Q: What is Food Optimising?
A: It's the most incredibly user-friendly system of slimming ever. With Food Optimising, you lose weight without hunger and without the obsessive need to note every food you eat.
Q: Will Food Optimising suit me?
A: Only if you're human! Seriously though, we've tried to think of who it wouldn't suit and it just doesn't compute. That's because it's like asking 'Will eating suit me?'
Q: Is it complicated?
A: Food Optimising is as simple and easy to follow as it is to use. Beneath this simplicity and ease of use is an extremely sophisticated and well researched system that, quite literally, optimises food usage for the slimmer.
Q: How does it work?
A: Food Optimising takes account of
- a food's energy density
- its health-giving properties
- its ability to satisfy the appetite quickly
- its ability to keep us feeling full longer
- its ability to comfort us
- and our behavioural patterns.
Using these principles, Food Optimising creates, without distressing hunger, an energy (calorie) deficit which causes the body to draw on its own stores of body fat and convert this to energy.
Q: How long will it take?
A: That depends on how much you want to lose. Steady weight loss of 1 to 2lbs per week is recommended in government health guidelines. Sometimes people with a lot of weight to lose will have a more rapid weight loss in the first few weeks. You could lose up to 1 stone/14lbs in five weeks, 2 stones/28lbs in ten weeks.
Q: Will I have to make drastic changes to the way I eat?
A: Make no mistake, even though there is nothing you cannot eat, you will be making changes to your eating patterns. It just won't have the associated pain and anxiety you may have come to expect from ‘dieting’ - because you won't be going hungry and you won't be checking / weighing / measuring / assessing every food you eat for its calorie / points content. That really is pure, old-fashioned, unenlightened, misinformed thinking and the best way to fail long-term. This isn't opinion, this is well-documented, evidence-based fact.
Q: Will I be hungry?
A: Absolutely not! Any slimming system that leaves you hungry is destined to fail. That's one of the reasons why having a limited number of calories / points fails again and again. Once you've run out of points, you have no choice but to go hungry or 'break' your diet. It's important to understand that you didn't fail, the diet failed you. Free Foods are an integral part of Food Optimising, and yes, you can eat as much of these foods as you like. When you become a member, you will gain access to a list of hundreds of Free Foods online, and tons of information to help ensure that you never go hungry again.
Q: How much can I eat?
A: With Food Optimising you eat until you're satisfied. You're actively encouraged to eat, as opposed to not eat. You're actively encouraged to fill your plate with normal, everyday foods that will satisfy the heartiest appetite. And the foods that we'll be asking you to choose first are also the foods that will give you maximum protection against cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure and a whole range of health problems that are caused by poor nutrition.
Q: Is Food Optimising the same as Food Combining?
A: No, Food Optimising is very different to food combining. Food combining is an extremely restrictive way of eating, which dictates that proteins and carbohydrates must not be eaten together in the same meal. The fact that many foods have both carbohydrates and proteins in them, goes some way to show how daft this way of eating really is. This bears no resemblance to Food Optimising where members have the freedom to choose from hundreds of Free Foods, including lean meat, fish and poultry, pasta, rice and grains, vegetables and fruit. Members enjoy favourites such as spaghetti Bolognese, curry and rice and cottage pie… and experience sensational slimming results!
Q: Is it similar to anything else I might have tried?
A: Food Optimising is unique. It’s an approach to eating that is nutritionally and psychologically unparalleled and completely effective for long term weight loss.
Q: Do you do a recipe book that caters for one person?
A: Most of our recipes are for four people. You could divide the ingredients, or freeze extra portions. We don't emphasise portion control - simply have as much of each dish as you like. We want you to feel comfortable with our healthy eating system for the rest of your life. Because all our recipes are either very low in Syns or Free, you can have as much as you want without feeling restricted by someone else's idea of how big your portion should be.
Q: Can I still eat chocolate?
A: Yes you can. You'll probably find that you'll eat it less of it in time and quite soon you'll find you don't actually want it as much as you used to, but eating for wellness and well-being means being able to have a bit of what you fancy.
Q: Can I still have a drink?
A: Indeed you can. It's the same reason as why it's OK to eat chocolate.
Q: How do I access Syns Online?
A: Syns Online is only available to members of a Slimming World group, via LifelineOnline, or members of our online slimming programme, bodyOptimise.
If you are a member of LifelineOnline, you'll find a link to Syns Online in the homepage's 'quick find' drop down box (beneath the navigation). You'll also find Syns Online via the tab at the top right-hand side on the homepage and within the 'eat & slim' link.
Members of bodyOptimise can locate Syns Online from the 'recipes & menus' link or via the quick link on the bottom left-hand side of the homepage.
Q: The navigation on the left doesn't work
A: If you experience any problems with the navigation, please use the text links at the bottom of each page to navigate between sections.
Q: I keep getting a message telling me that LifelineOnline is for members only - I am a member!
A: We've discovered that some PC software is creating a small problem for a few members. One of these is Zone Alarm, which is personal firewall software and we have found a fix for this; please select privacy>site list and uncheck the third party web bugs setting.
If you are seeing the message, but don't have this software installed, please check for other types of privacy/firewall software and contact your provider for further help
Q: When printing out pages, information gets chopped off!
A: To print normal web pages from the website, we recommend that you set your printer to print in landscape mode and normal quality on A4 sized paper. If, in this format, the edges are being cut off, please check your margin settings and reduce them slightly. Your printer’s instruction manual should show you how to change these settings; I’m afraid we’re unable to provide assistance.
To reduce the amount of ink used when printing Slimming World pages (for personal use), please uncheck your 'print background colours and images' setting in your tools > internet options > advanced menu.
Q: Printing recipes from the website uses loads of ink - how can I reduce this?
A: To reduce the amount of ink used when printing Slimming World pages (for personal use), please uncheck your 'print background colours and images' setting in your tools > internet options > advanced menu.
Q: Do your websites provide a message board or forum for members?
A: We have researched the use of forums and message boards on a variety of websites (slimming and otherwise) in depth over the last several years. Although many of the messages posted are generally supportive, the misuse of these boards is sadly evident. Some of this is done completely out of awareness – e.g. helpful hints about Food Optimising, if the basic information is incorrect, can send a member way off track; reading comments intended to be supportive can be interpreted very differently, especially if our self-esteem is already low.
Because slimming is such a personal and emotive subject, especially for those of us who are slimming, thoughtless comments and inconsiderate remarks (sadly it happens) can undo all the hard work that our members have done in plucking up the courage to start Food Optimising or begin a new activity. We have seen the damage and upset that message boards can do to both members and the company, and rather than put our members’ success and the future of the website in jeopardy, we have made the decision not to include any kind of forum.
Q: I’m getting a security message when I try to logon/register
A: If you're using Internet Explorer 4.0 or an original version of Internet Explorer 5.0, you may see an error message before proceeding to the next page stating "cannot connect to an expired server certificate."
We would like to reassure all our visitors that our Security Certificate is still valid and any data you use to access the Slimming World websites and/or provide during your visit will be transferred and kept securely, as per our terms and conditions.
To avoid seeing this message on future visits, you can either:
upgrade your browser to Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher (click tools>windows update to start the process) or
go to http://www.verisign.com/support/site/rootDoc.html
to manually install the new VeriSign Class 3 PCA Root (expiring in 2028) into your browser.
