EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
Are you a Weight Watchers newbie? Or a longer-term member filled with a fresh burst of determination? Any which way, welcome! Give yourself a massive pat on the back – choosing a healthier, happier life is a great way to start 2018 (obvs!). And you really couldn’t have joined us at a better time. Why? Because the new WW Flex programme is exactly what you need to transform your life – not as a short-term fix, but as a lifestyle change that will last forever. Sounds like a big claim, right? Well, we have the evidence! First case in point is our cover star (doesn’t she look gorgeous?) and star of the new TV ad, Katie (P.20). She lost 4st a few years ago, and more recently has been successfully maintaining. Katie reckons that the plan is now better and easier to follow than it’s ever been. Then there’s Team Flex – Weight Watchers members who have been trialling the new programme. You can discover their full verdicts on P.47, but I can sum it up here like this: ! And to give you an extra head start on your get-healthy plans, we’ve included loads of WW Flex friendly recipes (P.58), plus a special section bursting with top tips from our fantastic team of experts (P.96). We’ve got your back – so go for it and make it happen!
WELCOME TO
our world
You’ve been posting your pics on Instagram with the hashtags #wwmaguk and #mywwkitchen. Here are some of our faves…
SEE FIONA’S STORY ON P.27! @fiona_dawson Another great recipe, this time from Weight Watchers mag with lots of colour and flavours, what's not to love?
@lynsey_wwgoldmember My motivation.
I'M LOVING...
While we’re on the subject, here’s what I’m loving in this month’s issue:
Happy kids
We often hear from mums that happier kids are the knockon effect of their own growing health and happiness. Vicky’s picture captures it!
Helen Renshaw Editor in Chief
Chicken tikka wraps
Apols to you veggies out there, but I’m excited that chicken breast is now a zero Points food. This recipe ticks the yummy box big time.
@keelies.journey Tuesday night dinner is Bolognese with green pea fusilli.
Floral boots
Normally, I’m not a big floral fan – it reminds me of the dresses my mum tried to persuade me to wear… But mix a bit of floral with an ankle boot and you’ve got me. Weight Watchers Magazine / 5
CONTENTS February 2018 REGULARS
SUCCESS
11 YOUR SAY
20 STAR ALERT
13 NEWS
27 ALL OR NOTHING
Members share their biggest goals for 2018 Read our campaign stars’ top tips, and discover how healthy your city is
94 SUBSCRIBE TODAY…
And receive a free copy of our Veggie cookbook
120 PRIZE DRAW
A chance to win a spot on one of our two-day reader events at a luxury spa
Katie proves it’s possible to succeed… for life When Fiona said she was going to overhaul her entire life, she wasn’t joking!
29 WHAT MUM TUM?
Now 3st lighter, Vicky (aka @the_mumtum_diaries) is feeling better than ever
36 LISTEN UP, NEWBIES
Gemma shares the lessons she learned losing her first stone
72 FOOD
130 COACH OF THE MONTH
Drum roll please! And our first ever coach of the month is…
FOOD
65 FANCY A PUD? 68 BRUNCH O’CLOCK
44 RECIPE INDEX
75 MEAT-FREE MEALS
47 FLEXIBLE FOODS
81 MEAL PLAN
58
89
The secret ingredient? Beetroot!
This month’s SmartPoints recipe round-up
Team Flex share their go-to, plan-friendly meals
IT’S ALL ABOUT ZERO
A sneaky taster of our new WW Flex cookbook
You can’t beat a crumble The WW Kitchen team get creative with crumpets Up your veg intake with these tasty dinners We’ve done the hard work for you
DONE FOR ONE Single-serve suppers
85 FOOD
Easy fakeaway, sorted
20
SUCCESS
Meet Katie: our TV and cover star
EDITORIAL Editor in Chief HELEN RENSHAW
47 FOOD
Team Flex share their fave recipes
30
FASHION
Copy go here please go here please
102
FASHION New year, new look
Deputy Editor ANDREA LEEBODY Contributing Editor LARA PALAMOUDIAN Managing Editor CHRISTINE FAUGHLIN Senior Sub Editor SARAH ALLEN Junior Sub Editor CHLOE HAY Junior Writer SARAH NITTINGER Editorial Intern ALICIA HATTERSLEY Food Editor SARAH AKHURST Senior Food Assistant NADINE BROWN
DESIGN
Art Director KIRSTY HARLOW Acting Art Director (Maternity Cover) MARK TAYLOR Senior Designer STELLA KWOK Senior Designer (Maternity Cover) SARAH PRESCOTT Picture Editor ABBIE MURPHY
PRODUCTION
Production Director SOPHIE DILLON Deputy Production Manager CHRIS GARDNER With thanks to: Linsey Cannon, Alexandra Harris, Sarah Peak, Rosalind Ryan, Jonathan Sellers, Jodie Shepherd
PUBLISHING
Group Publishing Director KIRSTEN PRICE Publisher ALISON WATSON Account Manager GINA CAVACIUTI
LIFE
ADVERTISING
99 HEALTHY NEW YOU
Resolved to get healthy this year? Dr Naomi Potter suggests 10 tweaks you can make to get there faster
102
FLATTERING TRENDS
Whether you’re just starting out on your weight-loss journey or already celebrating your newly slim self, revamp your wardrobe with these flattering high-street picks
65
SUCCESS
Xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxx xxxx
96 LIFE
Expert tips to make 2018 your best year yet
108 GET YOUR FIT ON
Our fitness expert, Jennie, shows how to kick-start your work-out regime with achievable goals
114 BE MORE POSITIVE
Are you a glass half empty or half full kind of person? Take our quiz to find out and discover how you can become more positive
118 IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE
Expert nutritionist Zoe shows us what balanced nutrition looks like. Hint: the more veggies the better
ON THE COVER COVER PHOTOGRAPHY IAN HARRISON STYLING CLARE LAZARO HAIR AND MAKE-UP ENYA SULLIVAN
Ad Manager TIM ROBINSON Senior Account Manager RICHARD COUTTS Account Manager BARRON EDWARD NOUBAN Classifieds Executive ELLIOTT WORTHINGTON
MARKETING
Circulation and Trade Manager VANYA BOWMAN Marketing Manager GEORGIE WALTON
PROMOTIONS
Project Manager ZOE WILKINSON Chief Art Director MAILYNNE WOOLLEY Senior Promotions Art Director MARION TEMPEST
WEIGHT WATCHERS
Publishing and Content Manager SAMANTHA REES Publishing Projects Manager NICOLA KIRK Recipe Development Nutritionist STEPH WILLIAMS Recipe Development Assistant RUBY BAMFORD Weight Management Dietitian TONY HIRVING Head of Public Health ZOE GRIFFITHS
SEVEN
CEO SEAN KING Managing Director ROWAN MANNING Content Director NIC McCARTHY Chief Financial Officer, UK ANDRE FURSTENBERG Published by Seven Publishing, 3-7 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EJ 020 7775 7775 seven.co.uk weightwatchers@seven.co.uk ISSN 039-8095 TALLY CODE 752
This magazine is printed on paper using pulp from wellmanaged, certified forests. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole, without written permission of the publishers, is strictly prohibited. The publishers cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 7
G A T H G I F R U O N I S U N I JO HEART RIDERS
You can join the fight for every heartbeat by taking on a British Heart Foundation event. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get fit, a keen fundraiser looking for a challenge or a regular sportsman or woman, we have an event that is perfect for you!
HEART RUNNERS
Saturday 24 March 2018
Sunday 25 February 2018
LONDON TO READING BIKE RIDE
HAREWOOD HOUSE HALF MARATHON AND 10K
Looking for a new year’s fitness goal? Get on your bike and take on our first major cycling event of the year. Sign up today and focus your sights on completing this inspirational 40 mile challenge. bhf.org.uk/londontoreading
Sunday 13 May 2018
COTSWOLDS BIKE RIDE
Take in some of the UK’s most beautiful spring countryside and soak up the atmosphere of the Cotswolds’ biggest cycling event – fit for cyclists of all ages and abilities. bhf.org.uk/cotswoldsbikeride
Sunday 8 July 2018
MILTON KEYNES BIKE RIDE
Take on our fantastic Milton Keynes Bike Ride this summer and join thousands of others in the fight against heart disease. Choose from 50 miles or 50km, on or off-road, and take your place in a cycling event to remember. bhf.org.uk/mkbikeride
Saturday 22 September 2018
LONDON TO BRIGHTON OFF-ROAD BIKE RIDE
Europe’s biggest charity mountain bike event is back for 2018. Our adrenaline pumping route takes all the best bits of off-road riding and crams them into one fun filled jam pack day out on your bike. bhf.org.uk/l2boffroad
Try running with a difference at this popular off-road Half-marathon and 10k. This extremely hilly route offers a challenging trail run with miles of muddy tracks and steep forest inclines, all set within the stunning grounds of this historic House. bhf.org.uk/harewood
Sunday 4 March 2018
WARWICK HALF MARATHON AND FAMILY FUN RUN
Take on 13.1 miles at Warwick’s only Half Marathon on this tough, traffic free route which will test even seasoned runners, but you’ll feel run-stoppable when you cross that finish line. 2018 sees the introduction of the 2.5k or 5k Family Fun Runs – a great way to get all the family involved. bhf.org.uk/warwick
Sunday 18 March 2018
QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK RUN
Follow in the footsteps of Olympic greats and fund lifesaving research by taking part in our Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Run. Take on either a 5k or 10k run on this inspiring course that takes in views of the impressive London Stadium. bhf.org.uk/QEOP
! E S A E S I D T R A E H T S N I A G Wednesday 2 May 2018
TOWER OF LONDON RUN
Take on a 5k or 10k and explore the wonders of this awesome fortress at this truly unique charity event. bhf.org.uk/tower
HEART TREKKERS Saturday 12 May 2018
Sunday 30 September 2018
BLENHEIM PALACE HALF MARATHON, 10K OR 2K FUN RUN
This impressive World Heritage site provides the backdrop for the Half Marathon, 10k or 2k Family Fun Run, offering something for all ages and abilities. bhf.org.uk/blenheim
S HEART SWIMMER Sunday 15 July 2018
BOURNEMOUTH PIER TO PIER SWIM
Join thousands of other supporters on Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim as you brave the English channel in this incredible 1.4 mile open water challenge. bhf.org.uk/P2P
LONDON TO HENLEY TREK
Back by popular demand for 2018, our London to Henley Trek is a fantastic way to take in some stunning sights, challenge yourself with a trek, as well as joining the fight against heart disease. bhf.org.uk/L2HTrek
Saturday 30 June - Sunday 1 July 2018
LONDON TO BRIGHTON TREK
Our most famous trek – from the city, through the countryside to the seaside – available as a day trek, or a full 100km challenge. bhf.org.uk/L2Btrek
Saturday 7 July 2018
YORKSHIRE 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE
Take on the famous Yorkshire 3 Peaks, covering 24 miles of hiking with over 5,000 feet of climbing, whilst enjoying the sights of the Yorkshire dales. bhf.org.uk/Y3P
Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 May 2018
LONDON TO OXFORD TREK
Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 July 2018
Sunday 20 May 2018
Are you tough enough to take on one of Scotland’s hardest walks? Tackling either the new 45km day or 100km challenge, you will walk between Scotland’s 2 largest cities. bhf.org.uk/G2Etrek
From the Capital to the historic university city of Oxford, heart trekkers can walk 100km through the day and night in one of our most difficult endurance challenges. bhf.org.uk/L2Otrek
GLASGOW TO EDINBURGH TREK
HADRIAN’S WALL HIKE
Built in 122AD, Hadrian’s Wall was built to defend against the north … but now it’s your time to conquer it by signing up to our 9 or 15 mile hike. bhf.org.uk/hadrians
To register for one of our events, please visit bhf.org.uk/events or call 0300 330 3322
© British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)
The tasty snack you’ll be happy to say yes to!
no artif icial c o l o u rs!
no artificial flavours!
Delicious, light and crispy puffed Hula Hoops
YOUR SAY
‘I want to enjoy being at goal with my best friend, Claire. We’ve shared our meals, challenges, and successes every day. We both got to goal in 2017 and we plan to live and love our lives in 2018 maintaining as Gold members!’ SHARON LOWES
‘My biggest goal is to complete my uni degree. I’ve done my weightloss journey alongside full-time, demanding and emotional study, as well as raising three children! To graduate 2st lighter than I am now would be amazing.’
Our next question
‘What’s the best piece of advice your mum gave you?’
Each month, we get to the heart of what the Weight Watchers community is talking about. This time we asked a Facebook group...
‘What’s your goal for 2018?’
Send your response to us on social media using the hashtag #wwmaguk and it could appear on this page in next month’s issue.
Find us email: weightwatchers @seven.co.uk
instagram.com/ weightwatchersuk
‘I’d like to, one, get to goal, and two, continue to improve my mobility for my upcoming holiday to Portugal. I’ve come a very long way from the first time I stepped into my first Weight Watchers meeting – not just in terms of weight, but in my health, too.
EMMI GARSIDE
KAY O’KEEFFE
facebook.com/ weightwatchersuk
twitter.com/ @ww_uk
pinterest.com/ wwatchersuk
Compiled by: Sarah Nittinger
#wwmaguk ‘I want to be at goal and look amazing for my 50th birthday, as well as for my upcoming holiday to Kefalonia. It’s where my “before” picture was taken – and it wasn’t even when I was at my biggest!’ DAWN KING
‘My biggest goal is to get to my goal weight and then to hopefully run the London Marathon! If I don’t get in, I’ll apply for a half marathon. I’m also hoping for a big holiday to Mexico – I want to be slim enough for a bikini!’
‘I started a little walking group after being diagnosed with heart failure – we call ourselves the Weight Watchers Wanderers. We’ve completed 10k walks for charity and our aim for 2018 is to achieve 25k.’ CATHY BROTHERTON
SOPHIE CARTER
Weight Watchers Magazine / 11
NEW Guilt-free café style chai latte to make at home
nO aDdeD sUgaR nOn DaiRy Just add milk or almond, coconut or soy . . .
SAME AUTHENTIC TASTE www.drinkmechai.co.uk
You’ve made a brilliant decision...
NEWS
Well done, ou!
From left: Mariam, Scott, Rachael, Kirsty, Leonie, Katie and Debbie
Meet the real-life members starring in our new ad campaign. They’re loving everything the programme has to offer – especially now WW Flex has made their lives even more flexible. Katie (second from right) is also our cover star, and whether you’re a new member or not, her story on P.20 is a must-read. Plus, we asked all our campaign stars why they think you’ll love being a member in 2018…
WW FLEX
The programme is easier and more flexible than ever before! Weight Watchers Flex is all about making SmartPoints work for you, leaving you more time to enjoy the fun stuff, like cooking tasty new recipes, squeezing in more activity and discovering ways to feel more positive. Result!
CONNECT
Downloaded the WW app? Then check out Connect – the Weight Watchers members-only social network is a ready-made community of inspiring, like-minded members. It’s a positive space where you can find support, share ideas and make new friends. We know you’re going to love it.
THE FOOD
Expect meals to get a whole lot tastier, with SmartPoints directing you towards delicious recipes that make the most of all the new zero Points foods. Need meal ideas? You'll find them in the app, the magazine, Weight Watchers cookbooks or on the weekly recipe card in your meeting.
SUPPORT
Turn to your Coach (or one of the Online Coaches available 24/7) whenever you need advice on food, fitness or just if you’re feeling like you need a little extra support or motivational boost. They’re a great source of information, and also love to celebrate your success at every stage of your journey.
THE MAGAZINE
We pack every issue of Weight Watchers magazine with inspiring member stories, tempting meal ideas and practical life advice – so if you don’t yet have a subscription, what are you waiting for? Turn to P.94 and sign up today to get future issues delivered direct to your door at a reduced rate.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 13
It's a dinner party BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT…
The dinner party is back, but not the 70s cheese-on-a-stick kind. These days it’s going by the name supper club. Put simply, a supper club is an exclusive social event where people gather at a someone’s home to enjoy great food. The concept has taken off in cities around the world, but if dining with strangers isn’t your thing, why not tweak the trend by inviting friends or fellow Weight Watchers members to be part of your own Whatsapp or Facebook group for healthy foodies, then set a regular date and get cooking!
BEST FACE FORWARD Dreaming of better, brighter skin this winter? Science to the rescue! There’s a host of new science-based beauty treatments around that promise to rejuvenate a tired complexion. Here are some of our faves:
This budget-friendly hydrating cream has been shown to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Formula Biotech Neck & Jaw Cream Super Peptides, £18, Marks & Spencer
14 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Give sagging skin a lift with this hard-working sheet mask, which is designed to tighten and smooth away fine lines. Magicstripes Chin & Cheek Lifting Mask, £10, Feelunique
Combat fine lines and puffiness, especially around the eyes, in mere minutes with this high-tech serum. Wunderlift Anti-Wrinkle Serum, £19.95, Wunder2
NEWS
OUR healthy picks
FILMS, BOOKS AND APPS TO HELP YOU GET 2018 OFF TO A GREAT START
WATCH
Finding Your Feet
Compiled by: Alicia Hattersley, Sarah Nittinger, Lara Palamoudian. Photography: Getty, Rex Features, Shutterstock. Stockists: Breville (breville.co.uk), Currys PC World (currys.co.uk), Debenhams (debenhams.com), Dorothy Perkins (dorothyperkins.com), Feelunique (feelunique.com), Marks & Spencer (marksandspencer.com), New Look (newlook.com), Smeg (smeguk.com), Wunder2 (wunder2.co.uk)
Out 23 February Life changes for prim Sandra (Imelda Staunton) when she has to live with her bohemian sister Bif (Celia Imrie).
HOW HEALTHY IS
YOUR CITY?
Obesity is a growing problem in the UK, affecting one in four adults and one in five kids at age 10. But are residents of some British cities healthier than others? See how your city stacks up (and make 2018 the year you boost your city’s health stats!)
OXFORD
31
IS THE MOST ACTIVE UK CITY WITH
%
OF THOSE SURVEYED IN MANCHESTER SAY THEY ALWAYS COOK HEALTHY MEALS
LONDON BOROUGHS OF CAMDEN, KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA HAVE THE LOWEST LEVELS OF OBESITY IN THE UK, WITH
74
%
OF PEOPLE CLAIMING TO WORK OUT AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK
61.5%
OF RESIDENTS WITHIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT RANGE
COOK
Weight Watchers Flex
£14.95, in meetings and online 1 January Packed with brand-new recipes featuring zero Points foods, the latest Weight Watchers cookbook also features handy meal plans.
75%
OF BRISTOLIANS SAY THEY ORDER TAKEAWAYS LESS THAN ONCE A WEEK, OR NEVER
30
%
OF THOSE SURVEYED IN
LEEDS
SAY THEY DRINK LESS THAN ONE UNIT OF ALCOHOL PER WEEK, OR NONE AT ALL
76%
CARDIFF
IS ONE OF THE LEAST ACTIVE UK CITIES, WITH 21% OF RESIDENTS SAYING THEY NEVER EXERCISE
OF THOSE LIVING IN ROTHERHAM ARE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE, MAKING IT THE UNHEALTHIEST AREA OF THE UK
TRY SOMETHING NEW CLICK
MoveGB Free, iOS and Android Search for and book fitness classes and activities at local gyms, clubs, pools and studios across the UK.
Learning new skills as an adult can boost self-esteem and encourage social interaction and a more active life, according to the mental health charity Mind. So, sign up to a language or art class this year – the world’s your oyster!
Weight Watchers Magazine / 15
NEWS
DEFY YOUR AGE
JAN
17
Think exercise just isn’t worth the effort at your age? It sure is! Studies show that regular cardio and strength training workouts after age 50 could help maintain cognitive function, mobility, and even help you live longer with a better quality of life. To get the most out of your exercise routine, aim to do at least 150 minutes of cardio combined with resistance exercises every week, at a moderate pace.
That’s the day most of us give up on our new year goals. If you’re struggling with motivation, chat with your Coach, check in with your biggest supporter, or find a fellow member and swap tips on how to stay on track.
Find more fitness advice from expert Jennie Gadsby on P.108.
More power to you
This month we’re loving
Foodie gadgets Use this clever kit to make healthy cooking even easier
Power Airfryer XL Health Fryer, £129.99, Currys PC World Makes crisp, crunchy chips, roasts and seafood using just a spoonful of oil.
This year, try filling your wardrobe with confidence-boosting clothes that make you feel empowered, not just pretty
Blazer, £38, Dorothy Perkins
‘Go for a statement blazer, boot or bag that makes you feel stronger, bolder and happier whenever you wear them,’ says Sophie.
16 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Our new fashion expert Sophie Stevens says: ‘The right outfit makes me feel like I can take on the world. And embellishment, such as studs, zippers, or a fur collar, really help me feel confident in my clothes.’ Boots, £55, V by Very (very.co.uk)
Jacket, £49.99, New Look
Tote, £35, Marks & Spencer
VKJ318 HotCup Dispenser, £80.99, Breville Never wait for the kettle again, as this clever gadget dispenses boiling water in just 40 seconds.
