A whole lotta woman!

Check out our gorgeous Natasha!

Before on the left and Foxy chick now on the right :-)

Having battled with post natal depression that took it toll on her health and her weight, Natasha found comfort at our amazing group. Comfort not from food, but from warmth, understanding and support of you guys.

Your dedication to her has helped her to shift more than 4st to get to target. TWICE!!!!!

Soon after hitting target in Oct 2008 Natasha discovered that she was pregnant again. Determined not to revisit past problems, Natasha continued to attend group although she admits that seeing the scales go up was so very tough at times. Sept 2009 a beautiful baby boy arrived and 5 months later our yummy mummy was back where she belongs - at target!

Natasha recently represented our St Neots group at the East Anglia district final and made it down to the last 9 ladies from over 150 groups! Her ambition is to appear in the Slimming World magazine - I'd say she looks like a cover girl :-)

Well done Natasha - stay gorgeous!

Urs xxx

THE BIG NIGHT!!!

Tuesday 7th September

Woman of the year 2010

Come an hear about the the most amazing women in St Neots - a real celebration of the fabulous achievements of our top chicks over the past 12 months. Your change to vote for one lady to scoop the St Neots title!

5.30 weigh in followed by Image Therapy as normal

7.30 weigh in

8.00 woman of the year celebrations for all

This is the one night of the year where we gather together as a whole group - you won't want to miss out!

Bring a plate buffet and grand raffle - see you all there

Urs xxx

Back to school, back on track!

September is here!!! Many mums like me will be breathing a sigh of relief as our kiddies head back to school - let me explain my relief though!

I LOVE MY KIDS!!! BUT, I end up spreading myself so thin over the hols that lots of things end up just half done - sound familiar?

One of those things can be commitment to food optimising, commitment to ourselves.

"It's only when we have attended to our own needs that we are able to go forth and attend to the needs of others" It seems quite straight forward and the reality is that as busy people, we are the centre of our very own universe, the central cog in the engine of our lives. Thus, when we are 'right', everything around us is 'right'.

It can be quite normal to feel demotivated but the knock on effects are extreme: confidence drops low and on a very personal level we can feel hopeless and broken.

Failure, overweight, self confidence shattered.

It's suffocating, it's crushing and it chokes us - Oh we deserve so much better!

Give yourselves some slack, put down that big stick you are beating yourself up with and galvanise yourselves guys! Let this new month be a shining new opportunity to invest in yourselves because you are ALL quite amazing - you just don't know it yet! :-)

Happy, happy, happy school days!

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

M&S wraps...this is what I know!!!!!!

I have cut and pasted this direct - get out there and find them guys!!!

M&S 3 Ginger Beef Wraps and 3 Asian Salad Wraps with a sweet soy dip (1/2 syn for the whole pack of 6 on original or extra easy and 1 syn on green) .....OMG ...they are sooo tasty.
There is also a pack containing 3 Sweet Chilli Prawn Wraps and 3 mango Salad Wrapswith a sweet chilli dip (same syn value) ....And a larger pack contiang 5 Thai Spiced and 5 Coconut & Lemongrass Chicken Wraps with a sweet soy dip (2 1/2 on original or extra easy and 4 on green)

Urs xxx

Don't stop believing!!!!

My heart was pounding and tears were flooding down my face as I turned the corner and saw the finish line!! 10km in 1hr 10 mins, in blistering heat with three of my dearest friends and all the while raising money for Cancer Research UK.

I have never been a runner and was mightily dubious about this 'Race for Life' I had agreed to but I have to say....I loved every minute and am in no doubt about what a worthwhile cause this is. All our families came and cheered us on and I felt very acutely on the day that I was, indeed, a very lucky lady.

Your health is your wealth as they say and to have gone (over the years) from a size 22/24 sad young lady to a fit 16 (even if I say so myself!) I felt on top of the world!!! :-)

So many people on Sunday were running for family and friends touched by cancer (as I was), if you have not yet sponsored anyone who ran a 'Race for Life' and feel able to do so. I would love you to visit my page donate. I used to feel bad about asking for sponsorship, but after Sunday (reading all the messages to loved ones who didn't make it through) I no longer do.

JUST CLICK THIS LINK :-)



To those who have sponsored me already - bless you - my thanks are sincere xxx

Am definitely doing this again next year - fancy joining me?

BE THE CHANGE!!
Urs xxx

feeling fab all summer long.......

Top tips for summertime slimming made extra easy!

My 10 top tips for staying slim this summer:



Be active. It’s shaping up to be a gloriously warm and sunny summer so pack a ball or a frisbee and head down to the beach or the park for a bit of family fun – it’s magic for the body, so at Slimming World we call fun activity ‘Body Magic’.

Pack a picnic and head for the hills. Get the children to help you make sandwiches and pack a picnic basket. Choose wholemeal bread or pittas filled with ham and salads, egg and cress or delicious grilled chicken breast. Take plenty of delicious fresh and juicy fruit. Mix up a big pasta or couscous salad loaded with veg like sweetcorn, peas, peppers, spring onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and flavoured with fat free vinaigrette or fat free natural yogurt.

Choose wisely. When eating out avoid creamy or deep-fried dishes. Choose grills or stir-fries. At the pub have a jacket potato with beans and grilled chicken or steak, new potatoes and a side salad.

Be “mindful”. By thinking about and being aware of what you’re eating and drinking, you’ll stay in control and importantly, feel in charge of your weight loss so you won’t feel guilty or disappointed. For help with sharing hurdles and overcoming barriers and tips on how to identify the times that your resolve is most vulnerable, stay to your nearest Slimming World group.

Long haul or “staycation” - pack a holiday survival pack of sweeteners, low calorie cooking spray, low fat chocolate drinks, fruit tea and fat free salad dressings.

Enjoy the great outdoors. For days out with the kids choose adventures that will get you out into the fresh air. Go free swimming or try out an assault course. The kids will love being put to the test.

Venture into the kitchen! If you’re at home with the kids, have a family cooking day. Visit http://www.slimmingworld.com/healthy_eating/recipe_archive.asp for great healthy recipe ideas. Or pick up a copy of Family Feasts for a Fiver at group for 50 delicious, credit-crunching family meals.


On the road? Pack a coolbox of healthy snacks like fat free flavoured yogurts, Ryvita minis or Snack-a-Jacks, fresh fruit and low calorie drinks. It’ll save money at expensive motorway stops too.

Light up! If you’re planning a barbeque, switch fatty burgers or sausages for home-made, low fat versions; make low-fat chicken drumsticks (skin removed) marinated in lemon and lime, chilli, garlic and coriander or honey, hoi sin sauce, soy sauce and tomato puree or throw a steak on the fire and enjoy with baked sweet potato and chunky tomato salad. Tuck into veg kebabs made with peppers, mushrooms, red onion and cherry tomatoes and courgettes threaded onto skewers.


Enjoy a tipple? No prizes for guessing that beer, alcopops and creamy cocktails like pina colada are packed with calories. Save on the alcoholic calories: choose spirits with low calorie mixers like gin and slimline tonic and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or diet drinks.

HAPPY DAYS!!!

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

So my wonderfully creative members have come up with yet another ingenious devise to help them through the week - this masterpiece made me laugh so hard I nearly wet myself!

Thanks Angela!

Guys - mock not my dodgy fringe! :-)

Urs xx

Summer time and the Slimming is Easy!

Time to get your hands on one of our fabulous Summer Slimming Booklets - crammed with fabulous summer survival tips and recipes :-)

Pic-nics sorted, BBQs sorted - slim through the summer as opposed to picking up summer holiday excess baggage! Yes you can.