Q: I am trying to register but it keeps telling me there is a problem with my email address
A: If you share your e-mail address and the person you share it with has already registered for LifelineOnline, you will need to use a different e-mail address. The website recognizes each member by their individual e-mail addresses so it won’t let a second person register with the details. If you would like an e-mail address specifically for the purposes of using LifelineOnline Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.co.uk) and Hotmail (http://www.msn.com) both supply free e-mail addresses.
If it's unlikley that someone else has registered with your e-mail address, you may have already successfully registered. Please try to login using this e-mail address. If you're unsure about your password, please use the forgotten password link. The correct password will be e-mailed to you.
If you are trying to logon and are getting an error message, please check the other FAQs for possible solutions.
Q: I have tried to logon to the website but I cannot get in.
A: If this is the first time you’ve visited LifelineOnline, you will need to select the ‘register’ option. You’ll then begin a short registration process in which you’ll enter further information including your Username (email) and postcode. Once you've successfully registered then using the Logon button will give you access to the site in future.
If you’ve already registered, please make sure you are using the correct information to log on. The website is case sensitive. If you entered your email address and personal password in lowercase, you will need to replicate this when logging on. Please note, the group password must be entered in lowercase.
Clear your cache (Internet Temporary Files):
Most browsers store a temporary copy of every page you visit. Clearing your cache deletes those files and makes room for new ones. Follow the steps below to clear your cache - if your browser isn't listed, please visit the Help section on your browser provider's home page.
• For Internet Explorer: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Internet Options" and then the "General" tab. Under "Temporary Internet Files", click "Delete Files". Click "OK" in the Delete Files dialogue box. Please note that if this has not been done regularly, it may take several minutes. When the files have been deleted, click "OK".
• For Firefox/Mozilla: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Options" and click the "Privacy" button. On the Cache link, click the "Clear" button. Then click "OK".
Clear your cookies:
The problem may be caused by corrupted cookie files on your browser. Clearing your cookies should solve this. Follow the steps below to clear your cookies - if your browser isn't listed, please visit the Help section on your browser provider's home page.
• For Internet Explorer: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Internet Options" and then the "General" tab. Under "Temporary Internet Files", click "Delete Cookies". Click "OK" in the Delete Cookies dialogue box. Please note that if this has not been done regularly, it may take several minutes. When the cookies have been deleted, click "OK".
• For Firefox/Mozilla: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Options" and click the "Privacy" button. On the Cookies link, click the "Clear" button. Then click "OK".
Zone Alarm:
If you have Zone Alarm or something similar, please select privacy>site list and uncheck the third party web bugs setting.
If you’ve tried all the above and still can can’t log on, another reason may be that you haven’t visited Lifeline Online for over 6 weeks. If this is the case, your account may have been automatically removed. We regularly clear accounts from our database if they haven’t been accessed for 6 weeks to keep the website as fast-running as possible. Each time an account is due to be removed, we always inform the member by email to remind them to log on during the next few days to keep their account active. If your previous Lifeline Online account has expired, please feel free to re-register with your email address and group password to create a brand new account.
Q: I keep getting "Your session has expired" when I use LifelineOnline.
A: Unless there are long periods of inactivity between logging on and using the website, it sounds like this may be a browser or software incompatibility problem.
We have discovered that some PC software is creating a problem for some LifelineOnline members. The software we’ve heard about so far is Zone Alarm which is personal firewall software. Zone Alarm users: please select privacy>site list and uncheck the third party web bugs setting.
Q: I'd like to re-set my LifelineOnline details. Can you help?
A: No problem! If you'd like to start again on LifelineOnline, please logon as normal. Visit the My Journey section, where you'll see a link saying 'restart my journey'. Click here to continue and re-set your details.
Please note, once clicked all your previous details will be deleted - My progress, awards, food diaries - it really is starting from scratch!
Q: I'm told my cookies are disabled!
A: It sounds as though your PC settings may be stopping you from viewing the website properly. Each browser is different, so check the "Help" menu of your browser to learn how to change your cookie preferences.
Clear your cache (Internet Temporary Files):
Most browsers store a temporary copy of every page you visit. Clearing your cache deletes those files and makes room for new ones. Follow the steps below to clear your cache - if your browser isn't listed, please visit the Help section on your browser provider's home page.
• For Internet Explorer: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Internet Options" and then the "General" tab. Under "Temporary Internet Files", click "Delete Files". Click "OK" in the Delete Files dialogue box. Please note that if this has not been done regularly, it may take several minutes. When the files have been deleted, click "OK".
• For Firefox/Mozilla: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Options" and click the "Privacy" button. On the Cache link, click the "Clear" button. Then click "OK".
Clear your cookies:
The problem may be caused by corrupted cookie files on your browser. Clearing your cookies should solve the problem. Follow the steps below to clear your cookies - if your browser isn't listed, please visit the Help section on your browser provider's home page.
• For Internet Explorer: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Internet Options" and then the "General" tab. Under "Temporary Internet Files", click "Delete Cookies". Click "OK" in the Delete Cookies dialogue box. Please note that if this has not been done regularly, it may take several minutes. When the cookies have been deleted, click "OK".
• For Firefox/Mozilla: Select "Tools" from the top of the page, then "Options" and click the "Privacy" button. On the Cookies link, click the "Clear" button. Then click "OK".
Zone Alarm:
If you have Zone Alarm or something similar, please select privacy>site list and uncheck the third party web bugs setting.
Q: Where can I buy a Syns Calculator?
A: The Syns Calculator is an online tool available to members of a Slimming World group (via LifelineOnline) or our online slimming service, bodyOptimise.
If you are a member of a Slimming World group, please click on the LifelineOnline links on the Slimming World website, type www.slimmingworld.com/lifelineonline in your web browser’s address bar or click on this link.
You will need to register with the site before you’re able to enter. This should only take a couple of minutes.
Once you reach the homepage, you’ll find the Syns Calculator button at the top right-hand side of your screen, or via the ‘eat & slim' link on the left-hand navigation.
I'm afraid a hand-held Syns calculator is not available.
Q: Can my children Food Optimise too?
A: While it's fine for children aged five and over to eat the same healthy meals as you do while Food Optimising, younger children, especially under-twos, should not have reduced fat dairy foods: Give them full-fat yogurts, spreads, milk and fromage frais. As children's stomachs are quite small, too much high fibre food may fill them up without providing all the nutrients they need, so don't give them high-bran cereals, crispbreads etc. As with adults, depriving children of favourite treats like crisps and sweets can be counter-productive. But try to avoid giving sugary, salty or fatty snacks every day and always have lots of healthy alternatives to offer.
Q: Do I have to cook separate meals for myself while I'm slimming?
A: No, the whole family can benefit! Meals based on rice, pasta, potatoes, or lean meat and fish, with plenty of fruit and veg, are great for everyone's health. It's fine for children aged five and over to eat the same healthy meals as you do. Slimming World magazine is packed with great recipe ideas every issue and Slimming World's website also features dozens of delicious recipes and food ideas that are perfect for everyone.
Q: Can I still come to Slimming World while breastfeeding?
A: Once your baby is 6 weeks old and you've had your post-natal check-up, you are welcome to return to your group, but we ask you to check first with your midwife or doctor. Your body needs extra energy and calcium while you are breastfeeding and we recommend you increase your Healthy Extra choices. Your Consultant will be able to show you the recommendations and booklet in your group.