HBF02 Hand Held Blender with accessories, £119.95, Smeg With five handy attachments, you can use this hand-held wonder to whisk, mash, blend, chop and purée in style.
IF THEY CAN DO IT, YOU CAN TOO!
WHY SHOULD I…
KEEP MOVING FORWARD? because
you deserve t
o be
t h e b es t yo u! p . 2
‘THE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED’ GEMMA
Photography: Ian Harrison, Matt Monfredi
P.36
AT 41, KATIE FEELS YOUNGER THAN SHE DID AT 24 P.20
Got something to show us? Share your successes using the #wwmaguk hashtag on Instagram
7
SUCCESS
Before
‘I'M LIVING PROOF YOU CAN SUCCEED...
w o n r o f s u j no ' bu for life! Meet Katie Rhodes, one of the real-life members starring in our upcoming TV campaign. And if you’ve just started with Weight Watchers – or need a big old new year motivation boost – Katie’s story is a must-read… WORDS JILL FOSTER
20 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHY IAN HARRISON
SUCCESS
This is K ATIE
START WEIGHT 14st 7lb
GOAL WEIGHT 10st 7lb
CURRENT WEIGHT 10st 12lb
Age 41 HEIGHT 5ft 7in
JOINED
October 2014
9
MONTHS
TIME TAKEN TO GOAL
Meetings
Huddersfield, Yorkshire
4st
L OS T!
Weight Watchers Magazine / 21
F
eeling helpless or doubting your resolve? Then we need to talk. When I decided to improve my lifestyle and join Weight Watchers, I had no idea of the lasting effect it would have on my life. And if you had told me then that I’d end up starring in a TV advert? I would have laughed in disbelief… I’d been pretty healthy throughout my teenage years, but then I started working at a hotel and eating whatever meals were laid on. I hardly noticed the weight piling on, and when I became pregnant with Saskia at 24, I was so happy in my baby bubble that I didn’t care what I looked like. After giving birth, I dabbled with low-carb and meal-replacement diets and would lose a few pounds here and there, but I always put the weight back on. Then I had my second daughter, Olivia, and although I was just 25, I felt frumpy and looked middle-aged. I started to avoid going out and was eating more and more sweet treats – I could polish off 12 Cadbury Creme Eggs in a single day. I’d even eat in secret, hiding the wrappers, because I was so embarrassed.
BEING KATIE AGAIN
Then, in 2003, I joined Weight Watchers and lost 2st 7lb in six months. Back in my size 10-12 clothes, I felt like myself again, and decided to do something for me. I trained to be a Coach and even took part in one of the Weight Watchers fitness DVDs! But I’m only human, and when I fell pregnant with my son, Jasper, in 2007, some of the weight piled back on. And
I was so proud to marry Martin in this size-10 wedding dress
22 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
IN MY 20S I LOOKED MIDDLE-AGED, IN MY 40S I’M
AT MY BEST
SUCCESS
My daughters, Olivia (right) and Saskia, love my new healthy foods. Olivia’s even taken on the role of family cook!
while I can’t pinpoint the exact moment my life began to unravel, suddenly, I no longer felt happy in my skin. I understand now just how profoundly your mental health can affect your weight. For me, it became a vicious cycle – the more weight I put on, the less happy I was, and so the more I ate. Lacking confidence, I started to live in tunics and leggings rather than the fashionable clothes I loved, and I would hide away at the back of photos. I’d often talk to my members about the effect your mindset can have on your weight loss, and I’d share my own struggles with them as an example. I know they appreciated my honesty and found my stories reassuring.
A NEW MOTIVATION
In 2012, I separated from my first husband and met Martin. It was a very difficult time, but Martin made me so happy; I knew I’d met my soulmate. Just two years later, he proposed! He’d even taken Saskia and Olivia with him to help choose the ring. I was thrilled, but I knew that I had to get a grip on my weight. I was a size 16-18 and had 4st to lose, but with my wedding to look forward to, I was motivated. And as a Coach, I knew I’d get all the support I needed at my meetings. I’ll admit, there were times when I still felt daunted. For example, when I had to list something I liked about myself during a meeting, I struggled. Looking at the blank piece of paper in front of me, I thought: ‘I can’t do that, there’s nothing great about me.’ But I realised that I had to start being kinder to myself. I reminded myself of all my good qualities – such as my positivity. With my renewed determination, I got to goal just under a year later, and fitted perfectly into my size-10 wedding dress. This time I was happy to be the focus of the photos!
Being a Coach, I get to celebrate all of my members’ achievements as well as my own
Since then I’ve been maintaining. But my weight does yo-yo by a few pounds here and there, so when I found out about the Weight Watchers Flex programme, I was really excited to try it. I know from experience that the easier the plan is to fit around your life, the more likely you are to succeed – and I’ve found WW Flex so easy. My experience so far has been really positive. I’m really happy that eggs are now a zero Points food because I’ll often have two of them for breakfast, which keep me full for ages. I love chicken, fish and seafood too – again, all zero SmartPoints now – so this plan suits me perfectly. We eat out a lot at the weekends as a family, tucking into Chinese or Indian dishes or enjoying a pizza and a glass of prosecco, so being able to roll over a few SmartPoints into my weeklies each day is a real bonus.
GETTING ORGANISED
I may not be the best cook, but Olivia, now 15, is brilliant in the kitchen. Each week we flick through recipe books together, picking out the meals we fancy cooking. Since starting WW Flex we’ve had lots of delicious dinners such as cottage pie, and salmon with wedges. Being more organised has made a big difference to both my happiness and my weight. As a Coach and a mum I’m pretty busy, but I make sure to find time to meet friends for coffee, read a magazine or take my dogs for a walk, as I know it’s important for my wellbeing. When I’m feeling positive about life, I feel more positive about my body too. So far I’ve lost 8lb on WW Flex and it’s really working for me. My skin is clearer, I’m sleeping better and I no longer feel sluggish. I’m confident and happy knowing that I’ll be keeping up my healthy lifestyle for life. Check out @WeightWatchersUK on Instagram and Connect for more great success stories!
5
HEALTHY LIFE HACKS
Katie’s tips for staying on track 1
MEAL PLAN
Decide what you’re going to have for each meal and snack throughout the day. Then make sure you always have healthy foods to hand, and you’re all set!
2
THINK AHEAD
It’s important to enjoy your social life, so use the Eat Out guide or Weight Watchers app to help you choose places with WW Flex friendly options.
3
BE MINDFUL
Mindless eating leads to over-eating, so savour your food at meal times, eat slowly and enjoy the flavours. Remember to track everything before you eat or drink it too.
4
DO SOMETHING JUST FOR YOU
Make sure you do at least one thing that makes you happy every week. Whether it’s reading, walking or going out with friends – you’ll feel more energised afterwards.
5
DROP THE GUILT
Don’t waste time feeling guilty. Create your own mantra and use this to reassure yourself when you feel you haven’t chosen well. Remember: weight loss is a learning curve.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 23
SUCCESS SUCCESS
‘I CAN’T BELIEVE
' 'm on T V!
At Weight Watchers, we have so many happy members that we don’t need to use actors! Katie was one of seven members chosen to appear in our new TV ad. Could you be in the next campaign?
I'll treasure rethveesr!e memories fo 24 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
I felt so amazing on the shoot!
We had a lot of laughs together on the shoot and, of course, we wrapped the day up with a toast – cheers!
I was honoured to have been picked for the campaign. And making the cover of the magazine was the icing on the cake. I’ll remember it forever. Do you have a great weight-loss story? Fancy seeing yourself in the magazine? Upload your story to weightwatchersstories.co.uk
Styling: Clare Lazaro. Hair and make-up: Enya Sullivan. With thanks to: ASOS (asos.com), Hobbs (hobbs.co.uk), Mango (mango.com), Next (next.co.uk), New Look (newlook.com), Topshop (topshop.com)
When I found out I’d been picked to appear in a TV ad, I nearly choked on my tea. It was emotional, thrilling… and nerve-racking!
Being pampered felt amazing – my daughters were so excited to see my new look. And being styled by a professional gave me the confidence to try new things.
www.pinknwhites.com
D I S C O V E R G R E E N T E A with N AT U R A L LY E X T R A O R D I N A R Y F L AV O U R
N OW I N S E L EC T E D S TO R E S TAY L O R S O F H A R R O G AT E . C O . U K
SUCCESS
Meet the BEST ME!
Not one to do things by halves, when Fiona Dawson decided to improve her health and happiness, she ended up overhauling her whole life. Now, it's better than ever
The old me
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a total foodie. But in the past, my love of food wasn’t matched by an understanding of how I should be eating. I’d whip up something delicious, then scoff a huge portion. Plus, I was really busy at work and eating in response to stress. Meanwhile, my mum’s health was declining and I could see how being overweight had taken a toll on her body. Feeling unhappy, unhealthy and weighing nearly 14st, I realised something had to change.
As told to: Alicia Hattersley. Photography: Ian Harrison. Styling: Arabella Boyce. Hair and make-up: Bryony Blake Thanks to: Dune (dunelondon.com), House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk), Luisa Cerano (luisacerano.com), Madeleine (madeleine.co.uk), Pure Collection (purecollection.com)
My journey
I decided a complete lifestyle change was the only way forward. Knowing I wanted to spend more time with Mum and reduce my stress levels, I made the tough decision to quit my job. My next task was to lose weight, but I knew I needed steering in the right direction if I wanted my weight loss to be sustainable. The idea of a support network and weekly weigh-ins to push me that bit further appealed to me, so I joined Weight Watchers and started working out with a personal trainer. It wasn’t long before the compliments started rolling in from my husband! But, best of all, the plan brought a new dimension to my love of food. Weight Watchers cookbooks inspired me to be more experimental than I’d ever been in the kitchen, and when I began to showcase my colourful dishes on Instagram, I was overwhelmed by the support I found there and my confidence soared.
Before This is FIONA START WEIGHT
13st 13lb GOAL WEIGHT
10st 13lb
CURRENT WEIGHT
10st 3lb
Age 47 Height 5ft 8in Joined November 2016 Time taken to goal 6 months Meeting Faringdon, Oxfordshire Coach Helen Martin-Hicks
Instagram @fiona_dawson Connect @fionahroberts
3st 10lb LO S T!
The best me
Having got to goal and then going on to lose a few more pounds, I’m now happy with my weight and am maintaining. But the non-scale victories keep on coming. I’ve had to have my wedding rings resized due to them spinning on my finger; I’ve donated all my ‘big’ clothes to charities close to my heart; and I’ve recently exceeded 4000 Instagram followers! This is it. I’ve adopted this lifestyle completely, so much so that my next project is to write my own cookbook and create a recipe blog. Watch this space! Weight Watchers Magazine / 27
SUCCESS
Peek inside the
mum-tum diaries ‘A busy mum, trying to lose her tum’ – that’s how Vicky Redden described herself at the start of her Weight Watchers journey. Now, she’s lost 3st, and is feeling healthy, happy and hot! WORDS JILL FOSTER
PHOTOGRAPHY IAN HARRISON
3st
L OS T!
Before Weight Watchers Magazine / 29
SUCCESS
This is
Me with my role model Beyoncé... well, sort of!
VICKY
START WEIGHT 13st 3lb
GOAL WEIGHT 11st 3lb
CURRENT WEIGHT 10st 3lb
Age 38 HEIGHT 5ft 3in
JOINED
February 2016
TIME TAKEN TO GOAL
Oliver and Amy love seeing me happy again
30 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Meeting
Southfields Jubilee Centre, Littlehampton
Coach
Diane Hopwood, then Neil Doherty
@the_mumtum_ diaries
BISCUITS AND BEYONCÉ
As life spiralled out of control, the biscuit tin became my best friend. Each evening, once my children Amy, now 11, and Oliver, nine, were in bed, I’d settle down with a cup of tea and polish off a whole packet of cookies. I felt tired and stressed, and for a long time, I simply shoved a pizza or ready-meal in the oven for dinner, because it was the easiest option. At first I didn’t really notice the excess weight creeping on, but as my clothes got bigger, I became an expert at denial. ‘So what if my jeans have gone from a size 14 to 16,’ I’d tell myself. Then, when my jeans no longer fit, leggings and a horrible baggy pink cardigan became my go-to cover-up outfit. My husband Neil loved me whatever size I was, but even he began to worry as my mood plummeted.
4
MONTHS
A
fter plucking up the courage to step onto the treadmill for the first time ever, I suddenly caught sight of myself in a mirror on the gym wall. OMG! I was hurtling towards 40, had barely done any exercise for years and was wearing a size 16-18. The treadmill suddenly felt like way too big an ask for someone like me, and all my courage drained away. ‘I don’t do running,’ I told the instructor, who obligingly slowed the machine down to walking pace. That was January 2016, and I only managed a few minutes of exertion before I had to stop, sweating and out of breath. Fast-forward two years, and I feel like a different person. I’ve since run a 10k charity race, with friends and family cheering me across the finishing line. And although I was again sweaty and breathless, I was over the moon, because for the first time in ages, I really felt like me again. I wasn’t overweight when I was young. But like many mums, my tummy never really recovered from pregnancies in my late 20s. And my weight really got out of control when I faced a series of unhappy events in my early 30s and turned to food for comfort. That’s when my stomach became the part of my body I hated the most. First my mum became very ill, then my beloved dad died after a short illness. They say bad things come in threes, and that became true for me when I was then made redundant from my job in retail.
WORST MOMENT
Seeing awful photos of myself at a wedding was so upsetting. Despite how they made me feel, I keep a few of those ‘big’ pictures in my dining room, as a visual reminder of how far I’ve come. Some people I haven’t seen for years don’t even recognise the new me!
My weight gain affected everything, from family holidays – when I’d avoid getting in the pool to play with the kids – to friends’ weddings, which would leave me feeling upset for days when I saw how I looked in pictures the other guests posted on Facebook. My turning point came in an unexpected way – you could say it was thanks to Beyoncé that I finally realised it was time to take back control. When a friend said she’d organised tickets for a bunch of us to see the bootylicious singer in concert in a few months’ time, the prospect of being the ‘fat one’ in photos, yet again, motivated me to take action.
I FINALLY FEEL LIKE
THE REAL ME!
things I couldn’t have done without... 1 CALORIECONTROLLED BREAD
I love bread, but it can be high in SmartPoints so the Weight Watchers Malted Danish loaf is a great alternative.
2 MY FITBIT
I’m addicted! I won’t stop until I’ve reached 14,000 steps each day.
3 THE WEIGHT WATCHERS APP
It’s invaluable for keeping track, especially when I can’t get to my meeting.
4 INSTAGRAM
Every month I create a post using the hashtag #Transformation Tuesday, where I put together an old and new photo of myself, to show just how far I’ve come.
5 WEIGHT WATCHERS RICH TOFFEE BARS I no longer turn to Mars Bars or biscuits, but these make a lovely sweet treat.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 31
SUCCESS The kids are enjoying cooking too, now that I’m back in the kitchen
MY FOOD MAKEOVER
After joining Weight Watchers, I made the switch from ready-meals to cooking from scratch. It didn’t take long before I fell back in love with cooking. I used to view it as a chore, but now it’s like a relaxing hobby – something I do while listening to my favourite tunes in the kitchen. And the best thing about cooking from scratch is that it tastes amazing compared to processed food. The kids love getting involved too, making ‘wrap’ pizzas, which is loads of fun. I still have a sweet tooth, but instead of that daily packet of biscuits, if I fancy a treat I’ll have a Weight Watchers chocolate bar instead, or something the kids and I have made together.
I decided that by the time the concert came around, I’d be able to dress up like my mates and have a great time, without feeling self-conscious about my body. So I joined Weight Watchers, and a gym at the same time.
MAKING PROGRESS
Stepping onto the scales at my first meeting and learning I weighed more than 13st was painful. But my Coach at the time, Diane Hopwood, couldn’t have been more encouraging, and I left feeling determined and motivated. Going to meetings helped me stay on track, and I went as often as I could. But sometimes life got in the way, and I needed something extra to keep me motivated, so I joined Instagram and started posting photos of my meals and weight-loss progress. I chose the name @the_mumtum_diaries, because ‘a mum, trying to lose her tum!’ was exactly what I was. I wanted to show what it was like juggling busy family life with trying to get healthy. I also told my friends and family that I’d joined Weight Watchers, so they could support me.
MINESTRONE SOUP
‘At this time of year, I’m always making batches of soup to freeze in portions. It’s great for busy days as I can just grab a portion and go. And because this one’s only 1 SmartPoint per serving, it’s become a firm favourite!’ SERVES 6 ~ Prep time 15 minutes ~ Cook time 35 minutes ~ Calories 118 per serving ~ SmartPoints 1 per serving INGREDIENTS 1 large onion, finely diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 large carrots, finely diced 3 celery sticks, thinly sliced ½ swede, peeled and finely diced 1.5 litres vegetable stock, made with 2 stock cubes 410g tin borlotti or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 tsp tomato purée 1 tbsp dried mixed Italian herbs 50g wholewheat spaghetti, broken into short lengths 100g extra fine green beans, trimmed and cut into short lengths Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
METHOD 1 Put the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, swede, stock, borlotti or cannellini beans, tomatoes, tomato purée and Italian herbs in a large pan set over a high heat. 2 Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Partially cover, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. 3 Add the spaghetti and green beans to the pan, stir well, then cook for 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Season to taste, then serve garnished with the basil. COOK’S TIP Bulk out the soup by dry-frying 100g chopped bacon medallions and adding to the soup at the end of the cooking time. The SmartPoints will stay the same per serving and the recipe will remain No Count. You can also use any wholewheat pasta you like. To freeze, divide into single portions in freezer bags (omitting the fresh basil leaves) and freeze for up to 3 months.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 33
SUCCESS My whole family has caught the running bug!
MY FITNESS MAKEOVER
My mother-in-law is an amazing cook and makes fantastic puddings, but she would also have a healthier option on hand, such as fresh strawberries, so I could choose that instead. That kind of thoughtfulness made such a difference. The weight came off gradually over four months. And – amazingly – I got to goal the week of Beyoncé’s concert! I’d done it, and it felt great to stand next to my friends for photos, feeling fabulous in a size-12 dress, instead of worrying about how I looked. And with loads more energy, I was able to keep up with Beyoncé’s dance moves… well, my version of them, anyway! I’ve since lost another stone, and now wear a size 10. I keep thinking of my late dad and how proud he would be of me. Neil and the kids also couldn’t be happier. I’ve always been considered a happy person, but now when I look at photos of myself at 13st, I can see that my smile wasn’t genuine like it is today. This is my real smile, because this is the real me. Check out @WeightWatchersUK on Instagram and Connect for more great success stories!
34 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Styling: Arabella Boyce. Hair and make-up: Bryony Blake, Enya Sullivan. Thanks to: Closet London (closetlondon.com), House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk), New Look (newlook.com), Phase Eight (phase-eight.com), River Island (riverisland.com), Wallis (wallis.co.uk)
BEST MOMENT
Doing the Littlehampton 10k Run in September 2016 with my husband, Neil. He finished 20 minutes ahead of me, but I didn’t care. I’ll always remember the happy, proud looks on my children’s faces as I crossed the finish line. I remember my mum coming up to hug me and I said, ‘No! I’m all sweaty!’ I could hardly talk from exhaustion, but I felt so happy.
As well as using the treadmill at the gym, I started running outdoors, lasting longer and running further each time. I joked that I ‘ran for wine’ because I used my weeklies to treat myself if I had exercised all week! As I lost weight, it wasn’t only me who benefited. Normally Neil took the kids swimming, as I wouldn’t be seen dead in a swimming costume, but I didn’t want to miss out any more. My love of running has rubbed off on Amy and Oliver too.
s g n i h t 10 SUCCESS
I learned while losing
my first stone
Starting your weight-loss journey can be daunting – how do SmartPoints work? What if the scales don’t budge? Where can I go for help? That’s how it felt for Gemma Cartwright, senior editor at popsugar.co.uk, when she joined Weight Watchers. Now she shares her newbie secrets with you… PHOTOGRAPHY MATT MONFREDI
Before 36 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
W
eighing well over 13st, I was heavier than I’d ever been. My first year of marriage had been overshadowed by a nightmare house purchase that dragged on for months, leaving me and my husband living out of suitcases. That led to plenty of stress eating (and drinking…), which took a toll. When we had finally settled in our new home, I knew there were no more excuses, so I joined Weight Watchers in January 2017, determined to make a change. But
I was worried about how the plan would fit into my busy, unpredictable lifestyle as a journalist – one day I’ll be at a breakfast meeting, the next on a plane abroad… I’m not going to pretend that it was simple, but it was much easier than I’d thought it would be and, after three months, I’d lost a stone. The lessons I learned in those first few months are still the ones I follow today, as I inch towards goal. So if you’re new to Weight Watchers and picking up this magazine for the very first time, hopefully those same lessons will banish some of your worries and help you get the most out of the plan too – good luck!
