Search results

  1. A

    I love XFactor.

    ....
  2. A

    I love XFactor.

    ......
  3. A

    Stuck to my diet 100% - what am I doing wrong

    Yes I have been told this, several times, and dismissed it as nonsense. I don't know where people get these daft ideas from! You are not doing anything wrong - you are losing weight steadily and slowly, which is how it should be.
  4. A

    disappointed with SW leader...

    If you have no idea what has happened, then I think that it is not really fair to judge. There could be all sorts of reasons for her leaving.
  5. A

    Extra Easy Days cereal apricot wheats

    I am told that Puffed Wheat is the lightest cereal, so you get more in your bowl!
  6. A

    Really sorry...Rice question!

    Don't know about Uncle Ben's because I have never bought it, but the Tilda rice which comes in similar packaging has oil in it. For instance, the ingredients list for Tilda steamed brown basmati rice inlcudes rice bran oil.
  7. A

    Light, Lite, Lighter . . .

    I had a look at some Tesco sandwiches the other day and I wouldn't have eaten any of them. Some were brown and some were a kind of granary, but none was wholemeal. And all of them had some kind of spread and mayonnaise listed in the ingredients.
  8. A

    Anyone got SW friendly(ish) food addictions?

    Realfoods Corn Thins - either the multigrain or the sesame. Five for a HEXB or 1 syn each.
  9. A

    Light, Lite, Lighter . . .

    Prompted by a discussion in the syns value section, about a Tesco Lighter Choices sandwich, I did a bit of research into what Light, or "Lite" (I can barely bring myself to type that horrible word!) or Lighter actually mean. Light or "lite" means that the product must be at least 30% lower in...
  10. A

    Light Choices Egg and Cress Sandwich

    So it did have mayonnaise in it. Well, a sort of mayonnaise. Cornflour? dried skimmed milk? :eek: (I have never been able to find a shop-bought egg sandwich without mayonnaise, unless it is from the kind of shop where I can stand over them while they make it, issuing instructions and making...
  11. A

    Cooked Chicken??

    But nothing tastes as nice as proper gravy made with chicken stock and juices!
  12. A

    just completed some xmas shopping....

    I don't do Christmas shopping. As I was coming home from the gym yesterday morning I saw one of the information boards about car parks in the centre of town and they were all full by 11 a.m.! Must have been a nightmare! All through the year, when I see something nice (preferably in a sale or...
  13. A

    Light Choices Egg and Cress Sandwich

    Manufacturers have no shame!! They are simply trying to sell you something. They are, however, obliged to put ingredients lists and nutritional values on the packages - it is up to us to read them and make sensible choices.
  14. A

    Light Choices Egg and Cress Sandwich

    Do you still have the pack? Because, if you read it, it will tell you exactly what is in it.
  15. A

    Snow

    Fog and rain in the Thames Valley - but it's FIVE degrees!!! Positively tropical! All the snow has gone - yippee!!
  16. A

    Vecon

    I remember Okra - wasn't she a princess from the planet Vegetariania?? :D
  17. A

    Hot Milk?

    I can't think of anything that would happen to milk when you warm it up that could possibly add any syns. After all, if you added a bit of cold milk to a hot cup of coffee, it would heat the milk.
  18. A

    Vecon

    Before SW changed the rules about stock cubes, etc., Vecon was one of the free ones. I have only ever seen it in health food stores. You could use any stock - my favourite is Knorr Touch of Taste vegetable stock concentrate. It comes in a bottle so you can use as much or as little as you like.
  19. A

    i am a coward

    The fewer people on the roads the better!
  20. A

    Asda frozen white rice

    Look at the ingredients list in the small print on the back of the packet. Does it just say rice? In which case it is free on green or EE. If it has oil in its ingredients, then it is not free.
  21. A

    Weekly wait

    No - far too busy. The week flies by.
  22. A

    STRANDED, is it ever gonna end?

    Well, after having said that we seemed to have escaped, Reading had about an inch last night. The main roads are fine, but the side roads and some of the pavements are a bit grim. Nothing like the problems that the rest of the country are having, of course.
  23. A

    why when you go onto 'new posts'

    How long have I been here??? And I never knew that! Well, I always think that a day when you don't learn something new is a day wasted!
  24. A

    Super free foods

    At least two thirds of my lunch and dinner are superfree. I decide on the vegetables first, then think about what to eat with them. Tonight I am having leeks and carrots and onions and whatever else I can find, cooked with some pearl barley and a couple of chicken thighs. There will be far...
  25. A

    STRANDED, is it ever gonna end?

    I appear to be living in some kind of parallel universe. We had some snow on Tuesday morning, but that went quickly, and now it is cold and windy but dry. I keep seeing cars with snow on their roofs, and I know that places less than 20 miles from here have had quite a bit, but we seem to be...
  26. A

    syn query

    The last word on the line is "each" - so it means each sausage.
  27. A

    SW Wedges and chips

    No you don't have to. It makes no difference to weightloss. It's just that when you do parboil potatoes you can rough them up (sounds a bit violent, but you know what I mean!) and get crispier edges. When I do roast potatoes, I always boil them for at least five minutes, sometimes longer...
  28. A

    do you have to eat a portion of A and B

    You were quite right!
  29. A

    Snow

    In Reading we had a light dusting overnight, but it nearly all melted quite quickly. A few more flurries during the day, but nothing settled. It is very cold now - and that easterly wind is evil!!
  30. A

    Christmas Lights

    Councils are in an impossible situation. The actual savings on Christmas lights are not likely to be all that much in the overall scheme of things, but it is a "visible" saving. Have lots of bright lights and come next year when the Council might have to close the public library for one day a...
  31. A

    Help me understand...

    Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. It is this enzyme which stops jelly from setting properly when you put fresh pineapple in it. You can use canned pineapple in jellies because the enzyme is destroyed by the heat in the canning process. Bromelain is also used as a meat...
  32. A

    do you have to eat a portion of A and B

    I see your point. Sorry. If you take a look above you will see I have edited my post, and I will be more careful in future.
  33. A

    slow cooker disaster/s help

    I have never cooked anything before putting it in the slow cooker and it works just fine. Mine was a cheap purchase from Tesco. I think you should take yours back, if you can. There is definitely something wrong with it. Does it get hot?
  34. A

    Kitchen Utensils

    .....
  35. A

    Snowed in... Class question

    Does your consultant have a mobile 'phone number or an email address, so you could text or email her? My consultant friend has all her members on a group texting system, so she can tell them all at the same time if there are any problems. Last winter consideration was given to people who...
  36. A

    Veg problem .....

    Salads usually are vegetables, so I don't really see any problem.
  37. A

    Why Tesco, why?!!!

    I first had a Krispy Kreme in Florida and thought it was wonderful. I was so pleased when I heard that they were going to be sold over here. And then so disappointed when I found out that they didn't taste the same at all!!
  38. A

    Clothing size

    I have clothes, which I currently wear, from sizes 18 to 28. Now, admittedly the size 28 jumper could double as a small tent, but it is still wearable, especially now when I have so many layers on that my arms won't move!
  39. A

    do you have to eat a portion of A and B

    The healthy extra A is there for the calcium and fat content. You need calcium in your diet for your bones - to try to avoid the risk of osteoporosis, among other things And you need some fat because there are vitamins which are fat-soluble. If you don't like milk or cheese, then you need to...
  40. A

    tomatoe based pasta sauces

    They are all different - you would need to tell us what brand and what type.
  41. A

    Questions about joining

    There is no way of knowing what the age group will be. In my group the youngest is 15 and the oldest is over 80. In any case, it really shouldn't matter - they are all people who want the same thing! You can either pay each week or buy a "countdown" which commits you to either six or twelve...
  42. A

    If you could create a slimming world treat what would it be??

    Oh yes, me too! Warm, crusty white bread, cold butter, cheddar cheese.
  43. A

    Egremont Russet apples.

    I have noticed this with russet apples in the past. As far as I know they are fine to eat - I always have and I am still here! Egremont Russets are amazing - a taste like no other apple! Must remember to buy some soon. Lovely with cheese.
  44. A

    Not happy! cant go on minimins at work now

    Now that's a revolutionary idea!! ;)
  45. A

    Mushroom Soup

    Inspired by a very large reduced-price box of excellent mushrooms purchased at Morrisons the other day! 2 sticks celery, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 1 potato, diced 2 small or 1 large carrot, finely diced small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped or grated Frylight...
  46. A

    GRAPES

    There is a substance called reservatrol which is found in the skin of red grapes, blueberries, and some other foods, and in red wine. There have been quite a few studies which indicate that there might be health benefits - but so far these studies have been on mice and rats. Also, the benefits...
  47. A

    Advent calenders

    I have the most beautiful Advent Calendar - entirely syn-free. It is the front cover of this week's Country Life magazine!
  48. A

    Knorr rice, rice sides SYNS PLEASE???

    Are these very new? They are not listed on the SW Syns Online, and the only links that Google gives appear to be to American websites. There seem to be things called Rice Sides, Cajun Sides, Asian Sides, Pasta Sides, etc. Not sure what "sides" are, unless they mean "side dishes"?
  49. A

    Which day do you have the best losses?

    Definitely green.
  50. A

    Puddings Baked cheesecake urgent help

    Thank you! The way I do it is to put the biscuits into a strong plastic bag and hit them with a rolling pin. However, I saw Jamie Oliver put them in a teatowel, roll it up, swing it over his head and bash it several times on the work surface. It looked like a lot of fun, but I fear that if...
  51. A

    red lentils as a HEX b on a red day?

    Red lentils have had their skins removed and then split, so they don't have as much fibre as the whole green or brown ones.
  52. A

    Puddings Baked cheesecake urgent help

    Did you crush the biscuits enough? They should have a texture almost like sand before you mix the margarine in. Then, when you put the biscuit mixture into the tin, you should press it down with the back of a spoon so it all comes together. Sorry if you already know this, but you did say you...
  53. A

    Paw Ridge VS Porridge... confused?!?!

    According to the Healthy Extras list on the SW website, 1 sachet of Paw Ridge original plus 1 Scan Bran is a Healthy Extra.
  54. A

    Anyone else struggle in the evening especially seeing food ads?

    Don't watch the adverts! Either look away, or walk out of the room, or mute the sound, until they are over. I never see television adverts because I always record programmes and watch them later - sometimes only a little bit later - then I can fast forward past them and don't have to waste my...
  55. A

    Thanksgiving

    Apart from turkey, no idea what they have at thanksgiving dinners, so can't help really.
  56. A

    Slow cooker - help needed please

    When I cook a chicken in the slow cooker, I put in a couple of carrots cut into big chunks to balance the chicken on, then I add just enough boiling water to cover the base of the cooker to a depth of about a quarter of an inch. All the juices from the chicken drip into the water, and when the...
  57. A

    Syns in HEX's???

    Never worry about asking what seems like an obvious question! We were all new to this at one stage, and all got a bit confused to start with. You can always ask here! No-one minds!
  58. A

    Extra Easy I don't really like fruit - problem?

    The superfree requirement covers fruit and/or vegetables. If you are eating loads of vegetables, then you don't have to force yourself to eat fruit if you don't like it.
  59. A

    freezer Shopping help needed

    The 2010 SW directory has the following Iceland products listed Free on Red and EE: Beef Joint with salt and pepper crust Chicken fillets in gravy Garlic king prawn kebabs Seafood Medley Sliced beef in gravy Tuna steaks with smoky barbecue glaze In the Smart Syns section of the directory...
  60. A

    A thought about tinned tomatoes

    Don't quite understand what you mean by "don't sugar the way fruit does"?
  61. A

    i'm a celebrity

    Can't watch this show as I can't stand creepy-crawlies of any kind. I do wish that there was some way of getting a "spider alert" in advance so one could look away until it has gone. There was even a large spider on "Come Dine With Me" the other day - some twisted soul had it as a pet!!!!
  62. A

    Anyone else .......