There are a few ways to get your hand on one of these limited edition booklets:

• Buy a countdown (6 or 12 weeks) - magic commitment :-)
• Bring a new member (and get a free week too!) Oh what a perfect friend!
• Be Slimmer of the week - happy days!
• Be Slimmer of the month - happy days!

Everyone is a winner! This offer started this week and runs through to the end of August - so for 6 weeks only!

Raise your game - everyone has a chance to win one of these power packed booklets so be sure one comes to you.

BE THE CHANGE!

Urs xxx

Crying Dianne's Coronations chicken - as requested by many!

4 cold cooked chicken breast - diced
4 spring onions
Handful of green grapes - quartered
One peach muller light yog
Good blob of 0% greek yog (to thicken)
Seasoning
Choppped fresh corriander
Curry powder

Combine the lot and leave to chill - yum!

EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY!!
Cheers Di,

Urs xxx

Sounds delicious! And familiar!

For 40 years Slimming World has been encouraging members to fill up and eat more to lose weight. Now, at last, nutritionists and obesity experts outside the nation’s leading weight loss organisation are acknowledging that satiety is the key to successful weight loss. It stands to reason that foods which fill you up fast, while also being low in calories, are a slimmer’s best friend and scientists at Slimming World recently researched a database of 40,000 foods to identify the top 10 most satisfying foods for slimmers – and the 10 worst enemies. Obesity researcher at Slimming World, Dr Stubbs, says: ‘It may seem strange, but eating is actually the best way to lose weight. Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan* has always encouraged slimmers to fill up on these highly satiating foods, because we know that hunger and guilt often lead people to abandon diets. Eating to satisfy your appetite is the key to successful long term weight loss and knowing which foods help (or hinder) most makes it so much easier.’
Slimming World’s 10 most satiating foods
1. Lean meat - protein is the most satiating macronutrient (more so than carbohydrate, fats or alcohol). Lean meat is primarily protein while much of the muscle tissue is water.
2. Mushy peas - good old mushy peas are high on the satiety index because they are low in fat, low in energy density, and high in carbohydrate, protein and fibre.
3. Potatoes with skins - potatoes are full of starches which are digested and absorbed more slowly than simple sugars. When boiled they also absorb a lot of water, making them more filling and leaving the skins on means that the fibre content is higher too.
4. Noodle soup made with ramen noodles and tofu or Quorn (not instant noodles) - contains all the ingredients to activate the satiety cascade. Generally a bowl of ramen noodles contains a lot of water, green vegetables and a source of protein (tofu or Quorn) as well as the starch-rich noodles. High fibre (wholewheat) noodles are best for satiety.
5. Tuna chunks in spring water or fresh tuna - tuna tinned in water or brine is virtually fat free. It is very high in protein, low in carbohydrate and low in energy density.
6. Mexican style three bean salad -- indeed all beans including good old baked beans -- are high in protein, low in fat and sugar, high in fibre and high in moisture content. They take time to chew and digest and will fill you up for hours.
7. Boiled wild rice - wild rice is higher in fibre than white rice and when boiled is low in fat and high in moisture.
8. Versatile eggs, boiled, poached, scrambled or dry fried are an excellent source of protein and contain no carbohydrates.
9. Natural low fat yoghurt and skimmed milk soft cheeses are low in fat and high in moisture content and are a good source of protein. For a maximum effect on satiety and slimming effectiveness it is best to eat yoghurts with soluble fibres such as inulin and guar gum added to them and avoid those with added sugar.
10. Fresh fruit and vegetables – fruit and veg is high in water content, low in saturated fat and a good source of fibre while containing some protein. From apricots to bananas and tomatoes to watermelon, filling up on unlimited amounts make fruit and veg the slimmer’s best friend.

The 10 least filling foods
1. Crisps - these contain about 532 kcal per 100g, 57% of which is in the form of fat. They are also high in salt and low in moisture. They are one of the most energy dense commercial snack foods available.
2. Speciality coffees – especially those containing cream. A large Caffe Mocha with whipped cream contains 490 kcal and 16g of saturated fat. Because whole foods take longer to digest and fill you up more, liquid calories are the ones that fill you up the least.
3. Takeaway pizza with cheese or meat topping. These pizzas contain between 600 and 700 kcal each. They are low in moisture, low in fibre, low in lean meat, and high in fat, calories and energy density.
4. Takeaway thin fries contain about 330 kcal per 100g and a king size serving will give you about 640 kcal. They are high in fat, salt, energy and readily absorbed starches. Almost all of the moisture has been replaced by fat during the frying process. This is the least healthy way to eat potatoes.
5. Deep fried confectionary bars each contain over 420 kcal. Clearly dousing a chocolate bar in batter and frying it in oil is going to produce a food that is a mixture of fats and sugars, with no fibre, little moisture, virtually no protein and a huge amount of energy. Once chewed a deep fried candy bar becomes a semi liquid glob of fat and sugar that rapidly passes through the stomach and has little impact on satiety.
6. Doughnuts - packed with artery-clogging saturated fat and trans-fatty acids. An average doughnut also has 200 to 300 calories and few other nutrients. Those with cream or toppings on have even more calories.
7. Luxury full-fat ice cream - some luxury ice cream ice cream contains around 200-220 kcal per 100g and is about 60% fat. And because ice cream is a very viscous liquid, there is little chewing or digestion required to activate any satiety signals. This food tastes great and so we eat more of it and once eaten there is little in terms of satiety to put the brakes on.
8. Colas and other sugary soft drinks. The average cola contains around 40-42 kcal per 100g, which may not seem like much until you consider that a litre of coke will give you 400-420 kcal. This is almost entirely in the form of dissolved sugars, which have a minimal impact on satiety.
9. Smoothies range in calorie density from around 42 to an amazing 300 kcal per 100g, depending on how much sugar and fat is put in them. Making a smoothie disrupts all of the satiety-promoting fibre contained in the fruit.
10. Croissants may be the traditional French breakfast food but they contain between 400 and 500 kcal/100g and 55-60% of this energy is in the form of fat, the rest being sugars and quickly digested starches. They have little moisture, no fibre and little protein.

The science bitAccording to Dr James Stubbs, foods which induce fullness, or satiety, tend to be
• high in protein and complex carbohydrates (these are the two most satiating macronutrients)
• high in fibre (which takes longer to digest and adds bulk)
• high in volume and low in energy density (as these sit in the stomach longer and fill you up)
• high in moisture content.

The sense of fullness is prompted by several different processes when we eat, which Dr Stubbs calls ‘the satiety cascade’. “When we eat any food a number of signals are activated in the ‘satiety cascade’,” he explains. “First, chewing produces enzymes in the saliva to digest the food in the mouth. Once food is swallowed hormones and peptides are released and stretch receptors in the stomach wall relay signals to the brain to indicate how full the stomach is. As food passes through the intestine more signals are triggered by hormones, peptides and absorbed nutrients. Finally, nutrients absorbed into the blood and stored in various parts of the body can also serve as signals to the brain.“Different foods activate different parts of the satiety cascade and some foods activate more parts of the cascade than others. So how filling a food is and how it affects satiety will be determined by the impact it has on the satiety cascade. For example taking three apples and turning them into apple juice will decrease the impact on satiety. This is because it takes eight times longer to eat whole apples than when they are juiced. Furthermore, apple juice doesn’t sit in the stomach for very long and so does not fill you up. This is because the sugars in the fruit are all absorbed very quickly when the physical structure of the apples has been disrupted. Also much of the fibre that was in the apples tends not to end up in the juice.“The moisture content is especially important. Foods that are less filling tend to be those that are dry, energy dense and are rich in fats and sugars e.g. many commercially available snack foods and confectionaries like crisps and biscuits,” concludes Dr Stubbs.

