by Jackie | Sep 26, 2023 | Slimming World
Why did I start dieting?
What a question. Why did I start dieting? I feel like I have been on a diet all my life. My first memory of noticing anything to do with weight started when I was at school, and the school nurse would weigh me at the start and the end of the term. Then I was always underweight and told that I needed to add a few pounds. I didn’t understand what she meant and just carried on with my school life.
My next memory was watching my mother getting dressed for a party, putting on a red dress, and complaining that she was getting fat since she had stopped smoking, and my father had made a few comments about it. She was a size 12. She said she would join a weight-loss club and wanted me to go with her for company and support.
The price of coffee!
I joined her and listened to other women complain about the cost of diet food and the limited selection of diet foods available. These discussions would last for 40 minutes once a week for months. We would have the same debate, but from different people as the membership constantly changes. I refer to this kind of discussion jokingly ‘The price of coffee today is’.
Alternatively, they would moan about having to eat different food from the family and constantly moan about how hard done by they were. The final straw for me came when the instructor turned to the group and told each dieter that they should look at eating food as a treat and make it a performance. Lay the table and make it look beautiful. Turn off the TV and radio and don’t answer the phone and give themselves the gift of 20 minutes to enjoy their meal. I agreed with what she said, but the complaints from the women. Oh no, I can’t not answer the phone; it might be my child needing me. My husband works overseas, and if the phone goes, I will answer. The short-sightedness of what the instructor was trying to say was ignored.
The instructor was trying to say that they should look at their food, and their meal as something to enjoy. Think about what they are eating and be conscious about the food they are putting in their mouths. I was about 14 years old, and the group closed not long after, from memory.
What did I learn about dieting?
What this taught me was that all women should watch their weight. This is part of being a woman, one of the most important aspects of adulthood. A rite of passage. So, I started dieting because at 14; I was a size 10, five foot three, and told I should be a size 8. Moving on several years and dieting successfully and unsuccessfully since then, I managed to get myself to a size 24 and dream of being a size 14 as my ultimate goal. How things change!
It is true to say I started dieting because I wanted to lose weight. It seemed like the logical thing to do; after all, I had been told how to lose weight this way since I was 14. My logic was I was overweight. I should diet to lose weight. But it’s not that simple. Weight loss is complicated, both physically and mentally. It requires a lot of willpower and self-control, which I often lack. And even when you do everything “right”, there’s no guarantee that you will lose weight.
Dieting is such a deeply ingrained part of our culture, and it’s hard to imagine a different eating method. In my early 20s I learnt one style of dieting is not the only answer. I tried Slim Fast and going to the gym three times a week. I tried the cabbage diet, for two days. The 28 days to a better bottom diet, and Rosemary Colony’s diet and exercise. I also followed Susan Powter for a while and Jillian Michaels. For me, it lead to obsessing over food, feeling deprived and unhappy, and eventually giving up and overeating.
My thirties were just the same. So why do I keep doing it? Good question. Partly because I hope that this time will be different, and partly because I don’t know what else to do to stay healthy and look the way I want to. I have found a plan that works for me. I am a massive advocate of it.
Why I Started Dieting and found Slimming World
The Slimming World Food Optimising option works for me and my lifestyle. I like the fact that I can eat anything I want and that I am finding new eating habits. When I joined Slimming World I was over 17 stone. Now, 4 stone lighter I look and feel fantastic. I love the way I feel and that is what this site is about. It’s about my journey and what I have and will learn. It’s about me becoming a Slimming World Consultant and what I am learning and how this role is changing my life. I will tell you the good bits, the bad bits, and those that just don’t really matter to anyone except those who are in Slimming World.
Is this a new diet or way of life?
I have decided to live the life that works for me. A method that doesn’t involve just dieting but also focuses on listening to my body and eating what makes me feel good, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Because food nourishes us, not punishes us. And our bodies are meant to be loved and respected, not constantly criticised.
If you’re struggling with dieting, I encourage you to explore options that include a reduction in the foods you put in your mouth. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating, and what works for me might not work for you. If you’re tired of feeling a failure every time you diet, know that you are not alone. And know that there is another way. Dieting doesn’t have to be your only option–there is hope for something better. Something that feels good instead of bad. Something that leads to self-love instead of self-loathing. You deserve it, as do I. As mentioned above, I have found that Slimming World is working for me. Diet is about numbers. The number of calories you put in your body and the ones you expel through exercise and just living.
