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Q: What is Food Optimising?
A: It's the most incredibly user-friendly system of slimming ever. With Food Optimising, you lose weight without hunger and without the obsessive need to note every food you eat.
Q: Are there any recipe books available?
A: Yes. Slimming World published an extensive range of recipe books. They are all available in groups from your Slimming World Consultant.
Ebury have also published several Food Optimising recipe books with Slimming World and these are available from Consultants and good bookshops.
Each issue of Slimming World magazine is packed with tasty, healthy and slimming recipes and includes a sample menu. The latest issue is available in shops now at £2.65 or from your Consultant for £1.75 (a 90p discount)!
For a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you call 0844 897 8000 or visit our
online service
Q: Can I still eat chocolate?
A: Yes you can. You'll probably find that you'll eat it less of it in time and quite soon you'll find you don't actually want it as much as you used to, but eating for wellness and well-being means being able to have a bit of what you fancy.
Q: Can my children Food Optimise too?
A: While it's fine for children aged five and over to eat the same healthy meals as you do while Food Optimising, younger children, especially under-twos, should not have reduced fat dairy foods: Give them full-fat yogurts, spreads, milk and fromage frais. As children's stomachs are quite small, too much high fibre food may fill them up without providing all the nutrients they need, so don't give them high-bran cereals, crispbreads etc. As with adults, depriving children of favourite treats like crisps and sweets can be counter-productive. But try to avoid giving sugary, salty or fatty snacks every day and always have lots of healthy alternatives to offer.
Q: Where can I buy Slimming World magazine?
A: If you are a member you can purchase Slimming World magazine from your Consultant at a 90p discount. Otherwise it is available from your newsagent (ask them to order you a copy if they don't already have a copy in stock) or take out a subscription via our Credit Card Hotline: 01795 414862 (9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri)
Q: Where is my nearest Slimming World group?
A: Tell us your postcode a list of your nearest groups will appear on your screen. EITHER click here to send us your postcode online and we'll email you back straightaway with details, OR telephone: 0844 897 8000 [calls charged at national rate].
Q: Do I have to exercise to lose weight successfully?
A: We encourage you to combine healthy eating with an active lifestyle. Being active can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure as well as help protect against osteoporosis and diabetes. It can have positive effects on mood, self-esteem, stress and anxiety levels, and improve sleep, energy levels and general fitness. However, Food Optimising doesn’t rely on you sweating every evening at the gym or training for the marathon from day 1! Food Optimising properly without exercise will result in a weight loss – we guarantee it! Food Optimising with exercise will bring even greater results. For further information, have a browse through our Body Magic section
Q: I’m still hungry. Can you help?
A: It can be difficult getting over that ‘diet’ feeling (Dare I Eat That?), but trust in the power of Food Optimising. Be encouraged to eat, eat, eat until you’re full and completely satisfied. There really is no need to go hungry with Food Optimising because of the huge range of completely Free and unlimited foods that are available. When you next go shopping, plan in advance and make sure you stock your cupboards with plenty of Free Foods, fill up your fruit bowl with your favourites and perhaps some new Free fruit (don’t forget, bananas and grapes are Free and great for nibbling on!), and pile your plate high at meal times. If a recipe is Free but says it serves 4, don’t feel restricted by that. If you want to eat the whole pan of chilli, dish of pasta or two gammon steaks instead of one – feel free!
Q: What are Free Foods?
A: At Slimming World we recognise that to lose weight healthily and comfortably, and to sustain that weight loss, slimmers need and want to eat lots of 'real' food, not diet food! A plate of food when you are Food Optimising will certainly be full - as full as you like - but it is what it is filled with that will help you lose pounds, not pile them on.
Food Optimising's Free Food is food that is low in energy density and high in appetite satisfaction, or to put it a different way low in calories, but very filling.
Food Optimising gives you an incredible choice of hundreds of Free Foods - this list contains a massive variety of delicious, satisfying foods that you can eat as much of as you like. There's no measuring, weighing or counting - you need never be hungry again!
Q: What is a Healthy Extra?