July 18th MILES FOR SMILES!

Bring it on - walk, run, cycle but do join in on the day to raise money for our very own SMILES charity. I have made things super duper simple by setting up a just giving web site that our whole group can use. Your riends and family can just come to the bog here and click on the donate widget and all our funds raised will be in one place - SIMPLES!

Really looking forward to the day guys - living the dream and being the change :-)

Urs xx

England may have lost.....

But failure isn't when you fall. It's when you stay down.

The glory of success is not in never falling, it is in rising up again and again and again and again.

I will always be beside you to help you to your feet :-)

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

So we said we'd go for four........

Cos that was how many goals England were supposed to score!!!

One in the net on the night plus one off side, one off the wood work and one that the keeper dragged off the line.

So I still make it four guys!!
SHOOT FOR THE MOON!!

Urs xxx

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!

Lifelong Slimming member and multi award winning Slimming Consultant, Ursula Van Leeuwen-Hill collected the trophy for 2010 National title of GROUP OF THE YEAR for the members that meet on Tuesday evening in St Neots.

The group has been nominated in the top five groups (from a whopping 6,700 groups nationwide) for 12 consecutive years and scoops the title this year for the 5th time!!!

She received her accolade on Saturday at a star studded 'Oscars' evening at the Birmingham ICC from the Slimming World founder and chairman (and newly OBE-ed) Margaret Miles Bramwell and the presentation was made by 'Casualty' actress Rebecca Wheatley who has lost 12st herself with the Slimming club

Ursula Joined as a member herself in 1992 and started her own Slimming World group in St Neots in 1993 after shedding not only the misery of being overweight but a staggering 5.5 stones in a year. The group quickly became and has since remained, one of the most popular groups in the country to lose your weight while living your life!

The groups proved so popular that St Neots has blossomed as a Slimming hot spot and Ursula has helped to open groups on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night as well as a Wednesday morning - and ALL of them are run by Target members from her original group!!!

"We are a passionate and determined team on a mission to transform the great people of St Neots." Said Ursula. "Our members are a truly wonderful bunch of people – extraordinary in their success and so very ordinary when they came to us - hopeless and broken, hey! Us consultants know how our members feel. Failure, overweight, self confidence shattered. It’s suffocating, it’s crushing and it chokes you – our members deserve so much better. AND WE ARE GOING TO MAKE SURE WE CONTINUE TO GIVE IT TO THEM!"

The fabulous people of St Neots have loved losing weight at Slimming World for 17 years now eating unlimited FREE foods and losing weight easily and healthily. The warm welcome and incredible support they get from the groups has kept them going through thick and thin - literally! It's a winning combo from a winning team!

So after the glitz and glamour of the weekend, it's business as usual for Ursula this week - "group on Tuesday night will be very exciting and full of celebration for our fabulous national achievement, but then we witness minor miracles and celebrate at our incredible group every week!" she beams looking like the cat that got the (low fat) cream!

Ursula's group meets at 5.30pm and 7.30pm on a Tuesday night at St Neots Community college. You can call her on 01480 211568 for more info on local groups or just come along.

BIG NEWS, MASSIVE NEWS..............

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!

You'll see
;-)
xxxx

Local Slimmers lose back end of a bus!!!

Yes! Your amazing Beat It efforts throughout St Neots and Huntingdonshire have amounted to a staggering 5.7tons of weight loss!!!

GET DOWN!!!!

You can read the full story here:

http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Cambridgeshire/St-Neots/PE19/Lifestyle/Health-and-Wellbeing/166655-Slimming-World-members-in-Huntingdonshire-lose-back-end-of-a-bus

Stay brill guys

Urs xxx

Log onto LIFELINE ONLINE and see this article in it's full glory with pictures! A Slimming World Cup!

Whether you’re excitedly flying flags outside your door and learning the lines to Vindaloo, or you’re considering hibernating for the summer and forgetting all about football, you can’t escape the World Cup! And as a Food Optimiser there’s no better way to celebrate than with delicious food that helps you score one weight loss goal after another!

Whichever country you’ll be supporting, there’s a sumptuous snack to feast on throughout the whole nail-biting competition. So clutch your clacker, bag your place in front of the TV and enjoy a Slimming World cup with these football-friendly snacks!

England
As English as the game itself you can’t beat Scotch eggs (contrary to popular belief, they’re not Scottish at all!) and we’ve got a clever version of the classic that’s perfect for a soccer snack. Enjoy a snack of two halves, along with the game!
Scotch eggs
Serves: 4Syns per serving: Free on Extra Easy* and Original* *Add 6 Syns if not using the breadcrumbs as a Healthy Extra ‘b’ choiceReady in about 45 minutes plus 6-8 hours chilling time
4 eggs A small handful each of fresh parsley and chives1lb 6oz/624g lean minced chicken1 tsp dried mixed herbs1 tsp mild curry powderSalt and freshly ground black pepper8oz/227g wholemeal bread made into breadcrumbsFry light
Place 3 eggs into a pan of cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 7-8 minutes. Meanwhile, finely chop the fresh herbs. Drain the eggs, cool in cold water, shell and then chop.
Place fresh herbs, mince, dried herbs and curry powder in a bowl and season. Use your hands to mix it together.
Divide the mixture into 16 balls and flatten each one. Place ½ tsp of the egg mixture into the centre of each portion, form a ball and press to seal. Place on a tray, cover and chill for 6-8 hours.
Preheat the oven to 190ºC/Gas 5. Beat the last egg and brush each ball with it. Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs and place on a non-stick baking tray lined with baking parchment. Spray balls with Fry Light and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Germany
They think it’s all over… it is for traditional high-Syn snacks like bratwurst. Instead, tuck into a completely Free Food Optimising frankfurter!
Food Optimising frankfurter
Serves: 1Syns per serving: Free on Extra Easy*, Green* and Original**Add 6 Syns if not using the bread roll as a Healthy Extra ‘b’ choiceReady in about 20 minutes
½ onionFry Light1floz/28ml stock made with Vecon1 Quorn sausage2oz/57g wholemeal roll 1 level tbsp tomato ketchup to serve (optional)
Peel and slice the onion into rings. Spray a large non-stick frying pan with Fry Light. Sauté the onion over a low heat for 5-6 minutes. Add the stock and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes, until the onions are tender. Grill the sausage under a medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Split the roll lengthways and spoon in the onion mixture. Top with the sausage and drizzle over the ketchup (count 1 Syn per tbsp).

France
These mushrooms are fab for a football feast - even France legend Zinedine Zidane would approve of the zestiness! Serve these warm mushrooms on top of your Healthy Extra allowance of toasted bread, or as a topper for jacket spuds.
French-style mushrooms
Serves: 4Syns per serving: Free Ready in about 20 minutes
4 garlic cloves1lb/454g mushroomsSalt and freshly ground black pepperFry LightFinely grated zest of 1 lemon 4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley1 tbsp freshly chopped tarragon
Peel and finely chop the garlic and thickly slice the mushrooms. Season well and fry in a hot pan sprayed with Fry Light for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms are lightly browned.
Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and chopped herbs. Mix well and serve immediately with 57g wholemeal bread, toasted (Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice).

