HIFI BARS | SLIMMING WORLD

Every Slimming Worlder whether that be old, new or current will have had, enjoyed and even indulged on their signature HiFi bars that are only available for group members. Looking at my Instagram, I see fellow followers and Slimming Worlders with stash boxes filled with these amazing bars instead of chocolate bars and sweets.

Since starting Slimming World, I have gone through mountains of HiFi bars because if I ever had a sweet tooth and an apple wouldn't cut it, I would treat myself to one of the bars depending on how many syns I had left at the end of the day.

At 3 syns for a HiFi Light or 6 syns for a regular HiFi bar, these little beauties can also be included as your Healthy Extra B if you wanted to change up your regular b choice of cereal or bread.

                        

HiFi Light Chocolate Orange

This amazing bar has a distinctive orange flavour that reminds me of Christmas and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This is one of my top three flavours!

HiFi Light Rocky Road (my firm favourite!!) 

Topped with mini marshmallows, a sweet sticky jam like texture in between, this is mine and my partners favourite bar. If your looking for something gooey and sweet then this bar is perfect for you!

HiFi Light Chocolate Macaroon

This is one of the newer bars that was recently released in place of the Peanut bar. The bar takes on the taste of the famous Bounty bar of coconut and chocolate but without the guilt of eating an actual chocolate bar. This is my third favourite bar.

HiFi Light Banana Milkshake

Another recently released bar is the banana milkshake bar which had many skeptical looks within my group. It was like the Marmite situation all over again, you either love it or you hate it. I actually like this bar but the bar is being scraped over the next few months because of its not so good popularity compared to the other flavours.

HiFi Light Double Chocolate Crisp

This bar has had a repackage and it confused a lot of my groups members into thinking it was a newer bar until I mentioned it was the original bar but in a newer packaging. I've always loved this flavour as its a quick way to get a chocolate fix with a cuppa late at night whilst using my left over syns.

HiFi Salted Caramel

This bar is one of the most synned as it has a higher calorie content so 1 would class as your healthy extra or 6 syns per bar. I'm not so much keen on the higher synned bars and prefer to be able to have 2 light bars. 

Which bars are your favourites? I would love to hear!

Hayley xxx

AUGUST SOURCEDBOX | SLIMMING WORLD

It's that time of the month again to review and post about my monthly subscription to SourcedBox! This months box sees the summery vibes continue with lots of refreshing and tasty snacks! 

SourcedBox have even told us they're even starting to think of snacks to put into our Christmas edition! I'm so lucking forward to trying some seasonal snacks without the guilt we all do at Christmas!

       

MENU

The Raw Chocolate Company - Vanoffe Mulberries | 6.5syns

These little bites are a combination of toffee and vanilla coated over white mulberries. Perfect for an afternoon snack or to pop in your bag if your on the go! 

Sibberi - Bamboo Water | Syn Free!

I've never heard of Bamboo water until I received this in my box. The water has a tasteless flavour and was perfect to have on my break at work out of the fridge! (This week has been hot at work, even working in the fridges wasn't cool enough!)

Yuyo - Yerba Zing & Mint Tea | Syn Free!

I love receiving tea samples as I can pop them into my bag and have them on the go! I love mint tea because of its refreshing taste but I will be trying my Yerba Zing in an iced tea!

The Protein Ball Co - Lemon and Pistachio Protein Balls | 1.5syns each OR 9.5syns per pack

These little protein packed balls are great for someone on the go like myself! I love the combination of lemon and pistachio! I'd heard of the brand but never tried them as I was always worried about the Syn values but at only 1.5syn per ball, I will be popping a few of these into my lunch boxes until I need to buy some more! 

Creative Nature - Peanut Protein Bar | 8.5syns

Any peanut flavoured I love! This bar is called the 'healthy snickers' because of its peanut flavour. I shall be enjoying mine on an evening with a cuppa watching rubbish telly.

Inspiral - Kale Crisps | 7.5syns

I love Kale and I especially love kale crisps! I enjoy the crunch and taste of kale when it's been dried and flavours are added to make it extra enjoyable. These are perfect for picnics or to have in your bag to satisfy that afternoon feeling of eating.

Planet Organic - Vanilla and Chia Bar | 7syns

This little bar is packed with nuts, raw superfoods and plant proteins to give you healthy benefit. These are perfect is your wanting something to satisfy your cravings without eating anything that's refined or processed.

Oloves - Lemon and Rosemary Olives | 2.5syns per pack

I'm not much of a lover of olives and tend to not get them on my salads (because of Syn values), but olives are a great way to get the good fats that your body needs on a day to day basis. 

