Time to shape up this Easter!
Easter might be just around the corner, yet that’s no excuse to put off your new healthy-eating regime, according to a Stretford healthy eating expert.
Steve who runs two Slimming World groups in Stretford, says celebrating Easter and even enjoying the occasional chocolate fix doesn’t have to mean waving goodbye to achieving your weight-loss goals.
He says: “A lot of people might think that there’s little point starting a new healthy eating regime right before Easter, with that way of thinking though, there will always be some reason or other to put it off! The beauty of Slimming World lies in the fact that it’s a lifestyle change rather than a diet, so there’s nothing to stop you losing weight at any time of the year.”
Starting those weight-loss resolutions before Easter is certainly advisable given that UK adults are eating up to three times more than the recommended intake of sugar. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) concludes that sugar should account for no more than 5% of total energy intake, however on average people are getting 12-15% of their energy from sugar, increasing the risk of weight gain and other health problems[1].
Steve continues: “The key to long term weight loss is balance, so allowing yourself a little tempting treat is really important because it keeps that balance in check. And of course, filling up on lots of tasty, healthy and filling food will make it easier to enjoy that treat – whatever it may be – without over-indulging. With Slimming World, no food is off limits, which means you can still celebrate Easter with hearty lamb roast dinners, delicious fish dishes and, of course, a little chocolate!”
Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan allows slimmers to satisfy their appetite on filling foods that are low in energy density like pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, poultry, fish and more – meaning they need never go hungry and are free to enjoy a treat every now and then without feeling guilty.
“Even when family celebrations like Easter come around it’s no big deal because Slimming World fits in with the whole family and we can all eat the same foods. This tasty lamb dish is one of my favourites and perfect for Easter! And I’ll definitely have room for a little bit of chocolate, too!”
Try this quick and easy lamb dish this Easter:
Zesty spring lamb with cannellini beans
Serves 4
Ready in 30 minutes, plus marinating
Ingredients
- 8 lean lamb leg steaks, all visible fat removed
- Finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus sprigs to garnish
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- Low calorie cooking spray
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 250ml boiling chicken stock
- 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, drained
- 200g orange and red baby plum tomatoes, halved
- 100g baby spinach leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Put the lamb steaks in a large bowl and add the lemon zest and juice, rosemary, half the paprika and half the garlic. Toss to combine and set aside for at least 15 minutes to marinate (or up to 12 hours if time permits). Spray a large non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. Add the lamb and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium (or to your liking). Transfer to a plate, cover with foil and set aside to rest. Meanwhile, spray another non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Add the onion and the remaining paprika and garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the stock and beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the tomatoes start to break down. Remove from the heat and stir in the spinach until just wilted. Season to taste. Divide the bean mixture between plates, top with the lamb and garnish with rosemary sprigs. Serve hot with salad or your favourite vegetables.
For more information including more delicious recipes visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call Steve on 07504 749 613.
– Ends –
Notes to editors:
All recipes are taken from Slimming World’s collection. To discover more recipe inspiration, or to find your nearest group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
Images: Slimming World/Gareth Morgans
About Slimming World
Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) in 1969. There are now more than 16,000 groups held weekly across the UK and Republic of Ireland via a network of 4,800 community-based Slimming World Consultants, who receive specific training in the role of diet and physical activity in weight management, as well as sophisticated behaviour-change techniques. Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of satiety and energy density. Our phased activity programme, Body Magic, eases members into activity until it becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine. The principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people and a recognition that those who struggle with weight carry a double burden, the weight itself and a burden of guilt and shame about their weight. Slimming World’s programme integrates practical, up-to-date advice with a highly developed support system based on care and compassion, and Consultant training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a warm and friendly group environment. Consultant training is delivered through the Slimming World Academy. Slimming World also invests in a comprehensive research programme to develop its support for long-term weight management. The group support provided by Slimming World is recognised as effective by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the NHS.
For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
For the Press Office please email public.relations@slimmingworld.co.uk
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/470179/Sugar_reduction_The_evidence_for_action.pdf