Q: I've missed an issue of the magazine. Can I buy back issues?
A: Sorry, back issues of the magazine aren't available to buy.
Q: How can I subscribe to the magazine?
A: You can contact our free credit card hotline on 0800 131 3150 (9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri) The prices are as follows:-
UK - £15
Eire and Europe - £24.10
Overseas - £36.05
This includes seven issues.
Q: Do you do exercise in the group?
A: No, however we encourage you to combine healthy eating with an active lifestyle. Being active can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure as well as help protect against osteoporosis and diabetes. It can have positive effects on mood, self-esteem, stress and anxiety levels, and improve sleep, energy levels and general fitness. However, Food Optimising doesn’t rely on you sweating every evening at the gym or training for the marathon from day 1! Food Optimising properly without exercise will result in a weight loss – we guarantee it! Food Optimising with exercise will bring even greater results.
Q: Is any advice available outside of the group?
A: Support in between groups comes free of charge by telephoning your Consultant, or one of the many successful slimmers in our Lifelines system. If staying in your armchair is what you choose to do, please be aware that you are not giving yourself the best chance of success. The magic that happens in a Slimming World group begins by simply being physically there, no anonymity, and feeling the love and trust build. It's a warm, safe place to be and all this is the first of the building blocks of your success. If you are in a position where it really is impossible for you to attend a group, then there are ways that we at Slimming World do our level best to help.
If you don't have a group near you we can offer you bodyOptimise membership- a groundbreaking, revolutionary online weight loss service that's perfect for:
- everyone who's looking for a healthy, filling and delicious way to eat and slim and
- everyone who has internet access
Discover more here
Q: What is Image Therapy?
A: It's at the heart of a Slimming World group, the most important part of the support, inspiration and motivation unique to Slimming World. It's the time when everyone in the group can share their successes, their problems and discover solutions together. Research shows slimmers are more successful when part of a supportive group.
Q: What is Team Fun Tech? I'm quite shy, it's not audience participation is it?
A: It's a way of having fun in the group (and getting support, motivation and often learning more about food and healthy eating at the same time)! Usually the group is split into two teams with a little light-hearted competition based on weight loss and food ideas. You can just watch and enjoy the fun, or shout out your answers along with the rest - you certainly won't be put under the spotlight.
Q: What happens when I reach the weight I wish to be? Can I still go to my group to check my weight?
A: Yes, we'd love to see you each week! So much so, that as a Target Member you will come to your group ABSOLUTELY FREE as long as you stay within 3lbs of your Personal Target Weight.
Q: How long do sessions last?
A: Usually an hour and a half.
Q: If I can't attend the same group each week, because I am a shift worker or work in different areas, can I go to a different group?
A: Yes, the support you get in your group is vital to your success. Shiftworkers should let their Consultant know in advance if they cannot attend, then they will not be charged. You will be welcomed at any of our groups nationally, whether you are working away or on holiday.
Q: Can I take my toddler along to Slimming World with me?
A: Do bring your child with you to the group if you cannot make other childcare arrangements. Your Consultant will appreciate it if you let her know and if you can bring some toys, colouring books or story books to amuse your child during the group. Many daytime groups have lots of young parents as members, and these will often have toys provided.
Q: Can I take my toddler along to Slimming World with me?
A: Do bring your child with you to the group if you cannot make other childcare arrangements. Your Consultant will appreciate it if you let her know and if you can bring some toys, colouring books or story books to amuse your child during the group. Many daytime groups have lots of young parents as members, and these will often have toys provided.
Q: Do I have to be a certain weight to join?
A: We are not in the business of telling people to lose weight. If we were, we'd be extremely unpopular! If you decide you want to lose weight, and choose the Food Optimising route, then we're with you all the way. Likewise, your target weight is set by you, and no-one else. What we're here to do is motivate and encourage you, bring you success stories to inspire you and recipes to keep your menus vibrant and appealing. However, if you have too little weight to lose we are unable to offer you membership. For your safety Slimming World has lowest acceptable weights that we will accept as a personal target. Your Consultant will be happy to explain more about Personal Achievement Targets and lowest acceptable target weights in the group.
Q: Do I have to pay if I miss a week?
A: You are allowed to miss six weeks without charge in any year for holidays and illness; provided you tell your Consultant when you are going on holiday.
Q: Do you offer a home visit service?
A: No, but your Consultant is always only a phone call away. We also encourage members to use 'Lifelines' - the phone numbers of friends and other members you can contact for support when you need it.
Q: Do you offer a home visit service?
A: No, but your Consultant is always only a phone call away. We also encourage members to use 'Lifelines' - the phone numbers of friends and other members you can contact for support when you need it.
Q: There is no group near me. Is there a diet I can follow at home?
A: At the heart of Slimming World's success is the warm and friendly atmosphere of our groups and the support of our caring Consultants. Joining a weekly support group is the very best way to lose weight - in the company of a group who can help and support you.
Alternatively, you are welcome to join Slimming World's bodyOptimise - unique online weight loss support at the touch of a button. Visit www.bodyoptimise.com or click here for further information.
Q: Do your websites provide a message board or forum for members?
A: We have researched the use of forums and message boards on a variety of websites (slimming and otherwise) in depth over the last several years. Although many of the messages posted are generally supportive, the misuse of these boards is sadly evident. Some of this is done completely out of awareness – e.g. helpful hints about Food Optimising, if the basic information is incorrect, can send a member way off track; reading comments intended to be supportive can be interpreted very differently, especially if our self-esteem is already low.
Because slimming is such a personal and emotive subject, especially for those of us who are slimming, thoughtless comments and inconsiderate remarks (sadly it happens) can undo all the hard work that our members have done in plucking up the courage to start Food Optimising or begin a new activity. We have seen the damage and upset that message boards can do to both members and the company, and rather than put our members’ success and the future of the website in jeopardy, we have made the decision not to include any kind of forum.
Q: I have asthma. Should I still exercise?
A: The combination of activity and Food Optimising leading to weight loss can help improve asthma and reduce the need for medication.
Although exercise is a common trigger for asthma, gently increasing activity levels improves general fitness and well-being, and also the function of the lungs as they learn to cope with a higher breathing rate, which in turn helps the body cope with the condition. The UK's National Asthma Campaign explains “asthma should not stop you doing any type of exercise as long as you consult your doctor regularly.” They do advise asthma sufferers to avoid exercising in cold dry air, warm up and down properly and ensure their asthma is under control before beginning any activity.
Q: I have diabetes. Will Body Magic suit me?
A: Yes. Regular activity is an important part of the management of type 2 diabetes. It helps the body respond better to insulin and improves glucose control. Activity can improve insulin sensitivity independent of any weight loss, but of course, losing weight through exercise too brings even greater benefits.
If you have type 1 diabetes you can also benefit from regular activity, which will help keep your weight in control and improve fitness.
As always, if you have any concerns or are unsure of what levels of activity will be suitable, please contact your doctor or diabetes care team.
Q: I’m expecting a baby. Should I exercise?
A: Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean inactivity and for most pregnant women, regular activity will be highly beneficial. Being fit is an advantage both in the pregnancy and recovery period.
It’s important to consult your doctor or midwife before starting any exercise, particularly if you haven’t been active prior to your pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife should be able to advise on suitable activity or even recommend local classes for mums-to-be. The benefits can include:
• More chance of a healthy level of weight gain during pregnancy
• More rapid weight loss after pregnancy
• Improved mood and sleep patterns, leading to less tension during pregnancy
• Shorter delivery time, and fewer complications during labour
Q: Will I get muscly if I start exercising?