Clearly Scrumptious - Juicy Dried Cramberries | 5syns per pack

I hate fresh cranberries but dry them up and I'm a massive fan! These are fantastic to add to yogurt, cereal or nuts for added sweetness (they're also packed full of fibre!)

Raw Gorilla - Cacao & Lucuma Munchies | 7.5syns

A mixture of seeds and nuts coated in raw cacao and Lucuma. These little bites are perfect to have on the go or as a topping for your yogurt to add extra crunch and goodness.

Chia Bia - Chia Oil Capsules | Syn Free!

Since starting to use cod liver oil my hair and skin have enjoyed the benefits but I've been looking for something else that could replace them and these are perfect! I was shocked to receive them in my box as its not something you tend to relate with a food item!

I hope you've enjoyed my SourcedBox review and I hope to hear comments and feedback!

Hayley xxx

THE NEW ME

Sorry that I've recently been quiet guys! Trying to keep up with life, relationships, work and everything else has been tough for the past few weeks!

So tonight I've decided to write this blog post to try and re-motivate myself to start writing a little bit more. I've decided to re-look my blog and in the next few days I may decide to change a few things up depending on the timescale I have to complete them. As you know, I love doing my SourcedBox reviews and will definitely be carrying on doing those every single month :)

As for my personal life, I've recently discovered the new, far more different and skinnier me! For years I've always struggled with my weight and since losing over eight stone I struggled for my mind to catch up with my body. For the first time since getting to target back in March, whilst getting ready for a birthday party, I seen, felt and loved the new found me!

Getting all dolled up, having my brows, lashes and gradual tan on, I finally pushed my demons to the back of my head and impressed myself in becoming someone more confident with a mega grin on her face (this never happens!!). Wearing a dress (that I haven't dared to wear out in public before!!!) I felt amazing :D

Catching up with family and friends that I've not seen or spoken too for months or even years they were shocked as much as I was to see the new me! It's gave me the buzz that I needed to finally come to terms with how much I've actually lost and how my body now looks.

The pictures on Saturday proved how happy I was as I'm usually the camera shy girl who always wore black or hid in the background of photos.

Don't let anyone push your dreams down like I did with mine! It's your journey whether it be a fast weight loss or a steady half a pound a week, a loss is a loss and that's amazing!

I hope you all luck in your journeys and I love to hear yours!!!

Hayley xxxx

SOURCEDBOX JULY 2016 | SLIMMING WORLD

Another month, another SourcedBox! This months sourced box contains a variety of healthy snacks perfect for taking on picnics, carrying in your bag whilst out on a trip or if your like me to have on your breaks at work!

Soffle's Rosemary and Thyme Pitta Chips | 5.5syns per bag

These are a perfect accompaniment for dipping into your favourite dip or to add to an afternoon picnic. I shall be having mine on 2 seperate occasions with a homemade syn free houmous to save on my syn allowance.

http://www.soffles.com

The Giving Tree Strawberry Crisps | 3.5syns per 18g

I've heard of this brand before but never adventured to try them! I love the idea of eating a fruit in the form of a crisp I feel a little left out when everyone else is eating an actual packet of crisps and I have to sit out.. 

http://givingtreesnacks.com

Virtue Sparkling Energy Water Lemon and Lime | Synfree!!

This sparkling energy water is to replenish your energy with its added caffeine, vitamins and ginseng extract. The flavour was very bland for a lemon and lime drink but it was refreshing to have whilst on a late break at work.

www.virturedrinks.com/drinks/

Clearspring Chilli Roasted Nuts | 6.5syns per 30g bag

Working at M&S, we sell a few Clearspring products within the ambient oriental section but I never knew they sold nuts and snacks! I love the Walkers Sensations Chilli Nuts so to have these an alternative has made me happy! 

www.clearspring.co.uk

SAF Raw Beetroot and Horseradish Activated Crackers | 11syns per 44g tube

These little crackers are just a little over 1 syn each but are great for an afternoon nibble with cottage cheese and crudités.

The website for this company is currently under reconstruction but you can buy them from online retailers.

Wild Trail Seed and Nut Bar | 9syns per 46g bar

I love Wild Trails bars and use to eat them often before starting Slimming World. This is one of the lowest bars in this months box and is handy to have in your bag for on the go.

www.wildtrail.co.uk

The Tiger Nut Company Cocoa Dusted Tiger Nuts | Unsure on the syns for these

Upon reading on what tiger nuts were, I was intrigued to see these have extra nutritional value compared to other nuts as they are considered a vegetable! My overall thought after trying these wasn't good. They were very drying when eaten on their own but I think with them sprinkled over yogurt, it might make a difference.