    Because the nice young ones want to go off and do something else! The actor playing Ringo has a singing career now.
  63. A

    Jamies italian

    The Fish Baked in a Bag sounds terrific!
  64. A

    Extra Easy Slimming World From Home Help

    Most classes are in the evening because that is when most people are free to attend. Also, many consultants also have a day job. I know someone who started a daytime class, and it is quite successful, but she doesn't get as many people attending as for her evening classes.
  65. A

    Tesco light choices ceasar salad dressing

    From Syns Online: Tesco Light Choices, Caesar Dressing 1 level tbsp ½ Syn on Extra Easy Original ½ Syn Green ½ Syn
  66. A

    Cloudy Lemonade

    Not listed in Syns online. So all I can suggest is that if you still have the bottles you take the calorie content and divide by 20 to find a rough idea of the syns. Hope you are feeling better!
  67. A

    Chaumes

    Can't find it listed, but have a look at this website for relative calorie values of cheese. Calories in Cheese | Full Cheese Calorie Listing It is not as bad, calorie-wise, as I would have expected for a soft French cheese.
  68. A

    How many ingredients??

    Good for you. I am always going on about reading the ingredients list - I know I bore people to tears with it!! But it is the only way to know what you are eating, and to make sure that there are no hidden nasties in there!!
  69. A

    OMG !!!!!!!!!!!

    I had a look at this in Tesco today. The couscous has oil in it, and so does the dressing. That's why there are so many syns.
  70. A

    Breakfast ideas

    Porridge. For me, that is Scotts Old Fashioned Oats, made with water and cooked in the microwave. A pinch of Maldon Sea Salt added after cooking. Very cheap, very quick, very filling!
  71. A

    asda pineapple

    Enjoy!!
  72. A

    I love XFactor.

    I watched it at my sister's house this week, but they talk all the time and complain about the songs and the singers, so I can never hear things properly. But now I am home and I have watched it and the only two who were - in my opinion - any good this weekend were Katie and Cher. Rebecca...
  73. A

    asda pineapple

    Is it fresh, tinned, frozen? Fresh and frozen fruit is free if there is no sugar added. Tinned and cooked fruit has syns.
  74. A

    Does anyone else.........

    I think it is an excellent idea, particularly for people just starting out. There isn't always time to stop what you are doing and look up a syn value while you are actually preparing a meal, so it makes sense to set aside a little time to check them when you are less busy and to make a note or...
  75. A

    I love XFactor.

    What proof do we have that the public vote actually counts at all?
  76. A

    What should I pick?

    What a brilliant review! I am so glad you had a good time. The food looks amazing. What you have done is proved to us all that it is possible to go out and have a good time, without going too crazy, but without feeling that you have missed out. Well done!!
  77. A

    Children in Need

    I send them some money and then I don't have to watch it at all! I have spent the evening writing letters and catching up with old episodes of Midsomer Murders.
  78. A

    Fromage frais

    Waitrose.
  79. A

    OMG !!!!!!!!!!!

    Look at the fat content. There is little or no fat in couscous, beans or red peppers, so my guess is that there is oil in it. Check the ingredients list and see if it mentions oil. The nearer the beginning of the list, the higher the quantity of any ingredient.
  80. A

    Does the term "star week" make anyone else cringe?

    I never claimed to be rational about it!! :confused: I just hate most abbreviations, written or spoken.
  81. A

    What should I pick?

    I think the salmon and crab and Jerusalem artichoke sounds wonderful. But actually I think the whole menu sounds pretty good!! My feeling is that as this is a special occasion, and a rather good restaurant, that you should have exactly what you would like to have, relax, enjoy the food and...
  82. A

    The Apprentice

    He is unbelievable! But like the guy who writes in the Radio Times The Apprentice - week seven - Blogs - Radio Times I rather hope that Stuart stays on for a while, because the closer he gets to the end the more fun it will be to watch him crash and burn!! I loved the bit at the end where...
  83. A

    Need to Vent....Sorry!!!

    Well, good for you! I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas.
  84. A

    Inspiration!

    I was at the awards ceremony and everyone was delighted with the winner. She is such a lovely young woman, sweet and charming and funny. It is great that the tabloids have picked this up - you can't buy that kind of advertising, and I am sure it will result in lots more new members.
  85. A

    Food Varnish Wedding/B/day Cakes??

    I see that you have found what you were looking for, but just in case you are looking for anything similar, I have found that Jane Asher's website is very good. Confectioners glaze -­ light (100ml) | Jane Asher Party Cakes | Sugarcraft Shop | London
  86. A

    The Apprentice

    What bothers me is that these are supposed to be the best of young business people today. Heaven help us all if that is true!
  87. A

    Does the term "star week" make anyone else cringe?

    Oh don't get me started!! So many things that people say make me cringe. I don't like "muller" either. My two greatest hates are "cuppa" and "uni", but if I told you them all we would be here until Easter!!
  88. A

    Need to Vent....Sorry!!!

    It sounds very much to me as if you are being taken for granted, and perhaps you need to take a step back from the family for a while. Why not arrange some time away over Christmas instead. A holiday, rent a cottage, have some time away from it all if you can afford it. If you can't manage...
  89. A

    Anyone for a royal wedding on the 13th Aug 11

    Everyone is just guessing. I wouldn't worry about it now.
  90. A

    Part time job for 15 year old

    As well as the age limit, some companies apply rules of their own. I remember when one of my relatives wanted a part-time job in Tesco they would not take her on until after she had taken her GCSEs. So it is a good idea to check with local shops/companies to see what rules they have - also to...
  91. A

    Weight recorded my Member not Consultant!!

    Consultants set up a small committee of helpers to do the weighing-in, take the payments, run the shop, and generally help out with setting up the room, etc. These are not just any old members - they are people known to, and trusted by, the consultant and they will respect all the SW rules...
  92. A

    yoplait light cottage cheese

    It is not listed in Syns Online, so I ran it through the Syns Calculator and it came up as free on all plans.
  93. A

    Newbieee.

    That's better!! Don't want to curb anyone's creativity, but some colours get more difficult to read as one gets (oh dear!) older!
  94. A

    What have you eaten that you thought was healthy.....

    Parsnips are free on EE and Green. But not on Red. And they are not superfree so cannot count towards your 1/3 superfree on your plate.
  95. A

    Someone's eating fried chicken on the train....

