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Tuesday, 22 December 2015

Slimming World Xmas Party

A couple of pics from our celebratory party! The first is a very synful cake made by one of the guys in our group. Incredible!

The second is my Xmas jumper, a SIZE 12! My target size, now just need my target weight!

And the third is a comparison photo to remind myself just how far i've come. Last Thursday I knew I was going to gain, and I was fine, but then I started kicking myself about how I had sabotaged getting my target in time for xmas. And then timehop threw up the picture on the right. And it instantly made me realise how far i've come since that picture was taken. No matter how off plan I will be over Christmas, I know I won't get back to that, and whatever the damage is will be gone in January!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Heres to an amazing 2016!

X

Monday, 21 December 2015

Christmas Parties

So recently, I haven't stuck to plan as much as I could have, I had a works xmas partys and our Slimming World christmas party at a masquerade ball.

I would be annoyed with myself, but these pictures make me so happy.

I managed to get into two amazing dresses and felt incredible on both nights, they are both dresses I would never have considered wearing back at the start of my journey.

I'm trying to stick to plan as much as I can but after last week and my 4.5lb gain, I know it won't be easy!

The first picture has two of my closest friends in it that both do SW with me, the third picture is my amazing consultant! I couldn't ask for a better consultant, she's more of a friend than anything and I know she will be there for me whenever I need her. The final one is the dress I wore in London last week on my works do. I felt awesome and loved every second of it! It was totally worth the 4.5lb gain!

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Transformation Tuesday


Approx 3.5 stone difference. And 3 dress sizes. 2st 2.5lbs is with SW. 
Need to get my head back on track! Been slacking the past 2 weeks now! 7.5lbs till target!

X

Monday, 30 November 2015

MIA

Apologies for the lack of posting recently. I've had a week off from work to get ahead with my christmas shopping and what not, so had a full week off plan. I've then come down with the lurgy so am still not completely back on plan as feeling super sorry for myself! I will be back soon!

x

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Apple Betty

  • 1 large eating apple, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 4 eggs
  • 5 tbsp artificial sweetener
  • 2 tsp vanilla essence
  • 1 apple strudel muller light yoghurt
  • Pinch of cinnamon, to dust
  • Fat free natural fromage frais, sweetened to taste, to serve.

method

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5.
  2. Arrange the apple slices in a 20cm flan dish.
  3. Beat the eggs with the sweetener and vanilla extract, then add the yogurt and beat again.
  4. Pour the eggs over the apple and let them sink in the fruit, dust with cinnamon and bake for 30 minutes or until set.
  5. Serve warm with fromage frais.
This is the modified recipe I used. The only syns is for the baked apple which was 5 syns for the size of Apple I used. (1.5 syns per 100g) so when you divide it into 6 it works out at less than 1 Syn per portion! Yum! 


Friday, 13 November 2015

Miss Slinky 2015

Completely gobsmacked to get this last night! Congratulations to all the nominees and winners in all the other groups! My head is back in the game!

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Lemon Drizzle Cake Pops

Ingredients

  • 2 lemons
  • 5 eggs
  • 45g granulated sweetener 
  • 50g self raising flour


    8 syns for the recipe and it made 32 so I could have 4 for 1 syn/8 for 2 syns etc

Directions 

  1. Add 30g of the sweetener and flour in a bowl 
  2. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the mix 
  3. Using a hand grater, zest both lemons and add the zest to the mix 
  4. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Keep the whites aside, beat the yolks and add to the mixture
  5. Whisk the egg whites until they are fluffy and form soft peaks. Fold into the mixture
  6. Add to the cake tray 
  7. Bake for 20-30 minutes on 180C until golden brown, allow to cool a little. 

Monday, 9 November 2015

None Scale Victory

I finally treated myself to some new clothes yesterday. My target is to be a comfortable 12. This top is a 12, the pants were a 14 but they had no give and were very fitted. So I'm super happy right now that I'm in this position already. 2 sizes smaller than this time last year and feeling so much more confident in myself. I love Slimming World.

Saturday, 7 November 2015

Salt & Pepper Chicken

This was amazing.