Couldn't find the company website

BodyMe Raw Cacao Orange Protein Bar | 13syns per bar

I LOVE protein bars and to get one that's chocolate orange is amazing! Like the other bars in this box then syns are high but I find that if you've had a Synfree day why not have that treat of yummy goodness! I'm looking forward to trying this in the next couple of days!!

www.bodyme.co.uk

Rhythm 108 Lemon and Ginger Biscuits | 6.5syns per 2 biscuits 

These biscuits are great to dip in your tea, coffee or even crumbled with yogurt to create a mini cheesecake inspired dessert. 

www.rhythm108.co.uk

The Living Food Kitchen Inca Berry and Pumpkin Seed Coconut Flapjack | 14syns

These flapjacks come in 3 flavoursome flavours and are dairy free as well as being gluten free! I love flapjacks and prefer to have them as an occasional treat. The syns are pretty high on this bar but halved then crumbled onto of your favourite yogurt and fruit will add that extra crunch to any dessert or treat.

www.thelivingfoodkitchen.com

The Good Guru Good Berries Powder | 1syn per 8g serving

This little sachet of powder has lots of goodness that can be added to smoothies, cereal, yogurt or porridge. I will be adding this to either a tub of quark to added extra flavour or to my morning porridge for that extra goodness! 

www.thegoodguru.com/

I hope you enjoy my review of Julys SourcedBox and every month I am going to continue to review these boxes. Leave your comments and I look forward to reading them :)

Hayley xxx

JUST A QUICK UPDATE

Hi guys!

I haven't posted a blog post for a while as I've just been recovering from my gallbladder surgery. On Friday (3rd June), I had surgery to remove my gallbladder after months of pain and discomfort. I went in at 12 noon and was home at 10pm that same night. After a worrying drop in my blood pressure I thought I wasn't going home that night but lucky after a few biscuits, lots of water and a VERY sugary tea, it increased enough for me to go home.

Since coming home, the pain from my stomach has been nearly non existent but the pain caused by the gas has been the worse in my shoulders. I am the type of person who hates to sit still and rest so having these 3 weeks off work to recover is killing me! I can't drive my car as of yet, I keep feeling dizzy and I have extreme tiredness around 4 o'clock with the added shoulder pain.

Having my surgery was the best option for me but I am suffering from constant hunger pains! I'm now dreading that I will put some weight back on if I carry on eating the wrong foods. Since surgery I've been eating anything I've wanted in moderation (naughty me..)

So today I set myself a challenge to have a great day on plan and stay under 15syns! I'm determined to get back to how I was before my operation and hopefully have a speedy recovery.

Food Plan (08.06.16)

B - Weight Watchers Cherry Yogurt (free), Chia Seeds (1.5syns), strawberries, melon. Wholemeal toast (1st hexb), Choc Shot (1.5syns)

L - Slimming World Spicy Lentil Soup, wholemeal bread (2nd hexb), chicken slices, cucumber, please pudding

S - Grapes, pineapple lolly, Graze Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake Slice (4syns)

T - Gammon, Frozen Jacket Potato (1syn), beetroot, beans, tomato, cucumber, cottage cheese

I'm hoping to walk to my local shop later just to get some fresh air and hopefully feel normal again. Might get myself some reduced fruit to look forward to later for a little dessert.

Have you had your gallbladder out? What was your experience?

Hayley xxx

MAY SOURCEDBOX | SLIMMING WORLD

I've always been a lover of subscription boxes and have recently started to subscribe to food boxes. I am currently subscribed to Graze on a 2 week basis and receive the lighter box (this is a lower calorie alternative box with the punnets having under 150cals each)

SourcedBox is a healthier monthly subscription box that costs £18.95 (postal included) and includes snacks that are naturally sourced or have health benefits to your regular snacks. Since starting Slimming World, I've wanted to try different snacks and usually bought Weight Watchers cake bars to get my chocolate fix but I wanted something more natural, healthier and different.

MAYS BOX

This box included 11 items ranging from fruit bars, chips and fruity snacks. With this being my first box I am hugely impressed with each and every item!

Matcha Green Tea Drink (Teapigs) - 5syns
This tasted amazing! It was so refreshing and different as I have never had matcha tea and the thought of it put me off trying.

https://www.teapigs.co.uk


Lime and Chia Truffles (Sweet Virtues) - 4syns per truffle
These little balls of goodness provide you with a zesty flavour as well as a little chocolate fix. They come in a small pack of two but tasted amazing.

http://www.sweetvirtues.co.uk


Salted Plantain Crisps (Chika's) - 8syns
Plantain seems to have become the new thing for an alternative to crisps and that's a great thing! They tasted different but I like them and I've gone out and bought some Cajun Plaintain Crisps from M&S!

http://chikas.co.uk


Green TNT Bar (Dynabites) - 8syns
This little bar was gorgeous and surprisingly filling! The amount of protein in this bar stunned me but for 8syns it was definitely worth it. The only downfall I had about this product was when I crunched on a small pebble and nearly broke my tooth! (Suppose it shows it's made naturally!)