    The woman sitting behind me spoke loudly into her phone all the way from Paddington to Reading today. She only stopped when she hit the dead spot by Microsoft HQ, just outside Reading (don't know why no-one can get a signal there, maybe Microsoft jams them!!). It was one of those voices you...
  96. A

    Schwartz slow cooker mix!

    Digging around on the Schwartz website I found the ingredients list and nutritional value for the red wine version: Ingredients Wheat Flour, Modified Maize Starch, Red Wine Powder (9%)(Maltodextrin, Red Wine Extract), Flavourings, Tomato Powder (6%), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Sugar, Salt...
  97. A

    Parmesan Cheese, dried! Help!

    No idea, wouldn't eat it if you paid me to. I get fresh parmesan in a block from Aldi, very good value, and grate it just when I need it. Keeps for ever in my cheese box in the fridge.
  98. A

    Someone's eating fried chicken on the train....

    I don't mind if people eat things which are quiet and don't smell! I have to confess to eating some grapes on the train today, because I had missed lunch.
  99. A

    Vibro plate

    My trainer has one of these - a VibroGym I think it is called - and I absolutely hate it. Do make sure that whoever is going to use it has actually tried one before you get one - it is an expensive mistake if they find they can't get on with it.
  100. A

    Someone's eating fried chicken on the train....

    People eating on the train are as bad as people eating at the cinema!!!
  101. A

    Weekly weight loss target

    I spoke to a consultant friend about this today. She says that they are supposed to ask, as part of the image therapy process, but they should not insist. And they should not do anything which makes any member feel uncomfortable.
  102. A

    Slimming World Awards Ceremony

    I don't think they cover the event, as such, in the magazine, because it is really for consultants, rather than members (I only get to go because my sister is a consultant). But they will be mentioning the award winners. And there will be pictures of the event in the consultants' magazine so...
  103. A

    mongolian bbq

    Why is that? Have you tried them and not liked them? Or don't think you would like them if you tried them? Or do you have some other objection? Me - I'll try anything once. Except baked beans, of course.
  104. A

    Slimming World Awards Ceremony

    There are more photos on this site: Neil Lancashire Photography - Client Area this photographer even took pictures of the food!!
  105. A

    Someone's eating fried chicken on the train....

    Lucky you! Anyone I sit near on the train is usually eating something that smells disgusting! Just breathe deeply and enjoy. There are no syns in breathing in!!
  106. A

    Feel the need to have a little moan...apologies!

    No problem. I always remove messages if people don't like them. Life is too short to go around upsetting other folk!
  107. A

    Weekly weight loss target

    Maybe you all ought to sit together and say no in a chorus!! Seriously, have a word. If she really thinks you are going to leave over this, I am sure it will make a difference.
  108. A

    Weekly weight loss target

    Exactly - what can she do if you say "no"? Sit you on the naughty step?
  109. A

    Xmas party problem!

    Melon, red snapper and the lemon tart. And call that a week's syns. Of course, you could just not have any pudding. They aren't compulsory (who am I kidding!!!!).
  110. A

    Quark changed?

    I buy Quark from Waitrose and it really doesn't taste of anything. It certainly is not sour. Every supermarket seems to sell a different brand of it, so maybe you need to try another one. Having said that, I tried mixing Options with it once and thought it was disgusting, but not because of...
  111. A

    Weekly weight loss target

    If you make it clear to her that you don't want to do it, and that you will leave if she continues to insist, she will stop doing it. She cannot afford to lose a paying customer! It would be even more effective if there were some other people who didn't like it either, and were prepared to...
  112. A

    yogurts

    0% or 2% Total (the 2% has half a syn per pot), then add whatever you like. I put lemon curd or Nutella in mine.
  113. A

    Wheaten bread

    This is a terminology problem - there is no specific definition for wheaten bread in the way that there is for wholemeal. Any clues from the labelling as to the content? And does it have any added fat? If not, then brown bread is 3 syns a slice and I would use that as a guide.
  114. A

    Slimming World Awards Ceremony

    Oh go on then, it's this one: 071-10T145 and I am on the right. In the middle is my consultant sister, and on the left is her daughter. We were having a laugh, as you can see!
  115. A

    Myth or method?

    You need to rethink your strategy here. All those things should be saved for your third week. Tonight you turn up in just your ordinary clothes and get your first weigh-in. Next week wear the same clothes - if you have followed the plan you will have lost well in your first week and won't...
  116. A

    Myth or method?

    If you have heavy jewellery it can make a difference, and winter tops and trousers are obviously going to be heavier than summer ones. I have a jumper which weighs nearly two pounds, so I always make sure I wear a tshirt under it if I am wearing it on weighing in day. And I always take my...
  117. A

    When is it ok to Lie??

    We had an orange, a brazil nut, and some chocolate coins in one of dad's old socks. Other things too, I think, but those are what I can remember. I love the "he is real if you believe in him" idea. I am not surprised that you love your Mum - she sounds wonderful!
  118. A

    mongolian bbq

    Hmm - a Mongolian kangaroo?? Seriously, I have no idea what a Mongolian barbeque is, although it sounds very multicultural! I have eaten ostrich and wild boar before, and they were both delicious, so I am sure you will have a great time. And "wild" meats are usually very lean, so not too...
  119. A

    does scan bran work?

    Some people say so - a small amount of it is very filling and of course anything will a good amount of fibre will help. But when you say "hardship" do you mean you have tried it and don't like it? Life is too short to eat things you don't like, and there are plenty of other sources of fibre.
  120. A

    Myth or method?

    Thinking about this a bit more, I wonder what these people do if they get caught in the rain on the way to class?
  121. A

    Slimming World Awards Ceremony

    Only one, and it is not good, so I am not telling you which one!!!
  122. A

    Myth or method?

    There are no calories in anything eaten while travelling - in a plane, train, car, whatever. And when I make a batch of Nigella's Rocky Road, which I do once a year for my friend's birthday, there are no calories in the bits I trim off when I am cutting it into neat squares. I do so love the...
  123. A

    Feel the need to have a little moan...apologies!

