Summer is upon us and it’s time to start looking forward to some fun in the sun, but our weight worries can sometimes get in the way. At Slimming World, we’ll support you on your weight loss journey so you can make the summer move feeling better, healthier and more confident.
You’ll find all the tools, motivation and inspiration you need at your nearest Slimming World group or online if you choose to join our digital service. Our flexible meal optimization plan is designed to help you slim down efficiently for every summer event or occasion, with delicious barbecue and picnic recipes, refreshing meal ideas and tips for optimizing meals when you’re out and about. With our unique Body Magic program that supports you to become more active at your own pace, and expert support to overcome any challenges along the way, we can help you enjoy a slimmer summer without ever feeling hungry or restricted.
Here are five small changes you can make to start your summer off with a fantastic, feel-good…
1. Raise your slimming sights
Research shows that if you set a goal for yourself, you’re more likely to achieve it, and the more ambitious the goal, the better. A study of 24,000 dieters found that those who set an ambitious “dream goal weight” lost almost twice as much weight as those who set a more modest goal.
You can also set “micro goals” to motivate yourself on the way. they could be weight loss goals like losing 3 pounds, something practical like going for a walk at lunchtime or adding more vegetables to your plate, or a “non-scale win.” how to feel great in a new outfit or enjoy active days with your kids. Achieving those small goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to achieve that big weight loss dream.
More on the blog. Boost your motivation with your very own summer inspiration board
More for members. Follow our deep dive guide to find your motivation to lose weight
2. Enjoy the great outdoors
Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather and get outside for some fresh air fitness. A University of Exeter study shows that, compared to indoor exercise, exercising in a natural environment is associated with greater feelings of happiness and well-being, as well as increased energy levels. Outdoor athletes also report greater enjoyment and satisfaction from their workouts and are more likely to stick to their new routines, plus you’ll boost your immune system and increase your vitamin D levels.
Whether you’re a complete exercise beginner or already an exercise enthusiast, there’s a range of activities to enjoy outdoors, from walking the dog to family bike rides and Parkruns. And when you join Slimming World, you’ll be supported in creating those healthy active habits through our Body Magic activity program.
More for members. Access a full suite of activity support tools, including a variety of workout videos for all fitness levels
3. Get creative in the kitchen
With a massive online collection of over 1,900 recipes, Slimming World members will never be short of inspiration, with plenty of quick and easy recipes that even the toughest cooks will love. Try incorporating healthy seasonal ingredients like squash, beans and new potatoes, or fire up the grill and grill lean meats, fish and vegetables.
When you join Slimming World, you can lose weight without ever feeling hungry. A study from the University of Leeds found that a diet based on low-energy-dense foods, which contain fewer calories per gram, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and poultry, pasta, rice and whole grains, was more effective for weight loss. loss than traditional calorie counting. In fact, a group of leaners who followed our Food Optimization program (based on healthy, low-energy dense foods eaten freely) lost more weight than a group on a calorie-counting diet.
Do you struggle to satisfy your appetite? Take our quiz and discover your satiety response here
4. Heat up your summer
There’s nothing nicer than sitting outside on a sunny afternoon enjoying a drink with friends, but alcohol can be a real hindrance if you’re trying to lose weight. As well as the calories in our favorite drinks, which are often more than we realize (a large glass of wine has as many calories as a jam doughnut), Slimming World’s research shows that drinking a little too much and our a tipping point can lead us to drink and eat far more than we intended, and as a result can greatly affect our weight.
The good news is that by making small changes to your drinking habits, you can still enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol, manage your tipping point, and lose weight. Carolyn Pallister, Head of Nutrition, Research and Health at Slimming World, says: “Substituting alcoholic beverages for soft drinks, adding soda water to wine to make a spritzer, switching to a slimmer mixer or choosing a lower-calorie lager can pay off big. difference”.
More for members. Discover your alcohol danger zones and find expert strategies to take control
5. Spring-clean your habits
A routine can be a lifesaver when you’re busy, for example you’re more likely to exercise regularly if you do it at the same time every week, and having a set day for batch cooking really helps you plan your week. before However, research from the University of Hertfordshire found that when routines become too rigid, they can make it harder to change a habit, even if we know it’s not helpful. Spring cleaning your habits can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals with a renewed focus.
Carolyn Pallister says: “At Slimming World, we deeply understand the psychology behind successful weight loss, and our groups are all about giving you the help and encouragement you need to create healthy new habits around food and activity. It’s much easier to lose weight when you have the support of a group of like-minded people who care about your success.”
Click here to discover two great ways to join Slimming World and start your journey to a slimmer, healthier summer.
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