tweaks are your secret weapon for an eating plan that spells out success.
Now, let’s speed things up a bit with Speed Foods! These are the rock stars of our weight loss plan. These foods make you feel fuller for longer. Slimming World affectionately calls them Speed foods. It won’t surprise you to learn that these superheroes are none other than fruits and vegetables. Slimming World suggests that at every meal, you have at least a third of speed foods on your plate.
Add 1/3 of speed food on your plate; this could be a portion of broccoli or any other veg.
Then add your pasta. This is a free food, so there is no weighing or measuring.
Finally, add your Bolognese sauce, which is made from 5% less fat mince. A tin of tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and garlic (all free foods). And whatever else you make your Bolognese from.
This is now a balanced meal. Your Speed Food is put on your plate first. This gives you portion control (and it provides that calorie deficit). You are not filling a plate of whole pasta and adding a meat sauce. You are controlling your calorie intake.
What is Slimming World Healthy A
Up next, we’ve got Healthy A because even in the world of eating plans, we’ve got to keep health in check! Healthy A represents calcium, and it’s recommended that you enjoy two Healthy A’s daily. You’ve got options, whether milk or cheese – the choice is yours! Slimming World is about putting you in the driver’s seat regarding your consumed foods.
What is Slimming World Healthy B
And then there’s Healthy B, representing the fibre in your life. You’re encouraged to have one portion of fibre every day. The options for Healthy B are vast, ranging from bread to stewed apples.
Just remember, precise measurements are the name of the game for your Healthy A and Healthy B.
What is Slimming World Syns
Let’s discuss one of the most controversial aspects of the Slimming World plan. The Syns.
When Slimming World started in 1969, the plan was marketed as the “Sin A Day” diet. The plan was designed to help people lose weight while still enjoying the high-fat, high-sugar foods we all love. The plan was straightforward – keep your daily calories low, and if you wanted to, you could indulge in something you love that is higher in calories and fat only once a day (today, we call this portion control). People lost weight, and the plan grew and became one of the most popular eating plans in the UK.
What is Slimming World, well this was Day One
Fast forward to today, and with the advancement of science and technology, we better appreciate how the body and food work together. We now have a better understanding of food and weight control. The word “sin” has transformed into “Syns,” sporting a fresh spelling and a new meaning – “Synergy.” Meaning that you eat something in combination with a healthy eating plan. Foods high in fat, sugar and salt have been given a point(s) (just like calories, a number, and as discussed in a previous post, any weight loss program is about reducing the calories you consume). Consultants will suggest that each member, depending on their starting weight, will have a certain amount of Syns daily. As the member loses weight, the Syn value is reduced. Once again, PORTION CONTROL.
Slimming World isn’t shy about its history, but this topic keeps “popping up” in debates. From where I stand, let’s move on. It was “Sin” back then, and now it’s “Syns.” After all, in the 1960s, people would put butter on burns; times have changed. People evolve, adapt, and make better choices.
What is Slimming World on Sundays
So, let’s put it all together, shall we? Imagine a typical family meal – a hearty Sunday Lunch, for instance, with roast chicken, crispy roast potatoes, and a colourful array of veggies.
Roast Chicken – It’s a Free Food if you bid farewell to the skin.
Roast Potatoes – Dry roasted magic makes them Free Foods.
Peas – A Free Food.
Sweet Corn – You guessed it, another Free Food.
Cabbage – Speed Food, adding a burst of goodness.
Carrots – Speed Foods for some colourful crunch.
Parsnips – Count them as Speed Food, too.
Gravy Granules – Ah, here’s the kicker – these are your Syns, and the number depends on how much you sprinkle.
See, it’s as easy as pie! (Well, a calorie-controlled, Slimming World-friendly pie, that is!)
Now you understand that I selected Haribo because they are 4.5 syns for 25 g. Enough to satisfy my sweet tooth, be part of my odd little family treat night, and not feel left out.
It’s time for me to spill the beans on my latest adventure: reigniting my weight loss journey! As a Slimming World consultants best friend. I’ve already said farewell to a whopping 4 stone and 7 pounds. My journey started when I tipped the scales at a mighty 17 stone and 12 pounds and then halted. But hold on, there’s a bit of a twist!
With my return to the Slimming World group, alongside my friend who’s an absolute Slimming World aficionado, I restarted my journey. I also agreed to help her with her own group. This shared commitment gave me the opportunity to reignite my weight loss journey and strive towards achieving my ultimate goal. Agreeing to join the social team, solidified my dedication to her and my goal. Over the course of the past ten months, my weight had stealthily crept up by half a stone, serving as a motivating factor in my re-entry into the world of Slimming World.
OK, I admit it: I’m a tad peeved, maybe a little devastated and disappointed in myself. Truth be told, I haven’t been quite the poster child for the Slimming World plan in the last few months. Life’s been a whirlwind, and I’ve been all over the place with work, family and just, well life.
Excuses, I have them even as a Slimming World Consultant Friend
Excuses? I’ve got a few up my sleeve, from keeping up with my business, creating websites and various other reasons I could throw into the mix to justify my slip-ups. However, if I am honest, I have made a few bad choices and know it. The beauty of Slimming World is that all eating decisions are down to you. What you eat and the results you get.
My fear was that I have been advocating the importance of creating new weight-loss habits. And here I was, putting on weight. I think some of my new habits may have fallen by the wayside. So, have I really practiced what I preach? To some extent, yes! I’ve managed to incorporate some fantastic habits into my life. For instance, I’ve become a breakfast enthusiast, mastered the art of sitting down to eat every day, and amped up my fruit intake while ditching those sneaky liquid calories.
But some old habits from my pre-Slimming World days have crept back. The sneakiest culprits? chocolate and biscuits, of course! It’s like I’ve entered a race to finish the entire packet, and then, astonishingly, I’ll reach for more even when I’m stuffed. I even caught myself polishing off a bag of crisps just because I’d opened the packet. A habit I thought I had replaced!
After giving myself a stern talking-to (yes, I can be pretty persuasive), I decided it was high time to re-join Slimming World. With my friends as my consultant and coach I know there will some ups and down. Some fun and a few tears. For the next six weeks, I’ve set my sights on shedding those 10 pounds in weight, and I’m bringing you along for the ride with this blog to track my progress.
You May be interested in the other Articles in this series