http://www.missnutritionist.com/dynabites/


Coconut Chips (Coconut Merchant) - 4.5syns per 20g
I LOVE coconut chips! These are fantastic to add to your breakfast for an extra crunch or flavour that tastes of summer! I will definitely be buying more coconut chips in the future to add to my meals and breakfasts.

https://coconut-merchant.com/product/coconut-snack-chips/


Smashing Strawberry Snack Pack (Urban Fruit) - 5syns
These little dehydrated strawberries retain all the gorgeous flavours of a strawberry and even their goodness. I absolutely loved these and they do a variety of other flavours too! These are a definite repurchase!

http://www.urbanfruit.co.uk


Cranky Cocoa Bar (Hangry Food Co.) - 8.5syns
This was the first item I tried out of my box because I was Hangry! These bars are of a similar concept to the Nakd bars that everyone is going crazy over! All the ingredients in this bar are all natural and filling. I enjoyed this bar and will be looking for these in my local supermarkets!

http://www.hangryfood.co.uk


Tomato & Oregano Kale Crisps (Leafy) - 2syns
I have still got to try these but I love kale crisps and these are perfect for a low syn alternative to your regular crisps.

http://www.leafyfoods.co.uk/#

Fruit Bites (Holland & Barrett) - 6.5syns
These little bites are little pieces of fruit with millet pieces. An alternative to other snacks but these are very different to others I've tried. I love Holland & Barrett's snacks and will definitely be repurchasing these.

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-merry-millet-berry-fruit-bites-60003662

Whole Chia Seeds (Chia Bia) - 3syns
His little pack of goodness is perfect to add to your yogurt, cereal, porridge, what ever you want to add that little pack of healthy vitamins that chia seeds contain.

http://www.chiabia.com/products/chia-product-range/


My overall views on this box are great. I've enjoyed the products and love trying we items and currently can't wait to try June's box. The box is definitely worth it's money as all the sizes of the products are generous, affordable and generally have a great health benefit.

Did you subscribe to this box? What were your overall thoughts!

Hayley xxx

FIBRE ONE BARS | SLIMMING WORLD

If you love something sweet, cake like and something that's low in calories/syns then these are for you!

After seeing these being posted around on other Instagrams, everyone rated them on how lovely and like the real thing they were, I just had to try some. I was desperate to get my hands on some and boy did it take a while finding them!

In the UK these are limited in the amount of places that sell them in store and I found mine in one of my local Tescos in the biscuit aisle.

The bars themselves come in a pack of 5 and come in 2 flavours, a lemon drizzle and a chocolate brownie. Now, they are small (what do you expect for only 90cals?) but they are full of flavour and great if you have a sweet tooth that you need to kick.

They're not the cheapest but they can be bought on the Internet for a higher price if you were willing to pay extra. I got mine on a 2 for £4 offer during April which may have now finished but it would be worth having a look!

What are your thoughts on the Fibre One Bars?

Hayley xxx

MY BIRTHDAY

So yesterday was my birthday, the day off plan, also known as my treat day! (Doesn't everyone do this on their birthday as syns don't count, right?)

I started the day off brilliantly with a bowl of porridge made with 35g of oats, milk from my allowance and water. I then added 2 teaspoons of Peanut Hottie (3syns) and added some defrosted raspberries for speed. (This is my favourite breakfast so far!)

After breakfast I relaxed for a couple of hours before setting off to see James for the weekend. Arriving at James I'd bought some Rowntrees fruit pastilles for a treat to eat in the car as it was boiling! They don't taste as I remember them but I haven't had them in that long I may have grown out of the taste of sugary sweets?

Lunch was just my usual of a ham sandwich, fruit, seafood etc, except this time I had a homemade lemon buttercream birthday cake waiting for me! Cutting a piece was so satisfyingly good!

Lets just say I was food comatosed after lunch and was dreading thinking about my tea later which was a takeaway from our local Dixy Chicken (it's like a KFC but cheaper!). 

After lunch, a parcel arrived for me which was a lovely fruit basket from James. He knows I would appreciate this more than a basket full of chocolate. The fruit will keep me on plan for the next few days as well!

After the amount of food I had consumed yesterday today will be a good day of speed and free food (and another slice of cake). 

My meal plan for today is as follows;

B - Nothing as I was too full from yesterday!
L - Sardines in a rich tomato sauce (free), wholemeal toast (both my hexb as I only have a 800g loaf of bread), fruit bowl (banana, plum, pear, strawberries, grapes)
S - Slice of cake (syns!!!)
T - Homemade seafood pasta (this will have syns but not sure until later when I check the recipe)

I will be having more snacks throughout the night but I will be having fruit or syn free yogurts.

