'Slimming World Summer of Love' Tips

Making changes that stick this summer for every summer

New Slimming World consultant Judith Brenner, who launched her group at the beginning of Summer helping the local community shed the lockdown pounds wants to share summer weight loss tips.

Committing to losing weight can often feel daunting when we start to think about changes to the way we eat, drink and exercise - but it doesn't need to be! Slimming World is based on a deep understanding of the psychology of slimming. It's been helping members form new healthy habits to help them lose weight and stay slim for life for more than 50 years, through a powerful combination of group support, a generous flexible eating plan and an incremental activity programme. This summer, Slimming World's Head of Research and Scientific Affairs Dr Jacquie Lavin offers the following tips to not only help you lose weight but to love the changes you make meaning you're more likely to stick to them and you'll feel incredible about yourself while doing so.

1. Step into summer

Deciding that we want to make some changes to help us feel happier and healthier is a fantastic first step. It's the next part - sticking to those changes - that can be the bigger challenge however little changes can quickly add up to a healthier lifestyle. Dr Jacquie says, "Taking small steps and having something to aim for can bring you tangible results - and seeing those results makes sticking with it easier. Adding an extra portion of vegetables to your evening meals every day makes them healthier without too much fuss. And, if you want to be more active, starting to build up gradually and making small changes helps to give a sense of achievement and reinforces your promises to yourself. Sharing your plans with fellow members at group also helps with commitment and motivation."

1. Get that sunshine feeling

Being on the same journey as others can be incredibly uplifting and encouraging and as we know now more than ever, being together, in person, can be joyous. Slimming World groups are the ideal place to find those like-minded people who can help to inspire, support and motivate you. You may find other people wishing to lose weight have experienced similar ups and downs to you. Sharing these experiences will help to bond you together and give you the inspiration and motivation you need to make those lifestyle changes. Dr Jacquie says, "Our members tell us the hour they spend each week with their friends at group is an opportunity to make reflections on the week and it helps them to feel geared up for success. As well as the inspiration and tips they get from their friends in group, the motivation and support they receive can help members to understand themselves as a slimmer too." Jacquie adds, "Chatting and sharing experiences in a Slimming World group helps slimmers to get a better understanding of their motivations and needs. They discover their own personal danger zones and find solutions by planning ahead."

1. Love your summer routine

"Doing something regularly is key to helping new habits stick," says Dr Jacquie. "Fitting something into your routine this summer and doing it frequently will make it feel natural going forward. Adding a weekly batch-cooking session or workout in your diary could be a good idea too, as making an appointment with yourself can make it more likely to happen. Talking to your fellow slimmers about your plans also helps to reinforce them. Having a regular routine is especially important during these unpredictable times, when healthy habits can help us feel more grounded."

1. Plan for challenges and avoid summertime sadness

When you're trying to make a lasting lifestyle change, it's normal to hit obstacles along the way. Accepting this and being prepared for it will help you to move past any bumps. Dr Jacquie says, "Look ahead and think about what may get in the way of your progress, then consider how you could overcome these stoppers. Having an action plan ready will help you to keep going, while visualising yourself facing the stopper and putting your plan into action will help you practice overcoming it." Being kind to ourselves, at all stages of our weight-loss journeys, is key to success. If you feel like anxiety around change is holding you back, looking at your core reasons could help. In Slimming World groups, members are encouraged to think about and share those deeper reasons and often find it helpful to talk through scenarios for possible solutions to try - which can boost motivation when it's most needed.

1. Enjoy walking on sunshine

Summer's here and the time is right to be more active. To help make any new behaviour something that you do frequently, it needs to be something that fits in with your lifestyle and matches your personal likes and dislikes. Dr Jacquie explains, "If you want to be more active but hate running, there's no point saying that you'll go for a daily jog. Aiming to do an activity you enjoy, like a gentle walk on a summer's day can be incredibly uplifting and it's much more likely to become a lasting habit." Jacquie adds, "Forming habits which are meaningful and part of your daily life means you're more likely to stick to it too, for example walking part of your commute to work or getting your kids out of the house for an hour a day to enjoy a game of frisbee, a kick about in the park or a treasure hunt through the woods."

Judith runs a Tuesday evening Slimming World group at 5.30pm and 7pm at All Hallows Church Hall. If you would like to find out more please call Judith on 07740305111