Why I hate slimming world

So Slimming World, like other big diet businesses, in essence is a calorie deficit. How that deficit is established depends on the method. The problem I have with these big companies is that it cannot be continued forever, therefore leads to a yo-yo dieting life. You shouldn't have to be in a deficit for the rest of your days. Calories should be adjusted, otherwise you constantly feel like you're not having enough. When are you supposed to enjoy your life?

And this is my first problem; not knowing how many calories you're having each day. How can you build on it when you don't know what you're having? How can you know what amount works well for your body as a deficit, as maintenance calories and as a surplus if you have no idea what you're consuming?!

I understand some people who have had an eating disorder in the past, counting calories maybe a trigger for them. This, of course, doesn't apply to these people and I would never suggest anyone do anything which doesn't suit them, their health and mental well-being.

With Slimming World their method is to have little to no fats as part of your diet. I do not believe you should cut out major food groups to lose weight. They all play a key role in your health.

Fats are really important for...

🥑 Maintaining immune system

🥑 Transporting, storing and utilising vitamins A, D, E and K

🥑 Makes up part of your central nervous system and spinal chord

🥑 Protects internal organs

🥑 Transports oxygen

🥑 Keeps red blood cells healthy

🥑 Energy source for low intensity exercise

As you can see from this list, it's kind of a major component! 

The fats we need are monounsaturated fats which include lower levels of low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) and plasma triglycerides (fat in the blood) and are thought to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. 

And there are polyunsaturated fats, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These reduce the chance of blood clots and lower blood triglyceride levels. Omega 6 helps stimulate skin and hair growth, maintains bone health, regulates metabolism and maintains the reproductive system. 

Now I know if you've followed Slimming World in the past, you're probably saying "Well you're allowed syns Scarlett!"

The fact that they're called syns is a bit irritating because eating a kitkat if you fancy one is hardly a syn. And what do you do if you have a big birthday celebration at the weekend? You have enough syns for those 2 bottles of wine do ya?

The website brags that you can 'fill up on everyday favourites like pasta, potatoes' with 'no need to weigh or measure'. So my problem with this is it is encourages overeating. It also states 'lose weight without ever going hungry'. After a holiday or the Christmas period where we indulge a little more, we have to feel a little bit hungry for a couple of days afterwards as our bodies adjust to a standard amount! You won't die.

The way I help my clients is we establish a deficit, they lose body fat and then we slowly increase their daily amount. Weekly weigh ins are not the be all and end all of life after a certain point. It's ancient. This diet needs to get back to the 80's where it belongs. And if you're following it, yes you will lose weight but you will also find it cannot be sustained and I doubt you'll be very happy.

If you need help with your nutrition, I offer ways to help you online. Get in touch and we'll chat.