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Hayley xxx

SLIMMING WORLD PEANUT LOVERS!

When I started Slimming World in 2014, I gave up my love for peanut butter as it was high in syns and I didn't want to use my syns unless it was totally worth it. So for the past few months I've been on the hunt looking into peanut butter alternatives that are low in syns and calories and came across these two which were highly recommended.

PB2 Chocolate (2syns for 2 tablespoons)

If your looking for something that you can spread, add to things or dip into, this is the best thing I've tried that is peanut flavoured. This find powder is mixed with a 2:1 ratio (2 tablespoons of PB2, 1 tablespoon of water) mixed together and eaten how you want it. This comes in 2 flavours, plain or chocolate flavoured.

It's not as thick as regular peanut butter but it's brilliant to add to sliced apples, toast, porridge or crackers (whatever you desire!). It has 85% less fat then standard peanut butter so the calories are significantly lower and lower in syns!

I bought mine on Amazon for around £8, this can be a little steep if your on a budget but I've made mine last for over 2 months as I don't eat it all the time. (I'm such a money saver!)


Peanut Hottie (4syns for 3 teaspoons)

Peanut Hottie comes in 2 flavours, plain or with chocolate. I bought mine flavoured with chocolate to see if it would help curb my cravings I get every now and again. I'd initially bought it to add to water, hot milk or almond milk (from my healthy a allowance) for a peanut flavoured milkshake or hot drink but didn't find it to taste as nice I would have liked. So it got pushed to the back of the cupboard!

Until recently, I discovered you can add it when baking or cooking and even seen people add it to their porridge on a morning with chopped banana. So last week I gave this a try and I was amazed with the results! It tasted delicious! (I love finding new favourites for breakfast as I find it so dull to be inspired!)

You can buy this from many big supermarkets or online from an array of websites but it usually costs around £3 and can be found in the hot drinks aisle next to the hot chocolate.

They are many recipes and recommendations for both of these products on other Slimming World blogs, weight loss blogs and even on Instagram!

What are your preferences on these products? Have you tried them? Do you have any recipes to share. I'd love to hear!

Hayley xxx

WEIGH DAY RESULTS

Today was the dreaded weigh in after my little midnight binge on Saturday night of biscuits and half an Easter egg. On Monday and Tuesday I stuck religiously to the plan and only had 2syns for the cheese my mum added to my cottage pie on Tuesday night. (I did ask for without but she was insistent and I was starving after my 8 hour shift!).

Waking up this morning, the weather was beautiful and going to group this morning I was greeted with my regular hellos and small chit chat whilst waiting nervously in the line to be weighed.

Getting on the scales and being told I'm under target again because I'd lost 1.5lb, I was genuinely gutted!

Now, many people would be jumping for joy and be happy with a loss, because a loss is a loss but being at target I want to be able to maintain. After the weekend I thought I would have a gain?

I know I didn't go OTT (over the top) with snacking like some people do when they have a cheat day but I think I'm mentally judging myself too much. (James has always told me I do and that I've lost enough and should be proud, which I am!)

So today's food diary consisted of the following; (I've stuck within my 15syns as well)

Breakfast - Porridge (made with water) HexB, Raspberries, Banana, Peanut Hottie (2syns)

 

Lunch - Marks & Spencer Count On Us Singapore Noodles (8syns), Vegetables and Radishes

Tea - Gammon Steak, Potatoes, Savoury Rice (0.5syn), Salad, Egg, Aldi Light Mayo (0.5syn)

Snack - Frozen Muller Light Peanut Yogurt, Frozen Banana, Strawberries and a HiFi Bar (HexB)

My goals for May was to push myself to exercise more and that started today by walking +14k steps in my local park with a friend from work. She's also looking to get fitter even though she has a gorgeous slim body and I have well, wobbly bits that need toning (obviously I ow I will never get rid of it without surgery but I can try)

It's my birthday tomorrow and I'm going to fully enjoy myself, I'll be on plan for breakfast but won't be guaranteeing myself for lunch and tea. I'm also out on Saturday for tea but I can work around my syn allowance for this.

I hope you've all had a brilliant Wednesday!

Hayley xxx

MIDNIGHT THOUGHTS

Bank Holiday Monday, the day that half of the U.K are curing their weekend hangovers, catching up on sleep or working to make those extra pennies. Unfortunately I was working but only for four hours (easiest shift that I love working).

Today, I set myself the challenge of pulling back from all the syns that I'd consumed over the bank holiday weekend, to have a zero syn day.

