Food and diet management

Food Optimising, Slimming World’s dietary programme, is an evidence based approach which we regularly analyse and compare with the nutritional profile recommended by the Eat Well Plate. It encourages an overall healthy, nutritionally balanced and enjoyable diet in line with current healthy eating guidelines, and demonstrates how these principles can be applied to all types of cuisine.

It encourages changes to the way people shop, cook and eat, moving them away from high fat, processed foods towards cooking with fresh ingredients and showing how this can cost less, therefore making it ideal for those on low-incomes. Incorporating basic nutrition principles of energy density and scientific understanding of how foods affect our appetite, it presents them in a practical way for use in today’s world. Members can lose weight without restriction or deprivation. Our unique list of “Free Foods” identifies everyday healthy foods which help us feel full quicker and feeling full for longer.  Members learn to make healthy food choices and satisfy their appetite while naturally limiting calorie intake.

This approach addresses the practical, physiological and the psychological needs of a slimmer, facilitating vital changes to diet and eating behaviour.  There is particular emphasis on ensuring calcium and dietary fibre recommendations are achieved and all members are encouraged to have at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily. Fat intake, particularly saturated fat, is reduced in order to achieve an energy deficit. No foods are banned; rather there is a controlled intake of more energy dense foods.

A team including registered nutritionists, registered dietitians and scientific advisors ensure that an up-to-date dietary approach is taken.