In conclusion why I started dieting
If my mother had never started her weight loss program or taken me to her slimming club, I don’t think I would have ever put on so much weight. I’m not blaming her for my adult decisions, but it started a cascade of Yo-Yo dieting and focused on weight, weight loss, and physical appearance. Before then, I did not know the minefield of weight loss and the psychological difficulties of control over your own body. I still want to lose weight, and I still have the image in my head of how I want to look and how I look now. The image that I see may differ from the image you see, but ultimately it’s all about me in my head.
Why I started dieting was personal for me, why did you start? Was it for similar reasons?
There is a link to the Slimming World website; I am not paid for this link but. I thought it might be of use if you wanted to check it out.
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by Jackie | Feb 22, 2022 | Slimming World
The Fast Forward Plan with Slimming World – Thursday 17 February 2022
Starting weight: 86.2
Days
- One 86.2
- Two 85.8
- Three 85.4
- Four 84.8
- Five 85.2
- Six 84.8
- Seven 84.8
Total loss: 1.4 kg. It’s still going down.
I made it. At last, it was a long seven days with a stringent diet. My eventual weight loss was 1.4 kg. I am thrilled, but I didn’t meet my 3kg weight loss, but it means that I am much nearer to my end goal of 70 kg within a week.
I am looking forward to going back to the regular Slimming World Food Optimising plan. Not having to weigh food and count units. Now I have to make sure I don’t put any weight on. I am not going mad at my free foods as I think the next week will be more critical than the Fast Forward Plan week.
Would I do the The Fast Forward Plan with Slimming World again?
Yes, I think that is maybe worth doing every few months. Not because I want the massive weight loss, but it reminded me about Food Optimising and that the choice is in my hands. I will not preach, as it was hard. Family mealtimes were difficult, and Saturday treat night was difficult for everyone.
I don’t think it’s a plan that should be used all the time; the calorie intake is low. Slimming World says this is the last resort plan. I can’t see why. Consultants use other tools if you are struggling to lose weight. For example:
- Food diaries
- Individual consultation with your consultant,
- Extra easy SP,
- For and against lists.
- Self Sabotage
However, this plan is a helpful booster for those who need it. It should be kept in the back cupboard under a large box and padlocked. It is just another valuable tool to help kick-start your weight loss journey once you get stuck. You will need the same motivation you had when you first started your Slimming World journey. It is useful and it has its place, and it works as a short-term fix for a quick boost of weight loss. I know that it’s NOT food optimising, which is probably why Slimming World doesn’t want to discuss it a great deal. It will make you appreciate the plan again, get you to reread the books, and start to plan your meals.
What has this plan taught you?
It has shown me I don’t always count my syns. I am eating more significant portions and need to keep them in check.
You may be interested in my other posts on The Fast Forward Plan with Slimming World
by Jackie | Feb 22, 2022 | Slimming World
Wednesday 16 February 2022
Starting weight on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan: 86.2
Days on the Fast Forward plan
- One 86.2
- Two 85.8
- Three 85.4
- Four 84.8
- Five 85.2
- Six 84.8
Struggling today
I am struggling to stay on the Plan today, as the food selection is limited. Even though I’m eating healthy, the meals feel monotonous, and with yesterday’s gain, I do not see the results I want. I am tempted to give up, but I only have tomorrow left. However, after finishing the Fast Forward, I am now looking to spice up my “food optimising” and make it more exciting.
While the food selection is limited, I have to remind myself that the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan is meant to re-start my weight loss. After finishing the plan, I know I can add more variety to my diet. There are plenty of healthy and delicious recipes available. I have been a member for a long time and have ALL the recipe books. I know that adding in these recipes will make my diet more exciting, but I will also lose weight at the same time. As I mentioned above, I won’t give up on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan – but use it as a fresh starting point to help me reach my ultimate weight loss goals.
Day 6 of my Slimming World Fast Forward Plan.
