I’ve tried many diets in the past, some even documented on this blog, but I have never been able to stick to one. I always get disillusioned or feel hungry because the diet I am on isn’t right for me. When my friend lost loads of weight on Slimming World and announced she was becoming a Slimming World consultant in my village, I knew I had to join to see if it would help me at all. A diet wasn’t what I needed as such, it was a lifestyle change – and boy, what a change it has been! I’ve even won Slimmer of the Week on one occasion!
Since November 2nd 2015, I have lost 9.5lb overall, taking me over my half stone. Some people have lost more, some people have lost less than me but it doesn’t matter. The point is I have stuck to it and whilst I have also struggled at times with different things going on in my life, I am still 9.5lb lighter and I feel better for it.
But it isn’t just the lost weight that is making me feel better. I am eating much more healthier food, I am exercising most days and walking every day. I have a whole group who I can turn to if I am flagging a little and a fabulous consultant who is always a phone call, text or tweet away. I barely eat bread anymore and I feel loads better for it – I think that bread was often the cause of my bloating. Chocolate is an occasional treat and I am sure am missing the takeaways but I do feel much better overall for it.
Bu lets get to the main point- the title says Slimming World: Does It Really Work? In my personal opinion, yes. I may be losing slower than other people I know but we all have different lifestyles, different levels of activity, different amounts of weight to lose. Even if I am not losing as quickly as others, I have made lifestyle changes that have benefitted me and in turn benefitted my family. I’m eating healthier and exercising more and so is Steve.
Does it work for others? I of course can’t speak for other people but it has definitely worked for a few of my friends, my consultant included. I also follow numerous Slimming World accounts on Instagram and the difference in people is astounding. I think the important thing to remember when people ask if Slimming World really works is to remember it isn’t really a diet, more a lifestyle change. If you change up your eating and exercising habits a little and remember to use your syns wisely, you should begin to see a difference without feeling like you are starving. I have never gone hungry yet when sticking to food optimising the Slimming World way and that was my big problem when trying other avenues. You can see from my posts on Instagram that I have hearty meals, I just do them the Slimming World way! I enjoy posting my meals and exercise counters as it keeps me accountable and much more motivated.
I obviously can’t tell you if Slimming World will work for you but I definitely advise giving it a try if its something you have considered. If you have any concerns there are a number of bloggers who are actively on Slimming World and of course, plenty of Instagram accounts out there.
Have you ever tried Slimming World or is it something you would ever consider?
I’ve tried Slimming World but found the volume of cooking a bit prohibitive. I also thinks that success depends so much on how good the group leader is. Ours was still considerably overweight which was hardly motivating. She also had a little group of acolytes who were quite unpleasant to newcomers – e.g. they always got to weigh in first and, not knowing this, I got ticked off in no uncertain terms when I arrived first! I couldn’t be doing with playground politics so in the end I carried on with the Rosemary Conley books at home!
I also didn’t like the constant plugging of books, energy bars and other food products.
That sounds like a bad consultant, to be honest. I do know that the social team weigh in before group starts otherwise group would get behind. I am a social team member and get there for 7pm (before 7.30pm start) so I can weighed and get ready to help out on pay come 7.30. That should have been made clear to the group though.
My friend had a considerably overweight consultant and found her not very motivating so switched to my group and is doing much better.
I think its definitely the consultant that was the problem here – all the groups I know of don’t plug the books as they are at the back in the shop all the time anyway. In regards to energy bars I am not too sure what you mean, do you mean the HiFi bars? Also the only food products they have apart from HiFi’s are the SW ready meals which are very new to stores. This consultant seems very odd tbh
I have never tried Slimming World, but I watched my mum try. She seems really miserable on it and projected a lot, which is why I’m against these kind of diets. I think everything in balance is the best way to go about things.
This isn’t really a diet though as I mentioned in my post.
You aren’t restricting yourself of anything really, just eating healthier and exercising more which I believe is everything in balance?? You do have your syns but since you have 15 it is quite easy not to use them up.