Ingredients

Chicken breast, cut into chunks
Plain flour (25g is 4 syns)
Salt & Pepper
Garlic granules
One egg, whisked
Fry Light

A pepper, thinly sliced
An onion, thinly sliced
A chilli, thinly sliced
Soy sauce
White wine vinegar
Sweetener

Method

Preheat oven to approx 180 degrees.
Combine Four tablespoons of flour in a bowl (25g is 4 syns), with half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, along with half a teaspoon of garlic granules.
In another bowl, whisk your egg and add a splash of soy sauce to season.
Pop your chicken chunks in the egg and then in the flour mix.
Once this is all done, arrange on a nonstick baking tray, sprayed with some Fry Light first.
Then spray the chicken with Fry Light - this will help it to brown.
If you're using the oven, leave the chicken for 15 minutes, and turn over, and then give it another spray of Fry Light and then give it another 10 minutes, or until golden.
When the chicken is on the second round of cooking, in a non-stick pan, gently soften your peppers and onion.
I'd add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavour.
Once everything is soft, toss in your sliced chilli and add your cooked chicken from the oven.
Mix together two teaspoons of sweetener with two tablespoons of white wine vinegar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Add this to the pan and stir on a gentle heat.
This will be quite dry, as Salt & Pepper chicken is, but that vinegar/sugar mixture really makes the dish.
Taste and add some further salt and pepper if it needs it.


The only syns are for the flour - I used 25g so 4 syns and 2 of us had it so was only 2 syns each! could easily divide between 4 and make it 1 syn per portion!

Friday, 6 November 2015

2 Stone Award!

Finally! It might have taken me 33 weigh ins and the most scenic route ever. But I got it. I finally hit 2 stone loss with SW. So happy today! Now to stay on track for next week! 


Also, I didn't expect 2 stone to look so different but the left pic is from when I started, the right is from Monday. I love my whole stance, I can tell I am finally learning to love myself again and it's an amazing feeling. Here's to a good week everyone!

   

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Alpen Bars

All of the Alpen Light bars are 2 for a Healthy B choice or 2.5/3 syns each. So had to indulge when Morrisons had them on offer this weekend at 50p a box. Bought 13 boxes! Whats your favourite?

Monday, 2 November 2015

Steak Bake!

Lots of people had been posting about these and I finally got round to trying them. Cannot fault them at all! One thin would be your Healthy B choice and the stewed steak is from ASDA and is SYN FREE! The syn free ones are currently from ASDA/Morrisons/LIDL, all the others carry some syns with them!
Simply spoon the stewed steak into the thin, dab with egg wash and pop in the oven for approx 15-18 mins until golden brown. So nice and feels like a treat!

Sunday, 1 November 2015

Happy Halloween

Was anyone else dreading all the sweets this weekend? I got home and my mum text me to say she'd bought us some Halloween Treats, I panicked thinking i'd have to give them all to my other half and not enjoy any but I was so happy when she gave me these. I have such a sweet tooth at night so glad I've found some good ways to use my syns!

Friday, 30 October 2015

Weigh Day

I am ecstatic that I managed to lose 4.5lbs this week. Determination paid off! But also a little gutted it wasn't 1 extra lb so i'd get my 2 stone! Ah well, next week!!!

Thursday, 29 October 2015

Stewed Steak

Had a tin of the stewed steak so decided to use it as it was, and added a load of winter veg so I was still getting my speed! Absolutely lovely and a yummy winter meal!
ALL SYN FREE


Make sure you check the syns in yours as some are quite high! I used the ASDA Chosen By You Stewed Steak (brown tin) and mine was SYN FREE!

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Chicken & Tomato Soup

This recipe is freezer friendly too!

Ingredients

1 onion peeled and finely chopped
2 carrots peeled and grated
2 lean back bacon, all fat removed, cut into small pieces
2 chicken breasts cut into thin strips
600g chopped tomatoes
400ml chicken stock
1tbsp chopped rosemary
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
Parsley to garnish

Method
Place the onion, carrots and bacon in a saucepan and stir fry for 2-3 mins. 
Add chicken, tomatoes, stock, rosemary and lemon zest/juice. 
Bring to boil and cover then simmer on medium heat for 15 mins stirring occasionally. Season to taste and sprinkle with chopped parsley then serve.


Perfect for those wintery days where you want something more substantial than just soup!

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Nescafe Mint Mochas

Found these in my local ASDA and needed a new hot chocolate to try. Love them! Synning them at 4.5 syns as they aren't on the app yet but would highly recommend!

