It was the first city in America to ban trans-fats from food outlets. Now New York has set another US first - from today, larger food chains such as McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks must display the calories of their products on menus. The new rules apply to all chains with at least 15 outlets across the country - which in the case of New York accounts for 2,000 restaurants. The city authorities say the reform will help New Yorkers get a better sense of what they are eating as part of the ongoing battle against obesity and diabetes.

Good news for calorie counters – but of course, Slimming World members don’t have to weigh, measure or count with our liberating, flexible healthy eating plan!  And with ongoing group support – sharing ideas for healthy eating out and eating in options that the whole family will enjoy  - AND our brand new Food Directory – giving members the low-down on healthy choices when eating out – weight loss without calorie counting is well and truly on the menu!

If you spotted Neil King's amazing weight loss story in The Mirror or on Sky last week, you'll have heard how he lost almost 10st enjoying a bevy of baked beans - Free Food when Food Optimising!  The dad of four joined his local Slimming World group after hearing that his weight was putting him at risk of bowel cancer. 

Slimming World's Dietician Carolyn Bye says 'We are really pleased with the 9 stone weight loss Neil King has achieved. Slimming World's healthy eating programme Food Optimising is a uniquely liberating eating plan, based on proven science and psychology.

Our healthy eating plan puts people in control and helps them lose weight by eating unlimited amounts of a variety of healthy-yet-filling everyday foods, such as pasta, potatoes, lean meats, and plenty of fruit and vegetables, while also enjoying a little of what they fancy."

Discover the variety, generosity and results for yourself, with our fabulous 7-day menu - available for free right here: www.slimmingworld.com/healthy_eating/free_trial_menu.aspx 

Members of Liz Kaye’s St. Alban’s group bared all this week on Channel 4’s ‘How to Look Good Naked’.  Liz revealed: “We met Gok, were pampered with makeovers, enjoyed lunch… and then disrobed!  Having a photo taken without your clothes on is very scary but we were all in the same position and the whole team were all really caring and supportive. We had a brilliant time.”

Pictured with Gok are (left to right): Maggie, Liz, Julia, Lorna, Donna, Joanna and Andie who together have lost almost 23 stones at their St. Alban’s Slimming World group.

Almost half of Brits aren’t aware that being overweight increases the risk of cancer, a 2000-strong poll by the World Cancer Research Fund suggests.  Because, when overweight, losing as little as 10% of your body weight and maintaining that loss starts to bring really worthwhile health benefits – including reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke – we recognize that goal with a Club 10 award. Maintaining that weight loss – or losing more – is rewarded by a free week! 

Discover more about the many health benefits weight loss can lead to by visiting our Club 10 page here

Faddy diets are falling out of favour with the British public with sales of slimming products dropping by a third over the last five years, says a survey by Mintel. They say a higher proportion of consumers believe diets are hard to follow, confusing and may be harmful. We agree!  Our members frequently let us know about the faddy diets they’ve tried – and how they’ve lost weight initially but felt hungry, deprived and unsupported, forcing them back to their old eating habits... and additional weight gain.

They tell us that joining Slimming World and discovering the best weight loss plan has given them the tools and support to lose weight – for life!

Sarah Hanning, from Gosport in Hampshire now has heaps of energy to keep up with her toddler, thanks to losing a fantastic 5st 3½lbs! Her life-changing weight loss has led to health, happiness and no hunger!

“I’ve tried umpteen diets, including the cabbage soup diet and counting points but I always found myself very hungry and gave up after a matter of weeks.

“With Food Optimising I’m never hungry. It’s not a diet, it’s a healthy eating plan for life and easy to maintain. I can eat absolutely anything I want to! Cooking the healthy meals at home has led to my husband losing half a stone! My daughter also eats more healthily and my mother has even been inspired to lose weight.”

You can read more of Sarah’s weight loss story here.