Spain
What could make a better accompaniment to Spain’s first fixture (on the 16th June) than traditional Spanish omelette? Thick slices of potato and pepper-filled wedges are the perfect partner – they’re even the same colours as the Spanish flag!
Spanish omelette
Heat a non-stick frying pan until hot and add sliced peppers and onion. Stir fry over a high heat for 4-5 minutes until tender. Add sliced cooked potatoes and pour in some beaten eggs. Keep stirring the set egg from around the sides into the centre of the pan until it sets all over. Place the pan under a grill for 1-2 minutes until the top of the omelette is golden. Cut into wedges and serve.

Italy
While you’re waiting for ‘gooooaaaaaalaccio!’(As the Italian goal celebration goes), this snack is perfect for picking. Traditional antipasti can be high in Syns, with cured meats and veg soaked in olive oil - this Food Optimising version has all the taste, without the Syns…
Antipasti snack plate
On a large plate arrange slices of Prosciutto (½ Syn per slice on Extra Easy/Original), slices of ham, chunks of mozzarella or feta (42g is a Healthy Extra ‘a’ choice, roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes, fresh melon, figs and olives (8 olives is 1 Syn)

Greece
You’ll be the Greek God/Goddess of the kitchen with this easy-to-make snack. Enjoy piles of Superfree cucumber, celery, peppers and carrots with this houmous dip and munch away until the final whistle!
Homemade houmous
Make a houmous dip by blending chickpeas, garlic cloves, fat free natural fromage frais, lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil (2 Syns), salt and pepper.

Japan
Celebrate the land of the rising sun’s footie fixture with these spicy sticks. If the weather’s up to it, they’re perfect on the barbecue.
Teriyaki prawn sticks
Makes: 20 Syns per 3 sticks: ½ Syn on Extra Easy & Original, 2 Syns on Green
Peel 20 raw tiger prawns leaving their tails intact and place in a bowl. Mix in 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp teriyaki marinade and ½ tsp hot chilli powder. Trim 4 spring onions and cut each into 5 pieces. Trim 5 baby corn and cut into 4 pieces. Thread a prawn with a piece of spring onion and corn onto 20 cocktail sticks and cook under a hot grill, turning once, for 2-3 minutes until the prawns are pink. Serve hot.

USA
The USA team face England as their first fixture, so you may not fancy devoting your footie snack to the American side! However, these loaded potato skins are tempting and tasty enough to enjoy no matter which way your loyalties lie!
Loaded potato skins
Cut potatoes into quarters and place in a pan of boiling water for 5-6 minutes. Remove the potatoes and cool, then scoop out the flesh from each quarter, leaving a 1cm thick layer. Place the potato wedges, skin side down, on a baking sheet. Mix chopped spring onions and tomatoes with dried herbs and spoon into the potato quarters. Grate mozzarella cheese (42g is a Healthy Extra ‘a’ choice) over the top and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Make a dip by mixing together fat free natural fromage frais, grated garlic and chopped parsley.

Mexico
Rather than high-Syn nachos or quesadillas, make a pass for this guacamole-style dip that goes perfectly with vegetable crudités. It’s so tasty you’ll be hoping for extra time!
Guacamole style dip
Mix avocado (average each 13½ Syns) with quark skimmed milk soft cheese, lemon juice, chopped tomato, spring onion and a few drops of Tabasco. Serve with plenty of crisp dipping vegetables like peppers, celery, radishes and cucumber.
You could also create a salsa dip by mixing chopped tomatoes, garlic, red onion, red chillies, red pepper, lime juice and coriander.

ENJOY!
Urs xxx

Here comes the sun....time to strip off!?

Hey guys - big yellow ball in the sky can only mean one thing!! Summer is finally here :-)

WOO HOO!!!!

Or are you filled with dread at the thought of exposing the flesh - Food Optimising to the rescue!!!

3 steps to success and no hunger guaranteed - bring it on guys! And I also read this which I found rather inspiring....

Ask yourself this before eating...
1) Is this food delicious?
2) Is it healthy?
3) How will I feel in 30 minutes? (I like this one as we always regret it a nano second later don't we!?)
4) If I ate this food all the time, how healthy would I be 10 years from now?

You deserve the feel your best so be your best this week - you are more amazing than you know!

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

I made a lovely new friend this week....

And I heard him say this......

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Everest wasn't conquered in an hour.

And the journey to target isn't going to happen overnight.

Food Optimising is a lifestyle choice, not a quick fix. You may be on the motorway, the scenic route or even parked in a layby right now, but you WILL finish this journey IF you keep believing in yourself.

I believe in you.

Be the change. See you next week, lighter and brighter!


BE THE CHANGE! (I wonder who he heard say that?! - ha ha ha!!!)
Urs xxx

Let's hear it for the boys!

So it won't surprise you that I am very much looking forward to making a fuss of the brilliant blokes in our group and next Tuesday, 11th May, marks the spot!

Time to celebrate, so chicks, stick on a bit of lippy, concoct some free food delight and bung it on a plate for the buffet and let's party!!! Those boys deserve our special attention :-)

Tues 11th May

5.30 then again at 7.30 (God I love my job!)

Man of the Year 2010

Bring a plate buffet (that's supplied by you!)
I'll bring cups, plates, drinks etc

Oh come let us adore our marvellous men!!

See you there
Urs xxx

Clear out your clothes for a great cause :-)

I had a lovely email from Anita Pekdemir....read on....

Due to the recent loss of a friend who died with a severe form of cancer, I'm trying to raise money for Cancer Research.
Therefore Ive decided to organise a bring and buy sale of clothes, shoes and accessories on Friday 21st May at the Little Paxton Scout Hut from 7-11.30pm
I thought that as some SW members might want to get rid of some "LARGE" clothes it could be an opportunity to donate clothes they've grown out of and be given the opportunity of buying a dress size down at a fraction of the cost.

Clothes will be displayed in sizes and a changing area provided to try things on. Of course, refreshments will be on offer (mainly of the grape variety - but limited!!!) and a raffle.

With your permission I could collect bags of unwanted clothes before the meetings on Tuesday which in turn gives people a ticket to come along to the evening and buy a new "thinner" wardrobe.

As the saying goes, "One man's rubbish is another man's treasure!!"

What a chick :-)
Urs xxx

Bargain alert!

Muller lights are 5 for £1.50 at Co-op Eaton Socon :-)

Thanks Becca!

Urs xxx

What a difference a week makes!

Oh those words rang joyfully in my ears last night. Top chick Ann not only pulls herself back from the brink but loses 4lb to share the Early sesh Slimmer of the week with 'scared' Jim! HAPPY DAYS!! Late sesh chick Kelsey stormed to victory with a monumental 4.5lbs to claim her Slimmer of the week crown too :-)

BRING IT ON!

And both sessions were punctuated with flashes of brilliance with losses of 3, 4, 5lbs (mainly 5 and 6 for last weeks new ones - first week determination and passion is something we could bottle and sell eh?) and then to completely knock our socks off, along came two quite incredible women.........

Grab a coffee and ponder these two chicks:

Carolyn (early chick) battled a veritable roller coaster slimming career, lost faith in herself more times than you could count but along with awesome support from you guys and falling back in love with Food Optimising via Extra Easy; she somehow gathered the strength to carry on. And carry on she did - all the way!
Getting to target is an immensely personal experience which ironically (when shared with the group) brings immense joy to the masses. Carolyn, you are a true inspiration and I cannot put into words how happy and I am for you and how proud I am of you :-) Happy days!!

Maria (late chick) top target chick of over a years standing made a commitment last week to get back to target after a month of thinking "it'll be OK". Maria needed 9lb to get back to target and in true shooting for the moon style, set her mini target at 9lbs - OMG!!!!
Result? 9.5lbs off!!!! In one week!!!!! Happy days!!!!