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Weight Gain

So tonight I gained 2lbs. I half expected it after the terrible week. Back on plan now and this photo has given me the boost I needed, took it earlier and its a dress I didnt wear for ages because I didn't feel comfortable in it. And now its almost too big! Feeling positive about the week ahead and going to be completely on plan!

Also NEW HIFI BARS ARE YUM!
Anyone else tried them yet?




Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Cinnamon Swirls


It's literally just a chilled sheet of Jus-roll pastry (61 syns) or you can use the light one for 53, then in a bowl mix 2tbsp sweetener with 2 tbsp cinnamon, add a little water to make a paste and then spread it across the pastry. 

I divided the pastry into two to make the small ones for taster but you don't have to. 

Then you simple roll it up and pop it in the freezer for 5/10 mins as it's easier to cut. 

Take it out and cut into as many pieces as you want then bake for approx 10 mins on 180 degrees. 

Or until golden brown. They're lovely. 

I managed to make 60 small ones for taster making it 1 syn each but you can adjust accordingly :) 

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Flexi Syns

It was my others halfs birthday on Saturday... which ended with us having a Dominos (about 50 syns worth to be exact), I then spent Sunday/Monday in London... managed to have some baked oats before I left, but then I ended up having a decent meal on Sunday night then Burger King on Monday for convenience! Back on plan now and trying to limit the damage before Thursday! It can be done... I hope! You can normally flexi syn and it works, but I think I've already blown my weekly allocation so just going to make the best choices I can!

Friday, 16 October 2015

Weigh Day treat




Thursdays are my SW Weigh In but also the night that my OH is out so I find it really useful to use the time to read a recipe book or just my SW weigh book, but when a new mag is out I tend to use my night reading that, like yesterday. Amazing transformation stories and it's made me feel a lot more positive about this week going forward.

I help out managing our FB Group and help members who struggle with things on the website, just because I'm a bit more technically minded than my consultant, and it frees up some of her time, and last night she gave me these flowers just to say thankyou.
I was so touched! Such a lovely thing to do!
X

Thursday, 15 October 2015

Weigh Day

-1lb which I definately wasn't expecting after feeling crappy all week.
definately need to shake things up and start cooking different meals, feel like i'm eating the same meals all the time.
What's everyones favourite thing to make?

x

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Baked Oats

I get bored of overnight oats really easy, but this is a lovely alternative.
Basically just combined my 35g oats with a toffee muller light and baked in the oven for 20 mins, definately better enjoyed hot, I just had another toffee muller and sliced strawberries on top with a drizzle of honey for 2 syns.
YUM.

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

SW Meals - Review

I tried the Beef Saag and the Chicken Saag this weekend, and they were both lovely! I would definately recommend them and would love to try the recipes on the back! The meat just fell apart in the Beef one and the Chicken one wasn't too spicy either. Yum! Definately felt like a good fakeaway option!

Have you got a favourite yet?



Sunday, 11 October 2015

SW Breakfast

Keeping it simple this morning!

Bacon - no fat, syn free sausages, scrambled egg and chopped tomatoes.
Just 2 syns for my HP sauce!

Lovely and filling start to the day!

Saturday, 10 October 2015

Face To Face Friday!

#facetoface #facetofacefriday 3 stone difference in pictures.

I seem to lose weight from my face before anywhere else so I can't see a massive difference like I thought I would! Still, heading in the right direction!

Friday, 9 October 2015

Weigh Day!

So last night I lost 1lb. I know some people would feel deflated after being on plan aaaaalllll week. But i'm not, and this is why...

I was using Kingsmill 400g wholemeal loaf as my he B choice most days as I would have soup or a sandwich at lunch, something made me check it yesterday and I found out it was no longer a B choice and they were 3 syns each, which meant I had been going WAY over on my syns! Was actually expecting a gain so I think to get a loss is a miracle! It's definately worth checking every so often guys even if just to protect your losses!
I also bought this new book for some new inspiration and ideas, hoping to batch cook some treats and soup this weekend to help me stay on track!

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Lunch time!

I made a soup using one of those prepped vegs packs from asda, and it was vile! would definately rather make my own! so having to use ALL my fruit, blancmange and yoghurt for my lunch today! Feeling good and staying on plan!