A: The last thing we want is to create a country full of Gladiator lookalikes! Whilst intense activities like regular, repetitive weight training can build muscle (if you’ve got plenty of testosterone), moderately intense activity will tone muscle and reduce body fat. Rather than having bulging biceps, you’ll end up with a firmer, beautifully defined body.
Q: Will exercising help my weight loss?
A: Becoming more physically active can certainly help you tone and get fitter whilst slimming, and help your weight loss.
Research shows that on average the addition of 3 to 4 moderate exercise sessions a week can add weight loss to a diet in the region of one to two pounds a month. That may not sound like a lot (and far less than you could achieve through Food Optimising alone) but it can add up to an additional one to two stones a year! It is important to remember though, that even if you are exercising it is still important to Food Optimise 100% to continue seeing a good weight loss.
It is true that muscle tissue weighs more than body fat, however body fat cannot turn into muscle and becoming more active will help you lose weight. You burn energy while active which contributes to weight loss and exercise also helps you lose body fat while retaining and strengthening muscles. And stronger muscles means a higher metabolism, so you will continually burn more energy even while at rest! Even though you will be strengthening your muscles while exercising you are unlikely to build extra muscles without spending hours a day lifting heavy weights, and even then it’s very unlikely you would see a gain week after week.
There's lots of evidence that activity is a very important factor in maintaining your weight loss. As you lose weight your metabolic rate gradually decreases in proportion to your reduced body size. But regular activity helps you maintain your muscle tissue and a higher metabolic rate, making it easier to keep off the weight you've lost.
Please talk to your group Consultant about any further questions or concerns you may have about your weight loss. They will be happy to help and have information regarding exercise and healthy rates of weight loss to help support you further.
Q: Can I have extra Syns if I exercise?
A: We believe the best way to manage your weight healthily is to combine a healthy weight-reducing diet with physical activity. We wouldn't recommend you 'cancel out' any of your Syns or use exercise as a means of allowing yourself more Syns. Rewarding for exercise by allowing yourself more Syns can result in poorer weight loss as it is human nature to overestimate how much energy you burn through exercise and very easy to overcompensate if you eat in reward for exercise.
For better weight loss results we recommend Food Optimising (100%!) as normal and increasing your activity levels. If you do feel hungry and need more food then we would suggest you make the most of all the Free Food available to increase your energy intake before opting for extra Syns.
Please don’t hesitate to contact your group Consultant with any further queries you may have. They will be happy to help and are fully trained to give you all the help and support you need.
Q: Do you have any advice for getting rid of loose skin?
A: We are aware of some members finding they have excess or loose skin after quite large weight losses, although this does vary from person to person and can depend on the amount of elasticity in the person's skin.
There are no specific exercise that would be better than others for preventing loose skin. However, all exercise - both aerobic and toning are good for toning your body whilst you slim and for your general health.
We always recommend members with significant amount of weight to lose aim to lose at a steady, healthy rate of around 1-2lbs a week and participate in regular physical activity whilst slimming, which can tone the underlying muscles and help prevent the appearance of excess skin.
We have been informed by medical advisors that cosmetic surgery can remove excess skin, but this can leave scarring. We find that many of our members learn to disguise excess skin with clothing or accessories. Do remember that your overall health and fitness will undoubtedly have benefited from your excellent weight loss.
Q: I’m still hungry. Can you help?
A: It can be difficult getting over that ‘diet’ feeling (Dare I Eat That?), but trust in the power of Food Optimising. Be encouraged to eat, eat, eat until you’re full and completely satisfied. There really is no need to go hungry with Food Optimising because of the huge range of completely Free and unlimited foods that are available. When you next go shopping, plan in advance and make sure you stock your cupboards with plenty of Free Foods, fill up your fruit bowl with your favourites and perhaps some new Free fruit (don’t forget, bananas and grapes are Free and great for nibbling on!), and pile your plate high at meal times. If a recipe is Free but says it serves 4, don’t feel restricted by that. If you want to eat the whole pan of chilli, dish of pasta or two steaks instead of one – feel free!
Q: The sample menus are too filling. Do I have to eat everything suggested?
A: Not at all, no. If you become full, whether you’re enjoying a delicious Food Optimising recipe or a nutritious sample menu, feel free to stop eating.
Q: Is it OK to eat several small meals during the day rather than a large breakfast, dinner and lunch?
A: Of course. Food Optimising is a wonderfully healthy and nutritious way of eating that can fit in with your lifestyle. If you prefer to eat several small meals, enjoy them. Filling up on Free Food whenever you’re hungry is a great way to keep on track for a great weight loss next week.
Q: Is it OK to snack?
A: Absolutely! To stick to Food Optimising 100%, it’s worth keeping a stock of Free Foods handy to snack on – it certainly makes the vending machine less appealing if you have your favourite Free Foods to hand! And if you like to snack on food that isn’t Free, keep track of your Healthy Extras and Syns or try to find Free alternatives.
Q: Is Food Optimising expensive?
A: Food Optimising can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. Take another look through the Free Food list. A lot of Free Foods including potatoes, pasta, eggs, beans, tinned tomatoes and frozen vegetables like beans, corn, leeks, spinach, carrots and swede can all be bought very cheaply.
Of course if you want to splash out the Free Food lists also include salmon, caviar and even lobster!
Q: Why are some fruits Free when raw, but have a Syn value when cooked, juiced or pureed?
A: While fruit in its natural form is bulky, filling and often time-consuming to eat, in cooked or liquidised form it is a very effective way of adding a lot of extra energy (calories) in a non-bulky and non-filling way. Consider eating an orange. Peeling, breaking up the segments and eating just one orange can be a lengthy process. Now think about the juice that orange would produce – it contains a similar number of calories, yet it’s gone in a gulp – in fact it takes 8 oranges to make a small glass of orange juice and it’s not filling in the slightest! It’s all about getting the most (optimum) satisfaction from your foods with Food Optimising. We count juiced and cooked fruit as Syns to protect your weight losses.
Q: Will drinking plenty of water improve my weight loss?
A: Contrary to popular belief, drinking water doesn’t magically speed up weight loss or increase your metabolic rate. Feelings of thirst, however, are often mistaken for feelings of hunger so drinking a glass of water rather than a packet of crisps can allay that feeling (of course, with Food Optimising, you can reach for some Free Food or count Syns without worrying about adding inches!). Water also keeps you hydrated and lubricated, so it’s important to include around 6-8 glasses or 1½-2 litres of fluids a day (that includes low calorie squash, juices, tea and coffee.)
Q: I lead a very active social life - Is it possible to Food Optimise too?
A: Absolutely! Losing weight with Slimming World certainly doesn’t mean leading a hermit’s existence. Like you, we love our food and social life – we believe long-term success only comes when you can eat, enjoy and lose weight! Ask your Consultant for more information, or logon to LifelineOnline's 'useful features' section.
Q: What are Free Foods?
A: At Slimming World we recognise that to lose weight healthily and comfortably, and to sustain that weight loss, slimmers need and want to eat lots of 'real' food, not diet food! A plate of food when you are Food Optimising will certainly be full - as full as you like - but it is what it is filled with that will help you lose pounds, not pile them on.
