One of the most difficult things to accept as a Slimming World consultant is just how misinformed people are about losing weight.
I’m Tracey! I am a Slimming World Consultant in Tallaght but most importantly I am a Slimming World member. I have lost five stone following the plan and words cannot convey just how much it has changed my life in every single way.
I was a comfort eater, a secret eater and miserably unhappy for all of my teenage life. Since becoming a parent something clicked for me. I want to be around for my son for as long as I can be. I don’t want him to grow up seeing food as the enemy and as a reason to hide his emotions. Slimming World has changed everything for me and I want to help others do the same.
One of the most difficult things to accept as a Slimming World consultant is just how misinformed people are about losing weight. It never ceases to amaze me just how surprised people are when I explain the plan to them and they see just how much food they can enjoy.
They have been so conditioned to view a “diet” as restrictive that they immediately dread and fear the beginning of a new eating plan. Dispelling those myths and showing people the amazing array of foods they will enjoy on Slimming World is one of the best parts of my job.
Here are 8 of the biggest weight loss myths dispelled.
1. You cannot lose weight and eat carbohydrates
False. I would go as far as saying the complete opposite. On the Slimming World plan, you can enjoy pasta, rice, potatoes and grains. You will be making hearty wholesome meals that the whole family can enjoy and your weight losses will be incredible – trust me.
2. You cannot eat out and lose weight
Absolutely not true. Last week I ordered a Chinese and went to Nandos and I lost three pounds. It’s all about what you order and ask for. Your Slimming World consultant will equip you with the tools and knowledge to enjoy takeaways and eating out and still get a fabulous weight loss.
3. It’s a good idea to weigh yourself daily to stay motivated
False. Ditch the scales and stick to the same weekly weigh-in for an accurate result. Your weight can fluctuate throughout the week and daily weigh-ins can actually throw you completely. If you see a loss you may feel the need to reward yourself in all the wrong ways and if you see a gain you might throw the towel in there and then because “it’s not working”. Weekly weigh-ins on the same scales are the way to go. Remember you can weigh in at any Slimming World group when you are a member.
4. Losing weight is really hard
Being unhappy and overweight is really hard. Losing weight is the beginning of a new life for you. It will involve making changes but the Slimming World plan is the easiest most liveable way to lose weight.
5. You’ll pile the weight on twice as quickly as it took you to lose it
If you revert to your previous eating habits then weight gain is almost certain but the wonderful thing about the Slimming World plan is how liveable it is long term. It becomes engrained in you and becomes the normal way for you and your family to eat. When you get to target you’ll be given extra wiggle room with the amazing new target plan and you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to maintain your incredible weight loss.
6. Losing weight is expensive
I spend less money now – fact. Add up all of those takeaways, coffees and DVDS/Books that promised you the weight loss you desired. I bet you have more money in your pocket now (but you can’t blame us for the new wardrobe your going to need when you get to target – how exciting!)
7. Slimming World is for people who have a lot of weight to lose
This couldn’t be further from the truth. It doesn’t matter if you have a couple of pounds or a couple of stone you would like to lose – Slimming World is a friendly and welcoming place for all people who struggle to lose weight alone. There is no humiliation or judgement – just help, friendship and lots of support.
8. Losing weight is easy – just eat less and move more
Oh if only it were that simple. Most of us need support and guidance when we want to lose weight. It’s about changing the habits you’ve cultivated over a lifetime. It’s also about doing it in a healthy and positive way. The friendships and laughs you will experience along the way make it one of the best decisions of your life. There is a reason why GPs all over the world are sending their patients to Slimming World. We know what we are doing and we can’t wait to help you.
Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.com.