Monday, 5 October 2015

Weekends & Not Being Well

Saturday was my hardest day this weekend, I really wanted to just eat rubbish because I felt rubbish. Even though I knew it wouldnt make me feel better. Instead I managed to throw together some pasta and meatballs and made enough for 3 portions which have already gone! Packed full of speed and thoroughly enjoyed it. Desperately want to be in the next stone range on Thursday! Got a zumba class tonight, first time for everything!
X

Sunday, 4 October 2015

Onion Bhaji Recipe

Ingredients

1 sweet potato
1 red onion
1 white onion
1 tablespoon of curry powder
1 egg

Method


Grate the sweet potato
Spray onions with frylight and cook until brown
Mix in a bowl with sweet potato
Add a pinch of salt and the curry powder
Add half the beaten egg and mix together
Spray a baking tray and spoon the mixture in balls
Cook in oven at 200 degrees for 25 mins turning halfway
Leave a little longer to get them crispy!


Friday, 2 October 2015

Weigh In

So last night I weighed in, I was hoping to shift the 4lb I gained from my hols, I only got 2.5lbs but I was happy as I've had no appetite for half of the week due to being ill so I'm suprised I didn't gain!

Want 2lb next week to be the lightest I've been in years!

Time for new recipes and to get back to the gym!

Thursday, 1 October 2015

Biscuit Fix!


Decided to make a few new things to mix it up a bit. First on my list was these lovely biscuits from the Christmas book, I didnt decorate them so they are only approx 1 syn each and great for dipping in your brew!

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Options Hot Chocolate

I love these! for 2 syns each theyre amazing for treating a sweet tooth! Loving the new flavours!

Monday, 28 September 2015

New Hifi Bar!

Info released today, in group 19th October apparently!

Mayflower Curry - Beef

My other half fancied a chinese beef curry, I have to say I was reluctant to make it as I don't often cook with beef but it was yummy! 4 syns each for the mayflower Curry Sauce but SO worth it! Everything else was free!

Friday, 25 September 2015

Official Holiday Gain

So after being shocked I had gained just under 8lbs on Saturday I am ecstatic with just a 4lb official gain from my jollies, considering I missed 2 weigh ins so really it is only 2lb a week.

Hopefully that will be off in no time!
Back on plan and 1 st 4 lbs to lose by Christmas, I hope!

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Doner and Chicken

My main thing since coming back off my holidays is my lack of appetite. I'm not saying I didn't eat but the heat definately affected my appetite. Wasn't feeling like eating much but at the same time was really craving a dirty kebab. Made the healthier version instead and scoffed the lot! Syn Free Doner and Syn Free Tandoori Chicken! Couple of syns for the mayo!

Tandem Sky Dive

So on 5th September 2015, I jumped out of a plane for Ovarian Cancer Action, raising close to £700 for charity and taking my fundraising total to way over £3,000 for them. I wouldn't have been able to do it without losing the weight with SW as when I started I was over the heaviest limit. But after 6 months on SW I was finally able to jump, comfortably, and tick it off my bucket list. Here are some of my photos from the day, would recommend to anyone!

Monday, 21 September 2015

Holiday Blues

Apologies for the gap in posts! I only got back from Javea, Alicante late on Friday night! Weighed myself on Saturday morning and have gained approx 7lbs!!! Got until Thursday to try and pull some back so stocking up on speed soup and fruit!! Enjoyed myself but definately feeling better now I'm not having bread at every meal! xx

Friday, 4 September 2015

Interim Target

Wanted to get to my interim before my holiday next Wednesday and I'm pleased to report I did! 




I'll be away for the next two weigh ins so lets hope my gain isn't massive!

Wednesday, 2 September 2015

New me


2st 8 difference. Can't believe how awesome I'm feeling at the moment. I go on holiday a week tomorrow and I will be going 1st 8lb lighter than I would if I hadn't have joined SW in March! 

Couldn't be happier with how far I've come! 

Batch Cooking

Made all three of these tonight. You can find the soup recipe on a previous post. 

Will add the others to my blog tomorrow. 

Monday, 31 August 2015

Cauliflower Cheese Soup

What you need: 

Low calorie cooking spray 
One chopped onion 
Smoked paprika 
Cauliflower florets 
200ml vegetable stock 
2-3 extra light cheese triangles 

What to do: 
 1. Spray a large sauce pan with low calorie cooking spray and add chopped onion and smoked paprika and cook for 5 minutes. 
 2. Add cauliflower florets, around 200ml vegetable stock and simmer for 15 minutes until the cauliflower is just tender.    
 3. Stir in 2-3 extra light cheese triangles and blend until smooth. Season and serve.