A: As well as all the Free Foods, every day we ask you to choose measured portions of 'Healthy Extras' - more long lists of foods that boost your fibre, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. These can include wholemeal bread, high-fibre breakfast cereals, soups, and dairy products, and again you'll find there are a wide variety of foods to choose. On the Green choice, the Healthy Extras list includes lean meat, fish and poultry, and on Original you can choose potatoes, pasta or pulses.
Q: What are Syns?
A: Syns are Slimming World's effective alternative to calorie or fat counting, designed to make sure you can enjoy your favourite treats every day, from chocolate and cake to ice cream and alcohol. All food that isn't Free has a Syn value - you simply choose how to spend your Syn allowance each day.
Q: Why are you introducing more choices than ever into Food Optimising?
A: More choice means more freedom, more flexibility and more control where you need it - in your hands.
If you feel comfortable with Green and Original, then that's fine - Food Optimising 100% by enjoying all Green days or alternating Green and Original will result in a weight loss - we guarantee it!
If you want to boost your weight loss every now and again, or don't want to decide too early in the day what choice you'll stick to, give Success Express or Mix2Max a try!
Q: Does Slimming World run groups outside the UK?
A: Slimming World doesn't have any groups overseas at the moment and we have no immediate plans for moving our organisation away from the UK. The reason for this is that we would not be able to train, monitor and support Managers and Consultants to the degree necessary to give our members the service they deserve. We would therefore be jeopardising Slimming World's excellent reputation of which we are so proud.
We offer online and postal membership to slimmers outside the UK. You can find out more about bodyOPTIMISE by visiting www.bodyoptimise.com
and to learn more about postal
membership, click here.
Q: Why have you launched 2 additional choices now?
A: We’re always looking at every aspect of Slimming World to see how we can improve the service to members.
We have known for some time that Mix2Max and Success Express work and have been working with our in-house experts to ensure our two new choices are as easy to follow as they are effective.
We believe that now, more than ever before, slimmers are looking for maximum choice and maximum flexibility with minimal restrictions. That’s exactly what Food Optimising’s four choices offer.
Q: How do I find the Syn value of food?
A: There are several ways to find out Syn values.
The Food Directory lists over 38,000 Syn values, and is available to purchase from Slimming World Consultants in group.
Or call the Syns Enquiry Hotline to find out the very latest Syn information on 09068 518 518, lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm. As product formulations can change, please have the packaging of the product you're querying on hand when you call so we can double-check that the information on the packaging corresponds with that on our database. (All calls are charged at 60p per minute.) Please note that due to the huge demand from members for Syn values we are unable to provide replies to individual Syn enquiries by email.
Slimming World members also have free access to Syns Online and the Syns calculator on LifelineOnline.
Q: I have diabetes. Can I still Food Optimise?
A: Yes. Food Optimising provides a healthy, balanced diet. Diabetes UK suggests that people with diabetes follow the same healthy, balanced diet recommended for the population as a whole. In general it is recommended that people with diabetes base meals and snacks around plenty of starchy foods. This is easily achieved when Food Optimising.
As with all medical conditions, it is important to follow the medical and dietary advice given by your health care team. For example some people with diabetes may be given specific advice on the amount of certain foods they should eat, so it is important to bear this in mind when choosing your Free Foods. Our Consultants cannot give specific advice relating to medical conditions, but they will be able to help you incorporate any dietary recommendations into your Food Optimising and support you in your weight management. Many of our members with diabetes have found their blood glucose levels and general health have improved significantly since following Food Optimising and a number also report that they require less medication now they have lost weight.
“Fourteen months ago I was told by my doctor that I would soon be injecting insulin if I didn't change my eating and drinking habits. Thanks to Food Optimising I now take no medication at all!” From John Ritchie
Q: Do I have to eat all my Healthy Extras every day?
A: It will not affect your weight loss if you do not take all 4 Healthy Extra choices. However, the Healthy Extra section is there to ensure a balanced, healthy diet so from a health point of view we recommend that you take all 4 choices.
Q: Can I really eat as much Free Food as I want?