Food Optimising's Free Food is food that is low in energy density and high in appetite satisfaction, or to put it a different way low in calories, but very filling.
Food Optimising gives you an incredible choice of hundreds of Free Foods - this list contains a massive variety of delicious, satisfying foods that you can eat as much of as you like. There's no measuring, weighing or counting - you need never be hungry again!
Q: Can I really eat as much Free Food as I want?
A: Yes, you really can! The stroke of genius behind Food Optimising is its concept of completely unrestricted 'Free Foods'. With Food Optimising your appetite becomes your limit - rather than the number of points/calories you're 'allowed' with other, restrictive plans.
There's no longer a need to deny yourself or eat guiltily. You are in fact freed from the fear of hunger and the urge to overeat will disappear. Decisions about food become real, not enforced; control comes from choice power, not cast-iron will power. With Food Optimising you can satisfy your appetite on foods you love, and still lose weight!
Q: What is a Healthy Extra?
A: As well as all the Free Foods, every day we ask you to choose measured portions of 'Healthy Extras' - more long lists of foods that boost your fibre, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. These can include wholemeal bread, high-fibre breakfast cereals, soups, and dairy products, and again you'll find there are a wide variety of foods to choose.
Q: Do I have to eat all my Healthy Extras every day?
A: It won't affect your weight loss if you don't take all your Healthy Extra choices. However, the Healthy Extra section is there to ensure a balanced diet, so from a health point of view we recommend that you enjoy all your Healthy Extras each day.
Q: How can I find out more?
A: The best place to find out more about Food Optimising's Healthy Extras is one of our warm and friendly groups. As part of your membership you will receive a Food Optimising book which lists dozens of Healthy Extras.
Q: How are Healthy Extras decided?
A: The foods listed as Healthy Extras help to ensure that you get everything you need for a healthy, balanced diet by providing a daily intake of foods rich in fibre and calcium, vitamins and minerals.
Although some products sound as though they are suitable to be chosen as a Healthy Extras, for example brown rice, they don't contain enough fibre and/or calcium.
Q: What are Syns?
A: Syns are Slimming World's effective alternative to calorie or fat counting, designed to make sure you can enjoy your favourite treats every day, from chocolate and cake to ice cream and alcohol. All food that isn't Free has a Syn value - you simply choose how to spend your Syn allowance each day.
Q: What are flexible Syns?
A: There's plenty of evidence that being too rigid means you're more likely to give up and put your weight back on and that allowing yourself to be a little more flexible is the key to long term success. If 10 Syns a day is where you need to be on a regular basis, but sometimes it's just too tight for comfort, it's far better to allow yourself extra Syns every now and again without the punishment of compensating the next day. Never again will you be able to accuse yourself of 'blowing it' just because you needed a few more Syns on the odd day or two.
Q: How can I Syn my home-made recipe?
A: The best way to work out the Syn value for any homemade recipe is to 'Syn' each individual ingredient used from the Syns Section in your Food Optimising Book.
Add the Syn values of all the ingredients together, which will give you the total Syn value for the recipe. Finally divide the total Syn value by the number of portions you make from your recipe - this will give you the Syn value per serving.
Q: Why change the spelling of Sins to Syns?
A: Over the years the word ‘Sins’ has been much loved but greatly debated. We wanted a new word unique to Slimming World. The word ‘Syns’ is short for ‘synergy’ and reflects the many ‘synergystic’ effects of Slimming World’s unique methods. The definition of synergy is:
‘the working together of two or more parts to produce an effect greater than
the sum of their individual effects.’
Slimming World is full of synergies, such as the fantastic way that Food Optimising, Image Therapy and Body Magic work together to give members their very best chance of lifetime success. Another great example of Slimming World synergies is how the three elements of Food Optimising – Free Food, Healthy Extras and Syns – work together to create the perfect lifestyle system for weight loss.
Q: Why are some products no longer Free? Why has the Syn value of some products changed?
A: The new method (launched 2004) allows us to calculate far more accurately the true amount of basic Free Food in a product, and therefore more accurately calculating the Syn value of the remaining ingredients. The effect this has had overall is that 84% of products have stayed the same, 9% have decreased in Syns and only 7% have increased!
Q: I’ve always counted a certain product as Free and I’m really pleased with my weight loss, is it okay to continue to count this product as Free?
A: If the product now only has a low Syn value and you continue to count it as Free Food and you’re still losing weight, then there’s no logical reason not to continue. However, if your weight loss slows or stops you may need to review your overall Syn count. Sometimes what we could ‘get away with’ in the earlier days changes as we lose more and more weight.
Q: How do I access Syns Online?
A: Syns Online is only available to members of a Slimming World group, via LifelineOnline, or members of our online slimming programme, bodyOptimise.
If you are a member of LifelineOnline there is a link to Syns Online via the tab at the top of your homepage.
You'll also find Syns Online via the 'eat and slim' link on the navigation and from the 'quick find' drop-down box at the bottom of the homepage.
Members of bodyOptimise can locate Syns Online from the recipes & menus navigation.
Q: Where can I get a food diary from?
A: Food diaries are only available from your Slimming World Consultant (during the first 4 weeks of membership, while you're learning to Food Optimise, or as a motivation tool as and when you need it) or in electronic format on our members' website, LifelineOnline. If you're a member of a Slimming World group, please ask your Consultant for the password and click the link on the homepage to register
If you can't get to a Slimming World group and would like to Food Optimise online, you may be interested in our online slimming programme bodyOptimise
Q: I've got an underactive thyroid, my doctor has prescribed Thyroxine. Will I still be able to lose weight?
A: Treatment with thyroxine helps correct a slow metabolic rate and prevent further weight gain. Although thyroxine treatment will not induce any weight loss by itself, once treatment has started just Food Optimise as normal and you'll soon see the weight coming off.
“I have an under-active thyroid so I always thought it would be hard for me to lose weight. As soon as I joined Slimming World I was pleasantly surprised. I am absolutely elated to discover an eating plan that actually works! I’ve lost 25lbs so far and am really enjoying the meals.” From Amanda Lea Jackson
Q: I'm on HRT, will I still be able to lose weight?
A: We have many, many members who are losing weight successfully while on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). While some women feel taking HRT may have slowed their weight loss, it has not prevented them from losing weight and there is absolutely NO convincing evidence that HRT causes weight gain.
Q: I have coeliac disease and need to follow a gluten-free diet, will Food Optimising be suitable for me?
A: Certainly, you can still Food Optimise. You may want to make some adjustments to your Healthy Extra choices. Ask your Consultant for more information.
Please note, we are unable to provide any specific advice regarding coeliac disease and would recommend that you always follow the advice and specific dietary recommendations suggested by your doctor or dietitian.
Q: I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), can I still lose weight?
A: Yes, Food Optimising is an ideal way to eat a healthy diet to lose weight. Many of our members with IBS have found the condition and their general health have improved significantly since beginning to Food Optimise. IBS is a very common condition (around one-third of the population are likely to suffer from it at some time) however, the term IBS covers a number of conditions and there is no single cause or treatment for it. Food Optimising allows you to choose the foods you want to eat, so you will be easily able to avoid or limit any foods you find aggravate your IBS symptoms. As with all medical conditions we recommend that you consult your doctor and always follow any treatment suggested by your doctor or hospital.
Q: I have high cholesterol. Do I need to Food Optimise differently?
A: Having too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, the good news is that one of the many health benefits our members report is a reduced cholesterol level.