So I am now at home working - considering what lies in the week ahead for my incredible members and hoping you will all have made a personal commitment to be your best this week.

Aiming for a 5lb loss is NOT setting yourself up for failure... it's setting yourself up for a week of change, a week where you truly mean business, a week of non stop pee-ing :-) a week where you put your dreams into focus and make them happen.

Over the top? Me?
Bloody right - love you all to bits!
BE THE CHANGE!!
Urs xxx


PS Did you know that you can commnet on this blog and as such you could all have a mini forum going on after each blog post?! Feel free to comment and let your passion, enthusiam, possitivity and food ideas FLOW!!!!!

Turns out Gay is a Goddess in the kitchen too :-)

Chicken Cacciatore - SW Friendly
Serves 2
2 large chicken joints / breasts – skinned and all visible fat removed
2 rashers of lean smoked bacon, all visible fat removed and chopped small
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
8oz mushrooms, sliced thickly
½ carton passata
125ml red wine
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
3 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Salt & black pepper
Frylight olive oil spray
· Mix together the wine and passata and stir in the herbs.
· Place the mushrooms and bacon in a casserole that has a lid.
· Brown the chicken in a frying pan using Frylight spray. When golden brown remove and put into the casserole. In same pan, cook the onion until slightly coloured, add the garlic and allow to cook for a minute or until it is nearly golden. Do not allow to burn!
· Pour the liquid over the onion mix and stir well.
· Pour the onion and liquid over the chicken and mushrooms. Stir.
· If the liquid level looks a bit low, add some water – more can be added during cooking, so don’t drown it, the sauce needs to be slightly thick at the end.
· Cook at 170C for 1 hour, then turn down the heat to 150C for a further ½ hour
· Check for dryness / wetness and either add more water or leave the lid off for long enough for the sauce to reduce
Serve with a selection of vegetables. Courgettes and carrots work well with this.
2 ½ Syns per serving on Original/Extra Easy

Tony's hot in the kitchen!

So I get this lovely email from Tony after him telling us about his yummy sweet and sour recipe in group........


Hi Ursula
Here is that syn free sweet and sour recipe for your blog,

Serves 4 You will need
2 onions2-3 garlic cloves
about 2 handfuls of sliced mixed pepper's (can be iceland's frozen)
2 large carrot's sliced or grated2 handful's of frozen peas or any other veg you fancy
half a fresh pineapple chopped
2 tspn of ginger
1 tspn of coriander
(1 tspn of tikka curry powder and 1 tsps of tandoori curry powder optional if you like it a little bit spicy)
1 to 2 tbsp of malt vinegar(to your taste)
1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
4 tbsp of artificial sweetener(to your taste)
3 tbsp of sugar free undiluted orange squash(optional)
2 tin's of chopped tomatoes or 1 tin of chopped tomatoes and 1 box/jar of passata
2 tbsp of tomato puree (syn this but if you use passata prob won't need it as very tomato-ey already)
1 chicken stock cube
frylite.

Then depending on what day you are on you will need either chicken meat chopped into bite size piece's or chicken quorn fillet's or chicken quorn piece's, if you use chicken meat don't add the frozen peas unless you use as a healthy extra.

Method
chop the onion and garlic and fry in frylite until soft, then add the ginger,coriander,tikka curry powder,tandoori curry powder,mix all in then add both the malt and balsamic vinegar.Then add all the other veg, with the chicken stock cube and about 1 cup of water, then add the tinned tomatoes' and orange squash,then add either you're meat or quorn.bring it all to a boil then turn it down to a medium heat for about 10 mins and add the tomato puree.If you feel like you need more liquid then add more water.then turn down to a gentle heat for about 20 to 25 mins or until meat and veg is cooked the sauce should thicken slightly as you cook it.Then add the sweetener 1 tbsp at a time and keep trying and adding to you're taste.then finally add in the chopped pineapple and serve eat and enjoy.

This recipe can be played around with you can adjust all the quantities and ingredient's to you're personal taste it took me a few goes to get it how i liked it, just keep tasting it all the way and adjust things to how you like them, sometimes i add soy sauce or Worcester sauce depending on what i fancy,.you can have the sauce thicker if you like with cornflour but you would have to syn this. anyway enough from me i look forward to seeing how you all get on with this i hope you find it as tasty as i do

all the best
Tony x x x

What a top chap eh?? Bon appetit all :-)

Urs xxx

1, 2, 3 GO!!!

BOO!


1, 2, 3? Yes it really IS that easy my little slimming superstars:

1. Fill up with Free foods (feel fab and BOOOOOST your losses with plenty of superfree fruit and veg)
2. Measure those healthy extras
3. Limit (but do enjoy!) those syns

Tah dah!!!!! Result? Deep joy and tingling success :-) :-) :-)

Or am I teaching you to suck eggs?.....whatever! as long as they are not chocolate ones!

Have a tremendous week - you can make it happen - oh yes you can!

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

Left feeling eggy after Easter????

Could you have guessed how many syns are in a standard Cadbury creme egg Easter egg? It contains 1 Easter egg, and 2 creme eggs.

Before you remove the foil and throw it in, read on......





This 'little' Easter treat is 46.5 syns!!

Was your guess hugely underestimated??? I guess I win the egg then! :-) YUM YUM!! (BIG TUM!! eeeek!)


Hey! Fret not, time for new beginings........let's get back to group and sort things out! Sun is shining, birds are singing, summer is coming.......BRING IT ON!!!!!

See you later - don't forget we are at Longsands tonight for one night only! :-)

BE THE CHANGE!!
Urs xx

Easter.....

Stick with chicken not choc ones!
Get my drift?

;-)
BE THE CHANGE!!!
Urs xx

*** VITAL INFO - PLEASE DO READ ***

Tuesday 6th April
For one week only the school will be closed and we will be meeting for group at:
THE CREATIVE EXCHANGE BUILDING
LONGSANDS CAMPUS
LONGSANDS RD, ST NEOTS
All times normal. This is a one off, emergency venue; I look forward to seeing you there, BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU TONIGHT FIRST!! :-)

Urs x

Genius moment from our Katy........

'Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail'

TRAILBLAZERS!!!!!!!

BE THE CHANGE!

Urs xxx

So it really is GREAT news!

I often sit and think about you guys and my charmed Slimming World career thus far. Can it really be that such joy, wonder and excitement has come my way as a result of being 'fat'?! After all, if I had never weighed xxx stones and been so dismally unhappy, I would never have joined my first group back in 1992 and I would never have the remarkable job that I do today :-)

Funny how things work out eh?

All these years on (as a result of my utter despair back then) I have met and enjoyed the company of so many tremendous people week in, week out. Your faith in me has kept me driven all these years and I have continued to strive to be the best I can for you wonderful guys.

So thirteen years ago, SW HQ start a new awards system: to honour and recognise excellence within the company. Little old me is nominated for 'special achiever' and wins!!! (who me??!!)

Following on from the success of the awards, SW decide to make annual awards a more permanent feature with regularly contested categories - one of which being 'Group of the Year'

St Neots gets nominated.

For the next ten years in a row, St Neots gets nominated and wins the title outright in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2009.

Nominated out of 3,600 groups? That takes something quite special eh? YES! It takes a group of very special people: On a Tuesday evening in St Neots, there’s this very special group of people who get together. They listen to each other, compliment each other, support each other, congratulate each other and go out of their way to help, support, solve their problems and share their successes. They laugh and cry together, they applaud every success – they understand each other and they loose weight. It’s not a new fad either, this has been happening for 17 years! Sounds like a different world? Well this is Slimming World! Slimming World St Neots and our fabulous group has just received it's 12th consecutive group of the year nomination!!!!