A: Yes, you really can! The stroke of genius behind Food Optimising is its concept of completely unrestricted 'Free Foods'. There is no longer a need to deny yourself or eat guiltily. You are in fact freed from the fear of hunger and the urge to overeat will disappear. Decisions about food become real, not enforced; control comes from choice power, not cast-iron will power. With Food Optimising you can satisfy your appetite on foods you love, and still lose weight!
Q: Do your websites provide a message board or forum for members?
A: We have researched the use of forums and message boards on a variety of websites (slimming and otherwise) in depth over the last several years. Although many of the messages posted are generally supportive, the misuse of these boards is sadly evident. Some of this is done completely out of awareness – e.g. helpful hints about Food Optimising, if the basic information is incorrect, can send a member way off track; reading comments intended to be supportive can be interpreted very differently, especially if our self-esteem is already low.
Because slimming is such a personal and emotive subject, especially for those of us who are slimming, thoughtless comments and inconsiderate remarks (sadly it happens) can undo all the hard work that our members have done in plucking up the courage to start Food Optimising or begin a new activity. We have seen the damage and upset that message boards can do to both members and the company, and rather than put our members’ success and the future of the website in jeopardy, we have made the decision not to include any kind of forum.
Q: The sample menus are too filling. Do I have to eat everything suggested?
A: Not at all, no. If you become full, whether you’re enjoying a delicious Food Optimising recipe or a nutritious sample menu, feel free to stop eating.
Q: Am I too old to exercise?
A: No, the benefits of exercise are even greater as we get older. Activity can be enjoyable and beneficial for people of all ages. It can help us feel younger and fitter.
Although changes in our physical abilities are inevitable with age, increasing our daily activity levels can improve many of the conditions associated with aging. Aerobic activity, which gradually increases the heartbeat, also improves the flexibility of the arteries, improving circulation and reducing high blood pressure. Keeping active also improves balance and mobility reducing the risk of falls and fractures. It can even helps with our short-term memory and decision making and avoid dementia and problems such as Alzheimers disease. Age Concern’s ActivAge website explains, “Research has shown that no matter how late in life you begin to increase the amount of exercise you do, you will notice benefits.”
For further information, have a browse through our Body Magic section
Q: There is no group near me, is there a diet I can follow at home?
A: At the heart of Slimming World's success is the warm and friendly atmosphere of our groups and the support of our caring Consultants. Joining a weekly support group is the very best way to lose weight - in the company of a group who can help and support you. If you don't have a group nearby, you can become a postal member . It costs just £49.95 for members in the UK, overseas membership costs £74.00.
Alternatively, you are welcome to join bodyOPTIMISE - unique slimming support at the touch of a button. Visit www.bodyoptimise.com or click here for further information.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Just £4.50 per week, plus £10 to join. Keep an eye on the website home page for information about our super special offers. They alternate between HALF PRICE MEMBERSHIP (a super saving of £5) and BECOME A MEMBER AND GET YOUR FIRST WEEK FREE (a saving of £4.50!)
Students and Senior Citizens can enjoy a reduced weekly fee of £4.25!
To give yourself an extra incentive you can buy a Countdown course buy 6 weeks for the price of 5 or 12 weeks for the price of 10!
And team up for our 'five join together' offer - join with 4 friends, family members or colleagues and you'll all receive your first week free!
Q: How much does the magazine cost?
A: The magazine is priced £2.65 per issue, and members get a 90p discount when they buy the magazine from their Consultant. If you live in the UK a subscription costs £15.00 for seven issues per year. Eire and Europe £24.10, Overseas £36.05.
Q: Can my child join a group?
A: Children aged 11-15 can join for free if they bring a doctor's note and are accompanied by a parent/guardian. If the adult is already a member of Slimming World, there is no extra charge. If the accompanying adult is not a member, a reduced weekly fee of £3.75 (plus the current joining fee) is charged to the parent/guardian for our help and advice. Your child will receive the same books as an adult member. Young people joining a Slimming World group can enjoy a specially devised healthy eating plan called Free2Go. It includes a huge list of unlimited Free Foods and fibre and calcium-rich Healthy Extras for optimum health and satisfaction. Free2Go – with the help of fully trained Consultants – helps young members reduce the less healthy options by discovering cool swaps and healthy recipes. Our young members receive specially written books to help them make positive lifestyle changes, with the support of their family and with GP recommendation as guidelines for their progress.