SUCCESS
1
GET INVOLVED ON CONNECT AND INSTAGRAM
1st 5lb
As an online member, I don’t go to meetings, but I do get lots of support from the amazing members on Connect, which you can find in the app. I also post photos of my meals and report weigh-ins on Instagram (@gcdoesww) – the comments and likes really help me stay motivated. I try to be honest when I’ve lost my mojo too, and love that I’m never judged. I’ve picked up some great tips, and always feel proud when someone asks for one of my recipes. Posting pics of meals has also made me more adventurous, because no one wants to see the same dishes all the time.
LOST!
Weight Watchers Magazine / 37
3
2
MAKE THE MOST OF ZERO POINTS FOODS
Going to impromptu lunch meetings and press events means I’ve often used up most of my daily SmartPoints before dinner, but that doesn’t mean I go hungry! I have a list of very low SmartPoints meals I can turn to on nights like that, such as roasted veg with spicy chicken breast, courgetti with a tomato sauce, or an easy tuna salad. And, for a sweet treat, I’m a slave to zero SmartPoints Hartley’s sugar-free jelly pots.
THERE’S NO RIGHT WAY OR WRONG WAY WITH WEIGHT WATCHERS
One of the most important things I’ve learned from other members is that we all do things differently. Weight Watchers provides you with lots of helpful resources, but all you really need to do is stick to your SmartPoints budget. Do this, and you should lose weight – it’s that simple! What you spend your SmartPoints on is up to you. I know some members who love the convenience of ready-meals, while others always cook from scratch. Some spread their SmartPoints out evenly throughout the day, while others save most of them for dinner. Obviously it’s good to get a balance, but that’s why many healthy foods are zero SmartPoints. But beyond that, it’s up to you!
4
DON’T BECOME FIXATED ON THE NUMBER ON THE SCALES
It’s so easy to lose motivation if you have an unexpectedly bad weigh-in early on – it happened to me. If it happens to you, just remind yourself that no one’s journey follows a straight line – a few pounds gained here or there doesn’t mean failure. So many things, from a woman’s menstrual cycle to your most recent meal, can affect body weight. It will take a few months following the plan before you will be able to recognise your own peaks and troughs. The key is to move forward rather than dwelling on a disappointment – remember that non-scale victories are important too! Take photos to help measure your progress in ways the scales can’t.
5
TRACK EVERYTHING – BUT DON’T BE SCARED OF YOUR WEEKLIES
Tracking really is the key to losing weight. But while the app makes tracking simple, we’re all guilty of ‘forgetting’ we had that slice of cake in the office, or a handful of our partner’s crisps (Me? Never!). Now I’m ruthless about tracking everything, even if it reveals I’m over my allowance. It helps me stay accountable and ensures I’m not blaming the plan when I’ve eaten more than I should have. Don’t be scared to use your weeklies either; I found that I actually lost more weight on the weeks I used them!
38 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
SUCCESS
6
MAKE IT WORK FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE WITHOUT MISSING OUT
My job means I’m invited to some amazing events, and travel quite a bit too. However, this often entails trusting other people with the menu, which can derail me pretty quickly. I’m a sucker for a free glass of Champagne, so I’ve had to learn to navigate my way as best I can. At dinner, I skip the bread and starchy sides and opt for protein-rich mains. At breakfast, I go straight for the fruit. And if I’m travelling? Well, that doesn’t count… Okay, sometimes life does get in the way, but that’s fine. It’s important to keep thinking long term – I now understand that losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s all right to enjoy my life along the way. So sometimes I just guesstimate. It’s better than nothing, right?
This is
GEMMA START WEIGHT 13st 7lb
GOAL WEIGHT 10st 10lb
CURRENT WEIGHT 12st 2lb
Age 34 HEIGHT 5ft 7in
JOINED January 2017 TIME TAKEN SO FAR MONTHS
11
Meeting Online
7
KEEP YOUR FRIDGE AND CUPBOARDS WELL STOCKED
I love cooking, but don’t have a huge amount of time for it during the week. I rely on planning ahead, shopping online and keeping my kitchen stocked with go-to ingredients. I will sing the praises of frozen chopped onion until the cows come home, because it saves both time and tears. I’m a huge fan of ingredients that can be used in small amounts for minimal SmartPoints but are packed with flavour, such as soy sauce, curry pastes, pesto, and Worcestershire sauce. My biggest secret? Dunn’s River All Purpose Seasoning. It makes everything taste great, from pasta dishes to my signature paella. Weight Watchers Magazine / 39
SUCCESS
The joy of Weight Watchers is that no food is off-limits, but some are trickier to work into the plan, unless you have a huge number of weeklies to play with. When I indulged in a Cadbury Creme Egg (9 SmartPoints), it was a shock to realise I could have had an entire meal instead! I’ve tried not to cut anything out, because that’s when resentment sets in. However, I’ve also learned to be creative – there’s often a way to enjoy your favourite foods without wiping out your daily allowance. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a healthy swap: homemade curry instead of a takeaway; making a tortilla pizza instead of ordering from Domino’s; enjoying a Fibre One Chocolate Fudge Brownie instead of a slice of cake. As for Creme Eggs, well... at least they’re only around four months a year!
10
LOSING WEIGHT IS
A MARATHON NOT A SPRINT – HAVE FUN AS YOU GO
9
WORK SOME VEGGIE MEALS INTO YOUR WEEK
One thing Weight Watchers has really helped me to do is up my vegetable intake. I love meat – and most lean cuts are surprisingly low in SmartPoints – but I’m trying to eat meat-free at least a couple of times each week. As a child, I was a horrifically fussy eater and barely touched any veggies, but I’ve since discovered that pretty much all of them taste great with some spices and chickpeas in a curry.
FITPOINTS ARE NOT AN EXCUSE TO EAT MORE
I love the concept of FitPoints, because I need every incentive possible to get active, but so far I’ve chosen not to swap them for SmartPoints. I’m not doing enough strenuous exercise to require a refuel afterwards, so I see FitPoints as something that can help speed up my weight loss, rather than an excuse to eat more. I earn about 70 FitPoints a week usually, but I’ve made a deal with myself that I can only spend them once I hit 100.
40 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Styling: Charlene Bent. Hair and make-up: Alice Theobald With thanks to: Lasula (lasula.co.uk), Vero Moda (veromoda.com)
8
YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING YOU LIKE – BUT ASK YOURSELF IF IT’S WORTH THE SMARTPOINTS FIRST
WE WALK
TOGETHER
© Photo CARE / Brendan Foster
WE’RE CHALLENGING YOU TO COMPLETE 10K STEPS A DAY FOR A WEEK, FOR CARE INTERNATIONAL. We want you to get out, stretch those legs and walk together with the women and girls who have no choice but to walk many miles every day to fetch water for their families. So, grab your buddy or your buggy, your sister or your mister, team up with anyone you fancy, or fly solo if you like. But join us in helping women out of poverty.
10K STEPS A DAY. ONE WEEK. 16-22 APRIL. WALK IN HER SHOES 2018.
REGISTER AT careint.uk/walk2018 OR CALL 020 7091 6100
SIGN UP NOW
Registered charity number: 292506
our most
flexible programme ever
Find out more at your meeting Think of your meeting as an hour of ‘me-time’ where you can spend time with people just like you!
Learn all about WW Flex…
Your Coach will help you to explore WW Flex – our most flexible programme yet! It encourages you to enjoy food with freedom, find what moves you physically, and gives you the skills to shift your mindset.
…and how it works for you
You’ll be given a personalised SmartPoints® budget and it’s up to you what you spend it on! Build meals from more than 200 zero Points® foods and make the most of rollovers. You’ll never have to worry about running out of ideas or feeling hungry…
‘Finally I’ve found a programme that fits perfectly into my lifestyle’ Mariam, Meetings + Online member
ZERO SMARTPOINTS SOUP? YES PLEASE! P.60
Food
EAT THE FOOD YOU LOVE AND STILL LOSE WEIGHT!
WHY SHOULD I…
BAKE WITH VEG?
these beetroot b P.72 because rown ! s ies are deliciou
WEEKNIGHT MEALS IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS
Cooking one of these recipes? Show us how you get on using the #mywwkitchen hashtag on Instagram
Photography: Ant Duncan. Food styling: Kathy Kordalis. Prop styling: Tonia Shuttleworth
P.81
FEBRUARY RECIPE INDEX
Apricot, blueberry & nut crumble P.65
Bean & lentil chilli P76
Beef masala with turmeric rice P.70
Beetroot & egg hash P.72
Beetroot & mackerel toastie P.72
Beetroot brownies P.72
Beetroot dip P.63
Celeriac-topped fish pie P.55
Chicken & grape salad P.59
Chicken Tex-Mex pitta pizza P.90 (+4)
DINNER
Chicken tikka wraps P.50
Chicken with pesto pasta P.59 (+2)
Chickpea & goat’s cheese salad P.60
Chickpea & tomato soup P.60
Coriander & lime houmous P.60
French toast crumpets with blueberry compote P.69 (+1)
Japanese pancakes P.90
Lasagne P.49
Mango lassi P.63
Minestrone soup P.33
Potato, spinach & chicken salad P.59 (+2)
Quorn & vegetable red Thai curry P.77
Ranch-style dressing P.63
Roasted vegetable tacos with slaw P.78
Salmon carbonara P.57
Salmon with curried rice P.92
Spiced roast chickpeas P.60
Toasted chicken sandwich P.59
Tzatziki P.63
44 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
MEAL PLAN SHOPPING LIST Here’s all you need to make our weeknight dinners (see P.81)
FRUIT & VEG 800g prepared butternut squash 550g cherry tomatoes 325g pack stir-fry mixed vegetables 800g mixed mushrooms,
(we used chestnut, shiitake and portobella)
80g rocket 120g young leaf spinach 3 red onions 5 red peppers 1 garlic bulb Fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 lemon
KEY TO SYMBOLS GLUTEN-FREE Recipes do not include any ingredients that contain gluten. VEGETARIAN Recipes that are meat-free and use only vegetarian ingredients.
MEAT, FISH & EGGS 450g skinless chicken breast fillets 8 reduced-fat pork
NO COUNT Recipes are No Count. For some recipes, we’ve also shown the SmartPoints you’d need to deduct from your weeklies (in brackets) if following No Count.
EXTRA INFO
✁
l All spoon measures are level and all eggs, fruit and veg are medium unless stated otherwise. l Low-fat spread means a light spread with a fat content of no less than 38%. l Recipes displaying a tick in the gluten-free column include ingredients that naturally do not contain gluten, but may also contain processed products, such as sauces, stock cubes and spice mixes. If so, you should ensure that those products do not include any gluten-containing ingredients (wheat, barley or rye) – these will be highlighted in the ingredients list on the product’s label. Manufacturers may also indicate whether there is a chance that their product may have been accidentally contaminated with gluten during the manufacturing process. For more information and guidance on gluten-free products, visit coeliac.org.uk l Recipes displaying a tick in the vegetarian column include non-animal-based ingredients, but may also contain processed products that aren’t always vegetarian, such as parmesan and pesto. If you’re a vegetarian, you should ensure you use vegetarian varieties and check the ingredients labels. l On a No Count day, include 2 teaspoons of healthy oil (sunflower, olive, flaxseed, safflower or rapeseed, or calorie-controlled spray). If you have already used your allowance for the day, take the oil in this recipe from your weekly SmartPoints allowance. l SmartPoints have been calculated using the values for generic foods, not brands (except where stated). Tracking with branded items may affect the recorded SmartPoints. We calculate the cost of our recipes by checking current prices at supermarkets online. We vary between budget and mid-range lines, but always cost for free-range eggs. Costings are based on the exact amount of ingredient used – for example, 125g low-fat spread is costed at half the price of a 250g pack.
sausages (we used M&S
Dried rice noodles
300g raw king prawns 4 skinless salmon fillets
Wholewheat pasta
Skinny Pork Sausages)
DAIRY, CHILLED & FROZEN 30g light soft cheese
(we used Philadelphia Lightest)
0% fat crème fraîche (you’ll need 2 tbsp) 3 eggs STORECUPBOARD Calorie controlled cooking spray Olive oil Sesame oil Cornflour Bulgur wheat (you’ll need 240g)
(you’ll need 250g)
(you’ll need 200g)
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 2 x 400g tins chickpeas 2 x 410g tins green lentils English mustard Chilli flakes Curry powder Dried oregano Mixed dried herbs Smoked paprika Vegetable stock cubes (you’ll need 1) Balsamic vinegar Clear honey Fish sauce Soy sauce
NOW YOU CAN QUICK-TRACK THESE FIVE RECIPES!
Scan the barcode using the Weight Watchers app, instead of entering the SmartPoints manually
MONDAY Mushroom & spinach spaghetti P.82 (+1)
TUESDAY Chicken & chickpea stew P.83
WEDNESDAY Mustard-glazed salmon with lentils P.84
THURSDAY Prawn Singapore noodles P.85
FRIDAY Sausage, cherry tomato & red pepper bake P.86
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
FAST, FILLING AND DELICIOUS Make following the plan super easy with speedy recipes made using Weight Watchers bread. Low in fat and sugar, these loaves are perfect for creating delicious and satisfying meals that won’t send you off track Whether you fancy a quick sandwich or some tasty toast, Weight Watchers bread is perfect for speedy meals. Super-soft and delicious, the Danish range is 1 SmartPoint® per slice, while Thick Wholemeal is 2 SmartPoints® per slice. Plus, all loaves in the range are low in both fat and sugar. What’s not to love?
Try this tuna, red onion and light cheese sandwich for lunch
THE PERFECT SLICE Weight Watchers Malted Danish, Thick Wholemeal and White Danish loaves, RRP £1.05, 400g. Available in selected Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores.
FOOD
FOOD,
FLEX
& Us!
Before launching Weight Watchers Flex we wanted to be certain it ticked all the boxes, so we asked real members to give the new programme a trial run and tell us what they thought. Here, five of our eager ‘Team Flex’ volunteers share their stories, and what they love about WW Flex. They’re sure you’ll love it too! Weight Watchers Magazine / 47
This is SCOTT START WEIGHT
21st 8lb
GOAL WEIGHT
12st 9lb
CURRENT WEIGHT
13st
Age 33 Height 5ft 10in Joined November 2016 Time taken so far 1 year Meeting Scartho, Grimsby Coach Debbie Elder
Scott Gollings
‘I SOON LEARNED THAT WW FLEX SUITS MY LIFESTYLE DOWN TO THE GROUND’
S
ettling into my seat on a flight to Kos with my partner Jen and daughter Adele in 2016, I reached for my seatbelt. But as I tried to buckle up, I was embarrassed to realise it wouldn’t fit around me. Weighing more than 21st and with a 50-inch waist, I had to ask the cabin crew for a seatbelt extension. It was a depressing start to our summer holiday but made me realise I needed to tackle my weight problem once and for all. I began to gain weight in my 20s, after I gave up playing football and became less active. Around that time I also made a habit of ordering Chinese takeaways whenever Jen was working a shift as a midwife, instead of cooking myself a healthy meal. I formed unhealthy habits at work too, microwaving ready-meals for lunch and believing that something like a tuna bake must be okay, but never checking the label. I now know some ready-meals can be as much as 24 SmartPoints, so it’s no wonder I was piling on pounds. Although I’m pretty self-confident, I hated how my weight was affecting me and my family. I couldn’t run around after Adele, now six, and even walking upstairs to bed made me breathless. Knowing I 48 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
was at risk of diabetes, like my dad and granddad, was another big reason to change. We now have another daughter, Ella, and I never wanted the girls to have to worry about their dad’s health. Joining Weight Watchers was the best thing for me. My Coach, Debbie, has been so encouraging and I love the fact no food is off limits and I can eat whatever I like, as long as I track it. When I was invited to join Team Flex, I was cautious, because the plan was working so well for me as it was. But I soon learned WW Flex suits my lifestyle down to the ground. As a mechanic for a go-kart racing team, I travel a lot and am often staying in hotels. The list of new zero Points foods has made it so much easier to choose meals when I’m away from home. Now, I’ll choose something like a seafood platter and don’t have to worry about calculating the SmartPoints. I’ve also noticed I feel fuller for longer. Before Weight Watchers, I’d snack on biscuits or crisps all day, but now I’ll eat an omelette for lunch and not feel hungry again until 5pm. And if I do fancy a snack, I’ll grab some chicken breast pieces we keep in the fridge. Setting mini challenges for myself has really kept me going. Now, my trousers are a 34-inch waist and I’m just 5lb from goal! I plan to get there very soon.
Team Flex volunteers Lobke and Scott get cooking in the Weight Watchers kitchen
FOOD
SCOTT’S GO-TO RECIPE: LASAGNE
‘We make this tasty lasagne from the Weight Watchers Kitchen Favourites cookbook, then freeze portions for an easy lunch or dinner’ SERVES 6 ~ Prep time 15 minutes ~ Cook time 3 hours, 5 minutes ~ Calories 399 per serving ~ SmartPoints 10 per serving INGREDIENTS
SCOTT’S FLEX EFFECT
So many healthy sources of protein are zero SmartPoints with WW Flex, and they’re great to fill up on. Now, I’ll have an omelette for breakfast or lunch, and that will keep me going for hours. And while I don’t usually roll over daily SmartPoints, I like knowing that I can if I want to treat myself to drinks or a meal out at the weekend. I also never used to eat chickpeas or lentils, but now they’re zero SmartPoints, I’m using them to bulk up recipes like chilli.
1 aubergine 2 tsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 celery sticks, diced 2 carrots, diced 500g 5% fat beef mince 4 garlic cloves, chopped 100g sun-dried tomato pesto 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp low-fat spread 1 tbsp plain flour 300ml skimmed milk 60g half-fat mature Cheddar, grated 9 dried lasagne sheets 15g parmesan, grated METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Wrap the aubergine in kitchen foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until soft. Chop into 1cm cubes, then set aside. 2 Heat the olive oil in a large pan then add the onion, celery and carrots and cook for 15 minutes until just softened. Add the mince and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Add the aubergine, pesto, tomatoes and a tin of water to the pan and simmer for 30 minutes. 3 Reduce the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas mark 5. Whisk together the spread, flour and milk in a small pan over a medium heat until bubbling. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in two-thirds of the Cheddar and season to taste. 4 Spoon a third of the meat sauce into an ovenproof dish, top with 3 pasta sheets then a third of the cheese sauce. Repeat with the remaining sauces and pasta. Scatter over the parmesan and remaining Cheddar; bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 49
LOUISE’S GO-TO RECIPE: CHICKEN TIKKA WRAPS
‘My whole family tucks into these tasty chicken wraps, and they’re so simple to make’ SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 20 minutes + soaking and marinating ~ Cook time 20 minutes ~ Calories 477 per serving ~ SmartPoints 8 per serving
COOK’S TIP MANGO SALSA MAKES A GREAT SIDE DISH. TRY THE ONE ON P.109 OF WEIGHT WATCHERS FLEX COOKBOOK, FOR AN EXTRA 3 SMARTPOINTS PER SERVING.