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!

You are warm, funny, smart, brave, scared, passionate, moody, committed, helpful, loud, joyful, tearful and overall quite a bit smaller! You are an exhilarating concoction who make my night every Tuesday. Your blind passion and trust, your never ending hope and conviction to get to target no matter what make you all an honour to know. You remind me of why I do what I do and how very lucky I am.....how very lucky I was.......to have needed Slimming World in the first place.

Funny how things work out eh?

With all my hear I hope you are having the most amazing week. Be bold, be the change and remember than even when you no longer love yourself, we will simply adore you!!

Gushing? me? Bloody right!!
Urs xxxxxxx

I have GREAT news!!!

Tell you at group!


:-)


Urs xxx

Inspired to go for goals!

There's no doubt that all this sunshine has got the buzzing with summer excitement and raring to go!!!

So, it's time to renew your commitment, set some goals, assess what it is we REALLY want. I was watching Eddie Izzard last night running his 43 marathons in 51 days, my goodness, was I inspired!!! Anyone watching that will not have failed to perceive that his success was in no small way down to his incredible mental attitude and personal determination. Goals were set and he refused to be beaten. What a man!! The power of a positive mental attitude is nothing short of witchcraft and thus the run that had nearly killed me last Monday morning, I ran this morning like a gazelle. I felt incredible, I felt amazing, I felt positive, I felt SO ALIVE!!!!

So guys, we talked last week about setting our own personal goals, our FOR AND AGAINST list for losing weight and getting fit. Have you done yours yet - do you actually know what it is you are seeking to achieve yet? Some personal, time crucial goals might just help. Where will you be this time next month / next year? And what is it you stand to gain for putting the hard work in? Worth thinking about eh? And definitely worth doing something about it :-)

We are week 3 of our BEAT IT campaign and there is still so much to look forward to. Everyone deserves to feel happy and healthy - and that includes you. It's a new week and today could be the first day of the rest of your life...your happy, healthy life. BE THE CHANGE!!!!

Urs xxx

Have you got 22 minutes to spare? Then watch this.

So I mentioned in group about the Jamie Oliver prizewinning speech that Caroline had sent to me - I admit it is not all easy listening but goodness me! It's food for thought. The stats about obesity speak for themselves, we are so lucky that we are already trailbalzing and living the change. Click the link below to watch.

This summer I will be shouting passionately for England 'my team' in the world cup. My passion for good eating and healthy living is for life - not just for summer - stick with me!

http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html

BE THE CAHNGE!!
Urs xx

Calling all my yummy mummies!!

Chicks, have a fab day - Lord knows you've earned it! Hope you get showered with flowers and not chocs. Remember mum's can do anything - even say no! ;-)

Enjoy your day all you yummy mummies!!!
Urs xxx

Worth thinking about!

So here's the thing..I was telling you about the 90/10 theory last night in group and how it can relate to reactions and decisions that we make concerning our eating habits. Could really be a light bulb moment for many of you so do read on.....I found it awesome and can feel myself assessing my reaction in stressful situations. Suck it and see :-)

You can view it here http://www.slideshare.net/fforfaisal/90-10-principle-presentation

or just read on here, it'll take 5 mins - invest in yourself eh? :-)

The 90/10 Principle
Author : Stephen Covey ( Management Guru)

Have you read this before? Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life
(at least the way you react to situations). What is this principle?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?

We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.

How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light., but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example. You are eating breakfast with your family. Your
daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for
knocking the cup over.

She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave
immediately for work.

You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and
throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your
spouse and daughter.

Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is " D".

You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush
upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference? Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both
ended different.

Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)
Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.

The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life!!!

WOW!!! BE THE CHANGE!!!
Urs xxx

TEAM!

Together Everyone Achieves More!

Can you tell I'm about to as for something!? ha ha ha.

Well the gorgeous top target chicks Mandy Reeve from our second session start her very own new group in St Neots on Thursday 25th March at the Creative Exchange building on Longsands campus- Good luck girly!!

So here's the thing:
Mandy is leafleting this Sunday and next Sunday - anyone out there fancy being part of her body magic leafleting team - just one spare hour would really help :-) If you are free you can email her on mdaleisure@aol.com
Please spread the word to anyone you know who would benefit from the Thursday group - finally in St Neots we have what we truly deserve - a group every night of the week so we can continue to buck the obesity trend and bring opportunities to lose weight to everyone in our town.

Good luck Mandy!

More from me tomorrow - got all sorts I want to share with you. In the meantime, stay gorgeous people of St Neots - all will be well in the fullness of time :-)

BE THE CHANGE!!
Urs xx

BRING IT ON! LET'S BEAT IT!

Well, that's it! Commitment is the key word following last night :-) I so enjoyed sharing the BEAT IT dvd with you guys and I was genuinely moved by the tears I was - I promise we will not let you down, with me and the group - YOU ARE PART OF A WINNING TEAM!!!

So 12 weeks to make a difference...to you and those you love...bring it on! Have you chosen your goals, thought about your pledges and changes you want to make - exciting isn't it!?

Taking of exacting!!! What about Slimmer of the Month?? To see Ann so happy (with her 'silver medal') we salute you honey! And to see Katy with the full Slimmer of the Month glory AND her lovely mum Annette get her 5 stone ward....just takes your breath away and reminds you of the awesome potential that is in every one of us! And then there was Angela..,...tears in January and Glory is February..another top chick and yet another superstar who reminds us that passion and perseverance pay. TRAILBLAZERS! :-)

Hoping your week is as truly wonderful as you all are
BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

Julie Farrer - now there's a TOP CHICK!!

So just in case you need her......

Text her on 07989629113
email her on juliefarrer@btinternet.com
THANKS JULIE!!!

Oh and by the way...Happy Valentines day to you ALL!! Love you to bits

BE THE CHANGE!!
Urs xx

Team Robson has me laughing again!

Bacon scromlette - yum!

For those of you in the dark, a scromlette is an omelet that kind of didn't make it and ended up a bit scrambled - like a Foo Yung Alice tells us :-)

Guess you had to be there :-) God I love FOOD!!

BE THE CHANGE!!
Urs xx


Keep it bottled Robson!

Top target chick Wendy's quiche recipe :-)

Syn Free Quiche
Free on Original and Extra Easy (and Green if you 'B choice' the ham)
Ingredients.
1 pot of very low fat cottage cheese
3/4 eggs
1 onion chopped
smoked ham or lean trimmed bacon
a few sliced mushrooms
a couple of sliced tomatoes
Method.
Layer the onion, ham and mushrooms in a flan dish.
Mix eggs and cottage cheese together and pour over.
Bake in a medium hot oven until set and golden brown.
Can be made with quark instead of cottage cheese and any veg you fancy for a veggy green day.
Here's a link to SW web site where they have it step by step with pictures
http://www.slimmingworld.com/lifelineonline/food/recipe_photo_quiche.asp
There's also a recipe for mini ones using ham as mini cases
http://www.slimmingworld.com/lifelineonline/food/recipe_mini_quiche.asp

Tons of other stuff on the wesite - look how easy they make it so why not log on now?