Experts agree that dietary changes such as following a low-fat diet, eating plenty of fruit and veg and including Omega-3 fish oils in your diet can help reduce high cholesterol levels. Because Food Optimising positively encourages the consumption of plenty of fruit and vegetables on both choices, unlimited oily fish on the Original choice and naturally limits fatty food by allocating them Syn values, it provides a safe and sensible method of weight loss for members with high cholesterol. As with all medical conditions we recommend that you consult your GP and always follow any treatment suggested by your doctor or hospital.
Q: I have a food allergy. Can I continue to Food Optimise?
A: Yes, unlike many other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference. The good news is, because it allows you to choose the foods you wish to eat, it is easy to incorporate any specific requirement or preference.
As we are unable to give specific advice on individual medical conditions, including food allergies or intolerance we recommend that you seek professional medical advice from your doctor or a State Registered Dietician. They will be able to give you tailored advice for your needs, explaining exactly which foods you need to avoid or limit and how to still have a balanced and enjoyable diet whilst avoiding any problem foods. Your Consultant will be happy to help you Food Optimise within these guidelines.
Q: I have a wheat intolerance. Can I Food Optimise?
A: Food Optimising does cater for members requiring a gluten or wheat-free diet. Unlike many other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means that it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference.
Your health carers will have no doubt informed you of the increasing number of specially manufactured wheat-free products now available. Slimming World aim to keep up to date with new and changing products, and you will be able to look up specific foods in our publications and on Syns Online, to see how they fit into Food Optimising.
We do find that one particular section of Food Optimising, Healthy Extras, often requires more careful consideration when following a gluten-free and/or wheat-free diet. In this section we encourage members to have a healthy fibre intake and many fibre-rich foods do contain gluten and/or wheat. However, there are a number of naturally gluten-free and wheat-free products available as Healthy Extras and we also have some additional options to provide greater choice for those members following a gluten or wheat-free diet. Your Slimming World Consultant would be happy to explain these options to you in your group.
Please note, we are unable to provide specific advice regarding medical conditions, including food intolerance, and always recommend members follow the advice and any specific dietary recommendations suggested by their doctor or dietitian. As Food Optimising is based on personal food choice, it should certainly be possible to incorporate any personal requirements, and your Consultant will be happy to help you with this.
Q: I've been prescribed Xenical. Can I still attend a group?
A: We are not aware of any reason why you should not be able to continue attending your group and following Food Optimising whilst taking this medication.
Food Optimising can provide the healthy, low fat diet required when taking this weight loss medication and the combination of the medication and Food Optimising should help you achieve a very successful weight loss. However, as always we would encourage you to follow your doctors advice regarding any medications you have been prescribed and would suggest you to check with your doctor if you have any further concerns.
Q: Can I lose weight whilst on the contraceptive pill?
A: We would like to reassure you that we do have many members who are losing weight very successfully whilst taking all sorts of different medication and treatments, including contraceptive pills. We are aware that some contraceptives can cause fluid retention, which can make it more difficult to see a weight loss at times. However, even if your weight shown on the scales tends to be more erratic due to fluctuations in fluid, your monthly weight loss should be good if Food Optimising 100%. There is a limit to the amount of fluid that can be gained in this way and members following Food Optimising will still be losing body fat, despite no change on the scales from time to time. The regular loss of body fat should soon start to show as a great weight loss on the scales!
Q: I have arthritis. Can I Food Optimise?
A: Slimming World’s Food Optimising system helps members lose weight by following a healthy, balanced diet and can be of great benefit to general health. We are not aware of any specific dietary advice for arthritis, however we often get feedback from members whose health as improved since Food Optimising.
Unlike many other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means that it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference. Because Food Optimising allows you to choose the foods you wish to eat, it should be easy to incorporate any specific requirements or preferences. You would also receive plenty of support and encouragement to make healthy lifestyle changes for successful long-term weight control from your Consultant and group.
We are unable to comment or advise on individual medical conditions and we always recommend that members discuss their medical and any dietary needs with their doctor or registered Dietitian. We are sure your medical advisors will support and encourage you in your decision to manage your weight healthily. Should they suggest any specific dietary requirements then do take this information along to your groop. Your Consultant will help you incorporate this into your eating plan and of course give you plenty of support and encouragement to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Q: Does Fybogel need to be counted as Syns?
A: Fybogel does not have a Syn value. Medical advisors have informed us that because fybogel is not absorbed into the body it does not provide any energy, and therefore it does not need to be counted as Syns.
Q: Will being on my period affect my weight loss?
A: Many of our members find that they tend to retain some fluid during the week of their period and unfortunately this can show as a lack of weight loss or even a weight gain. However, the fluid retention is only temporary.
As long as you are Food Optimising as normal you should still lose some body fat during this time and this should show as an even greater weight loss next week once your fluid levels have returned to normal.
Q: Could the menopause be affecting my slimming progress?
A: Medical experts inform us that there is little evidence that the menopause should be a direct cause of weight gain or inability to lose weight. Weight does tend to increase with age and many people tend to see an increase in weight particularly during young adulthood and middle age. This is thought to be primarily due to change in lifestyle and a gradual decrease in the amount of physical activity we do.
Increasing your level of physical activity can not only help weight loss by helping you expend more energy whilst active but it also helps preserve muscle tissue keeping your metabolic rate high.
If you want to give your weight loss a boost you may benefit from trying to incorporate more physical activity into your lifestyle (ask your Consultant about Body Magic!). Another way many of our members like to give their weight loss a boost is to include plenty of 'speed' foods in their daily Food Optimising plan. These are great foods to help satisfy the appetite and contain less energy than similar foods so can be a great help in giving your weight loss a kick start.
Q: I'm taking medication - will I lose weight?
A: We would like to reassure you that we do have many members who are losing weight very successfully whilst taking all sorts of different medication and treatments and we are not aware of any reason why the medication you mention would prevent you from losing weight. However, we always advise our members to check any concerns they have about their medication with their family doctor.
Please don't hesitate to contact your Slimming World Consultant with any queries you have regarding your weight control. All our Consultants are fully trained to give you all the help and support you need for continued weight management success.
Q: I have an eating disorder. Can I join a group?
A: We feel that a Slimming World group may not be the best solution for your weight management at present. Although we would love to be able to help, eating disorders are not our area of expertise. We feel that for your long term health and safety you would be best supported by trained professionals in this field. We would encourage you to speak to your doctor or practice nurse regarding your weight concerns. They should be able to give appropriate guidance and possibly a referral to a specialist in this area.
Q: I'm taking anti-depressants - will I lose weight with Slimming World?
A: Slimming World have many members who are losing weight very successfully whilst taking all sorts of different medication, including anti-depressants. However, we are aware that some anti-depressants are reported to improve the appetite. The great news is that with Slimming World's Food Optimising system, there is always plenty of food to eat to satisfy the appetite - you never need run out food - and still lose weight. We do have many members who find they can easily satisfy their increased appetite while taking anti-depressants and still lose weight successfully over time. We always remind members that the worst thing they can do is think that there is no point in continuing to follow Food Optimising 100% while on a medication - as this is when they will gain weight.
