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Slimming World Diet: UK, Diet Plan, Classes, Benefits And Fees

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Published: December 13, 2007

In the ever-evolving world of dieting, people quite often succumb to the newest trend. In the past, low-carb, high-protein diets had their reign with the Atkins diet and The Zone diet. Low-fat, low-calorie diets originated in the late 80s, and with incarnations like the South Beach diet, continue to be followed today. However, more recent trends lean more towards balanced, healthy eating rather than exclusionary, restrictive menus. In the U.S., Weight Watchers is a common choice due to its system based on each food having 'points,' offering more diet leniency. Its UK counterpart, the Slimming World diet, is similar in some aspects of the program. However, the Slimming World diet's distinctness is what lures in calorie-counters.

In a perfect world, a weight loss program would entitle the ability to eat unlimited portions of foods with no requisite for exercise. Though a perfect world is just an imaginary figment, the Slimming World diet boasts of both idyllic aspects. Margaret Miles-Bramwell founded the Slimming World diet in 1969 after a life-long struggle with her weight. Since the company's inception in the UK, memberships have grown exponentially, resulting in a total of over 60 million pounds lost to date.

The Slimming World diet at its essence revolves around restricting calories. However, the way the Slimming World diet plan is designed makes it seem less limited and more about food choices. Meal plans are divided into two categories, red and green. The Slimming World diet idea is to pick one color, and follow that color's meal guidelines all day. Free foods are those that can be eaten in unlimited amounts. The free foods are low-calorie, nutritional foods which are also satisfying. Some of the green free foods include fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, pasta, tofu and eggs. Red free foods include fruits and vegetables, white fish, lean meats and eggs. So depending on food preferences or cravings, either a green day or red day is chosen.

Foods that are not free are then split into two classifications, healthy extras and 'syn' foods. Healthy extras are restricted to four small servings a day and include nuts, milk, cheese and bread. 'Syn' values, a coined term for synergy, can range between five and 15 per day. For example, one glass of red wine equates to a five on the syn values chart. In total, the Slimming World diet's method of eating is deemed 'food optimizing.' The theory is to choose the right foods in greater portions rather than limit dieters to one or two food groups.

Food optimizing is supplemented by weekly group classes where many say the Slimming World diet does best. Classes provide motivation, tips and success stories, all shared between people with the same ultimate goals. Unlike other diet programs, personal weights are never publicized or spoken of in groups. The focus lies more on pounds lost and progress, rather than an actual number. There are fees assessed for meetings and group participation. Start up fees are £10 and £4.50 for weekly meetings.

For those who cannot attend the classes, there are two other methods of Slimming World diet membership. A postal Slimming World diet membership involves a yearly subscription to the company's magazine and a food optimizing book. Online membership requires enrollment on bodyOPTIMISE.com, as well as £20 to join and monthly fees of £20.

The touted benefits of the Slimming World diet plan abound. Many members say the weekly meetings keep them motivated and on-track with their diets. Along with losing weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels decrease and heart health increases. Though, these benefits can be seen with almost any low-calorie, low-fat diet. Aside from large portions and never feeling hungry, the greatest of all benefits is not needing to exercise. Though the Slimming World diet does not promote a sedentary lifestyle, regular exercise is not a requisite component of the program. Rather, a more active lifestyle is recommended by the Slimming World diet guidelines.

With the plethora of fad diets and dangerous food restrictions permeating the minds of millions, the Slimming World diet plan seems to be the glistening holy grail. As a general rule, nutritious, well-balanced meals with a healthy dose of exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. However, with fanatical diets promising unrealistic results, the best slimming option seems to be that of this UK-based company.


Sources:
"Slimming World." Wikipedia. 30 Oct. 2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slimming_World.

"Questions About bodyOPTIMISE." bodyOPTIMISE. 2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.bodyoptimise.com/faq/#16.

"Slimming World." Every Diet. 2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.everydiet.org/slimming_world.htm.

"Magic Health." Slimming World. 2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.slimmingworld.com/getting_active/health _benefits.asp.
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