    Sorry, it was meant to be a joke. I have removed the message.
  124. A

    When is it ok to Lie??

    I would agree with the others here who have said that there is a difference between lying and fantasy. We all need to have a little magic and fantasy in our lives and it doesn't really matter if it is true or not. When children get older they can be told - not that Santa doesn't exist, but...
  125. A

    Newbieee.

    skinnyminnie - would you consider changing the colour of the text in your messages? I just can't read such a pale colour against the white background.
  126. A

    Slimming World Awards Ceremony

    The official photographer at the event has put photos on his website: Slimming World November 2010
  127. A

    Slimming World Awards Ceremony

    Just back from Birmingham where we (me, my consultant sister, and her daughter) went to the Slimming World Awards ceremony and dinner last night. Great night out - loads of people, all dressed up to the nines, with lovely dresses. Talk about "glittering occasion" - I reckon you could have...
  128. A

    Ideas for Rabbit Recipes Please

    You could use any basic casserole/stew recipe. Rabbit is a lovely meat, nice and lean. You can roast part of it, but I always found that it came out too dry and stewing/casseroling/braising was a much better option. As with chicken, it is easier to cook most parts of the rabbit on the bone -...
  129. A

    Rant

    That is indeed a good first step, and shows what can be done with a well-aimed complaint!
  130. A

    Fondant Potatoes my way

    This is what I would call Pommes Boulangere (see this page: Classic Pommes Boulangère - French Gratin Potatoes Recipe - Food.com - 248261 for the reason they are called that. For me, fondant potatoes are more like this: Really Nice Recipes - Fondant Potatoes but you really can't do these...
  131. A

    Feel the need to have a little moan...apologies!

    message removed
  132. A

    Raw mushrooms

    The first time I ever had raw mushrooms was at a reception, where they came round with tiny button mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese and sprinkled with cinnamon. Weird but really nice!
  133. A

    Why can't I stick to a diet!!!!!

    Yes, everyone. Well 99% of us anyway (I expect there are some saints out there, but not many!). You are not unique. What you are doing is telling yourself in advance that you can't succeed, so that if you don't succeed, you will feel justified. It is called a "self-fulfilling prophecy"...
  134. A

    ASDA Salmon Fillets

    Have a look at the ingredients list. If all it says is salmon, then it is free. If there is any oil, fat, flour, breadcrumbs, etc., etc., added, then you will have some syns in there. But plain frozen fish is free.
  135. A

    donut help

    Because it has absolutely no real nutritional value whatsoever. With something like that you can use the basic calculation of 20 calories per syn.
  136. A

    Red Days Eeeek help

    I am having a "no snack" week. Well, that's my intention, anyway! I am trying to eat just at mealtimes with nothing in between. And if I get peckish, or feel the "munchies" coming on - well, that's just too bad. I won't actually be hungry, not really.
  137. A

    Chicken Goujans

    I think you might have to explain what a goujan is. Never heard of it.
  138. A

    Feel the need to have a little moan...apologies!

    Maybe you could go in disguise, using a false name? :D Or maybe you could just go back, and if she joins as well, tell her that this time you don't want to discuss it with her.
  139. A

    Dont stand too close!

    We have a big yellow sign that we are supposed to stand behind while queueing - sometimes we forget and crowd up a bit, but our consultant reminds us about it from time to time. Although, to be honest, we are all usually chatting away in the queue and wouldn't notice the person getting...
  140. A

    consultant and speed food challenge

    Chicken, tuna, apples, satsumas, kiwi fruit, cabbage, broccoli and lettuce are all speed foods. Cod and haddock are superspeed foods.
  141. A

    Feel the need to have a little moan...apologies!

    Why couldn't you go back on your own? Without telling her?
  142. A

    Original help please, trying original as gained with extra easy

    As long as you leave the skins on, it doesn't matter whether the potatoes are whole, in wedges, or in chips. It is the fibre from the skins that is important, not the shape. I would feel full too if I ate every two hours - there is no need for you to do this if it doesn't suit you.
  143. A

    Cuisinart Soup Maker

    I blend half the soup and leave the rest chunky - best of both worlds.
  144. A

    Feel the need to have a little moan...apologies!

    There ought to be a rule - don't listen to other people. They have no idea what they are on about. This, I have decided, is a general rule which applies in all circumstances. I am thinking of having a tshirt printed with "go away, you don't know what you are talking about, and I'm not...
  145. A

    Question re syns calculator

    Only use the Syns Calculator as a last resort, when you can't find the product on Syns Online. Morrisons Eat Smart, Chicken Breasts in Peppercorn Sauce with Sliced Roast Potatoes, chilled 375g pack 7½ Syns on Extra Easy Original 7½ Syns Green 8 Syns
  146. A

    why doesnt he get it!?

    Even if it is rare, it is not right to humiliate you in public.
  147. A

    Rant

    Has anyone ever thought about complaining about this? How else will these places know that potential customers are being put off?
  148. A

    Raw mushrooms

    I like thinly sliced raw button mushrooms with thinly sliced fennel (I use a peeler), with some fromage frais and some finely chopped tarragon. Makes a wonderful salad with some crispy romaine lettuce.
  149. A

    Seafood Mornay Sauce

    A mornay sauce is normally a cheese sauce, but there is no way of knowing what a particular restaurant would put in it. I would make a classic white sauce with butter, flour and milk, and then add cheese. But they might add cream, for instance - no way of knowing without asking them.
  150. A

    Cuisinart Soup Maker

    I bought a cheap hand blender from Tesco and just whizz up the soup in the saucepan when it is ready.
  151. A

    So clear drink

    Then it's free.
  152. A

    Can someone explain smoked bacon to me please?

    If there are SW recipes which have smoked bacon in them which are free, then that proves that it must be free. And in the directory bacon is in the free list without specifying what kind (with the obvious proviso that all the fat should be cut off). There is nothing in the smoking process of...
  153. A

    i want to rejoin but...

    The consultant will think "yippee - another customer!" Honestly, if consultants made judgements about us all they would never let any of us through the door - and they would go out of business.
  154. A

    How far in before you felt good about yourself?