INGREDIENTS 500g skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-size chunks 400g tomatoes, roughly chopped ½ small red onion, thinly sliced Zest and juice of ½ lemon 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander 4 sprigs fresh mint, leaves picked and chopped 4 chapatis (we used Sainsbury’s) 0% fat natural Greek yogurt, to serve For the marinade 100g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt 1 garlic clove, chopped ½ green chilli, deseeded and chopped 1cm piece fresh ginger, grated ½ tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp tikka curry powder You’ll also need 8 wooden skewers, soaked in cold water for 30 minutes METHOD 1 To make the marinade, put the yogurt, garlic, chilli, ginger and spices into a small food processor and blitz to a smooth paste. Transfer to a bowl with the chicken pieces, toss to coat, then cover and marinate for 30 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, combine the tomatoes, onion, lemon zest and juice, coriander and mint in a bowl and season. 3 Preheat the grill to medium-high. Thread the chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked skewers, discarding any leftover marinade. Cook under the grill for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. 4 Put the chapatis on a baking sheet and warm under the grill for 1 minute on each side. Serve the chapatis and skewers with the salad and yogurt. COOK’S TIP Top with 25g flaked almonds for an extra 1 SmartPoint per serving. 50 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Louise serves her favourite wraps to friends on Team Flex. The verdict? Their smiles say it all
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This is
LOUISE START WEIGHT
10st 12lb GOAL WEIGHT
8st 11lb
CURRENT WEIGHT
9st 3lb
Age 37 Height 5ft Joined April 2014 Time taken to goal 4 months Meeting Salvation Army Centre, Dunstable Coach Pam Hutchinson Instagram @lou_wwgoldmember
P
Louise Tompkins
‘I CAN’T BELIEVE THE KIDS ACTUALLY PREFER MY WEIGHT WATCHERS RECIPES TO FAST FOOD!’
assing by a McDonald’s without having my seven-year-old twins Jack and Alfie ask for a Big Mac still surprises me. But ever since I started cooking Weight Watchers recipes at home, the boys tell me they prefer my cooking to fast food, which is a huge compliment. I’ve always had to watch my weight, but after the twins’ birth in July 2010, I really struggled. I’d gained 3st 7lb in pregnancy and was determined to get healthy my own way, but without a structured plan or extra support to spur me on, I failed. I’d eat healthily during the day, but once the boys were in bed, I’d reach for crisps or biscuits. With every pound gained I grew more breathless. It affected my confidence too, and I began covering up in baggy tops rather than figure-hugging clothes. I finally decided to take action during a holiday to Norfolk in 2014, after I saw a photo my husband Chris had taken. It was of me with one of the boys but I barely recognised myself. It made me realise that as well as improving how I looked, I wanted to be a role model for my sons, so when we got home, I joined Weight Watchers. Walking into my first meeting, I felt more committed than ever. I made lots of small changes, such as swapping regular butter and milk
for lighter versions and I started to cook meals from scratch. I was determined to lose every week – and I did! I already had an Instagram account, but when I started the plan, I began posting photos of meals along with how many SmartPoints were in them. I’d also post my weigh-in results and was completely honest about whether I was struggling or not. People engaged with my photos online, and incredibly, I now have more than 40,000 followers. They seem to love my recipes too. Getting to goal after four months felt brilliant. I kept up my healthy lifestyle, but after gaining some weight during an all-inclusive holiday I struggled to get my mojo back. So when I got the opportunity to join Team Flex and trial the programme, I jumped at the chance to try something new. Realising I’d have fewer daily SmartPoints with WW Flex worried me at first, but then I discovered there are so many more zero Points foods to fill up on. The plan has also pushed me to try foods that weren’t on my radar before, such as salmon. It’s been brilliant when I’m eating out in the evening too, like last week, when I went to Nando’s. I stuck to zero Points foods all day and used my SmartPoints for dinner. I even lost 2lb that week! I’m definitely sticking with WW Flex and intend to be back at my goal weight in the next few months.
LOUISE’S FLEX EFFECT
I’ve noticed loads of positives since giving WW Flex a go, but one thing that really stands out for me is not only am I losing weight, but my skin’s improved and I feel great too. That’s been a real bonus. I also love having the flexibility to make meals using zero Points foods, without having to think about the SmartPoints. Everything that’s now zero is healthy, but they’re also the kind of things you eat every day. If I want a bigger meal in the evening, I eat mostly zero Points foods during the day and save my SmartPoints for later. I’ve been making lots of fakeaway recipes too, now that many of them are lower in SmartPoints than before. Like the chicken tikka wraps (left) with salad and yogurt. With meals like that, I even have spare SmartPoints for some mango salsa or brown rice on the side.
This is KAREN START WEIGHT
22st 3lb
GOAL WEIGHT
12st 1lb
CURRENT WEIGHT
17st 2lb
Karen & Ian Mathison
‘WE’RE BOTH FOODIES AND NOW WE CAN SAVE SOME OF OUR SMARTPOINTS TO ENJOY A PUB LUNCH ON SUNDAYS’ KAREN SAYS: As a trainee photography teacher, I’m often climbing ladders or crawling on the floor to get the ideal shot. But two years ago it was a very different story. Weighing 22st, I wore a size 26-28 and was always out of breath, and feeling achey and in pain. My family has always been big. Growing up, I remember my nanna baking lots of pies, cupcakes and hearty meals which we all tucked into. Everyone adored Nanna, and for me, food became a way to express love. When Ian and I first got together, I followed in Nanna’s footsteps, cooking him huge steaks with double cream and half a pound of butter. No wonder I weighed 21st by the time I was 21! By my late 20s I needed medication for high blood pressure. My job at the time didn’t help. I sat at a desk for more than eight hours a day, and would grab a chocolate bar for lunch or scoff a bag of sweets in the afternoon. Ian and I loved eating out – and in! We both steadily put on weight until it got to the point where I needed to ask 52 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
for a seatbelt extension whenever we flew somewhere on holiday. It made me feel so embarrassed. The death of my beloved nanna at the end of 2015 followed by my aunt just two months later was a turning point for me, then Ian suffered health problems too. I finally realised I had to do something about my own health, so I joined Weight Watchers, and so did Ian. It’s easy for me to turn to food whenever I’m tired, stressed or busy, but WW Flex has helped direct me towards healthier options. And while I have a way to go until I get to goal, the weight has been coming off steadily and I’ve been astonished by how my taste in food has changed. I never ate fish before, but now I love salmon and scrambled eggs, or pesto-crumbed cod. And I actually look forward to veg! Since we joined Weight Watchers, life just keeps getting better. Nowadays, there’s nothing I love more than going to the shops and trying on clothes in smaller sizes. It makes me happy to see how far I’ve come!
KAREN AND IAN’S FLEX EFFECT
We’ve both noticed that we feel fuller for longer when our meals include the new zero Points foods. And we’re using them for snacks too, like chicken or prawns cooked in tandoori spices. We now keep these in the fridge as our go-to snacks. The programme has also changed the way we cook, making our favourite recipes more flexible, as we can bulk them up with things like sweetcorn, peas or tinned fish, without adding SmartPoints. And the option to roll over SmartPoints is brilliant. We’re both foodies, and love saving some of our SmartPoints for a pub lunch on Sundays.
Age 50 Height 5ft 9in Joined March 2016 Time taken so far 1 year 8 months Meetings Hoddlesden, Darwen, then Lammack, Blackburn Coaches Melissa Freeman, then Ian Mathison Instagram @kazziem1967
FOOD
IAN SAYS: When you’ve undergone a quadruple heart bypass and stared death in the face, you can go one of two ways. You either vow to turn your life around by making healthier choices, or think: ‘Life’s short and I’m going to enjoy every last minute.’ Unfortunately, after my heart surgery in 2001, I took the latter path. The shock of being told I needed such a serious operation didn’t make me change my eating habits, and when I came out of hospital, I went from 15st to more than 21st! Curries, takeaways, pints of beer – I overindulged in everything, but now I describe my behaviour as food abuse. However, in 2015 I had a number of wake-up calls. That summer, our son David got married in Rhodes and the heat nearly killed me. I had a 46-inch waist, wore a 20-inch shirt collar, and even struggled to get into a size XXXL. Then Karen’s nanna and aunt died, in quick succession, and that really made me realise I wasn’t going to be around forever. Karen and I found an old video recording of our wedding, 17 years earlier, and as we watched it together, neither of us could believe how much weight we’d gained since.
COOK’S TIP SCATTER 40G GRATED PARMESAN OVER THE MASH ON THIS FISH PIE (P.55) BEFORE BAKING FOR AN EXTRA 2 SMARTPOINTS PER SERVING.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 53
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This is IAN
START WEIGHT
21st 6lb
GOAL WEIGHT
12st 7lb
CURRENT WEIGHT
13st 12lb
Age 57 Height 5ft 10in Joined March 2016 Time taken so far 1 year 8 months Meeting Hoddlesden, Darwen Coach Melissa Freeman
IAN AND KAREN’S GO-TO RECIPE: CELERIAC-TOPPED FISH PIE
‘Who doesn’t love fish pie? And this one’s packed full of zero-hero ingredients’ SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 20 minutes ~ Cook time 1 hour ~ Calories 408 per serving ~ SmartPoints 7 per serving INGREDIENTS 1kg celeriac, peeled and cut into cubes 500ml semi-skimmed milk, plus 2 tbsp extra for the topping 400g smoked haddock fillets 400g unsmoked haddock fillets 1 small onion, halved 4 cloves 1 bay leaf 260g young leaf spinach 65g low-fat spread 50g plain flour Small handful fresh dill, chopped Green salad, to serve METHOD
I was 55 years old at the time, but felt much older. I realised that if I didn’t do something about my weight, it would be a downward slope, so in March 2016, I joined Weight Watchers. At the time, I thought that meetings would be a room full of people all talking about food and I wasn’t keen on the idea, so I only agreed to be an online member. But later, realising I needed more support, I joined Karen’s meeting. I was surprised to discover I really enjoyed learning about nutrition, and our Coach showed us where we’d been going wrong with food. For instance, we used to get through a pound of butter a week between us. Now, that amount lasts us more than a month! As the weight came off I began to feel so much healthier. I was loving the plan, but when I heard about WW Flex,
I was eager to give it a go. I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how many foods were zero SmartPoints. It’s been great to make an omelette for breakfast that only has SmartPoints if I add Weight Watchers cheese or some bacon. Because I have a desk job and am not very active for much of the day, I have a light lunch, such as a chicken or ham sandwich with mustard. Then I have a heartier meal in the evening and even enjoy a drink if I fancy it. I’ve now become a Coach, and I’m totally committed to practising what I preach. I’ve lost a third of my body weight since joining Weight Watchers and feel like a different person. I can walk up hills without a problem, and even bought a pair of 30-inch waist jeans the other day. And believe me, if I can do it, anyone can.
1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Put the celeriac on a baking tray and roast for 35-40 minutes, until tender and golden. 2 Meanwhile, put 500ml milk in a large pan with the fish, onion, cloves and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and poach for 4-5 minutes, until the fish is just cooked. Lift the fish from the milk and set aside. Remove the onion, cloves and bay leaf from the milk and discard, saving the liquid. 3 Heat a splash of water in a wide pan, add the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from the pan, squeeze out any excess moisture and roughly chop. 4 Melt 50g of the spread in a pan then stir in the flour to make a paste; cook for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the poaching liquid, then bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Flake the cooked fish into the sauce then add the spinach and dill. Season. 5 Mash the roasted celeriac with the remaining spread and the extra milk, then season. 6 Put the fish mixture into a baking dish and top with the mash. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve with the green salad.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 55
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FIND YOUR WEIGHT WATCHERS FLEX EFFECT Starter Kit includes tote bag, Journal and Eat Out and Shop guide. Was £14.95, now £11.20. Saving you £3.75! Available to buy in your meeting or visit www.weightwatchersshop.co.uk *Promotion applies only from 31st December until 3rd February 2018 or whilst stocks last. 25% off The Starter Kit, now just £11.20 (usual price £14.95). Offer is non-transferable and no cash alternative or product alternatives will be offered. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or vouchers. Weight Watchers (UK) Ltd reserves the right to alter, amend or foreclose offers or pricing without prior notice. Offers and prices are valid in mainland UK only. For Online Shop orders: please visit website for terms and conditions. WEIGHT WATCHERS and SmartPoints® are the registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. The SmartPoints Weight Loss system and formula are proprietary to Weight Watchers International, Inc. © 2018 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All rights reserved.
FOOD
LOBKE’S GO-TO RECIPE: SALMON CARBONARA
This is LOBKE
‘I often cook chicken for dinner, but also love using zero SmartPoints salmon in this delicious twist on a carbonara’
START WEIGHT
16st 9lb
GOAL WEIGHT
10st
SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 15 minutes ~ Cook time 15 minutes ~ Calories 514 per serving ~ SmartPoints 9 per serving
CURRENT WEIGHT
12st 9lb
Age 36 Height 5ft 5in Joined March 2015 Time taken so far 2 years, 8 months Meeting Torquay, Devon Coach Carol Fox Instagram @lobsgetsfit
300g spaghetti Calorie controlled cooking spray 2 bacon medallions, trimmed and sliced 1 garlic clove, sliced 2 eggs 150g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt 2 skinless salmon fillets, steamed Handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and chopped 3 tbsp grated parmesan METHOD
LOBKE’S FLEX EFFECT
Lobke Meulemeester
‘THE GREAT THING ABOUT WW FLEX IS THAT IT’S SO EASY TO GET USED TO’
B
eing part of Team Flex and trialling the programme made me excited rather than nervous. I’d already lost weight with Weight Watchers and I trusted that any changes to the plan would be an improvement, and I was right! The great thing about WW Flex is that it’s so easy. It’s about swapping some of the foods you used to eat for healthier choices, but you never feel deprived. I love the variety of zero Points foods too, almost as much as I love the fact I never go hungry because I can snack on them whenever I want to! WW Flex has been brilliant in that respect. Following the programme has also prompted me to cook from scratch more often, which reminded me how much I enjoy experimenting with different recipes and generally spending time pottering in my kitchen. And another good thing? Being Belgian, I just have to have chocolate, and with WW Flex, I now find it much easier to incorporate a chocolatey treat into my day.
Including lots of zero Points foods in your grocery shop is the way forward. That way, you’re always able to rustle up something low in SmartPoints! I incorporate as many of these foods into my meals as I can so I finish the day with around 3 SmartPoints spare. Then I roll those over for a weekend treat. I’ve learned from experience that it doesn’t end well if you deprive yourself of things you enjoy. So if I fancy a dessert, I have one. I just choose zero Points foods for the base of my main course. Plus, with WW Flex I can have an indulgent cooked breakfast for just 3 SmartPoints. I just swap baked beans for a bean mix, add some chopped tomatoes for sauce, and choose bacon medallions instead of sausages.
1 Bring a large pan of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti to pack instructions. 2 Meanwhile, mist a large frying pan with the cooking spray and fry the bacon for 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. 3 In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and yogurt. Drain the pasta, reserving the pasta water, and put the spaghetti in the pan with the bacon and 100ml of the reserved water. Stir, then add the egg mixture. Continue stirring off the heat until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. 4 Flake through the salmon fillets and add most of the parsley and parmesan. Season to taste, then serve garnished with the rest of the parsley.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 57
Words: Jill Foster. Photography: Ian Harrison. Styling: Zoë Kozlik. Hair and make-up: Amanda Clarke, Alice Theobold
INGREDIENTS
Potato, spinach & chicken salad
Toasted chicken sandwich Chicken & gra
l
ad
pe sa
Chicken with pesto pasta Cooking one of these recipes? Show us how you get on using the #mywwkitchen hashtag on Instagram 58 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
ZERO
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Start with
By now, you’ve all heard the good news – chicken breast, chickpeas and fat-free plain yogurt are now zero heroes! These ideas from our brand new Weight Watchers Flex cookbook shine a spotlight on how these foods can be used as the base of many quick, simple and tasty low SmartPoints meals
4 WAYS WITH...
cooked chicken
Batch cook a few chicken breasts on a Sunday, and hey presto!
TOASTED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Mix 60g quark with a small handful chopped fresh chives, then season to taste. Toast 1 brown sandwich thin and spread over the chive quark. Top with 1 shredded cooked skinless chicken breast fillet, a small handful of rocket and the other half of the sandwich thin. Serve on its own or with a zero Points colourful mixed salad or bowl of warming veggie soup. MAKES 1 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Cook time 2 minutes ~ Calories 327 per sandwich ~ SmartPoints 4 per sandwich
CHICKEN & GRAPE SALAD
Toss together 160g mixed salad leaves with 250g halved black and green grapes, and 1 small sliced cucumber. Whisk together 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil with the juice of 1 lemon, 2 finely chopped sprigs of fresh rosemary and 1 crushed garlic clove. Season to taste, then drizzle over the salad and toss to dress. Add 4 sliced cooked skinless chicken breast fillets and toss again to combine. Divide between 4 bowls and garnish with 50g almonds. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Calories 353 per serving ~ SmartPoints 4 per serving
POTATO, SPINACH & CHICKEN SALAD
Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Put 500g halved new potatoes in a roasting tin with ½ tbsp olive oil. Season. Roast for 30-35 minutes, then let cool. Serve with 160g young leaf spinach, 150g halved cherry tomatoes and 4 shredded cooked skinless chicken breast fillets. Whisk 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp clear honey and 1 tsp wholegrain mustard, then drizzle over to serve. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes + cooling ~ Cook time 35 minutes ~ Calories 341 per serving ~ SmartPoints 5 per serving
CHICKEN WITH PESTO PASTA
Cook 250g wholewheat pasta to pack instructions. Drain, reserving the pasta water. Stir 100g low-fat soft cheese, 2 tbsp pesto and a ladleful of the pasta water through the pasta until the cheese has melted and the pasta is evenly coated. Toss through 4 diced cooked skinless chicken breast fillets, 150g young leaf spinach and a handful of chopped fresh basil. Once the spinach has wilted, season and serve. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Cook time 15 minutes ~ Calories 449 per serving ~ SmartPoints 8 per serving
Weight Watchers Magazine / 59
These storecupboard staples are great for bulking out meals, and make for a filling snack too
CHICKPEA & TOMATO SOUP
Drain and rinse a 400g tin chickpeas and put in a pan with a 400g tin chopped tomatoes, 100g cherry tomatoes, 300ml hot vegetable stock made with 1 stock cube, 1 chopped garlic clove, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and ½ tsp chilli powder. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime, then blitz with a stick blender until smooth. Gently heat through, season to taste and serve, or chill in the fridge and serve cold, with 1 tsp 0% fat natural Greek yogurt swirled through each serving. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Cook time 10 minutes ~ Calories 109 per serving ~ SmartPoints 0 per serving
CHICKPEA & GOAT’S CHEESE SALAD
Drain and rinse 2 x 400g tins chickpeas and put in a large serving bowl with 400g halved cherry tomatoes and 70g rocket. Whisk together 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, the grated zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 tsp dried oregano. Pour over the salad and toss to dress, then season to taste. Toss through 150g roughly chopped goat’s cheese, then serve. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Calories 319 per serving ~ SmartPoints 6 per serving
60 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
CORIANDER & LIME HOUMOUS
Drain and rinse a 400g tin chickpeas, then put in a food processor with 1 large garlic clove, 2 tbsp 0% fat natural Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp tahini, ½ tbsp olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, a handful of fresh coriander and 2 tbsp water. Blitz until you have a chunky textured houmous. Add more water if you prefer it smoother. Serve with vegetable crudités. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Calories 123 per serving ~ SmartPoints 1 per serving
SPICED ROAST CHICKPEAS
Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Drain and rinse a 400g tin chickpeas and dry them on kitchen paper. Put in a roasting tin and toss with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp ground coriander. Drizzle over 1 tbsp olive oil and stir well so the chickpeas are coated. Roast for 30 minutes or until crisp, then serve as a snack. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Cook time 30 minutes ~ Calories 107 per serving ~ SmartPoints 1 per serving
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4 WAYS WITH...
tzatziki
0% fat natural Greek yogurt
There’s a lot more you can do with plain yogurt than just spoon it over some berries. Try these tasty ideas…
MANGO LASSI
Put 150g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt, 75g ripe mango flesh, 1 tsp clear honey and a pinch of ground cardamom in a blender, along with 5 ice cubes. Blitz until smooth, then add a squeeze of lime juice and pour into a tall glass to serve. This cooling, refreshing drink goes well with spicy dishes, such as curries. MAKES 1 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Calories 144 per drink ~ SmartPoints 6 per drink
BEETROOT DIP
These recipes are taken from our new Weight Watchers Flex cookbook, £14.95, in meetings and online from 1 January. Pick up a copy for lots more recipes that help make delicious food part of your everyday life.
Coarsely grate 125g cooked beetroot and set aside. Put another 125g cooked beetroot into a food processor with 100g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt, 2 tsp pomegranate molasses, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 crushed garlic clove, and 1½ tsp cumin seeds. Season to taste, then blitz until smooth. Add a small handful of roughly chopped fresh mint leaves and pulse to combine. Put the dip into a small bowl and stir through the grated beetroot. Top with ½ tsp cumin seeds and a few small fresh mint leaves. Serve with vegetable crudités, wholemeal pitta breads or crackers, or use as a spread in a tasty wrap. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Calories 51 per serving ~ SmartPoints 0 per serving
TZATZIKI
Deseed and coarsely grate ½ cucumber, then mix with 200g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt, 2 tsp dried mint, 1 tsp dried dill, 2 crushed garlic cloves and 2 tsp white wine vinegar. Season to taste then serve as a cooling dip, use as a spread in pitta breads, or serve with spicy meats such as jerk chicken or chillimarinated lamb kebabs. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Calories 38 per serving ~ SmartPoints 0 per serving
RANCH-STYLE DRESSING
Put 100g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise, 1 crushed garlic clove, ½ tsp English mustard powder, 1 tsp dried onion granules and 1 tsp dried dill in a food processor with 3 tbsp water. Blitz to a smooth consistency, then stir in 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives and 1 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. This dressing will keep in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 3 days and is perfect drizzled over a big, rainbow salad bowl. SERVES 8 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Calories 19 per serving ~ SmartPoints 0 per serving
Weight Watchers Magazine / 63
CRUNCH
time
FOOD
Fancy a sweet, comforting pud? This clever crumble uses frozen and tinned fruit, plus almonds for extra crunch. It couldn’t be easier to make – and it’s gluten-free too. Result!