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xx

Tuck in!! Those fab Scan Bran recipes you've all been after :-)

Sticky toffee pudding
Syns for the whole cake: 10 Syns, or 4½ Syns + 1 Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice
You will need:
4 Scan Bran1 level tbsp golden syrup1 sachet of Options - tempting toffee flavour1 Weetabix½ mug sweetener2 eggs
Method:
Soak the Scan Bran in boiling water to soften. Then drain and mash
Add the syrup, sachet of options, Weetabix and sweetener
Beat the eggs together in a separate bowl. Gradually add the eggs to the Scan Bran mixture, mixing well
Microwave for 8-10 minutes. When cooked the cake will be springy to the touch and will have pulled away from the side.

Christmas bran cake
Syns for the whole cake: 8½ Syns, or 6 Syns + 1 Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice
You will need: 5 Scan Bran 2 beaten eggs 1 tbsp golden syrup 2 level tbsp mincemeat5 level tbsp sweetener (or to taste) 1½ tsp mixed spice grated zest of a lemon for extra zing (optional)
Method:
1. Soak the Scan Bran in boiling water to soften. Then drain and mash.
2. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.
3. Pour the mixture into a microwavable bowl and microwave for around 6 minutes. When cooked the cake will be springy to the touch and will have pulled away from the side.
Chef’s tip: Top with quark flavoured with brandy essence for a cold dessert. For a hot pud, enjoy with low fat custard (1 Syn per 2 level tbsp) or very low fat fromage frais/Müllerlight yogurt for Free!

Carrot Cake
Syns for the whole cake: 12½ delicious Syns, or 7 Syns + 1 Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice
You will need:4 Scan Bran-crushed1 Weetabix, crushed5oz grated carrot½ teaspoon nutmeg1 level tbsp runny honey2 level tbsp mincemeat3 beaten eggs
For the topping: 1 tub quark Lemon juice Sweetener to taste
Method:
1. Preheat oven to gas mark 4, 180°C/ 350°F
2. Mix all the ingredients together.
3. Transfer the mix into a baking tin lined with non-stick baking parchment and bake for 1 hour.
4. When cooked turn onto a wire rack to cool.
5. For the topping mix the quark with lemon juice and sweetener to taste and spread onto the cake once cooled
Low-Syn chocolate cake
Syns for the whole cake: 9 yummy Syns or 6½ Syns + 1 Healthy Extra ‘b’ choice
You will need:5 Scan Bran3 beaten eggs1 level tbsp golden syrup1oz cocoa powder½ mug sweetener
Method:
1. Soak the Scan Bran in boiling water to soften. Then drain and mash.
2. Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a microwavable bowl.
3. Microwave on high for 7 minutes. When cooked the cake will be springy to the touch and will have pulled away from the side.
4. For a free topping, pile with (defrosted) frozen forest fruits or, for extra Syns, top with chocolate spread.



As well as delicious cakes, members are achieving fabulous success by swapping Healthy Extras like wholemeal bread and cereal for Scan Bran a few times a week. Encourage your members to do the same with these 10 top toppings...
Top ten toppings!
1. Top each biscuit with 1 laughing cow cheese and 1 teaspoon of lemon curd (1½ Syn each)
2. Mix a tub of quark with Stilton from allowance and leave in fridge overnight - the whole tub is them 6 Syns or 1 Healthy Extra
3. Soften 2 Scan Bran with a spot of boiling water, add milk from your allowance, microwave for 50 seconds and add granulated sweetener - perfect start to the day!!!Top with...
4. Cheddar cheese and bacon use syns as appropriate
5. Bacon and banana (don't knock it until you've tried it!)
6. Bacon and melted Stilton (syns or A choice)
7. Tuna mixed with very low fat mayo (syns)and spring onion
8. Cottage cheese - buy V low Fat diet variety if counting as free
9. Quorn sausage and tomato
10. Laughing Cow cheese, ham and tomato (cheese as syn or A choice)

My fave is Laughing cow light with crushed banana on top - bring it on.

Enjoy ALL the befits that Scan Bran brings guys (wink wink) and don't forget Su's fab Choc cake with Nutella in the middle!!!!!!! (Carefully count 4 per level tablespoon for the Nutella)

BE THE CHANGE!!
Urs xx

Obesity time bomb is ticking in our town - together we can BEAT IT!

SHOCKING RESULTS OF BMI FAT MAP INSPIRE ‘LET’S BEAT IT TOGETHER IN ST NEOTS’ CAMPAIGN

New data reveals that the average person in St Neots is clinically overweight with a BMI of 27.5[1]. Now anyone concerned about their weight and health, or that of their family or loved ones, is being invited to join a campaign to tackle obesity in the area.

The ‘Let’s Beat It Together in St Neots’ campaign has been launched by Slimming World after their UK BMI map showed that nearly two out of three people in the East of England are overweight or obese, placing them at risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The national slimming club, the UK’s leading weight loss company, has now launched a community weight loss challenge in key parts of the region. The Eaton Socon, Ernulf & St Neots central Slimming World groups are on a mission to raise awareness in the local community of the benefits of healthy eating and moderate activity. The message is that with the right support, making small changes to our daily routines can be easy and can make a huge difference to our lives and the lives of our loved ones. The campaign will encourage local residents in communities across the whole nation to join a 12 week challenge to tackle obesity.

Rachel Watson, Slimming World’s Team Manager for Huntingdonshire says: “The statistics are shocking and what’s more worrying is their impact on our communities. Weight is a worry for so many of us. It affects how we feel, our happiness and wellbeing. Those who are overweight know they ought to do something about it, but many just don’t know where to turn for help. They beat themselves up feeling guilty about their weight and increasingly, their children’s weight. It’s the lucky ones who find Slimming World and discover a world of empathy, compassion and warmth and real solutions.

“We’re calling on everyone in the community, including schools, GPs, parents and local authorities, to come along and find out how Slimming World really can help to make a difference.

“The ‘Let’s Beat It Together in St Neots’ campaign is all about spreading the word about the benefits of losing even a relatively small amount of weight. Losing between 5% and 10% of body weight can have real health benefits and significantly reduces the risks of obesity related conditions which can include diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even cancer.

“By making people aware of the obesity risks and giving them practical, realistic solutions and effective support to make small changes towards a healthier, happier lifestyle, we’re hoping to make a real difference. Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan encourages slimmers to fill up on basic, everyday foods like pasta, potatoes, lean meat, fish and plenty of fruit and vegetables so that they never feel hungry, they lose weight beautifully and they keep it off for good.”

The campaign launches in local groups from 22 February 2010 and the organisers are hoping the community focus will help give people a common goal – to inspire each other to lose between 5% and 10% of their weight in 12 weeks and make St Neots a healthier place.

Rachel continues: “Losing weight on your own is hard. That’s why every Slimming World group promises, without exception, courage, love, friendship, compassion and empathy. Consultants have all experienced taking that first step and understand the courage it takes to walk through the doors that very first time - and the commitment that it takes to change habits that often have existed for a whole lifetime.”

One person who will definitely be joining the campaign is local member Tony Byatt who joined the Tuesday Evening St Neots Community College group in 2009 and lost 18lbs – 10% of his body weight in just 10 weeks.

“It’s certainly working for me! The support I receive from my group has made a huge difference to the way that I feel. I’m not only healthier, I’m already fitter and much happier as a result. And my whole family’s feeling the benefits – we’re all eating more healthily together, building more activity into our regular routines – what seemed impossible before I joined my group just somehow seems easy now. There is no feeling like being able to run and play with my wonderful children and I know I’ve added years to my life too!”

During the ‘Let’s Beat It Together’ campaign anyone who joins their local Slimming World group between 22 February and 6 March, and registers on the special 12-week programme (a Slimming World Countdown course) to take part in the challenge, will get free membership worth £10 plus two weeks free worth £9.90, that represents a total saving of £19.90. A life-changing bargain at half the price!

