Summer is here! The sun’s shining (at least some of the time), the school’s have broken up 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 that summer can be a challenging time for slimmers. You’ll find support in spades at your local Slimming World group, where your Consultant will take a deep dive into our unique strategies and tools that will keep your slimming strong all summer long. In the meantime, pour yourself a glass of something cold and enjoy a taster of 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. Slimming World member Sophie (@sophiehegarty_swjourney) lost 3st in three months to reach her target weight. She made it easy to stay on track at her son’s sports day with this delicious box of goodies!
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. Lisa has lost 6st 6lbs with Slimming World and achieved her Platinum Body Magic award. She enjoyed getting stuck into the adventure trail with her children at their local seaside spot.
Nice ices
For many of us, the chiming of the ice-cream van can put us in a slimming sticky spot. 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 home-made ice-cream recipes on the member website.
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.
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 Zoe (@swgoldenzoe) has lost 4st and maintained her target weight for 17 years! She headed down to the river to enjoy the perfect paddleboarding weather – and an amazing upper body workout.
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 (@drayton_sw_group_norwich) took to the water on buoyancy bikes with her friends from group, saying: “Body Magic doesn’t have to be boring!”
Top tip: A ‘slimming buddy’ can be a fantastic source of support during difficult times. If you’ve got a friend who’s also on their slimming journey, put a weekly ‘walk and talk’ in the diary – an easy way to give your motivation and your Body Magic a boost.
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 Rosie (@losing4stonesw) has joined to lose weight for her summer holiday and, after losing 2st 7lbs, she felt on top of the world in Tenerife!
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!
Check back in August for more summer holiday slimming strategies – we’re here to help you have a slim-tastic summer!