APRICOT, BLUEBERRY & NUT CRUMBLE SERVES 6 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Cook time 25 minutes ~ Calories 152 per serving ~ SmartPoints 5 per serving
Recipe: Cathie Lonnie. Photography: John Paul Urizar. Food styling: Julz Beresford. Food preparation: Sarah Mayoh
INGREDIENTS Calorie controlled cooking spray 410g tin apricot halves in natural juice, drained 125g frozen blueberries, thawed and drained 35g ground hazelnuts (or whole hazelnuts blitzed to a fine crumb) 45g gluten-free self-raising flour ½ tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp light brown soft sugar 40g low-fat spread 1½ tbsp flaked almonds METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Lightly mist a 750ml-capacity ovenproof dish with cooking spray. Put the apricots and blueberries in the dish and distribute evenly across the base. 2 Combine the ground hazelnuts with the flour, cinnamon and sugar in a large bowl. Using your fingertips, rub in the spread until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the almonds. 3 Top the fruit with the crumble mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crunchy on top.
COOK’S TIP FOR AN EVEN MORE INDULGENT TREAT, SERVE WITH A SCOOP OF LOW-FAT VANILLA ICE CREAM FOR AN EXTRA 4 SMARTPOINTS PER SERVING.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 65
IT'S SIMPLE! Looking to mix up your midweek meals? Give pork medallions a go! High in protein, they’re a great alternative to your usual go-to meat1
C
hoosing pork for dinner once a week will not only help keep mealtimes interesting but, by using our recipe ideas, quick and simple too. Choose lean cuts, such as fillets and loin medallions, and you can tuck in without worrying about going off track. Best of all, there's no need to reserve pork for Sunday roasts; it can just as easily be enjoyed by the whole family any night of the week. Pick up a pack of loin medallions (or buy a whole pork fillet and portion it up yourself) and you can have dinner on the table in a flash. Simply griddle for a few minutes each side for a really simple but delicious supper, or follow our four-step approach, below, for an incredibly tender meat with an extra flavour boost. Ready to get cooking? Read on for our tasty recipes and show us how you get on making them using the #mywwkitchen hashtag on Instagram.
pork
PORK FACTS
MYTH
: Pork is fatty, unhealthy and high in SmartPoints
TRUTH:
Pork medallions are naturally rich in protein and provide 10 vitamins and minerals that contribute towards good health and wellbeing2. Better yet, pork medallions and lean pork fillets are just 2 SmartPoints per 150g serving. Serve with lots of zero Points veg and healthy grains, and you can enjoy a tasty midweek pork dinner that's well within your SmartPoints allowance – perfect!
MYTH: Pork takes ages to cook and is hard to get right
TRUTH:
Loin medallions are actually super easy to cook and can be on the table in just a few minutes, making them a great weeknight staple. Never cooked pork medallions before? Follow the tips below for perfect pork every single time, or try one of our delicious new recipes (right) to see just how quick and easy flavour-filled, low SmartPoints pork dinners can be.
1 Pork is naturally rich in protein. Protein helps muscle growth. 2 Pork is rich in thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 and is a source of riboflavin, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and panthothenic acid
How to cook perfect pork medallions
COOK: SEAR & BAKE
Sear the medallions in a hot griddle or frying pan for 3 minutes. Turn over and then bake at 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4 for 6-8 minutes until the juices run clear.
PREP: TENDERISE & MARINATE
Bash the medallions between clingfilm to 1cm thick using a rolling pin, to tenderise the meat. Put in a dish, pour over a marinade and leave to marinate for 10 minutes.
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JERK-STYLE PORK MEDALLIONS WITH COCONUT CAULIFLOWER 'RICE' After a low SmartPoints meal the whole family will enjoy? Look no further… SERVES 2 ~ Prep time 15 minutes + marinating ~ Cook time 15 minutes ~ Calories 408 per serving ~ SmartPoints 10 per serving INGREDIENTS
METHOD
1 spring onion, trimmed and chopped 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped 2cm piece fresh ginger, grated 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges to serve ½ tsp ground allspice 6 x 50g fillet or loin medallions 2 tsp vegetable oil 8 tbsp light coconut milk 300g cauliflower 'rice' 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 Blitz the spring onion, chilli, ginger, garlic, thyme, lime juice and allspice to a coarse paste in a mini food processor (or using a pestle and mortar). 2 Put the medallions in a glass bowl and rub the marinade all over the meat, cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes. 3 Sear the medallions in a hot griddle or frying pan for 3 minutes. Turn over and put on a baking tray lined with kitchen foil. Bake at 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4 for 6-8 minutes until the juices run clear.
4 Meanwhile, put the coconut milk in a nonstick frying pan over a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cauliflower 'rice' and cook, stirring, for 7-8 minutes or until just tender (add a splash of water, if needed). Stir in the parsley and season. Serve the pork and 'rice' with the extra lime wedges. BULK IT UP Swap the cauliflower rice for 120g cooked brown rice per person, for an extra 4 SmartPoints per serving.
WW KITCHEN Your one-stop foodie guide to cooking, eating, and staying on track
MEET THE TEAM
Our dedicated foodies slave away in the kitchen creating recipes and tips to help you stay on track.
TREND TO TRY
Crumpets
‘You lot are mad about crumpets! And Sarah says: not surprising, really, since they’re low in SmartPoints. I’ve seen loads of inventive uses for crumpets on Insta, and that inspired us to come up with this twist on classic French Toast – there was a stampede in the Weight Watchers test kitchen when they came out of the pan!’
SARAH AKHURST FOOD EDITOR
‘I’m a big brunch fan, so I’m embracing the crumpet trend.’
NADINE BROWN SENIOR FOOD ASSISTANT
‘They say souping is the new juicing, so I’ll be dusting off my stockpot.’
LINZI BRECHIN FOOD TEAM MANAGER
‘I’m always experimenting with new comfort food recipes – especially in winter.’ GET IN TOUCH… If you have any recipe ideas for the food team to try out, email them to: foodteam@seven.co.uk
68 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Cooking one of these recipes? Show us how you get on using the #mywwkitchen hashtag on Instagram
This month, our team are making curry from scratch, rethinking crumpets and experimenting with beetroot.
FRENCH TOAST CRUMPETS WITH BLUEBERRY COMPOTE SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Cook time 25 minutes ~ Calories 384 per serving ~ SmartPoints 8 per serving INGREDIENTS 300g blueberries Zest of 1 lemon 4 eggs 80ml skimmed milk 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp agave syrup 8 crumpets Calorie controlled cooking spray 150g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt
Insta-inspo
METHOD 1 Put the blueberries in a pan with the lemon zest. Cover and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes, until the blueberries have started to break down and are thick and syrupy. 2 Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon and agave syrup in a bowl. Soak the crumpets in the mixture for 2 minutes. Mist a frying pan with cooking spray and cook the crumpets, in batches, for 2-3 minutes each side. 3 Serve the crumpets with the blueberry compote and yogurt.
Try these alternatives Genius Gluten Free Crumpets, £1.50 3 SmartPoints per crumpet
Sarah says:
‘The delicious, fruittopped eggy crumpets from @chunkypineapple_ww caught my foodie eye this month and made me question why I never go beyond my toaster. I love the sweet combo of fresh berries and bananas.’
Kingsmill Crumpet Thins, 75p 2 SmartPoints per crumpet
Warburtons Giant Crumpets, 75p 5 SmartPoints per crumpet
Weight Watchers Magazine / 69
Step inside the
WW kitchen RECIPE OF THE MONTH
BEEF MASALA
with turmeric rice
Linzi says: ‘I’m loving comfort food right now and for me, nothing says “cosy night in” quite like a curry! Whether you’re looking for a fakeaway to enjoy on the sofa with a box set, or a recipe that’s easy to bulk up to feed a crowd on a wintry night, this amazing beef curry is a real winner. It takes a little bit of time to cook, but I promise it’s worth it, and you can always double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for a speedy dinner the following weekend!’ 70 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Cook time 1 hour 15 minutes ~ Calories 484 per serving ~ SmartPoints 11 per serving INGREDIENTS Calorie controlled cooking spray 650g lean braising steak, diced 1 red onion, finely sliced 1 garlic clove, finely sliced 1 tbsp garam masala 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp chilli flakes
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes Handful chopped fresh coriander For the turmeric rice 240g brown rice 2 tsp ground turmeric METHOD 1 Mist a large flameproof casserole with cooking spray and set over a medium heat. Fry the steak in batches until browned all over, then remove from the pan and set aside. 2 Mist the casserole with cooking spray then fry the onion for 4-5 minutes, or until
SOUP-ER HEROES COOK’S TIP GARAM MASALA IS A BLEND OF WARMING GROUND SPICES SUCH AS CINNAMON, CLOVES AND PEPPERCORNS; IT’S JUST RIGHT FOR THIS CURRY.
COOK IT
Tesco Mexican Soup, £2.50, 266g (5 SmartPoints per half pack) Linzi says:
‘This clever pot of make-your-own fresh soup comes with veg and a flavour paste packet, so all you need to do is add water, heat up, and you’ve got a warm meal for two. It also comes in Moroccan and Thai flavours.’
EAT IT
STORE IT
Munchy Seeds Sesame Sprinkles, £3.99, 200g (4 SmartPoints per 25g). Available at munchyseeds.co.uk or selected Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores
Sistema Soup Mug, £5.95, 565ml. Available in meetings or weightwatchersshop. co.uk
Sarah says:
‘Sick of leaking soup in your bag on your way to work? Not any more! This microwaveable mug locks tight, so you won’t have any accidents when you’re on the go. Then you can simply heat and eat.’
‘A soup packed with zero-hero veg gives you spare SmartPoints for crunchy toppings, such as this savoury seed mix. I love it sprinkled over squash or carrot soups.’
Nadine says:
WHAT WE’RE BUYING Nadine says:
soft. Stir in the garlic and spices, then cook for 1 minute. Return the meat to the casserole and stir in the tomatoes. Fill one of the tomato tins with water and add this too. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. 3 Partially cover and cook for 1 hour, or until the sauce has reduced and the meat is tender. Season to taste, then stir through most of the coriander. 4 Meanwhile, make the turmeric rice. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the rice and turmeric, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until al dente. Drain well. Serve with the masala, garnished with the remaining coriander.
Nadine says:
‘Skinless chicken breast is a trolley staple for me, so this is my go-to cookbook when I need inspo. I’m a big fan of the paella with chicken, seafood and chorizo – it’s just 6 SmartPoints per serving (leaving some spare for a glass of wine!). It’s a great dish to serve when you’ve got friends over.’ Pick up a copy of the Chicken cookbook, £7.95, in meetings and online now for lots of delicious new recipes Weight Watchers Magazine / 71
Step inside the
WW kitchen
3 WAYS WITH...
beetroot
‘I’m a huge fan of earthy, sweet beetroot. It’s so versatile – I can’t think of many other vegetables that you can eat root to stem, use in sweet or savoury dishes, and enjoy raw, cooked and juiced. There may well be others that tick the same boxes (I’m looking at you, carrots!), but nothing beats the bright pop of colour that beetroot brings to the table.’ Linzi says:
3
BEETROOT BROWNIES Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm square cake tin. Peel and quarter 375g raw beetroot. Put in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water and cover with cling film. Cook on high for 10 minutes or until tender. Leave to cool, then grate to give 250g. Melt 175g chopped dark chocolate and 200g light vegetable spread in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Stir to combine then set aside. Whisk 3 eggs with 200g caster sugar for 5 minutes until thick and creamy, then gently fold in the chocolate mixture. Fold in 150g wholemeal self-raising flour, then the grated beetroot. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out covered with a few sticky crumbs. Leave to cool in the tin, then cut into 20 pieces and dust with 1 tsp cocoa powder. MAKES 20 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Cook time 1 hour 15 minutes ~ Calories 153 per brownie ~ SmartPoints 7 per brownie
72 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
2 BEETROOT & MACKEREL TOASTIE Preheat the grill to medium-high. Lightly season 2 mackerel fillets and grill for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Leave to cool slightly, then flake. In a bowl, combine 75g light crème fraîche, 1 tbsp capers, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and the juice of ½ lemon (grate the zest to use as a garnish). Split and toast 2 Warburtons Wholemeal Thins. Top with 250g vacuum-packed cooked beetroot, cut into wedges, the flaked mackerel and the crème-fraîche mixture. Serve garnished with a few sprigs of dill and the reserved lemon zest. MAKES 2 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Cook time 5 minutes ~ Calories 521 per toastie ~ SmartPoints 5 per toaste
BEETROOT & EGG HASH Put 400g potatoes and 4 raw beetroots, each peeled and diced, in separate pans and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, then drain the potatoes. Cook the beetroot for a further 5 minutes, then drain well. Mist a large frying pan with calorie controlled cooking spray and cook 75g chopped chorizo for 3-4 minutes until crisp and releasing oil. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a plate. Add the drained potatoes and beetroot to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until tender and golden. Return the chorizo to the pan and stir to combine. Make 4 holes in the hash and crack 1 egg into each. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the whites are almost set, then cover and cook for 2 minutes until the whites are completely set, and the yolks soft. Season and serve garnished with chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Cook time 35 minutes ~ Calories 238 per serving ~ SmartPoints 5 per serving
Recipes: Sarah Akhurst, Nadine Brown. Photography: Ant Duncan. Food styling: Kathy Kordalis. Prop styling: Tonia Shuttleworth
1
Is stress tying you in knots? Today's lifestyles are demanding, and one of the things they demand most is the mineral magnesium, which allows the nervous system to function properly and the muscles to relax. Magnesium is available in healthy foods such as wholegrains, dried fruit, green leafy vegetables and nuts, however there are times when your diet can lack the goodness needed and be deficient in magnesium. If you are feeling irritable and snappy, with knots in your shoulders and tension stiffening your neck, bump up your magnesium and lose those knots. Floradix Magnesium contains highly absorbable magnesium in a delicious herbal formula which could make the difference to your nerves - unlock the knots and survive the stress. Available from selected Holland & Barrett stores, independent health food shops and selected pharmacies nationwide.
www.floradix.co.uk
FOOD
Make it
VEGGIE! Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or just trying to cut down on meat, you’ve landed on the right page! These three healthy, quick and tasty veggie dishes are sure to tempt even the biggest meat-eaters… PHOTOGRAPHY ANT DUNCAN
FOOD STYLING KATHY KORDALIS
Cooking one of these recipes? Show us how you get on using the #mywwkitchen hashtag on Instagram Weight Watchers Magazine / 75
COOK’S TIP SERVE WITH 120G COOKED WHOLEGRAIN RICE FOR AN EXTRA 6 SMARTPOINTS PER SERVING.
BEAN & LENTIL CHILLI
The kidney beans and green lentils in this chilli are zero Points! Say no more… SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 20 minutes ~ Cook time 25 minutes ~ Calories 296 per serving ~ SmartPoints 2 per serving INGREDIENTS Calorie controlled cooking spray 1 onion, finely diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 yellow and 1 red pepper, each deseeded and diced 1 tbsp mild chilli powder 1 tbsp smoked paprika 76 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
2 tsp cumin seeds 1 cinnamon stick 2 tsp dried oregano 1 tbsp tomato purée 400g passata 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 tsp agave syrup 400g tin green lentils, drained and rinsed 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed 75g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt 60g reduced-fat Cheddar, grated 2 jalapeño chillies, finely sliced
METHOD 1 Mist a large, deep pan with cooking spray and put over a medium heat. Fry the onion, garlic and peppers for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the spices, oregano and tomato purée and cook for a further minute. 2 Add the passata, tomatoes, agave, lentils and beans to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 15 minutes, until thickened. 3 Serve the chilli topped with the yogurt, cheese and sliced jalapeños.
FOOD
QUORN & VEGETABLE RED THAI CURRY
Thai curry is now up there with tikka masala as one of the nation’s favourite dishes. Pack yours with any veg you like! SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 10 minutes ~ Cook time 20 minutes ~ Calories 265 per serving ~ SmartPoints 6 per serving INGREDIENTS Calorie controlled cooking spray 4 tbsp vegetarian Thai red curry paste 400ml tin light coconut milk 350g Quorn chicken-style pieces 1 aubergine, cut into chunks 1 small broccoli, cut into florets 150g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce Juice of ½ lime, plus wedges to serve 1 tsp light brown soft sugar Large handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped METHOD 1 Mist a large deep frying pan with cooking spray and set over a medium heat. Add the red curry paste and cook, stirring, for just under 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2 Add the coconut milk and 200ml cold water, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the Quorn and aubergine. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in the broccoli and mushrooms. Cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is just tender. 3 Add the soy sauce, lime juice and sugar to the curry, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. 4 Serve the curry with the coriander and lime wedges on the side.
COOK’S TIP SERVE THIS WITH 150G COOKED RICE NOODLES PER PERSON FOR AN EXTRA 4 SMARTPOINTS PER SERVING.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 77
FOOD
ROASTED VEGETABLE TACOS WITH SLAW
#TacoTuesday? Sign us up! These are real crowd pleasers SERVES 4 ~ Prep time 20 minutes ~ Cook time 40 minutes ~ Calories 435 per serving ~ SmartPoints 8 per serving INGREDIENTS 1 small cauliflower, leaves removed and discarded, cut into small florets 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced 300g prepared butternut squash, cut into 1cm cubes Calorie controlled cooking spray 1 tsp each chilli flakes and dried oregano 1 tbsp each ground cumin and smoked paprika 400g tin black beans, drained and rinsed Juice of 2 limes 75g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt 2 tsp cider vinegar 125g red cabbage, finely shredded 1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks 3 spring onions, trimmed and sliced Handful fresh coriander, chopped 8 corn tortillas
1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Put the cauliflower, pepper and squash in a large shallow roasting tin. Mist with cooking spray and toss through the chilli, oregano, cumin and smoked paprika. Season well. 2 Roast for 35 minutes, turning halfway, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Add the black beans to the tin, toss together, and roast for another 5 minutes. Let cool slightly, then stir through half the lime juice. 3 Meanwhile, to make the slaw, combine the yogurt, remaining lime juice and vinegar in a small jug. Put the cabbage, carrot and spring onions in a bowl and pour over the yogurt mixture. Toss to dress, then stir in half the coriander. 4 Warm the corn tortillas to pack instructions. Top each tortilla with the roasted vegetables and slaw, then serve garnished with the remaining coriander. 78 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Recipes: Nadine Brown. Prop styling: Tonia Shuttleworth
METHOD
Food YOU CAN
feel good ABOUT
WITH OUR NEW RANGE OF CHEESE
MATURE REDUCED FAT CHEESE SLICES All of the flavour of mature cheddar but with only 46kcal and 1 SmartPoints value per slice
Find more of our range of products at selected stores.
www.weightwatchers.co.uk ©2018 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All rights reserved.
Lunch Pots Now In Store
How to prepare your Slim NoodlesÂŽ
*Winner Health Food Category. Survey of 11,886 people in UK & ROI by TNS.
MEAL PLAN
Committed to healthy eating? Let us make it easier for you! With our weeknight meal plan you have everything you need for fast, filling, homemade meals the whole family will look forward to. And with five new recipes every issue, you’ll never fall into a dinner rut again
TUESDAY
Chicken & chickpea stew
MONDAY
Mushroom & spinach spaghetti
Recipes: Sarah Akhurst. Photography: Ant Duncan. Food styling: Kathy Kordalis. Prop styling: Tonia Shuttleworth
WEDNESDAY
Mustard-glazed salmon with lentils
FRIDAY
Sausage, cherry tomato & red pepper bake
THURSDAY Prawn Singapore noodles
YOU CAN QUICK-TRACK THESE RECIPES! Scan the barcode on the Recipe Index, P.44, using the Weight Watchers app
✔ Ready in 30 minutes max ✔ Using 10 ingredients or less ✔ Fuss-free and satisfying Weight Watchers Magazine / 81
MONDAY
COOK’S TIP ADD 4 CHOPPED UNSMOKED BACON MEDALLIONS AT THE SAME TIME AS THE MUSHROOMS FOR NO EXTRA SMARTPOINTS.