    Everyone should always feel good about themselves, unless they have done something dreadful, like tormenting a kitten, murdering a neighbour, or forgetting to put the rubbish out! Of course we are going to be pleased with an achievement, whatever it is - and congratulations on your achievement...
  155. A

    So clear drink

    How many calories per 100ml?
  156. A

    just back from hols;(

    So you had a good holiday with lots of lovely food - well, good for you. That's what holidays are for! I will bet you that 90% of the people at your SW class have put on weight on holiday - we all do it. I certainly do. Go and get weighed, tell everyone about the good time you had, have a...
  157. A

    why doesnt he get it!?

    You say you are going shopping tomorrow - so will you be buying the biscuits, crisps, etc., etc., that you don't want him to eat in front of you? In which case - why?
  158. A

    do the same rules apply?

    The thing about batter is that it will absorb any fat that it is cooked in, as long as there is a good coating of it without any gaps. So what is inside the batter will not have come into contact with the fat and should not have taken any on board. Normally the batter will peel away...
  159. A

    eBay?

    Love it!!
  160. A

    Never felt so ill in my life, silver lining?

    When I was quite ill earlier in the year, I lost loads to start with, then put it all back on again once I felt better. It took a while to get back on track again. This can't be helped. Illness plays havoc with your system, and you just have to be patient until things settle down. The most...
  161. A

    Fat-free jelly

    Well, when you put it like that, it all seems a lot less enticing!!! :D
  162. A

    Newbieee.

    Herbal tea can help with weightloss if you are having them instead of eating something! There are some claims that they can speed things up, but no real evidence for this.
  163. A

    frozen food

    I do agree with that, but the problem is that you are going to have to look after them in xxxxx years when it all catches up with them!
  164. A

    How many red vs green days

    The whole point of the SW plans is that they are flexible and enable you to make choices which fit into your way of life. Choose what suits you - you will find people on this forum who do all green, all red, all EE, or switch around to suit what they will be doing that day.
  165. A

    Bowl of salad!

    Yes, it would, but maybe you should think about salads as being any cold vegetables, rather than just the traditional lettuce/tomato/cucumber combination. Peppers, grated carrots, grated courgettes, thinly sliced button mushrooms, thinly sliced fennel (best done with a vegetable peeler)...
  166. A

    very shaky start!!!

    If following the SW plan has made a huge difference in the type of things that you are eating - like a big reduction in the amount of sugar, for instance - then this might be the reason. But it does sound a bit extreme to me, and if I were you I wouldn't let this go on too long before seeking...
  167. A

    Healthy Extras???

    When you are new to the forum, the jargon can sometimes be a bit confusing. You will sometimes see Healthy Extras referred to as HEXA/HEXB, hexa/hexb, or sometimes just a or b. The Healthy Extra A choice (HEXA) is for calcium, so it is mostly milk and cheese. You are allowed 1 or 2 (up to...
  168. A

    Fat-free jelly

    There was a query on another thread about a Hartley's jelly which was being promoted as "fat-free". Which got me thinking - but surely all jelly is fat-free? So yesterday I went and had a look at the various Hartley's jellies in the supermarket, and yes, there is no fat in any of them (well...
  169. A

    Night cream

    Ages ago I put a post on here about a two-part night serum and cream that I had been testing. Testers are not told what they are using, and I asked here if anyone had any idea from my description, and I promised you I would let you know if and when I found out. Well, it has recently been...
  170. A

    dealing with christmas parties..

    Oh - and remember that it is not compulsory to eat everything on your plate. In polite circles, it used to be considered quite vulgar to clear your plate, so just imagine you are an aristocratic character from Downton Abbey!
  171. A

    dealing with christmas parties..

    Not a whole lot of choice on that menu! This is what I would do. The "starters to share" - go along with what everyone else is having and just don't eat any, or just a tiny mouthful. Say you are saving yourself for the main course. For the main course, either the risotto (eat all the...
  172. A

    I love XFactor.

    No, you are right. Apart from Rebecca, who is in a league of her own, and Matt who was brilliant if you like that sort of thing (which I don't), no-one else was in the least bit interesting.
  173. A

    frozen food

    Some of these men are setting themselves up for terrible health problems in later life!
  174. A

    Ooooooo what is this!!!!!

    No, definitely not my thing! Hope everyone else enjoys them, though. :)
  175. A

    Ooooooo what is this!!!!!

    What exactly is in this stuff which gives it its syns? When I cook in my slow cooker I just put the meat and vegetables in with just a covering of water on the bottom and let it all make its own juices.
  176. A

    Can someone explain how Slimmer of the week works please.

    I have won it occasionally in the past, but not for ages, and I don't really care much. To me it is irrelevant.
  177. A

    Fruity cocktail?

    No, I meant added sugar. It would be listed if they had added sugar to it.
  178. A

    cooking oil v fry light?

    1 teaspoon is 5 ml, 1 tablespoon is 14 or 15 ml, depending on which website (or set of spoons) you look at.
  179. A

    dealing with christmas parties..

    What you do is to decide what is most important to you. If staying strictly on plan is the most important thing, then don't go to the dinner. If it is important from a work/social point of view that you go to the dinner then go, do your best, don't eat everything on your plate, and put up...
  180. A

    help with the syns calculator pls - im stuck?

    On the ingredients list, the contents will be listed in the order of weight. So if, for instance, rice is listed first then there will be more rice in the dish than anything else. So list the rice as the free food. Then you need to read down the complete list of ingredients and see what else...
  181. A

    Advent - 3syn treats help?

    Ah - I remember when Advent calendars had totally syn-free little pictures behind each window. But then I am very very old!!!
  182. A

    Does anyone else alternate their days?

    I do whatever takes my fancy on that day. Tomorrow will be green - jacket potato or pasta and lots of vegetables with some cheese. Sunday will be red, because I have some really nice free-range chicken thighs which were on special offer and I am going to cook them with butternut squash and...
  183. A

    cooking oil v fry light?

    All types of oil are 2 syns for a level teaspoon and 6 syns for a level tablespoon. (It says "level" in the food optimising book - page 47 - but I am not quite sure why. A heaped spoonful of oil would be quite an achievement!)
  184. A

    It drives me nuts......