As you can see, I am feeling a little despondent today. The weight has come down again. The plan is hard work. I look at the family’s food and feel a little envious. However, I also hear that Bliss bar yelling at me in the cupboard. I know I need to lose weight, but it should be easier than this. The sad bit is that it will be a lifelong battle once I get to my target weight. But I will keep going – I know this is worth it!
It seems so sad that I have to keep watching what I eat so that I won’t put on so much weight. The real question is, why is the way we look so important? Why are we judged on our physical appearance? Our outward appearance shouldn’t be as important as the person we are inside. When I weighed more, people thought I was stupid. As I was losing weight, that attitude changed.
In conclusion, I know that one of the most important things I can find is a healthy and sustainable diet for weight loss. The Plan may be restrictive with food selection, but this is only meant to be a temporary measure. Once I have finished the the next two days, I will add more variety to my diet. This will mean that the plan I follow should not be too restrictive, as this will make it challenging to stick to in the long run. Roll on tomorrow and weigh in.
I am looking forward to going back to the more extensive selection of “Food Optimising”. I never thought I would miss it.
You may be interested in my other posts on Slimming World Fast Forward Plan
by Jackie | Feb 22, 2022 | Slimming World
Slimming World – Tuesday 15 February 2022
Gutted, absolutely gutted, that is the only explanation I can give today. I got on the scales, expecting the scales to show a reduction. Following on from my weight loss yesterday. The scales read a slight increase. Ordinarily, I would be still thrilled because I had lost weight. However, I was expecting it to be half a pound loss. In my mind, I put on. If you expect to lose weight and don’t lose, it’s devastating. So now I’ve got to tell my mind somehow not to worry and continue with this slimming or fast forward plan.
I know you should never weigh yourself every day. There are very few slimmers who do not weigh themselves every day. For me, I have a small ritual when I weigh. It’s got to be first thing in the morning after I’ve been to the loo, with nothing on and before I have my morning coffee.
My treats
I don’t want to say that I live for my treats. But it has to be said that I look forward to my treats. When I am Slimming World regular plan, I save all my syn for the evening, which is my danger zone. I will sit with two Hi-Fi bars, one bliss bar, three syns and a small packet of crisps, five syns or a 25g or Aldi chocolate seven syns.
However, you don’t have 15 syns to play with on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan. The plan uses a point-based system. Depending on where you are with your weight loss journey, you are allocated several units to have each day. The units range from 18 to 23. I am in 21 units. The treats are called snacks in The Fast Forward Plan. The values are only 1 or 2 units. For example
- One sachet Cadbury Highlight Chocolate Drink – 1 unit
- 150 ml of gravy, made from granules with water – 1 unit
- One medium banana – 2 units
- Two slices of wholemeal bread (400g loaf) – 2 units
I miss my treats. My syns plate is no longer filled with the lovely goodies. Instead I have one Cadbury Highlight Chocolate Drink and a packet of skips crisps. I should use the syns smarter. Therefore I don’t need to fixate on chocolate and sweeties. I have come to the conclusion that the issue with the regular Slimming World eating plan and syns is I use mine for sugar treats.
An New Breakfast
I love my new breakfast of poached egg on bread. On the regular Slimming Plan, I can use the bread as my healthy extra, and the eggs are free. The Slimming World Fast Forward Plan is a secret ploy to get you to look back at your habits of food optimising and see where you are making mistakes, with a helpful hint on how much weight you could lose if you kept to plan. I think my consultant may be very cunning.
What have I learnt about being on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan so far?
Finally, I have just figured it out! I have a sweet tooth, and I like chocolate, biscuits, and ice cream. However, they are all full of sugar. It’s all about the sugar! Somehow, I must get it in my head that it’s not the end of the world if I don’t eat chocolate. I am not missing out and not being deprived. It is a sugar addiction, just like drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or drugs.
You may be interested in my other posts on Slimming World Fast Forward Plan
by Jackie | Feb 22, 2022 | Slimming World
Slimming World Fast Forward Plan – Monday 14 February 2022
This is day four of my Slimming World Fast Forward Plan.
I have found a fantastic breakfast on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan. I missed the option when I first glanced at the book the first time.
- Two small slices of wholemeal bread (400g loaf), toasted,
- Topped with two poached eggs.
There had to be one swap, gluten-free bread, and I didn’t toast the bread. I’m not too fond of soggy toast. But it is filling and keeps me going until lunchtime.