My meal plan for the day was as follows;

Breakfast - Soft boiled eggs, wholemeal toast (hexb), beans, coffee (hexa)
Lunch - Fruit, coffee (hexa) (my reasons for this decision was due to my shift at work starting at 2 and finishing at 6, plus I didn't get out of bed until 11:30!)
Tea - Quorn meatballs, pasta shells, tomato sauce, cucumber
Snacks - Fruit, syn free yogurts, HiFi bar

I am so immensely proud that I was able to have a syn free day and not eat anything synned! My parents even got a KFC for their tea and not one single bit touched my lips, I wasn't even phased as I was determined!

I am now planning for tomorrow to be another syn free day to make up for the weekend and I will be following this plan;

Breakfast - Porridge (hexb and hexa), raspberries, banana, coffee (hexa)
Lunch - Tuna, M&S Spirit of Summer Mixed Salad Pot (I think this is free without the dressing but I will check tomorrow morning), cucumber, tomatoes, BBQ Mugshot (free)
Tea - Cottage Pie (5% Fat Mince, Oxo cubes, topped with mashed potatoes), vegetables, bovril gravy
Snacks - Fruit, yogurt, crudités

I hope you've all had a fantastic bank holiday weekend and are planning to fulfill the week ahead!

Hayley xxx

2.5 SYN - CREAMY MUSTARD SAUSAGES

Hi guys, another fantastic low syn recipe that serves 4 people and tastes amazing! Per portion this works out around 2.5syns but can be made lowers syns by replacing some of the ingredients which I will add below.

Ingredients
Dried pasta ribbons (Tagliatelle or Pappardelle)
8 low fat sausages (I used Weight Watchers Cumberland Sausages - 0.5syn per sausage)
1 garlic clove (chopped finely)
250g mushrooms (sliced)
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard or Wholegrain Mustard (mine was 3syns - check the syns as they vary)
Juice of one lemon
2 tablespoons half-fat crème fraiche (3syns - you could use Quark to lower the syns)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

1. Cook your pasta according to its instructions.

2. Whilst your pasta is cooking, remove the meat from the sausages and add to a frying pan.

3. Brown the sausage meat and add the garlic, mushrooms and seasoning.

4. When the mushrooms are cooked add the mustard, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of water and stir.

5. Remove from the heat and stir in your crème fraiche (or quark). Check for seasoning.

Serve your cooked pasta and sprinkle with parsley.


You can add more speed food to this dish and make it EESP by swapping your pasta for vegetables.

Remember you can add or change a recipe to make it your own!

I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!

Hayley xxx

HELLO MAY, HELLO SPRING,

Today marks a new month, a new season and also my birthday! (Turning 24 is not a good look!)

During this bank holiday weekend I have had a few treats (half an Easter egg, chocolate and silly little syns that I shouldn't have eaten). Recently I just can't seem to stop picking at the stupidest things? So this month I've decided to focus on the right foods, use my syns properly and fill myself with plenty of speed food.

Since being at target I seem to care less of what goes into my mouth, which could have major consequences and sabotage my weight loss. My meals are always on plan but it's just my snacking that I need to control and that what May is going to be about!

At the beginning of each month I reflect on the goals set in the previous month and move forward with the new month in mind. Now I already know that this month is going to be hectic. It's my birthday, my partners birthday (which we are going to a holiday home for), and my parents going away at the end of the month.

I already know that on Thursday I'm going to be having a birthday treat (Dixy Chicken) so I will be using flexible syns for then. Starting tomorrow I'm back on plan 100% up until Thursday, on plan Friday, off plan on Saturday then back on plan until James birthday.

Now the holiday home we've booked for the weekend has a local Tesco and Heron which allows me to plan meals and snacks for throughout the holiday.

My goals for this month are as follows;

1. Increase my fitness levels
2. Maintain my weight or be at the bottom end of my target (without going under like before)
3. Use my syns wisely and fill up on speed food

What are your goals for this month? Are you looking forward to the month ahead?

Hayley xxx

0.5 SYN SESAME BEEF STIR FRY

This recipe is perfect for an EESP meal idea. The sesame beef stir fry is 0.5syn a serving but can be made syn free! This recipe serves 4.

Ingredients 
150g frying steak (cut into thin strips and fat removed)
200g carrots (cut into matchsticks)
1 red pepper (reseeded and thinly sliced)
4 spring onions (cut into thin strips lengthways)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (check for a syn free variety)
2 tablespoons orange juice cordial (sugar free variety)
1 tbsp tomato ketchup (1syn - you could use tomato purée to save on syns)
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon cornflour (0.5syn)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (3syns - you can make this without sesame seeds for a lower syn alternative)

Recipe

1. Spray a pan with Fry Light and stir fry your beef, vegetables for 3-4 minutes.

2. Whilst the beef is cooking mix the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Add to the pan, mix well and cook for a further 3 minutes.