As part of Slimming World’s commitment to beating obesity, the company has pledged to give the group with the highest average weight loss during the 12 week challenge £1,000 for a community project of their choice.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Slimming World’s ‘Let’s Beat It Together’ campaign should go along to their nearest local group. To find your nearest group visit www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000.


For further information on the Let’s Beat It Together in Huntingdonshire campaign contact Ursula on 01480 211568 / slimmingworldurs@aol.com
[1] BMI 18.5-25 is healthy weight, BMI 25 to 30 is overweight and BMI 30+ is obese

Doing it together :-)

Huge congrats to all our super slimming couples who gave us a truly inspirational night last Tues! We had, Mr and Mrs, mums and daughters, sisters and old friends.

Every one of you personified the mantra that is.....going it alone is tough....doing it together is a recipe for success.

I tip my hat to our 2010 fabulous couples of the year:

Elise & Stephen (early session)

Sarah & Sally (late session)

The warmth of support was shining through and I really did feel proud just listening to you all and gazing around the room. You are all part of the most amazing team and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the tremendous compassion and support your exude to each other every week.

Keep up the great work everyone - keep those cracking losses coming :-)
BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

Bikini weather will soon be here!

Blimey, Feb already but no sign of the summer yet....or is there??

With a whole month of 2010 already gone (and let's face it, we will blink and miss Feb) the time is just perfect to re-energise your commitment to feeling fab and embrace the wonder that is FOOD OPTIMISING whole heartedly :-) Before we know it, spring will have sprung and we'll be gagging to get into our summer frocks and skimpy clobber (yes the boys too!) So don't put it off any longer...fill your boot with free food and make your dreams come true!

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

Best text of the week so far.....

Pork steaks smothered in garlic sautes chestnut mushrooms in creme fraiche, with roasted carrots, spring greens and mini roast potatoes.
This is not just food, this is Slimming World food! Happy days!!

Makes you wanno do it eh?

BE THE CHANGE! Urs xxx

Video killed the radio star!

LOads of you have asked about the bit I did on the radion 2 Jeremy Vine show - very exciting!!!

I was contacted and asked to comment on proposals to charge obese passengers extra on aeroplanes (mouth drops open!) and was thrilled to be able to join the debate. (ME HAVE AN OPINION???? HA HA HA HA _ BRING IT ON!!) It was only a short peice but I've had a lot of possitive comments which is wonderful.


It is available to listen to via the radio 2 iPlayer.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00pyqnd/Jeremy_Vine_21_01_2010/


(about 1 hr 40 min into the show)


There is also a longer peice that I recorded for BBC radio Cambridgeshire that you can have a listen to if you wish (starts about 4 mins in)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p005zt4y/Antonia_Brickells_Drivetime_Show_21_01_2010/

Promise I won't dessert you all when I am famous - more from me later this week...still chuckling about that body magic award :-)

BE THE CANGE!
Urs xx

Funniest email from one of you guys this week.....

Read this email over and over as it made me laugh so much - fan-blinking-tastic....where there is a will, there's a way....Thanks for the inspiration Carol ;-) xxx

Morning,

Is it really only Saturday, seems to have been a long few days since Tuesday Night.

Inspired by Carol and her walking between Ads, I decided if I wanted to get back into Target by Tuesday as I had promised two weeks ago, I needed to up the Body Magic and maximise my Food Optimising.

Well, I have kept Marcia amused with my antics including breaking the under stairs toilet, light bulb with my stair climbing - Decided what ever I could do on day one I would match each day, well those damn National TV Awards have got a lot to answer for, Ad breaks every 5 minutes!! I got to 100 flights!!!

Who needs a gym membership when you can knacker yourself out at home, matching that number each day! I can feel my heart thumping at many times a day and with a three storey house, I can now honestly say I've been up to my girls rooms on the top floor more times than they ever have!

Down side - can't get out of bed in the morning (can't think why!) and had to up the showers to several times a day! (Sweat! ergh! - very good reason never to exercise)

Poor dogs also suffering as due to poor hips he's never really been walked regularly now he gets dragged out twice a day! Wellies, poopy bags, wax coat (4 sizes too big) and my big floppy wooly hat are now my new glamorous dress code.

Kids aren't getting away either, as I walk to Tesco's each day, but if it won't fit in one or split between two bag for me to carry home then it has to wait for the next day! A bag for life, full of potatoes and carrots certainly goes for the burn by the time I get home!

If I don't get a good loss at the scales this week, they will hear my screams as far as the moon!!!!!

signing off to go make more holes in the stair carpet xxx

Genius! BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xxx

I'm loving it!

NO! Not MacDonald's!!!!

January!!

Despite the mayhem, I just love seeing people renewed with passion and determination to achieve their dreams :-)

You guys blew my socks off again this week. Two Slimmers of the week with 5lbs - get in there Kylie and Carol!!!! And what about Justin with 7 off in week 2 - FAN BLINKING TASTIC!! There are really are no limits to what you can do and with fresh determination to eat great quality food and to get moving (cos every little thing you do is magic!!) you guys are going to continue to buzz through Jan, Fen and beyond - BRING IT ON!

Can't wait to see what Slimmer of the Month brings next Tues - going to a whoppa for someone.

And to add to the excitement....did you hear me giving opinion on Radio 2s Jeremy Vine show today?? And then again on radio Cambs drive time....world domination next :-) Not giving up until everyone is healthy, happy and smiling as broadly as all you GORGEOUS St Neots members.

If you are cooking on gas - keep the flame on high! If you are struggling, hang on in there, we are cheering you on cos we know sometimes it's tough but you WILL get there in the end - You ALL will.......AND I CAN'T WAIT!!

Have a super duper week my little mega stars (sounding like Dame Edna Everage now!)

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs x

Everylittle thing you do is....magic!!!!

Read this on line today and was greatly inspired - take a peek gorgeous members :-)

There are 10,080 minutes in each week and you only need 180 minutes of those to make a significant difference to your life fitness-wise and you will feel better and fitter having done something. No matter how bad you feel to start with exercise will ALWAYS make you feel better, will ALWAYS will ALWAYS make you feel happier, will ALWAYS make you feel fitter, will ALWAYS make you feel slimmer. You may very well ache the next day (and even the day after that) but those aches should remind you that your body needs to be worked, is designed to move and that your muscles need to be used to stay strong.On 'attitude' I can only say that when you get up in the morning you choose your own attitude - so choose a positive one and make fitness a priority in your life - your body will thank you in so many different ways and so will everyone you interact with because you will be a better person for it!

BE THE CHANGE!
Urs xx

There's snow stopping slimmers!

A very happy new year to you all!! And what a fabulous turnout on Tuesday night despite the freeeeeezing weather! You were all amazing again - could you tell how very excited I was feeling about things? With a brand new year ahead of us, the weight loss can truly start to snowball and you can bee feeling fantastic before you know it.

So many of you picked up on the value of Body Magic on Tuesday night and I've had tons of message with your resolutions to get moving :-) DEAD IMPRESSED!! And here's a great way to get started - snowman building. No special kit required, cost free, kids can join in and as for the raw materials required? Seems to be no shortage of that :-)

Stand firm by your decision to be healthy and happy this year and I'll help you every (slippery) step of the way.

BE THE CHANGE!

Urs xx

By the way, let's hear it for Annette and Kimberley, Slimmers of the Month for December 2009 with 13.5 and 11 pounds a piece - congrats chicks!! We think you are awesome and you inspire us all. Keep up the fab work.