Increasing your level of physical activity can also help you achieve a healthy weight loss and we do encourage members to think about becoming more active whilst slimming. You may be interested to learn that we have launched a physical activity programme in our groups, Body Magic. Body Magic is our support system to help members find their own personal, enjoyable and fun way of increasing their activity level. Further information is available from Slimming World Consultants. Another way many of our members like to give their weight loss a boost is to include plenty of 'speed' foods in their daily Food Optimising plan. These are great foods to help satisfy the appetite and contain less energy than similar foods so can be a great help in giving your weight loss a kick start. Your Slimming World Consultant will be able to show you more detail of our Food Optimising system and speed foods.
Q: I have a lactose intolerance. Is Food Optimising suitable for me?
A: Limiting intake of dairy products should not be a problem when Food Optimising - it's very generous and flexible and does not require you to stick to any set meal plans. Because you get to choose the foods you want to eat it should be suitable for all dietary requirements or preferences.
We do have a section within Food Optimising, Healthy Extras, which helps ensure you obtain a good source of calcium each day. Although this section does contain a number of dairy products, dairy-free choices such as soya or rice milk are also options.
Q: I've reached my target - how do I maintain my weight?
A: To maintain your weight you can still follow the Food Optimising system. If you find you are still losing weight we do suggest that you increase your Healthy Extra B choices. You could try two or more extra a day to start with, but if you gain weight reduce to one. If you are still losing weight increase to three or four until you find your personal maintenance level, as it varies from one person to another.
Please don't hesitate to contact your group Consultant with any queries you have regarding your weight control. All our Consultants are fully trained to give you all the help and support you need for continued weight management success.
Q: I've reset my details on LifelineOnline - how do I get them back?
A: I'm sorry, as we mention on the reset page, once clicked all your details are deleted so you can start your LifelineOnline journey again.
We're unable to retrieve your deleted information.
Q: I'm not a member. Can I join LifelineOnline?
A: LifelineOnline is exclusively for Slimming World group members.
For a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you call 0844 897 8000 (UK), 01 656 9696 (Republic of Ireland) or visit our
website to find your nearest group
Alternatively, you are welcome to join bodyOptimise - unique slimming support at the touch of a button. Visit www.bodyoptimise.com or click here for further information.
Q: Is there a special offer if I join with my family?
A: Yes! Join with 4 other members of your family (or friends/colleagues) and you'll all receive your first week free!
Q: Why don't you have weekly sample menus?
A: At Slimming World, we encourage members to achieve long-term success by discovering how to fit Food Optimising into their daily routine. Unlike many "diets" it is easy to Food Optimise and still enjoy your favourite food and drink. Whilst we supply a sample menu to help new members and visitors to the site, we encourage Food Optimisers to become relaxed and comfortable with their new pattern of eating. For many members' rigidly adhering to a sample menu will make for miserable meal times, and will eventually become intolerable.
For this reason, we chose to include a 7-day sample menu on the website as an example of Food Optimising, and to encourage non-members to discover more by joining a local group.
If you are happier having a menu to follow, Slimming World magazine features a regular Food Optimising menu, which provides suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Q: Does Slimming World run groups outside the UK?
A: Slimming World have groups throughout the UK, in the Republic of Ireland and now in Dallas, Texas. We don't currently have groups outside these areas as we would not be able to train, monitor and support Managers and Consultants to the degree necessary to give our members the service they deserve. We would therefore be jeopardising Slimming World's excellent reputation of which we are so proud.
We offer a fabulous online weight loss programme to slimmers who can't get to a group. You can find out more about bodyOptimise by visiting www.bodyoptimise.com
Q: I can't get to a group, can I join online?
A: Absolutely! bodyOptimise, our online membership is a great solution for you and it’s a great time to join to take advantage of our special offer - which means a saving of at least £19.95 on your first three month subscription!
bodyOptimise is perfect for:
· everyone who can’t get to one of our warm and friendly groups
· everyone who’s looking for a healthy, filling and delicious way to lose weight for good
· everyone who has internet access
Say goodbye to hunger and deprivation!
Bid farewell to faddy short-term ‘solutions’!
Say hello to bodyOptimise!
bodyOptimise membership includes:
· The secret of slimming without hunger - Food Optimising
· Instant Syns Calculator and Syns Online
· Over 1400 delicious Food Optimising breakfasts, lunches, dinners, starters, desserts and snack ideas.
· Your own Food Optimising menu creator.
· A 7-day starter plan of delicious Food Optimising menus – tailored to your personal tastes and preferences
· A unique support system that is so advanced, so profound, so empowering, that failure becomes a thing of the past.
Logon today at www.bodyoptimise.com
to discover the route to a brand new you – cool, confident, slim and sensational.
Free your dreams today.
Q: What is bodyOptimise?
A: bodyOptimise is Slimming World's online weight loss program that's perfect for:
· everyone who can’t get to one of our warm and friendly UK-based groups
· everyone who’s looking for a healthy, filling and delicious way to lose weight for good
· everyone who has internet access
Say goodbye to hunger and deprivation!
Bid farewell to faddy short-term ‘solutions’!
Say hello to bodyOptimise!
bodyOptimise membership includes:
· The secret of slimming without hunger - Food Optimising
· Instant Syns Calculator and Syns Online
· Over 1400 delicious Food Optimising breakfasts, lunches, dinners, starters, desserts and snack ideas.
· Your own Food Optimising menu creator.
· A 7-day starter plan of delicious Food Optimising menus – tailored to your personal tastes and preferences
· A unique support system that is so advanced, so profound, so empowering, that failure becomes a thing of the past.
Logon today at www.bodyoptimise.com
to discover the route to a brand new you – cool, confident, slim and sensational.
Free your dreams today.
Q: I work shifts - will Food Optimising be suitable for me?
A: Your shift patterns should cause no problems at all with Food Optimising. The beauty of Free Food is that you can eat as much of it as you want, therefore it doesn’t matter if you end up eating more than the regular ‘three meals a day’ or at unusual times of the day!
If you become a member of Slimming World and register with LifelineOnline, check out the features library for ideas for snack foods, ‘eating at work’ tips and loads of quick and easy recipes that are perfect for lunchboxes, flasks and microwaves!
Q: What is Free2Go?
A: Free2Go is a specially created healthy eating plan based on Food Optimising for younger members, aged 11-15. It includes a huge list of unlimited Free Foods and fibre and calcium-rich Healthy Extras for optimum health and satisfaction. Free2Go – with the help of fully trained Consultants – helps young members reduce the less healthy options by discovering cool swaps and healthy recipes. Our young members receive specially written books to help them make positive lifestyle changes, with the support of their family and with their doctor's recommendation as guidelines for their progress.
Q: I've requested a password reminder and haven't heard back from you
A: If you have an AOL email address you may be currently experiencing difficulties receiving emails from us. This is due to AOL’s high-security SPAM filters. While we work with AOL to find a solution to this problem, you could create another email address specifically for the purposes of using LifelineOnline. Yahoo and Hotmail both supply free e-mail addresses.
Q: Are there any Slimming World groups in the Republic of Ireland?
A: Yes! We currently have groups in County Donegal. Click here for the list of groups in the area. As we expand in the Republic of Ireland you’ll find groups opening up throughout the country. Telephone 01 656 9696 for further group information.
Q: Does Food Optimising work?
A: Unequivocally yes! Excitingly yes! Food Optimising has been helping slimmers succeed for over 35 years, and has been researched thoroughly. But don’t just take our word for it…read what some of our fantastically successful slimmers say about a system that help them achieve their goals…
Q: What can I eat?