Q: Can I still have a drink?
A: Indeed you can. It's the same reason as why it's OK to eat chocolate.
Q: Do you do a recipe book that caters for one person?
A: Most of our recipes are for four people. You could divide the ingredients, or freeze extra portions. We don't emphasise portion control - simply have as much of each dish as you like. We want you to feel comfortable with our healthy eating system for the rest of your life. Because all our recipes are either very low in Syns or Free, you can have as much as you want without feeling restricted by someone else's idea of how big your portion should be.
Q: Will Food Optimising suit me?
A: Only if you're human! Seriously though, we've tried to think of who it wouldn't suit and it just doesn't compute. That's because it's like asking 'Will eating suit me?'
Q: Is it complicated?
A: Food Optimising is as simple and easy to follow as it is to use. Beneath this simplicity and ease of use is an extremely sophisticated and well researched system that, quite literally, optimises food usage for the slimmer.
Q: Do you have set menus?
A: We suggest menus, although you don't have to follow them! You'll find a sample 7-day menu here. You can Food Optimise using your own menus or use ours.
Complete 7-day menu plans are published in each issue of Slimming World magazine .
Q: Do I have to cook separate meals for myself while I'm slimming?
A: No, the whole family can benefit! Meals based on rice, pasta, potatoes, or lean meat and fish, with plenty of fruit and veg, are great for everyone's health. It's fine for children aged five and over to eat the same healthy meals as you do. Slimming World magazine is packed with great recipe ideas every issue and Slimming World's website also features dozens of delicious recipes and food ideas that are perfect for everyone.
Q: I've lost weight and would love to share my success, how can I be included in a magazine feature?
A: We're always pleased to hear from people who've lost weight by Food Optimising. If you'd like the chance to inspire others with your success, please complete the "Tell us your Slimming Success Story!" page, available in every issue of Slimming World magazine.
Q: Do you do exercise in the group?
A: No, however we encourage you to combine healthy eating with an active lifestyle. Being active can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure as well as help protect against osteoporosis and diabetes. It can have positive effects on mood, self-esteem, stress and anxiety levels, and improve sleep, energy levels and general fitness. However, Food Optimising doesn’t rely on you sweating every evening at the gym or training for the marathon from day 1! Food Optimising properly without exercise will result in a weight loss – we guarantee it! Food Optimising with exercise will bring even greater results.
For further information, have a browse through our Health section.
Q: I’m a target member but don’t go to a group. How do I get the password?
A: While you're at target (or 3lbs either side), and your Consultant knows this, they may provide the password. Please contact your Consultant to agree a mutually convenient method of receiving the password.
Q: I have asthma. Should I still exercise?
A: The combination of activity and Food Optimising leading to weight loss can help improve asthma and reduce the need for medication.
Although exercise is a common trigger for asthma, gently increasing activity levels improves general fitness and well-being, and also the function of the lungs as they learn to cope with a higher breathing rate, which in turn helps the body cope with the condition. The National Asthma Campaign explains “asthma should not stop you doing any type of exercise as long as you consult your doctor regularly.” They do advise asthma sufferers to avoid exercising in cold dry air, warm up and down properly and ensure their asthma is under control before beginning any activity.
Q: Is it OK to eat several small meals during the day rather than a large breakfast, dinner and lunch?
A: Of course. Food Optimising is a wonderfully healthy and nutritious way of eating that can fit in with your lifestyle. If you prefer to eat several small meals, enjoy them. Filling up on Free Food whenever you’re hungry is a great way to keep on track for a great weight loss next week.
Q: How do I find out more?
A: The best place to find out more about Food Optimising's Free Food is one of our warm, friendly groups. As part of your membership you will receive a Food Optimising book which lists all Free unbranded food for both the Original and Green choice.
Q: Should I have one or two Healthy Extra ‘a’ choices each day?