    I am delighted with this suggestion, and clearly you got away with it. Mitigating circumstances? :D
  185. A

    Extra Easy Hand on heart who has

    I regularly have far more than one-third superfree. I have meat or fish or pasta or whatever as an accompaniment to my vegetables, rather than the other way round. I buy vegetables first at the supermarket (they are always nearest the door anyway!) and then decide what will go with them...
  186. A

    Hartleys Fat Free Raspberries in Jelly

    I wonder why they make a big thing out of it being fat-free? Any jelly is fat-free, surely?
  187. A

    V. Low Syn Mushroom Rice

    What brand of soup are you using? I would have thought that condensed cream of mushroom soup would be rather high in syns. A 295g tin of the one that Batchelors do is 16 syns - have you found a lower-syn one?
  188. A

    Fruity cocktail?

    Was it just fruit? Did it have any sugar in it? You will have to read the ingredients list to find out.
  189. A

    It drives me nuts......

    I have a recycling box right next to the front door. You can get signs to put up - "no junk mail" or you can make your own. But quite a few of the people who deliver the leaflets don't have English as their first language, so it might not help.
  190. A

    what do you do when SW doesn't work?

    You are right, I quite agree. Something here is not quite right - even a bit creepy. If I were this man's wife I would be furious to think he was discussing me with a load of strangers behind my back!
  191. A

    what do you do when SW doesn't work?

    I am still unclear as to whether your wife knows we are talking about her. I am not going to make any further contribution until I know that.
  192. A

    what do you do when SW doesn't work?

    Oil is 2 syns per teaspoon, 6 syns per tablespoon 1 tablespoon of golden syrup is 2.5 syns.
  193. A

    Cinema

    Honestly, you lot are the reason I don't go to the cinema any more!!! All that crunching and munching!
  194. A

    My brain is strange

    I know a lot of useless stuff (including all the words to Dream - we should all meet up at a karaoke night!!) and some quite handy stuff as well. But I rarely know whether or not I remembered to lock my car.
  195. A

    what do you do when SW doesn't work?

    Yes, it would. I am concerned that this woman might not know about this discussion.
  196. A

    Lentils!!

    Did you remember to mention the main ingredient as a free food allowance? To be honest, I only use the calculator when I can't find someone on Syns Online, or work it out some other way, because it often gives a false reading. Unless they have sneaked something else into the pack, like oil or...
  197. A

    Referred to gym, but so nervous

    Some of those teenagers might be just as nervous as you, but dare not let on! Be nice to them, and you might find them being nice to you. If not, well that's their loss. You just go there and do your thing, and enjoy yourself!
  198. A

    what do you do when SW doesn't work?

    I find it slightly puzzling that you are contributing to this forum on her behalf. Does she know that you are doing this? What does she think about it? You can't lose weight for her - she has to do it herself. As Sockmonkey has said, why not get her to join this forum herself, and then she...
  199. A

    Help with soup??

    Soups are a great way of upping your superfree intake. Leeks, carrots, celeriac (my new favourite for soups), stock, seasoning, herbs - and off you go. Cheap, quick, and (super)free!
  200. A

    Red Day Stew - swedes?

    Celeriac is another useful vegetable for soups and stews - obviously you have to like the taste (a bit like celery, not surprisingly!).
  201. A

    Restaurant Help with What to Have??

    Chicken supreme is just another word for a boned chicken breast.
  202. A

    Lunch in the City - EC1

    I like the Pret De Luxe sushi. Never tried the vegetarian one. All of their sandwiches seem to ooze with mayonnaise, so I never have them.
  203. A

    Help with soup??

    No it wouldn't. There are no syns in blended or pureed vegetables.
  204. A

    thinking about joining class tonight

    Stop saying that! If you keep saying it you are just reinforcing the idea. Try to think positively. "Fake it until you make it."
  205. A

    Fried bread!!!

    Must try that. I hadn't heard of it before, so it's definitely not old news for me! Thank you.
  206. A

    Soup Recipes Needed!!!

    I made this Chicken and Celeriac soup yesterday Half a large celeriac, cut into large cubes 2 or three carrots, cut into small cubes 1 large leek, sliced half an onion, chopped a stick of celery, chopped 1 Knorr Vegetable Stockpot I put all of this into a large pan with some seasoning and...
  207. A

    Aspartame headaches

    OK - I don't eat that kind of cheese. The only tinned vegetables I have are sweetcorn and artichoke hearts, and they don't have any sweetener in them (I just checked). All the other vegetables I use are fresh because I don't like the texture of tinned.
  208. A

    Aspartame headaches

    Aspartame in peas? Good heavens. Can't stand peas so I didn't know. None of the cheeses I have in my fridge at the moment (cheddar, parmesan, Laughing Cow Light) have aspartame in them - what cheeses do? I can't think why cheese should have sweetener in it anyway. Avoiding sweetener...
  209. A

    an extra hour in bed yippee !!!!!

    An extra hour in bed with my new library book - the latest Michael Connelly which is brand new. I was the first person to borrow it! And then I have to spend the rest of the day working on a lecture and PowerPoint presentation on local architecture that I have to give on Monday. It is to be...
  210. A

    an extra hour in bed yippee !!!!!

    That sounds interesting! What sort of questions do you answer? And who does the asking? And what sources do you use for the answers? Sorry to be nosy - but I am intrigued!
  211. A

    frozen fruit??? Is it syned?

    Yes, just let it defrost. Some fruit responds to freezing better than others. Strawberries turn out a bit squashy, raspberries are fine. I have bought a packet of the tropical Aldi one, but haven't tried it yet - I'll let you know!
  212. A

    frozen fruit??? Is it syned?