Today is looking much better than the weekend. For lunch, I had a salad followed by a Muller Light yoghurt. One of my favourite yoghurts, and it’s gluten-free. I am at work, so I don’t have a lot of free time to think about what I am not eating. Time vanishes when at work. Our evening meal will be a second helping of roast chicken. Me cutting back on the amount of chicken means we get two roasts. How wonderful!
I am thrilled that I am now 84.8 kg. I am certainly on target to get that 3 kg loss I want. When I was getting dressed this morning, I took one of my favourite dresses out of the cupboard and tried it on. Last week I couldn’t do the button up over my chest. Today I could do the buttons up. Yes, there was a little gap, but I could wear it if I used a safety pin. I am not going to, as I don’t want to have that kind of aid. My summer wardrobe may be a lot bigger than last year.
A Leap of Faith
I gave away all my sizes 48/50 (the UK sizes 20/22) clothes. It was so nice to hand them over to someone who needed them. It was, however, one of the most complex decisions I have had to make. You always have in the back of your head. What if I need them again? Once they are gone, I can’t get to them. I hope that this will mean that I will never have to buy that size again. Your old clothes are like a warm cosy blanket you can snuggle in and hide your weight. You know they are too big to look awful, but it’s what you are used to wearing and having learned to hide.
I do have a suit I would love to wear. I repurchased it in 1992; it is a size 44 (UK size 16) that was always snug. I can get the skirt over my hips but can’t quite do the buttons up. Every step helps.
You may be interested in my other posts on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan
by Jackie | Feb 17, 2022 | Slimming World
This is day three of my Slimming World Fast Forward Plan.
It was a miserable, horrible day yesterday (13 February 2022). The day you sit inside, turn the TV on and cosy on down with a TV box set and munching a bag of Maltesers or Haribo. That will not happen, much to my disappointment. I am still strongly resounded to stay on plan and reach my one-week weight loss goal. As always, my personal goal is to keep going, focus on my successes, and learn from failures. Taking each new day and weight loss with grace and… who am I kidding? I want to lose 7 pounds this week. I have stagnated on my weight loss journey, so my consultant suggested the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan. The current numbers are therefore looking good. It seems to work.
Now The downside of the Fast Forward Plan so far.
It was Sunday yesterday, which means roast dinner was sitting around the dining room table with the family. The Slimming World Fast Forward Plan accommodates a roast but is a very sad roast.
- 100g roast chicken, without skin
- 175g potatoes boiled or mashed
- 70g carrots
- 75g Savoy cabbage
- 75g cauliflower florets
- Free option of 150g of broccoli
I have to tell you. It’s not a lot when it’s on the plate. Especially as the rest of the family had big juicy roast potatoes cooked with the chicken and a mountain of vegetables and gravy. I don’t enjoy being on a diet. The benefits of being on plan and losing weight are the goals. However, sometimes I have to question if it is worth it. I don’t want to be on a diet for the rest of my life, and watching my family eat a full meal while I consumed a tiny portion of it seemed so unfair.
I heard a quote a while ago from Tony Robbins, “Nothing tastes as good as slim feels”. As I eat my small meal, I think about these words.
Slimming world and the family
Most of our meals are home-cooked and adapted to Slimming World menus. My family is very supportive. We cook with Fry-light, have increased our fruit and vegetable intake. We only have low-calorie treats in the house. The Bliss Bars are a big hit, and only 3 syns each. The salted caramel bliss bars are a big hit in my household. It is like a marathon without nuts.
Am I still enjoying the plan?
Yes, I have to say I am. I have learnt that I have steadily increased my portion sizes without realising it on my regular slimming world eating plan. I have also not included the odd Syn, for example, gravy on my dinner or tomato ketchup on the Friday Fakeaway days.
So, onwards and upwards to Day Four
You may be interested in my other posts on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan
by Jackie | Feb 16, 2022 | Slimming World
This is day two of my Slimming World Fast Forward Plan.
Slimming World Fast Forward Plan – Saturday 12 February 2022
Without having the correct groceries in the house, it wasn’t easy to decide what to have for breakfast. Additionally, I am a celiac (admittedly; I have fallen off the wagon, suffering the symptoms of gluten in my body and trying to rectify the situation), and some of the food options are gluten heavy. So today for breakfast I had two gluten-free Weetabix and not the regular Weetabix. I must make swaps.