A: It’s totally up to you. If you feel that you’re eating plenty of Free Foods rich in calcium e.g. low fat cottage cheese, low fat fromage frais, then one ‘a’ choice will be enough to keep you healthy. If you’re not having many calcium rich foods at all e.g. you take your tea or coffee black, you don’t have many calcium rich free foods, then go for two - it certainly won’t damage your weight loss.
Q: I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Is Slimming World’s Food Optimising suitable for me?
A: Yes, Food Optimising is ideal for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. We have discussed PCOS with medical and dietetic experts who inform us that, in general, it is recommended that people with PCOS follow the same sort of healthy diet and lifestyle changes recommended to the population as a whole. That is to limit fat (especially saturated fat), sugar and salt intake, and include plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy carbohydrate food. Weight loss can certainly be of real benefit. Food Optimising is based on these current healthy eating guidelines, and is an ideal way to eat a balanced diet, lose weight and maintain your new weight long term.
For balanced nutrition in line with current guidelines, we do recommend members include both Green and Original choices within a week or follow the Food Optimising Green choice solely to provide a healthy intake of carbohydrate. However, as with all medical conditions, we would always recommend you follow any medical or dietary advice given by your doctor, which may be tailored to your individual needs.
The great news is, because Food Optimising is extremely generous and flexible and allows you to choose the foods you want to eat; it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference. Your Consultant would help you incorporate any specific requirements suggested by your doctor and of course, give you plenty of support and encouragement to help you reach your personal weight goals.
“I suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and Endometriosis. It’s hard to lose weight with these conditions; I’ve never lost more than a few pounds before, but with Food Optimising I’ve lost 1½ stones so far! I want to let other women with these conditions know that it isn’t hopeless -Slimming World really works!”
From Sarah Churchill
Q: How do I know how many Syns to have?
A: For steady weight loss most people enjoy around 10 to 15 Syns a day, though this varies with height, weight and lifestyle. Your Consultant will help you decide your individual Syn allowance.
Q: Are the new choices still Food Optimising? It's not radically different is it?
A: Food Optimising is an incredibly successful formula and these new options use exactly the same principle: the synergy created by Free Food, Healthy Extras and Syns.
Discover more about Free Food, Healthy Extras and Syns by continuing to browse our FAQs.
Q: What is Slimming World’s Extra Easy plan?
A: You might have heard about our famous Green and Original (or Red) eating plans… and now Food Optimising has become Extra Easy with our brand new plan – giving members even more choice, more flexibility and more Free Food than ever before!
Extra Easy is the perfect introduction to Food Optimising and, for existing members, brings even more choice. Pasta, rice, potatoes, meat, fish, poultry – they’re all Free with Extra Easy. So tuck into favourites like cottage pie, spaghetti Bolognese, chicken curry and rice, and see the sensational results!
Q: I still can’t log on even after trying all your log on solutions, what do I do now?
A: If you have tried all our solutions and are still having problems accessing the website or section, we recommend you contact the manufacturer of your security software package. You’ll need to ask them how to enable cookies for our website, www.slimmingworld.com
Another reason may be that you haven’t visited Lifeline Online for over 6 weeks. If this is the case, your account may have been automatically removed. We regularly clear accounts from our database if they haven’t been accessed for 6 weeks to keep the website as fast-running as possible. Each time an account is due to be removed we always inform the member by email to remind them to log on during the next few days to keep their account active. If your previous Lifeline Online account has expired, please feel free to re-register with your email address and group password to create a brand new account.
Q: Why do we need extra choices?
A: We have listened to feedback from members and Consultants.
We understand that sometimes members don’t want to decide too early in the day on the choice they'll stick to for the whole day. Mix2Max offers a solution for those days.
Success Express offers a powerful boost. To boost weight loss some members make use of Speed Foods. Others reduce the number of Syns they have. Success Express is a clever alternative strategy that speeds up weight loss, with even more flexibility!
Q: Can I substitute a Healthy Extra listed for something else?
A: The foods listed in the Healthy Extras section help to ensure that you get everything that you need for a healthy balanced diet by providing a daily intake of foods rich in fibre and calcium, vitamins and minerals. By substituting a different product you may reduce the amount of fibre, calcium and other minerals you eat that day.
