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