Simply Summer success come rain or shine
A wet summer might be good for the garden - but not for your waistline! As climate experts predict above-average rainfall this summer, a new Slimming World survey reveals that almost 80% of slimmers dread a rainy holiday season more than a sunny one. That's because staying indoors means there's more temptation to eat and less chance to get active!
Even with a bit of sunshine, slimmers still see summer as a high risk season:
52% say that going on holiday is the most challenging time; 33% think eating outdoors at restaurants and cafés with tempting dishes is difficult; 25% believe BBQs are the main culprit for weight gain.
To help slimmers survive the season, Slimming World has launched the Simply Summer recipe book, to arm members so they're ready to take on the perils of the summer months - come rain or shine! Simply Summer is brimming with sunshine-filled recipes, mixing the best seasonal ingredients with the most healthy, satisfying eating plan around - Slimming World's Food Optimising.
It might sound too good to be true, but with Slimming World you can eat until you're full, never feel hungry and still lose weight - even through the summer!
'During the school holidays, families often eat out or buy food in situations where they find it hard to control what they eat, such as theme parks, so the summer months can be a real problem. Food Optimising is a healthy eating programme for healthy appetites. It is generous, effective and flexible and is the perfect plan for food lovers. It's got nothing to do with fads, counting or weighing and everything to do with choice, and gives slimmers the power to enjoy real food and still lose weight.
To find out how Food Optimising can help you reach your weight loss goals contact Slimming World consultant Liz on 01473 728380.

---

RECEIPE: Chilli Potato Skewers ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barbecues are just soooo tempting - it can be hard sticking to a diet, even more so if you're going veggie and you're faced with all that sizzling meat. Struggle no longer - here's a really yummy veggie kebab, that's low in fat and good for you!
Preparation/cooking time: approx 20 minutes
10 x 1.5oz/42g small potatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 bunch spring onions
5oz/142g cherry tomatoes
5oz/142g open cap mushrooms
5 tbsp passata
Half tsp hot chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1. Scrub the potatoes and cut in half lengthwise. Place in a pan and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to the boil and cook for 5-6 minutes until just cooked but still firm [don't overcook or they will split when skewered]. Drain and rinse in cold water.
2. Meanwhile, trim the spring onions and cut into 2in/5cm lengths. Destalk the tomatoes and halve the mushrooms.
3. Mix the passata, chilli powder and cumin together and season well.
4. Thread the potatoes, onion, tomatoes and mushrooms alternately on to 8 skewers and brush with the passata mixture. Place over hot coals and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and tender, or grill under a hot grill for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through.
• First published in Slimming World magazine