To check if a product is eligible as a Healthy Extra, please telephone the Syns Hotline - 09068 518 518, calls are charged at 60p minute, and lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 7.00pm.. Please ensure you have the complete packaging to hand with the nutritional information (including the fibre or calcium).
Also, for news on new Healthy Extra choices, watch out for the ‘Supermarket Spy’ section in every edition of Slimming World magazine
Q: I've got an underactive thyroid, my doctor has prescribed Thyroxine. Will I still be able to lose weight?
A: Treatment with thyroxine helps correct a slow metabolic rate and prevent further weight gain. Although thyroxine treatment will not induce any weight loss by itself, once treatment has started just Food Optimise as normal and you'll soon see the weight coming off.
“I have an under-active thyroid so I always thought it would be hard for me to lose weight. As soon as I joined Slimming World I was pleasantly surprised. I am absolutely elated to discover an eating plan that actually works! I’ve lost 1st 1lb so far and am really enjoying the meals.” From Amanda Lea Jackson
Q: Is it OK to snack?
A: Absolutely! To stick to Food Optimising 100%, it’s worth keeping a stock of Free Foods handy to snack on – it certainly makes the vending machine less appealing if you have your favourite Free Foods to hand! And if you like to snack on food that isn’t Free, keep track of your Healthy Extras and Syns or try to find Free alternatives.
Q: I have high blood pressure. Should I exercise?
A: High blood pressure doesn’t have to extinguish your good intentions! Regular activity can help reduce blood pressure and, along with a change in eating habits, is recommended for people with mild hypertension. By Food Optimising you are already on the road to lower blood pressure. Including daily walking, swimming or cycling in your routine provides an even more effective way of getting back in control. If you build up gradually in your walking programme the risks of it triggering any incident are extremely low and much lower than if you did not bother to exercise at all. If you are on medication for high blood pressure we recommend you discuss your exercise plans with your GP.
For further information, have a browse through our Body Magic section
Q: Is LifelineOnline available to postal members?
A: LifelineOnline is available to postal members for the first 4 weeks of membership. The password to access the site will be given to you on your four support calls.
After the four weeks, Syn values are available by calling our Syns Enquiry Hotline on 09068 518 518 (UK only), lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00am-7.00pm. Syn values are also available in our Food Directory which can be purchased by calling our Credit card hotline 0844 892 0404 Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.
Q: I am a vegan, is Food Optimising suitable?
A: Absolutely! Unlike many other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference. The good news is, because it allows you to choose the foods you wish to eat, it is easy to incorporate any specific requirement or preference.
Our Green choice is ideal for you! You can choose from all the vegetables, grains, pulses, pastas, rice and cereals you can possibly imagine! Add soya products, fruit, non-dairy cheese, milk and yogurt, nuts and seeds and you will find the Food Optimising system is a vegan's dream.
Your Slimming World group Consultant will be happy to help you incorporate any personal requirements and, of course, give you plenty of support and encouragement to reach your personal weight goals.
For a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you call 0844 897 8000 or visit our
online service
Q: I've missed an issue of the magazine. Can I buy back issues?
A: It is possible to order back issues of the magazine from our Book Enquiry Line on 0844 892 0404, lines are open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. We are sure one of our operators will be able to arrange for any back copies you request to be sent to you, subject to availability.
Q: Is any advice available outside of the group?
A: Support in between groups comes free of charge by telephoning your Consultant, or one of the many successful slimmers in our Lifelines system. If staying in your armchair is what you choose to do, please be aware that you are not giving yourself the best chance of success. The magic that happens in a Slimming World group begins by simply being physically there, no anonymity, and feeling the love and trust build. It's a warm, safe place to be and all this is the first of the building blocks of your success. If you are in a position where it really is impossible for you to attend a group, then there are ways that we at Slimming World do our level best to help.
If you don't have a group near you we can offer you two great alternatives...
1. bodyOPTIMISE - a groundbreaking, revolutionary online service that's perfect for:
everyone who's looking for a healthy, filling and delicious way to eat and slim and
everyone who has internet access