MUSHROOM & SPINACH SPAGHETTI Start the week well with this banging pasta recipe. It’s satisfyingly savoury, warming and full of earthy flavours – a great reason to embrace #MeatFreeMonday
4
SERVES
PREP TIME
5
MINS
COOK TIME
25 MINS
221 CALORIES PER SERVING
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Calorie controlled cooking spray 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 800g mixed mushrooms (we used chestnut, shiitake and portobella), larger ones sliced 300ml vegetable stock, made with 1 stock cube 30g light soft cheese (we used Philadelphia Lightest) 2 tsp cornflour 200g wholewheat spaghetti 120g young leaf spinach
1 Mist a large frying pan with cooking spray and fry the onion over a mediumhigh heat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, until tender and golden, then pour in the vegetable stock. 2 Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has started to reduce a little, then stir through the soft cheese. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 2 tsp cold water to make a smooth paste, then stir it into the sauce. Continue to cook
82 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and glossy. 3 Meanwhile, cook the pasta to pack instructions. Drain and add to the sauce with the spinach. Stir until wilted, season to taste, then serve.
when roasted in fragrant spices until crisp. They’re budget-friendly too! INGREDIENTS
4
SERVES
PREP TIME
5
MINS
COOK TIME
25 MINS
484 CALORIES PER SERVING
2 x 400g tins chickpeas, drained and rinsed Calorie controlled cooking spray 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp chilli flakes 2 red peppers, deseeded and finely sliced 450g skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into strips 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 240g bulgur wheat Handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan 200°C, gas mark 7. Put a quarter of the chickpeas in a roasting tin, then mist all over with cooking spray. 2 In a small bowl, combine the paprika, oregano and chilli, and sprinkle a third of the mixture
CHICKEN AND CHICKPEA STEW
METHOD
over the chickpeas. Roast for 25 minutes or until crisp and golden. 3 Meanwhile, heat a large flameproof casserole over a medium heat and mist with cooking spray. Cook the peppers, stirring, for 5 minutes or until starting to soften. 4 Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden all over.Stir in the remaining spice mix, then add the rest of the chickpeas, along with the tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly. 5 Meanwhile, bring 1 litre of water to the boil in a large pan. Add the bulgur wheat and cook to pack instructions until tender. Drain, then season and stir through most of the parsley. 6 Divide the bulgur wheat between bowls, spoon over the stew and scatter over the roasted chickpeas and remaining parsley.
READY IN 20 MINS
CHICKEN & CHICKPEA STEW Chickpeas are great for adding texture and flavour to a dish, especially
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
COOK’S TIP THIS GLAZE WOULD BE DELICIOUS ON OTHER TYPES OF ZERO POINTS FISH TOO. WE ALSO LOVE IT WITH SEA BASS AND TROUT.
MUSTARD-GLAZED SALMON WITH LENTILS You’ll love this different way with salmon – baked in a punchy mustard glaze, then served with hearty lentils and caramelised balsamic onions INGREDIENTS
4
SERVES
PREP TIME
5
MINS
COOK TIME
20 MINS
437 CALORIES PER SERVING
84 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
1½ tbsp olive oil 2 red onions, finely sliced 1 tsp clear honey 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 x 400g tins green lentils, drained 2 tsp English mustard Juice of ½ lemon 4 skinless salmon fillets 80g rocket METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6 and line a baking sheet with
baking paper. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan and cook the onion over a low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until really soft. Add the honey and vinegar and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes, until caramelised. Stir in the lentils and cook for a further 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm. 2 Meanwhile, mix together the mustard, lemon juice and remaining oil in a small jug. Put the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, season, then drizzle over the glaze. Bake for 12 minutes, or until cooked through. 3 Toss the rocket through the lentils and serve with the salmon fillets.
THURSDAY
PRAWN SINGAPORE NOODLES Love takeaways? Try our tasty fakeaway instead – it’s tastier, healthier, cheaper and on the table in under 15 minutes. That’s faster than even the speediest takeaway service! INGREDIENTS
4
SERVES
PREP TIME
2
MINS
COOK TIME
10
Calorie controlled cooking spray 3 eggs, beaten 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced 1 tbsp curry powder 300g raw king prawns, peeled and deveined 325g pack stir-fry vegetables 250g dried rice noodles 2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp fish sauce 2 tsp sesame oil METHOD 1 Mist a wok or large frying pan with cooking spray and put over a mediumhigh heat. Add the egg and cook for 10 seconds, then stir until set. Remove from the pan and set aside. 2 Mist the wok with more cooking spray and stir-fry the garlic for 2-3 minutes.
Add the curry powder and prawns and cook for 1 minute. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the veg has softened and the prawns are cooked. 3 Meanwhile, cook the noodles to pack instructions. Drain, then add to the wok along with the cooked egg and gently toss to combine. 4 Combine the soy sauce, fish sauce and sesame oil in a small jug then pour into the wok. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to warm through, then serve.
MINS
CALORIES 393 PER SERVING
COOK’S TIP SERVE THE SINGAPORE NOODLES WITH EXTRA SOY SAUCE ON THE SIDE FOR 1 SMARTPOINT PER TABLESPOON
Weight Watchers Magazine / 85
FRIDAY
SAUSAGE, CHERRY TOMATO & RED PEPPER BAKE
Who could resist this colourful dish? Pepped up with paprika, the butternut mash makes a tasty, low SmartPoints change from spuds
4
SERVES
PREP TIME
5
MINS
COOK TIME
25 MINS
330 CALORIES PER SERVING
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
8 reduced-fat pork sausages (we used M&S Skinny Pork Sausages) 3 red peppers, deseeded and cut into wedges 550g cherry tomatoes 3 garlic cloves 1 tsp dried mixed herbs 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 800g prepared butternut squash 2 tbsp 0% fat crème fraîche ½ tsp smoked paprika
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan 200°C, gas mark 7. Put the sausages, peppers, tomatoes and garlic in a roasting tin and scatter over the herbs. Drizzle over the oil and balsamic, then season well. Roast for 25 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to a boil and cook the squash for 15 minutes until tender. Drain then return to the pan and mash with the crème fraîche and paprika until smooth. Season well. 3 Serve the sausages and roasted vegetables with the squash mash.
Cooking one of these recipes? Show us how you get on using the #mywwkitchen hashtag on Instagram 86 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
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FOOD
ALL FOR
CHICKEN TEX-MEX PITTA PIZZA P.90
NE
Cooking for one, or eating different meals from the rest of your household? Avoid falling into a dinner rut and keep things interesting with these tasty single-serve suppers
Cooking one of these recipes? Show us how you get on using the #mywwkitchen hashtag on Instagram
FOOD
CHICKEN TEX-MEX PITTA PIZZA
Italian or Mexican? Can’t decide? Well, now you don’t have to… MAKES 1 ~ Prep time 15 minutes ~ Cook time 15 minutes ~ Calories 530 per pitta pizza ~ SmartPoints 8 per pitta pizza INGREDIENTS 1 Weight Watchers High Protein Pitta Bread 1½ tbsp Smoky BBQ Fajita Cooking Sauce (we used Old El Paso) 2 tbsp reduced-fat grated cheese Shredded cooked skinless chicken breast 20g roasted red peppers in brine, cut into thin strips ½ small red onion, ½ thinly sliced and ½ finely chopped 1 tomato, deseeded and diced 125g drained tinned sweetcorn 125g drained tinned mixed beans 1 tbsp lime juice Handful chopped fresh coriander, plus extra leaves to garnish METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Put the pitta on a baking sheet. Spread over the fajita sauce and scatter over half the cheese. Arrange the chicken, pepper, sliced onion and half the tomato over the pitta. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 12 minutes, or until the pitta base is crisp. 2 Meanwhile, make a salsa. Combine the sweetcorn, mixed beans, lime juice, remaining tomato, chopped onion and coriander in a small bowl. 3 Top the pizza with the extra coriander and serve with the salsa on the side. COOK’S TIP For a more traditional pizza, swap the fajita sauce for passata and top with 40g light mozzarella, tomatoes and basil for a total of 7 SmartPoints.
JAPANESE PANCAKES
Also known as okonomiyaki (no, we don’t know how to pronounce it either), these tasty pancakes are quick and simple to make SERVES 1 ~ Prep time 15 minutes ~ Cook time 10 minutes ~ Calories 387 per serving ~ SmartPoints 9 per serving INGREDIENTS 75g self-raising flour 1 egg white 40g Chinese leaf lettuce, shredded 40g extra-lean ham, chopped 1½ tsp finely grated fresh ginger 1 spring onion, trimmed and very thinly sliced on the diagonal Calorie controlled cooking spray 40g bean sprouts 2 tsp low-fat mayonnaise ½ tsp sesame seeds, toasted METHOD 1 Put the flour in a medium bowl and make a well in the centre. Whisk 80ml water with the egg white in a small jug. Add to the flour and stir to combine. Add the Chinese
leaf lettuce, ham, ginger and white part of the spring onion, and mix well. 2 Lightly mist a medium nonstick frying pan with cooking spray and put over a medium heat. Using half the mixture per pancake, cook 2 pancakes for 4 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface. Turn and cook for 3 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a serving plate. 3 Meanwhile, mist another frying pan with cooking spray and stir-fry the bean sprouts for 2-3 minutes. 4 Thin the mayonnaise with a little cold water and drizzle over the pancakes. Serve topped with the bean sprouts, remaining spring onion and sesame seeds. COOK’S TIP To toast the sesame seeds, dry-fry them in a small frying pan set over a medium heat. Toss the pan often and cook until the seeds are toasted and golden – keep an eye on the pan at all times as they can turn from golden to burned in a matter of seconds.
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FOOD
SALMON WITH CURRIED RICE
Bring on the salmon! Now it’s a zero Points food, we can’t get enough of it. And frozen veg is the perfect accompaniment – it’s just as nutritious as the fresh stuff, and cheaper too SERVES 1 ~ Prep time 5 minutes ~ Cook time 20 minutes ~ Calories 489 per serving ~ SmartPoints 8 per serving
50g basmati rice 1 tsp olive oil ½ small onion, thinly sliced ¾ tsp mild curry powder 90g frozen diced mixed vegetables Steamed skinless salmon fillet Small handful chopped fresh coriander, plus extra leaves to garnish 1 hard-boiled egg, quartered Lime cheek, to serve Mixed salad leaves, to serve METHOD 1 Cook the rice to pack instructions, until just tender. Drain well. 2 Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook the onion, stirring, for 3 minutes or until softened. Add the curry powder and cook, stirring, for another 30 seconds or until fragrant. 3 Add the cooked rice and mixed vegetables to the pan and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until the vegetables are heated through. 4 Flake the salmon and add to the rice with the chopped coriander and gently fold to combine. Top with the egg and extra coriander and serve with the salad and lime cheek on the side. 92 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Recipes: Liz Macri. Photography: Vanessa Levis. Food styling: Fiona Sinclair. Food preparation: Sarah Mayoh
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VEG-TASTIC Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or you’re just keen to give #MeatFreeMonday a go, you’ll find lots of inspiration in our Veggie cookbook. Packed with more than 40 tempting recipes and divided into three handy sections, it couldn’t be easier to find a dish that’s right for you – whether you’re after a light snack, a speedy midweek meal or a fancier feast perfect for weekend entertaining. Let us know your favourites using #mywwkitchen on Instagram!
9 4 | Weight Watchers Magazine
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Weight Watchers Magazine | 9 5
MEET YOUR NEW JENNIE GADSBY
FITNESS EXPERT
DEBORAH SMITH
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGIST
DR NAOMI POTTER
19-PAGE HEALTH, STYLE & WELLBEING SPECIAL
96 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
GP AND HEALTH EXPERT
LIFE
YOU SQUAD 2018! Are you ready for a healthier, happier you? Our crack team of inspirational experts are here to support and motivate you this year – starting right here and now! They’ll help you kick off your new year the best possible way… GET FIT FOR LIFE
Kick-start your fitness goals with advice from Jennie, who’s not just a fitness expert, but a Gold member (having lost 7st) and a Coach! Lace up those trainers and turn to P.108
SOPHIE STEVENS
FASHION EXPERT
LIVE HEALTHIER
Dr Potter reveals the top 10 health tweaks you need to make this year – check them out on P.99
BE MORE POSITIVE
HEAD OF PUBLIC HEALTH AT WEIGHT WATCHERS
KNOW YOUR NUTRITION
Want to eat more of the good stuff? Zoe shows you what a balanced nutrition looks like on P.118
LOOK YOUR BEST
Style guru Sophie reveals her new-you fashion fixes on P.102
OUR EXPERTS ARE ON HAND TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS EVERY ISSUE Weight Watchers Magazine / 97
Photography: Matt Monfredi. Styling: Charlene Bent. Hair and make-up: Alice Theobold
ZOE GRIFFITHS
Take our quiz and read Deborah’s tips on taking a more optimistic approach to life on P.114
HEALTH
DR NAOMI’S
top 1 0 HEALTH TIPS Photography: Matt Monfredi, Shutterstock. Styling: Charlene Bent. Hair and make-up: Alice Theobold. Discover Naomi’s organics range at: elmpureorganics.com
A doctor’s advice doesn’t have to be confusing. Here, our expert GP Dr Naomi Potter homes in on 10 simple tweaks you could make to boost your health in 2018
1
DRINK WATER WHEN YOU WAKE
Adults should drink 6-8 glasses of fluid every day. If that seems like too much of a challenge, a simple way to up your intake is to start your day with a large glass of water, then carry a bottle of water around Dr Naomi Potter is a GP in an NHS with you to sip from practice. She is also a busy mum of five during the day. Keep and runs her own business from home. an eye out for signs of Dr Potter is here to answer any health dehydration too, such concerns you may have. Email her at as dark-coloured weightwatchers@seven.co.uk urine, a dry mouth or headaches. If your urine is straw coloured, then you’re well hydrated.
MEET OUR EXPERT
2
SET UP THAT WHATSAPP GROUP
(AND SEE YOUR FRIENDS M
ORE)
Positive relationsh ips enhance your sense of belongin g and self-worth, so make an effort to get together with good mates more often. Friendships can also boost your wellbeing, offer emotional suppor t and even influenc e how much you ea t (or don’t eat) for comfort rather th an necessity. Plus, spending time with people who have a positive mindset ca n improve your ow n mental health, so try to meet up with friends who uplift you. Why not get together at a fitne ss class so you ca n enjoy a workout wh ile you socialise? For more active ide as, check out fitness expert Jenn ie’s advice on P.108
Weight Watchers Magazine / 99
LIFE
3
GET A DAILY DOSE OF MINDFULNESS
To help relieve stress and squeeze more enjoyment out of life, try doing a regular 5-minute walking mindfulness meditation. Immerse yourself in the sensation of being outdoors as you walk, and notice the beautiful things around you.
4
SET YOURSELF A SCREEN CURFEW
Poor-quality sleep on a regular basis has been linked to conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and even a reduced life expectancy, so it’s essential to get a good night’s rest. Looking at your mobile, tablet or TV just before bed can interfere with sleep, as these devices emit a stimulating ‘blue’ light, which is thought to affect the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for the body’s natural sleep cycle. So, switch off at least 30 minutes before bedtime and if you wake in the night, don’t pick up your phone, as looking at the screen could make it harder to drift off again.
100 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
5
PUT THOSE HEALTH TESTS ON YOUR CALENDAR
We all put off going to the doctor at times (especially when life gets busy) but a checkup could help you stay fitter and healthier for longer. Your GP is there to help, and that includes keeping an eye on any conditions that could cause weight gain or poor health. Having an annual blood pressure check, plus a simple blood test to check your thyroid function, kidney function, vitamin D and glucose levels, is a good idea, particularly for the over 40s. So, make an appointment today. Your body will thank you for it.
HEALTH LIFE
6
BE A BACK-TO-BASICS SHOPPER Supermarkets might be packed with tempting processed foods, but our gut is happiest when we keep meals simple. So, make time to cook from scratch and eat mostly unrefined foods including fruit and veg, wholegrains and legumes. For more nutrition advice, see P.118
8
10
BE SUGAR SMART
Cutting down on foods that are high in sugar and fat, as well as eating more soluble fibre (found in oats, legumes, fruits and seeds) will help you avoid weight gain and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. While sugar adds texture and taste to foods, it offers no nutritional benefits and is often in processed foods, including low-fat and fat-free varieties. Check the sugar content on packaging (it also goes by the name dextrin, dextrose, fructose, glucose, maltose or sucrose) and go for foods labelled ‘no added sugar’ or ‘unsweetened’. If in doubt, scan the barcode using the app Change4Life Be Food Smart (free; iOS and Android) for a quick and easy way to check the sugar content of many foods.
7
STOP SMOKING
(OR AT LEAST CUT DOWN) Smokers are almost twice as likely to have
a heart attack compared to non-smokers, as smoking causes narrowing of the arteries which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Cutting down is a great first step towards quitting, and the good news is that once you kick the habit completely, you’ll start to reap the benefits immediately. Just eight hours after your last cigarette, your oxygen levels return to normal and over time, your cancer risk reduces too. For some people, switching to an e-cigarette – which contains far fewer carcinogens – is a helpful tool, while others rely on gum, patches, medication or a combination to help them quit. If you find cravings hard to manage, ask your pharmacist for advice, and download the NHS Smokefree app (free; iOS and Android), for daily tips and motivation.
9
HAVE AT LEAST TWO BOOZE-FREE NIGHTS A WEEK...
And stick to your safe limits (14 units a week, or six 175ml glasses of wine, for both men and women) as alcohol is often high in SmartPoints, and regularly drinking too much has been linked to dementia, liver disease and heart disease.
ADD A HEALTH REPORT TO YOUR JOURNAL
Understanding your own body is key to a longer, healthier life, so start noting down any health changes (sleep issues, bloating, tiredness, mood and more) in your journal each day to help you track your health, as well as your eating plan.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 101
FASHION
NEW YEAR,
r a e g new Need an excuse to shop the sales? Look no further. Our fashion expert Sophie Stevens has been busy tracking down the most flattering trends on the high street and has found styles to suit any shape. So, whether you’re at goal or still on your journey, make these your go-to pieces for 2018
F
ancy a wardrobe revamp for the new year, but not sure what looks will work for you? Maybe you’re at goal and want to show off your new waist? Or perhaps you’re just starting out and need some help working out what trends will look good on you? Wherever you are on your weightloss journey, we’ve found some fashion fixes to help you upgrade your style while providing a solution to common body niggles. So get inspired by this year’s trends (hello, statement sleeves and flattering separates) and step out feeling, and looking, your best!
MEET OUR EXPERT!
What Sophie Stevens doesn’t know about fashion isn’t worth knowing! She’s styled everyone from Kylie Minogue and Mel C to The Saturdays, and also works as a trend forecaster. Email Sophie your fashion dilemmas at weightwatchers@seven.co.uk 102 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
FASHION
£35, Very (very.co.uk)
THE STATEMENT SLEEVE
FASHION FIX: Perfect for disguising upper arms SOPHIE SAYS: ’If you prefer to cover your upper arms, this season’s shapely sleeve is tailor-made for you. Whether you go for the oversized balloon-shaped sleeve, cascading ruffles, or a detailed cuff, this trend will flatter your arms, whatever their shape. And it scores maximum fashion points too – Stella McCartney sent statement sleeves down the catwalk for her SS18 ready-to-wear collection. Pair with simple separates, such as jeans or a straight skirt, and add chunky earrings to complete the look.’
£14, Primark (primark.com)
£14.99, TK Maxx (tkmaxx.com) £24, Dorothy Perkins (dorothyperkins.com)
WEAR WITH...
statement drop earrings £12, Accessorize (accessorize.com)
£14, F&F (tesco.com)
£45, Biba at House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk)
£80, Part Two (parttwo.com)
Wear with skinny or slim-cut jeans, to help balance the proportions of a balloon sleeve.
Love your legs but not your arms? Statement sleeves work beautifully on dresses too. £45, M&S (marksandspencer.com)
Weight Watchers Magazine / 103
£22, Dorothy Perkins (dorothyperkins.com)
THE NEW PENCIL SKIRT
FASHION FIX: Show off (or fake) a newly slim waist SOPHIE SAYS: ’Where did that waist come from?! If you’ve spent a long time hiding away in baggy clothes, wearing more form-fitting items can be daunting – but also flattering! The next-gen pencil skirt is a great piece to start with. Tipped to be big this spring, the normally sleek pencil has had an upgrade, with ruffled hemlines, belts and frills all making for a more interesting silhouette. Choose a style that works with your shape, whether that’s straight and cinched in, or cleverly placed details to draw attention away from an area you feel less confident £55, Studio by Preen at Debenhams about. Team with elegant (debenhams.com) kitten heels – another big hit on the catwalk – to nail that sophisticated 50s vibe.’
£125 Topshop £125, (topshop.com)
A thick belt will make your waist appear slimmer.
THE FLORAL BOOTS
FASHION FIX: Pull focus to your fabulous feet
SOPHIE SAYS: ’Not quite confident enough to go bold on the clothes just yet? Add some colour to your outfit with floral boots instead. Pair with plain tights or dark jeans to draw the eyes straight to your feet and complete the look with a matching brocade bag. Already at goal and feeling happy about your newly toned legs? These floral ankle boots look great with bare legs too, if you’re brave enough (and it’s warm enough!) or show just a hint of sock peeking over the top.’
104 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
An obi-style sash belt is an effective (and comfy) way to draw attention to a narrow waist, while the long ties also draw the eye down, elongating your legs.