Serve immediately! Its that simple!

You could mix this recipe up by replacing the beef for chicken or turkey, you could add a variety of stir fry vegetables to add more speed food to your plate!

You could also serve this with noodles. The possibilities are endless! Let me know what you think!

Hayley xxx

WEEKLY WEIGH IN!

This week has been an eye opener and a fantastic week on plan!

I'm currently sat on the sofa, in my onesie watching Family Guy on ITV2 whilst writing this blog to say how proud I am with myself!

Before going on my holiday, I was disappointed with my 1.5lb loss as I had gone under my target range. I had followed the plan and my consultant told to increase my healthy extra b to support and maintain my weight. (Unfortunately this didn't work!)

Many people have said that I should enjoy myself more and have a takeaway or a big slice of cake! In reality I couldn't, because mentally I was worried about having a gallstone attack if I had a little treat. I haven't had an attack for over a month and I'm due for surgery soon to have my gallbladder removed. I thought why not have a treat on holiday and worry later if I had an attack.

Coming home I was straight back onto plan and enjoyed plenty of speed and free food.

After my weekly weigh in this week I gained 2.5lb which put me back into my target. Now people were a little confused when I was smiling for putting on but once I told them my situation they sympathised and asked how my week had been.

Since coming back off holiday, I have stuck to plan and decreased my healthy extra b back to one to help lose my holiday weight. It was successful!

I am now facing the difficult choice of increasing my healthy extra b back up to two as I'm back at target and want to maintain my weight. (Are you at target, if so what do you do?)

I hope you've all had a great week this week and are focusing on the week ahead. I know I am!

Hayley xxx

1.5 SYNS - CHICKEN CACCIATORE

Chicken Cacciatore
This recipe is filling, tasty and even low in syns! This is for 4 people but I had leftover sauce which will do perfect for freezing!

(Note - This can be made syn free by swapping the white wine for 150ml of water! It's up to you!)

Ingredients 

Fry Light
4 chicken breasts (skinless and on the bone. You could just do chicken breast pieces)
4 rashers of lean back bacon (cut into strips, fat removed)
2 onions (finely sliced)
2 garlic cloves (finely sliced)
150ml of dry white wine (6syns but this depends on the wine you use, syn accordingly)
2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes
1 bay leaf
2 tsp dried oregano
225g button mushrooms
1 red pepper (diced)
150g broccoli florets
100g baby sweetcorn
1 tsp sugar (1syn)
240g pasta ribbons
salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

1. Spray a large pan with the Fry Light and add your chicken. Cook on a high heat to brown all sides of the chicken and season. (Remove from the pan to a plate)

2. Reduce the heat and add your bacon, onions, garlic and stir fry for 4 minutes or until the onions are starting to soften.

3. Add your wine and increase to a high heat for 2 minutes whilst stirring continuously. Now add the rest of the ingredients (apart from the pasta) to the pan with the chicken and simmer for 15 minutes covered with a lid.

4. Uncover and simmer for a further 20minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Meanwhile cook your pasta according to the instructions and serve with your chicken and sauce.

Serve immediately! Let me know your thoughts!

Hayley xxx

4 SYN - BEEF TERIYAKI NOODLES

Hello guys!

Quick recipe here for you! This recipe is from a Weight Watchers book that my partners parents use often. This recipe is based on 4 servings and works at around 4syns per serving! 

Ingredients

400g rump steak (all fat trimmed and cut into thin strips)

For the Marinade
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice wine (0.5syn)
2 tbsp honey (5syns)

For the Stir Fry
FryLight
150g broccoli (cut into florets)
2 red peppers (sliced)
Pack of spring onions (cut diagonally into 2.5cm lengths)
200g of bean sprouts
1 fresh chilli (de-seeded and sliced)
250g of cooked noodles (I use the dry rice noodles and precook them)
4 tbsp of Teriyaki Sauce (ingredients below for this or you could buy a premade one and syn accordingly)
Salt and black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce (Mix these ingredients in a small bowl)
(You'll have some sauce left over so this reduces the syns)
1/2 cup of soy sauce
2 tbsp of water
2 tbsp of rice wine (0.5syn)
2 tbsp brown sugar (5syns)
3 tbsp of honey (7.5syns)
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Recipe

1. Mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl and add your beef (allow this to marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours or 10 mins if your in a hurry)

2. Spray a large frying pan with the Fry Light and add your beef but keeping the marinade in the bowl. Stir fry your beef on a high heat until cooked then set aside on a plate and keep warm.

3. Now add your broccoli with 6 tbsp of water and stir fry for 5 minutes. Then add your pepper and onions and cook for a further 3 minutes. 