    I finally got round to going to Aldi and checked out the frozen fruit. They had two kinds - a berry mix and a tropical mix - and they were both just fruit, without sugar, so they will be free.
  213. A

    Extra Easy The mince mine field

    Check the fat content on the nutrition label. You are looking for not much more than 5% (5g per 100g) of fat. The terms lean, superlean, extra lean, etc., etc., are not used in a consistent way and are often misleading, so the only way to be sure is to read the nutritional details.
  214. A

    Lean mince (not extra lean)

    Sorry - hadn't noticed that you weren't in the UK! But still, it costs nothing to ask.
  215. A

    Actifry

    BNS is Butternut Squash!! They aren't really chips, of course, but very nice indeed, and all squashes are superfree!
  216. A

    Lean mince (not extra lean)

    Have you tried asking them to stock it and telling them that SW members would buy it if they did?
  217. A

    Lean mince (not extra lean)

    I would have thought that doing that would get rid of most of the taste as well!
  218. A

    margarine/butter?

    On the very rare occasions I have anything at all, it has to be proper butter. I would rather have real butter once in a blue moon, and syn it, than have any substitutes.
  219. A

    Soup 8 syns - Coke 7 syns -????

    Thank you for that link.
  220. A

    When to eat or not to eat?

    Unless eating late gives you indigestion, there's no problem with it. It makes no difference when you eat.
  221. A

    Loathing exercise . . does it last?

    I have met trainers like that - the ones who aren't really listening to you. To be avoided at all costs! I have a lovely trainer who always asks me how I am feeling and if I have any problems - the slightest sniffle, or twinge in my knee, or anything wrong, and my programme is amended...
  222. A

    Soup 8 syns - Coke 7 syns -????

    Could you tell me what website that is from? Thanks.
  223. A

    syn help - summer rice pudding

    Can you tell us the manufacturer? I can't get on to the website at the moment, but I might be able to look it up in the directory.
  224. A

    Oatcakes

    Don't think so. Nairn's oatcakes are 2 or 2.5 syns each, depending on the type.
  225. A

    Difficult week ahead..

    First of all, why would it spoil the fun if you didn't eat/drink something? As long as you don't make an issue of it, you may find that no-one actually notices. You could accept a piece of cake, then eat a tiny bit of it and leave the rest. Again, if you don't draw attention to it, then...
  226. A

    Juicer?

    From the food optimising book (under Drinks, cold, page 46)Carrot juice - 142 ml - 2 synsTomato juice - 142 ml - 1 synVegetable juice (average of all types) - 142 ml - 1.5 syns
  227. A

    corn thins

    Or you can have five as a Healthy Extra B choice.
  228. A

    Loathing exercise . . does it last?

    Sounds like you need to find another gym, or complain to that one, because clearly you were not looked after properly. If this was a trial session, someone should have been monitoring you to make sure you did the right things.
  229. A

    When to eat breakfast?

    It all depends on what suits you and your life. It makes no difference. If you wake up in the morning and you are still alive, then your metabolism is probably chugging along quite happily without being kicked!
  230. A

    Mug shot recipes

    Whenever I get something I don't much like as Slimmer of the Week, I wait a few weeks then put it back again. Someone will like it! Better than eating something you aren't keen on.
  231. A

    Beef recipe please

    Depends what cut of beef it is. If it was meant for stews/casseroles, then it won't really be suitable for a proper beef stroganoff - that requires a good cut of beef as it is not cooked for very long.
  232. A

    I love XFactor.

    One of the 20th century's greatest inventions was the fast-forward button. I recorded it on Saturday and watched it later and Zap! Zap! Zap! The only singers, for me, worth watching all the way through were Rebecca and Katie. The rest got zapped!!
  233. A

    Salad/fruit salad

    Personally, I wouldn't leave a fruit salad for any longer than it takes to get from the chopping board to the bowl. I always make my fruit salad and eat it immediately. Fruit starts to lose its freshness and vitamin content the moment that it is cut.
  234. A

    what have you done with your sunday?

    Did some shopping this morning, then this afternoon went for a visit to a house and garden, with a long walk in the grounds.
  235. A

    a minimin in our midst???

    One reason why I don't put my photo on forums! There is one local forum I use regularly where there is one woman who has some really unpleasant views and opinions. She has a very clear photograph on her postings which I think is brave of her. If I ever see her in town it will be very...
  236. A

    so upset

    Do you have to see her? Wouldn't life be so much easier for you if you didn't?
  237. A

    a minimin in our midst???

    And of course everyone knows that us sad elderly folk don't even know what a computer looks like!! :p
  238. A

    Prolly

    I stand at bus stops and listen to other people's conversations and although I know there is English in there somewhere, I just have no idea of what is being said. I am clearly from another planet - just ignore me. The mother ship will be back to pick me up very soon!
  239. A

    Prolly

    Yes, I saw that, which is what prompted me to ask, although I had seen it in other posts as well.
  240. A

    Prolly

    Good grief, I never thought of that! :eek: Do people say "prolly", then, as well as write it? I have never seen it (or heard it) before seeing it here.
  241. A

    Prolly

    It's probably me being dim and out of touch again (:confused:), but I keep seeing the word "prolly" being used in posts, and can't for the life of me work out what it is supposed to mean. Can anyone enlighten me?
  242. A

    Halloween - muahaha!

    Nothing. Staying in, with the curtains closed and not answering the door. Sorry, but I just don't get Halloween at all. I certainly don't see why I should give things to children I have never seen before who come begging to the door.
  243. A

    Sirloin Steak on Extra Easy

    Oh right - that's not proper steak. They are processed things.
  244. A

    Hall and Woodhouse

    You have various options. 1. Don't go. Make some excuse. 2. Say you can't make lunch but will join them for a drink later. 3. Go, but say you are not that hungry/not very well/whatever and have just a starter, or a side salad. 4. Explain that you can't afford to go there, and see if there is...
  245. A

    ARGH. Why so negative all the time?

    I know what you need to solve this problem instantly. Earplugs.
  246. A

    frozen fruit??? Is it syned?

    Frozen fruit is free if it doesn't have added sugar and the only way to find out if there is added sugar is to read the ingredients list. Next time I am in Aldi I will have a look.
  247. A

    Asda wafer thin honey roast ham

    Can't get access to the website at the moment as I have been away and don't have a current password - sorry.
  248. A

    Syn help!

    I can't find these in my directory and can't get onto the website at the moment. I expect someone else will be along to help.In the meantime, could you be a bit more specific? Findus bags of what?
Back
Top