WEAR WITH... kitten heels
£70, Dune (dunelondon.com)
WEAR WITH... a brocade bag
£25, Monsoon (monsoon.co.uk)
FASHION
£95, Wallis (wallis.co.uk)
THE DETAILED COAT
FASHION FIX: Streamline your shape – at any size
SOPHIE SAYS: ’If you’re carrying a few extra festive pounds or are just starting out on your journey, a flattering coat or jacket with interesting details can help to disguise areas you’re less happy with while you get on track. Look for a streamlined shape in a dark or strong colour, to elongate your body, and embroidery, sequins or interesting pleats on an area you’re happy to highlight. Embroidery is key for next season – Louis Vuitton went big on brocade and embroidered jackets at the spring shows. So enhancing the look with an embellished bag or boot will keep you ahead of the style curve.’
£110,, Topshop (topshop.com)
WEAR WITH... £79, Red Herring at Debenhams (debenhams.com)
an embellished bag
A classic black coat goes with everything, but a touch of colour at the shoulder makes the look fresh and springlike.
£65, Issa at House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk)
Add a dose of attitude to your outfit with a leather jacket and these studded floral boots.
£69, Topshop (topshop.com)
Wear with cropped trousers or jeans to show off a floral boot. This high-fashion style is all over Instagram.
£50, Very (very.co.uk)
£35, Dorothy Perkins (dorothyperkins.com)
Weight Watchers Magazine / 105
FASHION
THE FABULOUS FLARES FASHION FIX: Balance out a bigger bottom
SOPHIE SAYS: ’Don’t be scared of wearing flared trousers! Although you might think flares aren’t suited to pear shapes, a wide-leg style in soft, dark-toned fabrics can actually help to balance proportions. Alternatively, if your weight loss has given you the confidence to show off a slimmed-down bottom, highwaisted flares are a great way to do it too. The generous leg makes your bottom appear even narrower, while the high waist elongates your legs. Dress them up with heels and a silky top, or if you’re tall, keep it casual with white trainers and a plain T-shirt. Adding a cropped jacket will show off your new shape even more.’
£30, Very (very.co.uk)
£28, Pretty Little Thing (prettylittlething.com)
Vertical stripes can make legs look longer, especially when teamed with heels.
Corset detailing makes your waist appear smaller and creates a smoother midsection.
WEAR WITH...
£22.99,, New Look (newlook.com)
Bigger thighs but slim calves? Kick flares will flatter your shape.
£39.99, New Look (newlook.com)
106 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
£42, River Island (riverisland.com)
All items are subject to availability during the sales period
a cool cropped jacket
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME Become an adventurer, experience iconic sights and raise money for Marie Curie on an overseas challenge
F
or Liverpool nurse Michelle Beaver (pictured far right), a Marie Curie overseas challenge – trekking the Grand Canyon – in memory of her beloved mum, Sandra, gave Michelle the positive focus she needed: ‘As a nurse, I knew about the valuable work Marie Curie does, but until members of my own family needed hospice care at the end of their lives, I’d never been in one. After seeing the compassion, strength and energy of the nurses first hand, I wanted to do something to give back, and taking part in overseas challenges has been a great way to do that. ‘I’ve trekked along the Great Wall of China, in Sri Lanka, and up Ben Nevis with Marie Curie over the years, so after Mum died, I knew the Grand Canyon challenge would be a great way to honour her. ‘I’ve always been active, which helps, but a Marie Curie overseas challenge is more than a long walk. It’s also about seeing amazing sites, honouring loved ones and raising money for charity. Also, it means I can take a break from my role as a mother, wife and daughter, and just enjoy being an adventurer.’
AN EMOTIONAL JOURNEY
‘The day I left for the Grand Canyon was my birthday, and knowing I wouldn’t hear from Mum that year was tough. But meeting our Marie Curie representative Yvonne and an amazing group of fellow trekkers at the airport really lifted my spirits. One even gave me a little cake complete with birthday candle! ‘Landing in Arizona, Yvonne reassured everyone that she would be there every step of the way, whether we planned to take it easy and capture great photos, or push ourselves to the limit. Then we set off to the campsite. I’d
A FAMILY STORY never even set up a tent before, but luckily we had plenty of experts on hand to help us. ‘When Yvonne read a letter from a family relying on Marie Curie there were tears, but it also helped us bond. And despite the serious side of the trek, we shared plenty of laughs.’
ACHIEVING GOALS
‘Tackling the Grand Canyon wasn’t solely about everyone racking up the miles. For some, it was about learning to climb, while others saw it as a chance to overcome their fear of heights. Trekking along Bright Angel Trail, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the canyon, culminating in Angels Landing; it was so named because people once believed only angels could get that high. I thought that very apt for a Marie Curie trek. ‘My group ended our journey on a high with a night out in Las Vegas.’
‘When my aunt was told a hospice was the best place to manage her pain from cancer, she was reluctant to leave the hospital, at first. But she was greeted so warmly by the staff at Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool, and when the drinks trolley rolled by, her face lit up! She wasn’t a big drinker, but it helped her know she’d be comfy and well cared for, plus the hospice made family visits easier. ‘She was given all the care and respect she needed, and passed away in December 2012, with family by her side.’
Caring for Mum
‘Family meant everything to my mum, so when she was being cared for in a Marie Curie Hospice in July 2016, my sisters and
ABOUT MARIE CURIE Marie Curie provides care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their families. By taking part in an overseas challenge, like Michelle, you’ll raise vital funds to help provide even more care. Marie Curie believes that everyone living with a terminal illness should be able to get the most from the time they have left. Its nurses care for people in their own homes, when they’re needed most, while its hospices are at the heart of communities around the UK.
To sign up to a Marie Curie overseas challenge, go to mariecurie.org.uk/treksww or call 0800 716 146 Registered charity, England and Wales (207994), Scotland (SC0731)
‘She was given all the love, care and respect she needed’ I gathered around her, sharing stories and playing the Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow songs she used to listen to when we were kids. ‘We’ve always had a strong bond, and during Mum’s final few nights, we slept next to her, as she didn’t want to be alone. Marie Curie ensured we had the privacy to do that, so Mum could die with her daughters by her side, just as she’d wanted.’
FITNESS
YOUR
FITNESS GOALS FOR 2018
Photography: Matt Monfredi. Styling: Charlene Bent. Hair and make-up: Alice Theobold Consult your doctor before trying a new exercise regime. Find more advice from Jennie at: setufree.co.uk
Determined to get a bit fitter this year? Jennie Gadsby knows how to make an achievable exercise plan – and also how to stick to it!
MEET OUR EXPERT
Jennie Gadsby is a personal trainer who specialises in supporting people who are new to exercise. Jennie is a Coach and a Gold Member! Email her at weightwatchers@seven.co.uk Find Jennie on Instagram at @wwfit_jennie
108 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
E
very January, gyms across the country are packed with fresh faces, kitted out in shiny new gear, keen to make it the year they finally get fit. ‘Exercising more’ is a popular resolution, with 38 per cent of people eager to get fit, but only a fraction of resolution-makers will stick to their new routine. So, how do you avoid having your good intentions fail to launch? The key is to make fitness goals that are achievable – and that’s what’s behind all my insider tips. Here, I share ideas to help you reach your fitness goals, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to liven up an existing exercise routine.
FITNESS
I STARTED WITH A GENTLE WALK ONCE A WEEK, BUILDING UP TO REGULAR LONG RAMBLES. NOW, I PLAN A HILL INTO THE ROUTE, REWARDING MYSELF WITH A GORGEOUS VIEW
STEP 1 PREP!
You know the old saying, ‘failure to prepare is preparing to fail’? Well it’s true. Preparing for a challenge is the key to success. Here’s how to be on the right track from the get-go.
Member Lisa Roberts, Flintshire, North Wales
EXPLORE ALL YOUR OPTIONS
The new year is a popular time to sign up to a gym, but you can clock up FitPoints in many ways, so it’s worth exploring all your options before committing to a gym membership. Ask friends what activities they do, and how they got started. I began my own fitness journey by going for a walk two or three nights a week, then built up how long and how often I walked.
TRY WORKOUTS AT HOME
Good intentions can fall by the wayside when life gets busy. Finding ways to exercise at home reduces the chance of this happening by making it easier to fit in a workout, no matter how hectic your schedule becomes. The Fitness Hub (weightwatchers. co.uk) is where you’ll find a series of short exercise videos suiting everyone from total beginners to advanced exercisers.
DOWNLOAD APPS
There are some clever apps available to help make exercise simpler and more rewarding. Use the Weight Watchers app to track your FitPoints; 7 Fit (free, Android) is packed with seven-minute workouts you can do anywhere; while Daily Yoga (free, iOS) has routines for beginners and advanced yogis alike.
BUY THE ESSENTIALS
You don’t need to spend loads on new gear, but there are key things I recommend you invest in, to make your workouts more comfortable. These include a well-fitting sports bra for women, supportive trainers, and a quick-dry towel. Make sure your new gear fits well too. I usually jump around in a changing room, to test the fit. I’d much rather find out my undies show when I bend over in new leggings while I’m in the store instead of in the middle of a gym class!
Lisa, 56, lost weight after back surgery, thanks to a new love of hiking through the Welsh countryside
AT FIRST MY GOALS WERE SMALL – A FEW LAPS AROUND THE BLOCK THREE TIMES A WEEK AFTER I’D PUT DINNER ON. BUT RUNNING SOON BECAME SOMETHING WE DID AS A FAMILY Member Lisa Critchley, Wirral
After years of avoiding exercise, Lisa, 40, followed husband Mark’s lead and tried running. Now their kids Olivia and William have caught the running bug too
Weight Watchers Magazine / 109
Raising funds to support women affected by breast, cervical & ovarian cancers women V cancer Cycle Costa Rica 31st Oct - 9th Nov 2019 2nd date launched due to popular demand!
Join Women V Cancer for an incredible coast-to-coast 360km cycle challenge across Costa Rica For more information and to register online:
www.dream-challenges.com t: 01590 646410 e: events@dream-challenges.com
Registered Charity Nos: Breast Cancer Care: 1017658/SC038104, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust: 1133542/SC041236, Ovarian Cancer Action: 1109743/ SC043478. Women V Cancer is established under Giving Works. Registered Charity No. 1078770. To take part you need to pay a registration fee of £299 and raise minimum sponsorship funds of £3,300. Dream Challenges are ATOL protected No. 10456.
FITNESS LIFE
STEP 2 PLAN!
Once you’re prepared, the next step is to create an exercise schedule you’ll be able to stick to. NHS guidelines recommend adults do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as cycling or brisk walking, every week, plus two or more sessions of strength exercises each week (try a resistance band or bodyweight workout), to maintain health and fitness. If you’re just starting out, that might sound like a lot, but it’s absolutely doable. For anyone new to exercise, I suggest you break the 150 minutes down into 15-minute blocks, and aim to do 10 of these blocks each week. The key is to schedule exercise for a time that works for you. Also, if you add workouts to your calendar, you’ll be less likely to make other plans. Another tip to make you less likely to skip a workout is to organise gear the night before. One of my friends takes this to the extreme and actually sleeps in her gym clothes, making it quicker for her to get out of the door in time for a morning spin class. I’m not keen on sleeping in a sports bra, but I do repack my gym bag after each session, so it’s always ready to go. Now it’s just a question of deciding what you’re going to do during those 15-minute blocks. Try some of my pick-and-mix exercise ideas below to make up your 10 blocks each week – once you’ve filled 10 squares, you’ve reached your 150-minute target!
I’M AMAZED BY HOW QUICKLY MY FITNESS HAS BUILT UP; I’M NO LONGER AT THE BACK SHOUTING ‘HANG ON, WAIT FOR ME!’ Member Dan Randall, Enderby, Leicestershire
Since losing a stone, Dan, 39, was thrilled to discover his belly no longer wobbles when he’s cycling
YOUR 150-MINUTE TARGET
Plan a few of these fun activities into your week, marking boxes on the grid as you go. Each box represents 15 minutes, so aim to cross off 10 boxes each week
15 MINUTES
Do a brisk 15-minute walk at lunchtime, five days a week, and you’ll cross off five blocks! Or, try 15-minute at-home workouts instead.
30 MINUTES
Going for a 30-minute swim; running in the park with the kids; getting energetic in the garden… that’s 2 blocks!
45 MINUTES
Book yourself into one 45-minute Zumba, dance or aerobics class each week and you’ll cross off 3 blocks in one hit.
60 MINUTES
Just an hour of cycling with your partner or family at the weekend adds up to 4 blocks crossed off the grid.
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FITNESS Working out together has been great motivation for friends Lindsey Hobbs and Emma Wright, both 28, who lost 5st 3lb between them
THEN
HOW I DID IT
NOW
‘I USED TO VIEW EXERCISE AS AN EXCUSE TO EAT MORE!’
UP A 10K!
Members Lindsey and Emma, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire
STEP 3 FIND WHAT MOVES YOU People often ask me what the most effective type of exercise is, and I always say the same thing: the one you enjoy the most! If you have fun doing something, you’ll push yourself to work hard and be much more likely to stick at it long term. So, once you’ve started an exercise regime, don’t be afraid to experiment and mix things up! If you’re thinking, ‘But I have no idea what I’ll enjoy,’ I hear you. For years I was reluctant to do anything new, and refused to try loads of sports and activities. I wrote off yoga, assuming it would be too quiet and boring; I dismissed boxing as I didn’t think I was fit enough; and when a friend suggested I try pole fitness, I didn’t know whether to recoil in horror or fall about laughing. But eventually I got bored of doing the same routine and had to try new
112 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
things. Now, these are some of my favourite workouts. Plus, having a range of workouts to choose from can help to ensure you exercise all the major muscle groups. List 10 new activities to try in 2018 and see how quickly you can tick them all off. Think about signing up for sessions with a friend too. A workout buddy not only makes exercise more fun but can also be very motivating (especially on those cold days when you’d rather curl up on the sofa). A recent survey by Virgin Active found that women who exercise with a friend train for longer, burn more calories and visit the gym more often. Remember, exercise isn’t meant to be a punishment. If you’re not enjoying what you are doing, try something else. You might just surprise yourself.
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fter seeing a photo of myself in a green dress at a wedding, I felt so disappointed by how big I looked that I decided to join Weight Watchers. At first I worried my hectic job as a solicitor would make it too hard to stick to the plan, but it fitted into my busy lifestyle and, as my diet improved, so did my weight. About 18 months later, when a friend asked me to be a bridesmaid at her spring 2017 wedding, I realised it was time to commit to exercise, as well as healthy eating, if I wanted to feel great in my dress. I’d always been sporty, and even used to swim competitively when I was young, but over the years I’d come to view exercise as an excuse to eat more, rather than a way to improve my fitness. So my new year resolution was to up my fitness routine. I kicked off a new routine by getting back in the pool, and was thrilled to find I was still a strong swimmer. Next up was running. It was a struggle at first, but signing up for a half marathon with a colleague gave me something to aim for. START WEIGHT I trained for it with my 12st 1lb boyfriend, Nick, who was GOAL WEIGHT really encouraging. Then, to 10st 5lb prepare for a 10k last summer, CURRENT WEIGHT I ran home from work twice 10st 13lb a week. It became ‘me time’, Age 31 and saved me from checking Height 5ft 5in emails on my commute! Joined August 2015 Now I’m a run-a-holic. Time taken so far Getting fit has helped my 2 years 6 months weight loss, too, and I felt Meeting great zipping up my size-12 Mark Lane, London bridesmaid dress. Coach Janet Lunn
This is LISA
Instagram @lisawwdiary
Additional words: Alicia Hattersley. Additional photography: Andrew Teebay, Tom Watkins, Ross Woodhall
WE JOINED A GYM TOGETHER, THEN STARTED WALKING REGULARLY, THEN RUNNING. SOON, WE NOTCHED
Bridesmaid duties prompted Lisa Henty, 31, to take her fitness routine to a new level
food ENJOY
WITH FREEDOM
new £14.9 5
FIND YOUR WEIGHT WATCHERS FLEX EFFECT FIND YOUR WEIGHT WATCHERS FLEX EFFECT Starter Kit includes tote bag, Journal and Eat Out and
The WWWas Flex£14.95, Cookbook full£11.20. of delicious and flexible Shopnew guide. now Saving you £3.75! meal ideas for everyday eating. Just £14.95. Available to buy in your meeting or visit www.weightwatchersshop.co.uk Available to buy in your meeting or visit www.weightwatchersshop.co.uk *Pricing correct at time of printing. Weight Watchers (UK) Ltd reserves the right to alter, amend or foreclose offers or pricing without prior notice. WEIGHT WATCHERS and SmartPoints® are the registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. The SmartPoints Weight Loss system and formula are proprietary to Weight Watchers International, Inc. © 2018 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All rights reserved.
WELLBEING
HOW
ARE YOU? Positive psychologist Deborah Smith is here to help you find easy ways to boost your positivity this year
S
taying positive, no matter what life throws at you, is key to achieving your goals. But looking on the bright side isn’t always easy, especially if you’re a natural worrier. Take the quiz (right) to find out if you’re a doubter, an optimist, or just stuck in a rut, then read my tips to discover how you can shift your mindset.
MEET OUR EXPERT
Panic! What if this is the end of my weight loss?
You feel you need more support to help you make progress. Do you…
Message your WhatsApp group with a cry for help / sad face
Your next mini-goal is…
I’m not sure – maybe this isn’t the right time to try?
I need some inspiration. I’ve already tried my own ideas
Deborah Smith is a positive psychologist specialising in the science of happiness and mindfulness. She has more than 25 years’ experience as a psychotherapist and is here to help, so email her at weightwatchers@seven.co.uk Deborah tweets at @growurhappiness
You're... A DOUBTER 114 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
WELLBEING
Start here
Relax! Tomorrow is another day
Uh oh! You’ve gone off track today. Do you…
Your fitness buddy cancels a workout session. You… Have a wobble, then sit down with a cuppa and make a plan of action
Smile and lace up your trainers; you’re confident enough to do it alone.
The non-scale highlight of your journey so far has been…
If I haven’t been losing weight, does it even matter?
All the unexpected support and compliments I’ve received
You're... STUCK IN A RUT
Your biggest aim for 2018 is…
To move my journey on – I just don’t know how!
To look and feel my best ever (and I believe I can!)
You're... AN OPTIMIST TURN OVER FOR DEBORAH’S TIPS...
WELLBEING
A DOUBTER LOOKING FOR A NEW APPROACH You struggle to feel positive, or suffer from a lack of confidence and are scared to try because you’re afraid to fail. Turn things around with a fresh approach.
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Make the decision to replace negative thinking with positive thinking. Once you’re determined to do this, you will begin to catch yourself each time you make self-limiting statements (such as ‘I’m not worthy of success’), and replace these negative messages with encouraging thoughts, whether things are going well or not. Be kind to yourself! Think of what you would say to a friend and apply that to yourself. Congratulate yourself each time you manage to do it.
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Shower yourself in positivity. Display uplifting pictures around your home, such as holiday snaps that bring back great memories, photos of your loved ones, pets, beautiful environments and inspirational people. Create a positive photo album on your phone too, so you can look at it any time. Listening to your favourite songs is another good way to lift your spirits. Music has the power to instantly shift your mindset, especially if you sing and dance along to it.
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Give yourself credit. We often focus on what we haven’t done, can’t do, or what makes us nervous, but this only reinforces the negativity. Instead, acknowledge what you have done and can do, no matter how small or insignificant you think these things are. The more you do this, the more you will boost your confidence and build a positive outlook.
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Believe you can be positive. This means letting go of old belief systems you’re holding onto and opening the door to the idea that you can embrace a happy, positive and joyful life.
116 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
If you're...
If you're...
OPTIMISTIC AND OPEN-MINDED
STUCK IN A RUT, BUT HOPEFUL You’ve been positive so far, but these days you feel you’re not progressing and are starting to get despondent. Time to get your mojo back!
1
Practise using positive language. We often don’t even realise how negative we are being until we start being mindful of what we say. Think of it as a game where you gain a point for each positive word you use, and lose a point for each negative one. You’ll be amazed by how changing the words you use will help you feel more positive.
2
You have a sunny attitude already, but everyone needs a little motivation to stay smiley during the winter months! Try these ideas for a happiness upgrade.
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Bring more colour into your life. Studies have shown that brighter colours – and yellow in particular – can make us feel happier and more optimistic. So make the conscious decision to wear brighter clothing or add a few colourful touches to your home or office, and notice how it helps to shift your mood. Fragrance can also have a big impact on mood, so put on your favourite perfume or light a scented candle and let the aromas make you smile.
Change your attitude towards obstacles. If you accept you’re likely to encounter obstacles during the course of your journey, you’ll be less likely to be derailed by them when they arise. Think about the potential pitfalls and the best way to overcome them. You might even discover that unexpected difficulties create positive new opportunities.