4. Add your teriyaki sauce and the remaining marinade you set aside earlier. Now add your beef, beansprouts, chilli and cooked noodles into the pan and cook on high heat for 2 minutes or until the beef is hot again. 

5. Check for seasoning and serve immediately!

This is such a quick and tasty recipe! I hope you enjoy!

Hayley xxxx

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

Since coming home from my all indulgence holiday with my partner I have had time to reflect on how much food I actually consumed and I'm disappointed in myself! 

I immediately jumped on the scales when I got home (I have to break this habit!) and was shocked by what was staring back at me! (I'd put on 9lb but what did I expect after everything I ate!!) 

If you know me personally I am one of these people who scold themselves for everything! Looking at a chocolate bar whilst out shopping, putting it in my basket for my syn treat and then leaving it at the last minute. (This drives my friends and family mad! It's the same when going for meals, I get flustered at what to order and stick to a jacket potato and beans..)

Over the period of my holiday I must have ate over 2 weeks worth of syns, but it didn't start that way. I started the week off on plan but since starting Slimming World, I have never really let myself go off plan. (I figured that we all deserve that break to be ourselves and know that we can get back onto it when we get home)

The week consisted of crisps, biscuits, chocolate, full fat pop, chip shop and pizza shop. My skin has suffered terrible from it! It's true that eating cleaner and healthy does wonders for your skin, healthy and general mentality. I've had foul moods and general discomfort all week! Now it was time to get back on plan.

On Friday morning before packing the car, I cooked myself and James scrambled egg on toast (wholemeal of course) and a banana. Now there's no speed food in there but it was a start! Once arriving back home, we popped into my mums for a coffee and a chit chat (I really missed her whilst I was away, usually I'm dying to get a break from home!)

Lunch was a jacket potato filled with plenty of protein to keep me going until tea which I knew would be synned. We had honey and mustard chicken, rice and carrot batons (7.5syns for a Lidl Honey and Mustard Jar Sauce serving. It's 29.5 for the full jar!) 

When I come to James parents for the weekend, I'm in control and on plan during breakfast and lunch but because they don't do Slimming World they try to make low syn or low calorie foods for me. (Recently they've been looking at Weight Watchers recipes and I don't begrudge this idea as it's still healthy eating!) 

It's now a sunny Saturday morning and I've had an amazing breakfast of porridge, banana, defrosted raspberries and a cup of tea (this is my go to breakfast as it's simple and filling)

My plan for the rest of the week are to;

1. Focus on your syns
2. Eat plenty of speed food
3. Don't give up! (Weigh day is Wednesday!)

What are your plans for this week? Do you have a goal that you've set this week? I'd love to hear!

Hayley xxxx

MY FIRST BLOG POST

Hello :)

First of all I would like to say thank you for reading this blog! I'm currently sat here twiddling my thumbs and forcing myself to think of an opening start for my blog and what to write without boring you and making you think I'm a mad woman. (My partner already calls me that so I wouldn't mind if you did too!)

For years I've wanted to start my own blog but never had anything that I really wanted to talk about. I've always loved reading other bloggers sites relating to fashion, beauty, lifestyle and healthy eating and its inspired me to give it a go. (What could possibly go wrong?)

So why did I want to start a blog?

Since starting Slimming World in September 2014, I have undergone such an amazing journey (I prefer to call it a journey rather than weight loss as it makes me want to continue with it and not give in once I've reached my goal/target). I am wanting to share, inspire and connect with you guys who have started, are currently or wanting to have their own journey! 

Pre Warning! I am not the best cook or have a vast amount of amazingly delicious recipes but looking through other websites created by other Slimming World, Weight Watchers or general healthier eating ideas bloggers, I have become inspired to share my own with you!

Now, no one says losing weight is easy but it makes a huge difference if we can all have help and support from one another time to time. 

For most of you it will be when your facing or dealing with that dreaded weekly weigh in after knowing you had that naughty chocolate bar, full fat coke and family sized packet of crisps last week because it was talking to you from inside the padlocked cupboard you insisted in not going near!

Or..

If the number on the 'Sad Step' (this is what The Body Coach calls it) hasn't changed for a couple of weeks or decreasing ever so slowly and your wanting more! We all need that comforting support to tell us to carry on without doing the above choice.

(But we've all been there in those situations and guess what, no ones going to judge you! I'm currently dreading my Wednesday weigh in after my all binge holiday at Cayton Bay).

With this being an opening post to my blog, I want to keep it short and sweet but I have so much more I want to share with you but that will just have to wait! 

Again I thank you for taking your time to read this blog post and I hope to inspire, help or support you through your journey as much as you support mine.

Feel free to comment, follow me on here or Instagram :) and I hope to hear from you soon!

Hayley xxxx