One of the core values of Slimming World is that each consultant should always be on the lookout for new members. The new members will ensure that the consultants’ group will continue to grow, and their Slimming World Franchise business will succeed. Therefore, all consultants will continually ask members to bring visitors along. The title often referred to here is BAMGAWF – or Bring A Member, Get A Week Free – it’s easier to say Slimming World Visitor.

What isn’t commonly known is that anyone who is thinking of becoming a member has the opportunity to come to the group, sit and listen to the ‘New Member Talk’ where the plan is explained (for those unsure of the plan, you can find an explanation here), stay for a session of Image Therapy, (Image Therapy is described here) and then make an informed decision about joining a Slimming World group. Significantly, visitors are not pressured to commit to a membership. I know it can be intimidating when you first walk into a new group of people. However, I would advise anyone to consider joining a group to listen to the New Member Talk and Image Therapy and then decide. Every consultant aims to create a welcoming and understanding environment, allowing individuals to make choices that best suit their weight loss journey.

Let’s be honest about Slimming World Visitors.

When anyone embarks on a weight loss journey, their decision is massive. It signifies a desire for change, a commitment to adopting a healthier lifestyle and prioritising their health and well-being. They have decided to change their appearance, want to make some lifestyle changes and prioritise their health. This can be a big decision.

It is crucial to decide which weight loss programme to choose. There are many eating plans out there. Some are fads, some are just strange and others just bonkers. Then there are the sensible ones, who you know have a track record of working for people. Each plan will have their fans and their haters. It is down to everyone to make up their own mind.

Here’s the secret to weight loss.

I will say that if you want to lose weight, you must have a calorie deficit.

A fundamental principle underpins any successful weight loss plan – the concept of a calorie deficit. However, achieving a calorie deficit means spending more calories than you consume, creating a gap between the energy your body uses and the energy it receives from food. This is the cornerstone of every weight programme.

Now, you might wonder why a calorie deficit is so crucial. Allow me to be side-tracked for a few minutes and explain its significance (for a more comprehensive understanding, read this article).

In brief

Calories are units of energy that come from the foods and beverages we consume. Our bodies use this energy for various functions, from basic physiological processes like breathing and digestion to more energy-intensive activities like physical exercise. Everyone has a specific number of calories to maintain their current weight, known as their maintenance calories, BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).

When you consume more calories than your body spends, this excess is stored as fat, leading to weight gain. Alternatively, when you consume fewer calories than your body requires, you create a calorie deficit, which triggers your body to use its stored fat for energy, ultimately resulting in loss.

What is important is how you are going to achieve that calorie deficit. For me, it is by joining Slimming World and getting help and support from my consultant and friends in the group. Yes, it’s complex, and sometimes there is a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). However, it works for me.

Why be a Slimming World Visitor

It’s simple: meet the consultant at any Slimming World session. If you don’t like the consultant or feel that the consultant is not for you, then you won’t get the full advantage of the group. Meet the members. Are they welcoming and friendly? I have been to groups where the consultant dismisses other Slimming World visitors, which is so sad. They should welcome everyone equally. They do not know who you know and why you are visiting the group (you can visit any group to weigh in the country if you cannot attend your own group). I have also been to groups where the consultant is welcoming, but the group is so cliquey I felt uncomfortable.

Members bringing a Slimming World Visitor get rewarded.

For members, there is an advantage of bringing a slimming world visitor. At certain times of the year, Slimming World makes an offer to members to bring visitors along. During this promotional period, if a member gets a visitor to Slimming World and becomes a member, the original member is entitled to a week’s free membership. If a member brings along 6 new members, then that is 6 weeks free. This is great for the members but not so good for the consultant. The consultant only gets paid for the number of paying members in the group. If you are a lucky member with a week’s free membership, the consultant will make no commission from your attendance.

A Consultant View of Slimming World Visitors

As many of you may know, my friend is the consultant of the group I attend, and I get most of my information from her and watching the group. My friend loves to have new members. She is so cheerful and pleased to give her members a free session. She often overrides back membership fees and knows times are hard for everyone. The only issue is that her takings are very low. If there is a room of 40 people and only 30 are paying, she often goes home with an income below minimum wage. Check out this article for how much a Slimming World Consultant earns. It’s just not very much.

My Slimming World Journey

As for my Slimming World journey, I remain committed and motivated, striving to adhere to the plan. My major challenge lies in the evening, mainly between 7 pm and 9 pm. I diligently maintain a balanced approach to my meals throughout the day, but the evenings are tricky. To curb my cravings, I’ve incorporated a nightly ritual of enjoying a hot chocolate and adding a dash of Bailey’s for that extra kick. It adds up to four syns but is a delightful and worthwhile indulgence.

My goal for the week is to achieve a one-pound loss, although I initially aspired to shed two pounds. Weight loss remains a priority for me, albeit not an all-consuming one. I seek a balance, allowing me to take part in a group where laughter is common. I aim for a sense of passion for self-improvement that accompanies me after each group session. Furthermore, I appreciate the importance of feeling like part of a team and actively engaging as a social team member within my group. You can find more information about the social team here.

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