Summer’s here! The sun’s shining (at least some of the time), the school year is almost over and some of us are looking forward to a getaway.
While we can’t wait to get stuck into a few weeks of fun, we know this time of year can be a challenging time for slimmers.
You’ll find support in spades at your local Slimming World group, where your Consultant will arm you with our unique strategies and tools to keep your slimming strong all summer long.
In the meantime, pour yourself a glass of something cold and soak up our top tips to help you feel sun-sational!
Pack a picnic
Whether you’re at the park, the beach, or visiting an attraction, taking your own Food Optimising picnic is a simple way to stay in control of what you eat on days out.
Nicola Ruth has lost more than 8st as a Slimming World member. She served up this delicious al fresco feast to help her stay on track in the sunshine.
More on the blog: Feast your eyes on our top pack-up picks including potato salad, crustless quiche and scotch eggs
Let’s play!
If you’ve got little ones to look after, fitting in a fitness routine may feel like a step too far. Tick both boxes with some active playtime, where you can all have fun while moving more, together. Take a ball to the park or beach, or get the skipping ropes and hula hoops out in the garden.
Nicola has lost 12st 8lbs to reach her dream target weight. She got active at an outdoor adventure centre with her children.
More for members: If the kids are happily occupied for 15 minutes, squeeze in a quick workout with our Slimming World activity videos
Nice ices
For many of us, the chiming of the ice cream van can have us flake-ing on our slimming. Slimming World members can use their Food Optimising book, the online Food Search tool and the Slimming World barcode scanner to compare the Syn values of sweet summer snacks. They’ll also get the scoop on smart swaps in group, as well as lots of homemade ice cream recipes on the member website.
More on the blog: Slimming World ice cream recipes
Batch cooking
If you’re busy looking after children – and possibly balancing work and other responsibilities, too – batch cooking can be a great way to get ahead.
When you’ve got time, make a big batch of a freezer-friendly family favourite like spaghetti bolognese, an easy chilli con carne or veggie chilli so you have a stock of healthy meals ready and waiting to be warmed up.
More for members: Our ‘Brilliant batch cooking’ feature is full of fuss-free recipes including curries, stews, soups, pasta dishes and slow-cooker sensations
Active holidays
Are you looking forward to getting away? Your summer holiday spot could be full of opportunities to enjoy Body Magic somewhere new.
Explore your surroundings and clock up some serious steps. Make the most of the facilities available, too, such as a swimming pool or sports courts, and fun activities like crazy golf or watersports. You could even hire bikes or boats (like kayaks, paddleboards or pedalos) to get around.
Slimming World Consultant Marie hit the beach in Cyprus for a game of paddle ball.
More for members: Use the slimming confidence scale in our Summer holiday slimming strategies feature to help you decide your approach to Food Optimising on holiday
Stay supported
Between seaside trips and summer socialising, it can feel like there’s temptation at every turn. Getting that summertime support is so important, and you’ll always find a warm welcome waiting in your local Slimming World group (whatever the weather decides to do!). Members of our digital-only service, Slimming World Online, will find lots of like-minded slimmers in their online Community.
Slimming World Consultant Lynsey took to the water on buoyancy bikes with her friends from group, saying: “Body Magic doesn’t have to be boring!”
Make it motivating
While summer can be challenging sometimes, it can also be a fantastic source of motivation. Maybe you’re looking forward to feeling confident in a sundress or shorts, playing in the pool with the kids or trying out the rides at a theme park? Reminding yourself why you started your slimming journey can make it easier to stay on track.
Slimming World member Lou has lost 3st 12lbs and felt fantastic when she hit the waterpark in her bikini!
Have fun!
Summer only comes around once a year – and sunny days are something to savour. Make the most of them by planning plenty of things you enjoy. And remember, this season’s definitely too short to say no to the occasional ice cream!
Come back soon for more summer holiday slimming strategies – we’re here to help you have a slim-tastic summer!