However some people will suit it, others won’t 🙂
I am actually going to my first Sliming World meeting this Wednesday. I am a bit nervous so we’ll see how it goes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts – really nice to read before I go for this first meeting x
Good luck, you’ll do fab! Let me know if you need any advice x
I have tried slimming world, but it never worked for me as just eating all that pasta and potatoes made me gain even more weight, but I do know lots of people that have had success with it. I think that is what weight loss come down to, finding something that works for you. For me, it was Weight Watchers and I lost 100lbs in 14 months by doing that.
That’s why I don’t always have pasta and potatoes. Yes, they are free foods but there are so many other meals you can make without using them. Again, as you say it is finding something that works for you.
Hubby has just singed up for Slimming World! Well he’s bought the books at least. I’ve told him that he ought to go to a group just so they can sort him out. I got so confused with these Green & Original days! But I think it does work because everyone seems to be raving about it. But I don’t think it works for everyone. For me, I’m not convinced but we’re only a couple of days in so we’ll see! x
Green and original days are not in place anymore just Extra Easy making it simple to follow 🙂
Em
X
As Em said its only EE now x
No I haven’t. Good to know it’s there if needed though.
I love it!
I was really hoping you would say yes on this post now haha and I am so glad you did! It really does work! Doesn’t matter how fast or slow you loose the weight (I say, slower you loose harder it is to gain!!) I lost 3 and a half stone during 2014 and I SLOWLY gained 2 and half stone last year and it was my fault. I had no motivation. I started back again last Wednesday so looking forward for my first weigh in again.
Comparing to how I feel this week to the other weeks I feel healthier, better and more energy. I have heard a lot of people mention they don’t like the cooking they have to do but I do think if you want to achieve something then you can’t expect it to be easy. Cooking from scratch is easy and sometimes quicker than the ‘fatty’ way. Usually the time you wait for a takeaway could be longer than the time u prepare and cook a lovely (and sometimes much tastier) meal at home. You discover new things and it also benefits your health.
Well done x
I have really started to enjoy cooking since starting SW. Thanks hun x
I’ve always been skeptical about these so it’s nice to read a review written by a real person about the positives.
Thanks!
I have never been to slimming world, but a friend of mine has and she is doing great, she has just won slimmer of the month and lost over 4 stone so far
Wow, she’s doing fantastically!
I have never dieted at all but know lots of people who have followed the slimming world diet and suceeded in losing weight. Congratulations on your weight loss x
Thanks Cathy!
Well done on your weight loss. You are right there are so many companies that manipulate them into signing up for n benefits.
Thanks Ana!
I have seen it work so well for so many people. I think it’s greta because it doesn’t completely stop you from eating. Well done on your loss! x
That was what I really needed, something that didn’t completely stop eating – it seems to be working so far!
I have never been to slimming world as I am a little bit reluctant to join these groups and would be too scared.I prefer to just eat healthy and excessive at home or at the gym,
I was petrified at first but luckily my friend is the consultant and a fellow blogger plus a few of my friends joined too 🙂
Some people really feel the support from the groups works for them and t’s not jut about calorie intake at that point, just knowing other people are taking the same difficult path to lose weight, no matter what amount, is helpful for them I guess 🙂
The support really helps 🙂
Well done you on the weight loss! It’s not an easy thing to do, or to maintain. I don’t need to lose weight but I’m trying to tone up and get fit for an epic 200 mile cycle in June. It’s definitely not easy!
Thanks Elizabeth!
I’ve heard so much about Slimming World in the last couple of month. Sounds bloody amazing. Im totally having major FOMO will defiantly be looking into it.
Congratulations sweetpea! Off to read your other post now 🙂
Charlotte x
It’s really great! Thanks Charlotte x
I have many mums on my facebook group who do this and the results have been amazing if they have really stuck to it
Yay! It has made such a difference to many peoples lives.
I am glad to see it is working for you. It didnt work for a friend of mine, yet Weight Watchers did, so I guess it come down to finding what is your thing x
I lost weight following the slimming world plan. Didn’t keep it up for long though. x
My mum used to go to Slimming World and lost a lot, my bestie currently goes as well, I believe it’s working for her.
Congrats on your success with SW.