This plan is rigid with a family, so I had to make various meals for my evening meal. I had mince, onions and tomatoes as a casserole and rice, and the family had burgers and chips. Same ingredients but cooked differently. My treat was a Cadbury light hot chocolate and a packet of skips crisp. Delicious.
Do I feel hungry?
I must be honest. Yes, I felt hungry. The cupboard with all my slimming world treats was yelling my name. It would have been so easy to get up and get the goodies. I have such a sweet tooth.
Why have I not taken a treat?
“This is going to sound awful, mean and fuelled by jealousy.”
I haven’t run to the treat box yet because of my jealousy towards another group member. I know this is mean, but it’s the truth.
There is a member in my group who has massive weight loss. The first time she was a member, she lost 10 pounds in her first week. I was thrilled for her. The following week, she lost 5 pounds and then 7 pounds. Each week, she had massive losses. There were some weeks when she put on, but you can count those on the one hand. She was slimmer of the week, slimmer of the month. You get the idea. She reached a three-stone loss in about three months and then left the club.
Two weeks ago, she re-joined the club. She had put on the weight she lost, plus two stones. I know she is sad about that, and I want to support her weight loss. In her first week, she lost 13 pounds. In her second week, she lost 3 pounds and was slimmer of the week. Please don’t get me wrong, she is a lovely lady and brings a lot of fun and laughter to the group. It’s just her success that I am jealous of, and I know it is my issue, not hers. I have been in the slimming world since December 2019 and still have 20 pounds to go. I plodded on with half a 0.2kg or 0.4kg. Finally reaching 22 kg over two years.
I told you this was selfish, but it is my truth. The treats will stay in the box, and I am staying on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan. It’s only seven days, and this is day 2.
You may be interested in my other posts on the Fast Forward Plan
by Jackie | Feb 15, 2022 | Slimming World
Day One – Friday 11 February 2022
Yesterday’s Slimming World weigh-in was not good. In fact, it was a disaster. For the last 18 months, I have stayed around the same weight. Putting on a pound here, losing a pound, gaining half a pound. It is driving me mad. Besides that, the fee has increased to £5.95, and it seems I am just throwing away money. I can’t seem to get a break.
I’m confident that I am following the plan correctly, but the figures are not showing on the scales. My consultant recommended I try the “Slimming World Fast Forward Plan” and give that a go for a week and see what happens. I have agreed and will write about my experiences here. I couldn’t find much after doing some research. By all accounts, it is a deep, dark secret. Don’t know why, as it seems to be a slimmed-down version of the normal plan but weighing and measuring your food items. The plan is more restrictive in food selection. However, who hasn’t been on the slim fast diet, the 5:2 diet, all of which restrict foods. I thought I would give this “Slimming World Fast Forward Plan” a shot and see what happens.
Day one on the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan
My first obstacle was breakfast. I am a small business owner, and I network with other businesses. That means that I get up very early and join other businesses for breakfast. This consists of bacon, eggs, mushrooms and toast and lots of tea and coffee. On the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan, the full English is out. Today I sat with a bowl of cornflakes and some fruit. This is not my go-to breakfast. However, it’s on the plan. I am trying very hard not to be resentful of their full English breakfast, but there is resentment! Sometimes I hate being on a diet.
I followed with a lunch of jacket potato, baked beans and a salad. What I wanted was fish and chips, but as I keep reminding myself, a size 14 pair of jeans is just around the corner. Not only that, I can then tuck my shirt into my jeans instead of hanging it outside. A big win for a slimmer.
Is the Slimming World Fast Forward Plan easy? How was day one?
The simple answer is yes and no. Yes, because it takes away a lot of decision making on food away. There is a limited selection of items to eat. There is no substitute. You select your choice and that’s it. You have to weigh your portions, which differ from the regular Slimming World Plan. Very simple and easy to follow.
No, it’s difficult as the food choice portions are small. I think that if you counted calories; you consume about 1000 per day. The Fast Forward Plan is for slimmer’s who need a quick win. Which at the moment is me!
You may be interested in my other posts on the Fast Forward Plan