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Change your daily routine. When we’ve been doing the same things for too long, they can become draining, so it’s important to shake things up every now and again. For example, try taking a different route to work. Stay mindful while you’re on your new route, appreciating the environment and finding beauty in the unexpected.
Learn something new. Taking up a new hobby will make you feel more positive, and choosing something that challenges you could also encourage you to try new ideas in other areas of your life. Why not sign up for a dance class, cookery lessons, learn a new craft or language, or join a book club. There’s a good chance you’ll meet like-minded people there too.
Write your own mantra and repeat it to yourself whenever you need an extra boost. ‘I am a powerful, positive person’ or ‘I trust and believe in myself’ are great options. Find the right mantra for you, and use it to help you feel good and move your journey forward. Plan and visualise something you want to accomplish. Whether it’s a fitness goal, a work ambition or a milestone you’d like to reach – be specific about what it is, and the steps you need to take to achieve it. The clearer you are about what is required, the easier goals are to achieve. Visualise what success looks like and think about how it will make you feel; this will help you get there. Remember, you can be a role model. It’s much easier to be positive when the people around you are positive too. So let your kids, loved ones or friends see your optimism and how you are kind to yourself, and they might just follow your lead. It’s not fair to expect everyone else to look on the bright side if we are not doing that ourselves.
Quiz: Alicia Hattersley. Words: Deborah Smith. Photography: Alamy, Matt Monfredi, Shutterstock. Styling: Charlene Bent. Hair and make-up: Alice Theobold. Find more advice from Deborah at: growyourownhappiness.com
If you're...
food chain To train like the best... preparation is key, especially when
it comes to your nutrition. That’s why we’ve created Food Chain.Working perfectly alongside the Food Chain App , this proportional container is designed to help athletes take their nutrition to the next level.
NUTRITION
FIND
Ever wondered whether you’re eating a balanced diet? Then you’re in the right place! Here, our nutrition expert Zoe explains what each food group has to offer and why it’s important for maintaining good health. Follow our visual guide for good nutrition and discover how achieving a healthy mix of foods each day can be much easier than you think!
MEET OUR EXPERT
Zoe Griffiths is a registered dietician and head of public health at Weight Watchers. She has all the answers when it comes to eating well, so if you have a question about food, send it to: weightwatchers@seven.co.uk
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Remember: fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and veg (in natural juice or water with no added sugar or salt, and drained) all count towards your 5-a-day. But potatoes don’t, as they’re considered a starchy food.
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Did you know that fruit juices, veggie juices and smoothies (150ml) only count as one of your 5-a-day, no matter how many fruits or veggies they contain.
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If you choose dairy alternatives, check that the variety you buy is fortified with calcium, to ensure you’re not missing out on this valuable nutrient.
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Embrace wholegrains! You digest them at a slower pace, which can help you feel full for longer. Choosing a wholegrain cereal or porridge for breakfast can help to prevent unplanned mid-morning snacking.
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Limit your intake of red and processed meat, such as ham, bacon and sausages, to help reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
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With WW Flex, all foods are on the menu, so enjoy your food and also a balanced diet.
118 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
Photography: Matt Monfredi. Styling: Charlene Bent. Hair and make-up: Alice Theobold. Illustration: Nicola Meiring
IN YOUR MEALS
Zoe's tips
NUTRITION
Three portions of dairy each day meets most people’s needs. One portion is a third of a pint of milk, a matchbox-size piece of cheese or a small tub of yogurt. Dairy is a source of calcium – essential for bones and teeth – and provides protein and vitamins, such as B12. Whether you’re having milk, cheese or yogurt, choose reducedfat and fat-free versions, and check that yogurts don’t have added sugar.
HEALTHY OILS AND SPREADS Fat is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet, but it should be eaten in small amounts. Choose plant-based unsaturated fats (including olive, rapeseed and nut oils) for cooking or using in salad dressings and marinades, and go for a low-fat spread.
What should I eat?
Here’s what you need to know about the five food groups and how to achieve a healthy balance
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES The NHS recommends adults eat at least five servings of fruit and veg daily (a serving is around 80g) to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fruit and veg should make up more than a third of what you eat each day. Choosing a mix of colours helps to ensure you’re giving your body a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Also, steam your veg to retain maximum nutrients.
PROTEIN
STARCHY CARBOHYDRATES Include one of these in each meal; a portion of rice, potatoes or pasta is about the size of your fist. The body converts starch to glucose, which is energy for the brain, muscles and other cells. Choose wholegrain or brown over refined – the extra fibre helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and wholegrain versions also retain more iron and B vitamins.
STAY HYDRATED!
Aim for the recommended 6-8 glasses of fluid per day; water, sugar-free drinks (including tea and coffee) and milk all count.
Essential for healthy muscles and bones, good sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, beans, peas and lentils. Meat, fish and eggs also contain vitamin B12, for healthy nerve function. Choose lean meat and skinless poultry (a cooked portion is the size of a deck of cards), and aim to eat two portions of fish each week – one being oil-rich, such as salmon, for omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. A portion of cooked salmon is about the size of your palm. Many beans and lentils are also high in protein and fibre, yet low in fat.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 119
*Based on the Public Health England Eatwell Guide. Proportions shown represent recommended food consumption over a period of time, not one meal. This isn’t intended as a prescribed diet, but as a guide to achieving a healthy balance
DAIRY AND ALTERNATIVES
spa break JOIN US FOR A LUXURY
Relax, enjoy some pampering at Ragdale Hall Spa and meet members of the magazine team at our exclusive 2018 reader events
W
eight Watchers magazine has partnered with one of the UK’s leading health spas, Ragdale Hall, to create three exclusive events for our readers. So why not join us for a two-night stay at this award-winning spa in the Leicestershire countryside? Whether you’re looking to kick-start your weight loss or just enjoy some me-time, Ragdale Hall is for you. YOU’LL ENJOY FULL USE of all the facilities, including Ragdale’s deluxe Thermal Spa and new heated Rooftop Infinity Pool (see far right); relax with a 50-minute Pure Radiance Facial; and choose from a Soothing Back Massage, Fresh Feet or Soft Hands Treatment (25 minutes each).
YOU’RE INVITED TO a welcome event where you can meet members of the Weight Watchers magazine team. As well as a skincare workshop, an outdoor walking session and either a Fashion Showcase or Cookery Demo. FROM A THREE-COURSE LUNCH and dinner in Ragdale’s elegant dining room, to breakfast served 120 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
in your room each morning, all meals throughout your stay are included. TO TAKE HOME you'll receive a Clarins skincare gift worth £22, including Relax Body Treatment Oil (30ml) and Relax Bath and Shower Concentrate (100ml). DURING YOUR STAY you can enjoy the pools, fitness sessions and gym, go for a bike ride, play tennis or pitch and putt, or simply relax… INCLUDED IN YOUR SPECIAL EVENT ● Arrival between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday, with a special welcome and pre-dinner drinks, and departure after lunch on Tuesday ● Lunch and dinner (three courses each) and breakfast ● Fashion Showcase or Cookery Demo (dependent on date booked) ● An outdoor walking session ● Hands-on skincare workshop with Clarins experts (where you can try the products for yourself) ● 50-minute Pure Radiance Facial ● Choice of 25-minute treatment from Soothing Back Massage, Fresh Feet or Soft Hands Treatment ● Complimentary robe hire and your own Ragdale Hall flip-flops
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW ON ONE OF THESE SPECIAL WEIGHT WATCHERS MAGAZINE READER EVENTS IN 2018 CHOOSE:
● 13-15 May (including an outdoor walking session
and a healthy-eating Cookery Demo)
● 16-18 September (including an outdoor walking
session and a Fashion Showcase)
● 18-20 November (including an outdoor walking
session and a Fashion Showcase)
To book, call 01664 433 000 and quote ‘Weight Watchers magazine 2018’ Price per person for two nights (based on two people sharing): Room type Economy Standard/Lodge Superior Single Supplement (economy/superior) Triples available
Price £309 £350 £375 £65
Why not make the most of your time away by booking an extra night on Tuesday for £145, including all meals and a 25-minute Soft Hands Treatment? For more details, visit ragdalehall.co.uk Offer is subject to availability, applies to selected dates only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Guests must be over 16. Travel is not included. Arrival 2-4pm; check out 11am. Changing facilities and luggage storage are provided. Departure 2pm.
READER OFFER
WIN!
A TWO-NIGHT WEIGHT WATCHERS BREAK FOR TWO AT RAGDALE HALL
Enter for the chance to win a mini-break to Ragdale Hall for you and a friend!
Luxury health spa Ragdale Hall is offering one lucky reader and their guest the chance to enjoy a two-night stay during one of the 2018 Weight Watchers breaks of their choice, for free! You and your guest will share a superior room, enjoy all the facilities, treatments and activities included in our spa breaks (see left), plus you'll each receive a Clarins skincare gift and Weight Watchers goody bag! It’s a great treat for yourself and a loved one.
WORTH £750!
CHOOSE FROM: 13-15 May ● 16-18 September ● 18-20 November ●
WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME ON THE WEIGHT WATCHERS BREAK AT RAGDALE HALL – IT WAS THE PERFECT CHANCE FOR THE TWO OF US TO CATCH UP WITH ONE ANOTHER AND WAS WELL WORTH THE TRIP FROM WALES. FROM THE GOODY BAG AND BREAKFAST IN BED TO THE RELAXING TREATMENTS AND MAKE-UP CLASSES, IT WAS LUXURY ALL THE WAY. WE FELT REALLY SPOILT – IN FACT, WE ENJOYED IT SO MUCH, WE’RE RETURNING IN 2018. Weight Watchers members and friends Pauline Sumsion (left) and Heather Attree from South Wales
NEW INFINITY POOL FOR 2018! As if Ragdale wasn’t luxurious enough, it now has a stunning open-air Rooftop Infinity Pool! Heated to a tempting 35 degrees, the pool features underwater loungers and massage jets, so you can sit comfortably while admiring breathtaking views over Ragdale’s grounds and the Leicestershire countryside. The new pool is complemented by a lounge area and completely redesigned Exercise Pool area with LED mood lighting and underwater gym equipment. Perfect for Ragdale Hall’s ever-popular aqua-based exercise sessions. And the best part? There’s no extra charge!
2 WAYS TO ENTER... FILL IN YOUR DETAILS AT: weightwatchersmagazine.co.uk TEXT: WWM5, followed by a space, then your name and address, to 85100. You will receive a text back confirming your entry into this prize draw. Text entries cost £1 plus standard operator rates. The closing date for receipt of entry is 23.59 on 28 February 2018.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1 Travel is not included. 2 Guests must be over 16. 3 Arrival from 2pm. Check out of room by 11am on day of departure, with locker, changing facilities and luggage storage provided. 4 Break is subject to availability. 5 Open to UK residents only. 6 There is no cash alternative, the prize is non-refundable and non-transferable. 7 Prize must be taken by 20 November 2018. 8 Text line is open 24 hours until 23.59 on 28 February 2018. Please ask whoever pays the bill before texting. If you text after the closing date you will not be entered into the draw but you will be charged. Take care when entering text codes, as the promoter is not responsible for codes typed incorrectly. 9 If unable to send a text, check with your network operator in the first instance. For technical issues, call 0161 726 5432. 10 To receive information and offers from Seven Publishing or carefully selected third parties, write YES at the end of your text entry. Your information will only be used to administer the prize draw; we will never pass your details on to third parties. 11 For full terms and conditions, see P.125.
Weight Watchers Magazine / 121
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s t s i k c o St
Apricot & Nectarine Yogurts Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose Bathroom Scales Argos, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Wilko Berry Fruit Fromage Frais Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose Bolognese Al Forno Chilled Meal Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco British Favourites Yogurts Asda, Co-Operative, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose
Chicken Tikka Chilled Meal Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco Chilli & Wedges Chilled Meal Asda, Morrisons and Tesco Chocolate Biscuits Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose Chocolate Mini Rolls Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Chocolate & Toffee Mini Pots Asda and Morrisons Citrus Fruit Yogurts Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco Crustless Bacon & Leek Quiche Asda Crustless Cheese & Onion Quiche Asda Dessert Recipe Yogurts Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco
E-H
Say cheese! C-D
Caramel Cake Bars Morrisons and Tesco Caramel Wafers Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose Carrot Cake Slices Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Cheddar Block Asda and Morrisons Cheese Triangles Asda and Sainsbury’s Chicken & Mushroom Pie Chilled Meal Asda and Morrisons Chicken Korma Chilled Meal Asda, Morrisons and Tesco Chicken Lasagne Chilled Meal Asda and Morrisons
Folded Garlic Naan Breads Tesco Ginger & Lemon Cookies Tesco Grated Cheddar Asda and Morrisons Hunters Chicken & Rice Chilled Meal Asda, Morrisons and Tesco
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Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rice Chilled Meal Asda and Morrisons
Great for breakfast
K-L
Lemon & Poppy Seed Slices Morrisons
M-N
Malted Danish Bread Asda, Co-Operative, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco Mature Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Crisps Multipack Poundland Milk Choc Digestives Co-Operative, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco Mini Garlic & Coriander Naan Breads Asda and Morrisons
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Oat Digestive Biscuits Sainsbury’s Oaty Choc Chip Mini Cookies Tesco Pitta Breads Asda
Q-R
Snacks
Ideal for quick evening meals
Ready Salted Crisps Multipack Poundland Red Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice Chilled Meal Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Roast Chicken Crisps Multipack Poundland
No doubt, like us, you already have your Weight Watchers® food favourites. But did you know there is an incredible range of more than 60 foods and snacks to get your taste buds tingling? And they’re all plan-friendly so they won’t send you off track – bonus! Here’s where to get your hands on some of our favourites – to view the full range of Weight Watchers Foods, visit weightwatchersfoods.co.uk
S-T
Sausages & Mash Chilled Meal Asda and Morrisons Sliced Cheese Asda and Morrisons Sour Cream & Chive Crisps Multipack Poundland Summer Fruit Fromages Frais Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose Summer Fruit Yogurts Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose Thick White Bread Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Thick Wholemeal Bread Asda, Co-Operative, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Toffee & Honeycomb Sundaes (Frozen Dessert) Asda and Sainsbury’s Toffee & Vanilla Flavour Yogurts Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco
U-Z
White Danish Bread Asda, Co-Operative, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Wraps Asda, Morrisons and Tesco
On-the-go ideas
WEIGHT WATCHERS on foods and beverages is the registered trademark of WW Foods, LLC. WEIGHT WATCHERS for services and SmartPoints are the registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. ©2018 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All rights reserved. Products are carried in selected stores of the named retailers and are subject to availability. Information is correct at the time of going to print but is subject to change.
New packaging!
LOOK FOR IT IN STORE – MORE PRODUCTS WILL BE ROLLED OUT OVER THE COMING MONTHS You’re probably already familiar with many of our delicious foods, but you might not have seen our new packaging…
EASY DOES IT
Shopping for food can be full of obstacles, so we want to make sure that finding our tasty foods in supermarkets is as faff-free as possible. Our new packaging looks great and the labels help you to see at a glance how many SmartPoints and calories are in each serving or pack. In the case of our chilled meals, you’ll know which ones are No Count as the logo is in clear view and the food itself is photographed against a lighter background. Easy!
Look oumt efoarls No Couentin lighter they'r kaging pac
s e u l a v s t n i o SmartPrly marked clea
Trek or Cycle the Great Wall of China
9 – 17 May 2019
5 days trekking or cycling Immerse yourself in the Chinese culture Experience Beijing and see its attractions Stay in traditional accommodation
Join the first ChallengeHer women-only challenge in China and raise funds for the charity of your choice For more information and to register online:
www.dream-challenges.com Register for only ÂŁ349 For further information or to register please call us on
01590 646410 or email: events@dream-challenges.com
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DAUGHTER LAUNA LOST WEIGHT TOGETHER
HOW TO DATE WHEN YOU’RE ON A WEIGHT-LOSS JOURNEY
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indulge yourself! Enjoy the foods you love (pancakes anyone?)
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Weight Watchers Magazine / 125
1/3 x 1/3 x
1/2 x 1/2 x
CLASSIFIED
1/4 x
AN ATTITUDE NOT A SIZE 1/4 x
1/2 x
WOMENS FASHION
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Keeping you on track over the festive period Buy today and save 10% Use WWX17 at checkout
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Had a merry time? HRI Milk Thistle: for the morning after the night before HRI Milk Thistle is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms associated with occasional over indulgence of food and drink such as indigestion and upset stomach, based on traditional use only. Always read the label www.HRIHerbalMedicine.co.uk Certification mark
To advertise in Weight Watchers classified please call Elliott Worthington on 0207 775 5592 email: elliott.worthington@seven.co.uk
CLASSIFIED
THE MOST EFFECTIVE ARM TONING DEVICE IN THE WORLD?? Check the 400+ Amazon reviews and decide for yourself PERFECT ARMS IN 2018 • JUST £19.99 RRP
To advertise in Weight Watchers classified please call Elliott Worthington on 0207 775 5592 email: elliott.worthington@seven.co.uk
CLASSIFIED E
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To advertise in Weight Watchers classified please call Elliott Worthington on 0207 775 5592 email: elliott.worthington@seven.co.uk
She deserves a
This is
Medal!
KAREN START WEIGHT
11st 3lb
GOAL WEIGHT
9st 5lb 9st 5lb
Age 54 Height 5ft 3in Joined September 2008 Time taken to goal 5 months Coach since January 2009
Each month we select an amazing Coach to enjoy a moment in the limelight. This time, it’s Karen Elliott-Brown! Here, her members share what makes Karen so special What I most value about Karen is how much she loves her job. Her meetings are full of laughs, happy tears and hugs. She always greets you with a smile and turns any negative into a positive. Melissa Browne, Dartford meeting
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❛ Karen’s done wonders
for our community – she’s always getting involved in something, from fundraising walks to raising awareness of the benefits of weight loss. She invests so much into every project she takes on, and goes the extra mile to help others. Amy Tiller, Bexleyheath meeting
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❛ If it wasn’t for Karen, I would
have given up. She’s always at the end of the phone, although goodness knows how she finds the time! She holds three meetings a week, trains new Coaches and works as an Online Coach too – not to mention her charity work! Tracy Whybrow-Andrews, Dartford meeting
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I joined Karen’s meeting after being diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and she’s been my number-one cheerleader ever since. Karen and I have teamed up with Diabetes UK, talking to the public about how weight loss can help the condition. I’m certain I’d have developed full-blown diabetes if it hadn’t been for Karen. Nicki Clarke, Bexleyheath meeting
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❜
Coach in BEXLEYHEATH & DARTFORD
Karen was born to be a Coach. I always leave her meetings with a smile on my face and she makes everyone who meets her feel special. Also, she always takes the time to listen to my problems without judgement. Charlotte Sharp, Bexleyheath meeting
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130 \ Weight Watchers Magazine
As told to: Alicia Hattersley. Photography: Ian Harrison. Styling: Arabella Boyce. Hair and make-up: Bryony Blake. With thanks to: Closet (closetlondon.com), House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk), Karen Millen (karenmillen.com), New Look (newlook.com), SCHUH (schuh.co.uk)
CURRENT WEIGHT
European River Cruising by Fred. Olsen
Sail the breathtaking Danube; savour the highlights of the heart of Europe on a journey through the spellbinding Moselle, Rhine and Main valleys; enjoy a taster cruise to Amsterdam when the tulips are in full flourish; and much more. From the comfort of Brabant, mesmerising sights will unfold before your eyes; from picturesque countryside and historic castles, to terraced vineyards and charming towns. Weight Watchers have teamed up with award-winning Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to give you a very tempting 10% membership discount* on your first sailing with them – and that’s on top of any current offers. Existing Fred. Olsen customers can save 5%, in addition to their 5% Loyalty Club discount.
To book using your discount code WEIGHT10 call the Weight Watchers member booking hotline 0800 0355 108 or visit www.fredolsencruises.com/weightwatchers *All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s (FOCL) standard terms & conditions, available on our website & on request. All prices quoted under the Weight Watchers members discount offer are exclusive to qualifying members & their travelling companions only, members must quote their discount code at time of booking. Membership discounts cannot be applied retrospectively. Bookings must be made via the booking hotline number 0800 0355 108. Proof of membership will be required at the time of booking. Offers cannot be extended to any unrelated third party, are subject to availability & may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice. From time to time FOCL may run special offers which cannot be combined with this discount, including selected group travel deals. All guests booked under this scheme are requested to refrain from disclosing the fare paid whilst on board. Offer is for first-time cruisers with Fred. Olsen only. Fred. Olsen Oceans members are entitled to a 5% Weight Watchers discount subject to the same terms & conditions, to be applied after the standard Oceans discount, where applicable. In this instance, Oceans Terms & Conditions apply. Offer ends 1/6/2018. E&OE.