A: Everything! And if you're thinking of this as a diet, then you're in for a treat. It's a way of eating for life - in every sense of the word. Diets don't work! Eating in a way that looks after your physiological and psychological needs does. In other words, eating healthily, enjoying what you eat and being satisfied is the only sane alternative to dieting. Food Optimising is that sane alternative. Have a look at our sample 7-day menu – you might be surprised by just how much you can eat!
Q: I am a vegan, is Food Optimising suitable?
A: Absolutely! Unlike many other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference. The good news is, because it allows you to choose the foods you wish to eat, it is easy to incorporate any specific requirement or preference.
With Food Optimising you can choose from all the vegetables, grains, pulses, pastas, rice and beans you can possibly imagine! Add soya products, fruit, non-dairy cheese, milk and yogurt, nuts and seeds and you will find the Food Optimising system is a vegan's dream.
Your Slimming World group Consultant will be happy to help you incorporate any personal requirements and, of course, give you plenty of support and encouragement to reach your personal weight goals.
Click here to find a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you
Q: I am a vegetarian, will the diet be suitable?
A: Yes - you can choose from all the vegetables, grains, pulses, pastas, and beans you can possibly imagine! Add cheese or soya products, nuts and seeds and you will find that Food Optimising is a vegetarian’s dream.
“It's so good to find an eating plan that works for vegetarians. I can pile my plate with pasta, potatoes, eggs and rice - things that vegetarians like me tend to live off anyway (things you'd have to ‘count’ on other diets - trust me, I've tried them!).”
From Laura Robinson
Click here to find a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you
Q: Do you produce ready meals?
A: We don’t produce ready meals, however, you can use ready meals from any supermarket when Food Optimising and check Syns using the online Syns calculator (free for members on their exclusive website, LifelineOnline).
Because so many everyday basic foods are Free Food at Slimming World, many members find they eat less ready meals and convenience food, and enjoy more fish, meat, vegetables, pasta, rice and fruit, cooked from scratch.
You'll find loads of ideas, recipes and tips in LifelineOnline too.
Q: How do I find out more?
A: The best place to find out more about Food Optimising's Free Food is one of our warm, friendly groups. As part of your membership you will receive a Food Optimising book which lists hundreds of Free unbranded foods. Best of all, these are normal, everyday foods that you'll love, your family will love and your pocket will love too!
Click here to find a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you
Q: How do I find the Syn value of food?
A: There are several ways to find out Syn values.
Our members' Food Optimising book lists hundreds of basic average Syn values, and you'll receive it free when you enrol at a warm and friendly Slimming World group.
Your Consultant and fellow members will share Syn values of favourite products with you at group.
Slimming World members also have free access to the searchable Syns Online database and the Syns calculator via their exclusive website, LifelineOnline.
Q: How do I know how many Syns to have?
A: For steady weight loss most people enjoy around 5 to 10 Syns a day, though this varies with height, weight and lifestyle. Your Consultant will help you decide your individual Syn allowance.
Q: Is there a formula for working out Syns?
A: There isn't a particular formula for calculating Syns (if only it was that simple!), which is one of the reasons why we invented the Online Syns Calculator (free to members on their exclusive website, LifelineOnline). The Calculator takes in to account all of the nutrition information, as well as considering if the product contains any Free Food;
You will need the packaging to hand and will be asked to enter the nutritional information into the Calculator to obtain the Syn value.
Alternatively, you could take the packaging into group to see if other members have tried/Synned the product, and share Free ways to make that meal!
Q: Can my child join a group?
A: Children aged 11-15 can join for free if they bring a note from your family doctor and are accompanied by a parent/guardian. If the adult is already a member of Slimming World, there is no extra charge. If the accompanying adult is not a member, a reduced weekly fee of $8.50 (plus the current enrolment fee) is charged to the parent/guardian for our help and advice. Your child will receive the same books as an adult member. Young people joining a Slimming World group can enjoy a specially devised healthy eating plan called Free2Go. It includes a huge list of unlimited Free Foods and fibre and calcium-rich Healthy Extras for optimum health and satisfaction. Free2Go – with the help of fully trained Consultants – helps young members reduce the less healthy options by discovering cool swaps and healthy recipes. Our young members receive specially written books to help them make positive lifestyle changes, with the support of their family and with their doctor's recommendation as guidelines for their progress.
Q: I'm pregnant, can I still come to my group?
A: Yes, with the support of your midwife. Slimming World's Food Optimising system provides a healthy, well-balanced diet and an ideal way to prevent excess weight gain when pregnant. Our policy (developed in the UK with the support of the Royal College of Midwives) asks you to get your midwife's consent to continue attending your group. Your Consultant will give you a Weight Management form for your midwife to sign and you must bring this with you to your group and get it signed at each check-up throughout your pregnancy. This will ensure your Consultant can support you in managing your weight in the way that is totally safe for you and your baby.
Q: I have diabetes. Can I still Food Optimise?
A: Yes. Food Optimising provides a healthy, balanced diet. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse and the American Diabetes Association make general recommendations for healthy eating to control your blood sugar glucose levels and blood fats as well as to regulate your weight, and Food Optimising is ideal for helping you meet those recommendations.
As with all medical conditions, it is important to follow the medical and dietary advice given by your health care team. For example some people with diabetes may be given specific advice on the amount of certain foods they should eat, so it is important to bear this in mind when choosing your Free Foods. Our Consultants cannot give specific advice relating to medical conditions, but they will be able to help you incorporate any dietary recommendations into your Food Optimising and support you in your weight management.
Many of our members with diabetes have found their blood glucose levels and general health have improved significantly since following Food Optimising and a number also report that they require less medication now they have lost weight.
“Fourteen months ago I was told by my doctor that I would soon be injecting insulin if I didn't change my eating and drinking habits. Thanks to Food Optimising I now take no medication at all!” From John Ritchie
Q: I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Is Slimming World’s Food Optimising suitable for me?
A: Yes, Food Optimising is ideal for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. We have discussed PCOS with medical and dietetic experts who inform us that, in general, it is recommended that people with PCOS follow the same sort of healthy diet and lifestyle changes recommended to the population as a whole. That is to limit fat (especially saturated fat), sugar and salt intake, and include plenty of fruit, vegetables and starchy carbohydrate food. Weight loss can certainly be of real benefit. Food Optimising is based on these current healthy eating guidelines, and is an ideal way to eat a balanced diet, lose weight and maintain your new weight long term.
For balanced nutrition in line with current guidelines, we do recommend members enjoy a balanced diet, including a healthy intake of carbohydrate. However, as with all medical conditions, we would always recommend you follow any medical or dietary advice given by your doctor, which may be tailored to your individual needs.
The great news is, because Food Optimising is extremely generous and flexible and allows you to choose the foods you want to eat; it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference. Your Consultant would help you incorporate any specific requirements suggested by your doctor and of course, give you plenty of support and encouragement to help you reach your personal weight goals.
“I suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and Endometriosis. It’s hard to lose weight with these conditions; I’ve never lost more than a few pounds before, but with Food Optimising I’ve lost 21lbs so far! I want to let other women with these conditions know that it isn’t hopeless - Slimming World really works!”
From Sarah Churchill
Q: I want to stop smoking, but I'm scared of putting on weight, can you help?
A: We most certainly can! Many ex-smokers tend to eat more as a substitute for smoking and through a new-found enjoyment of taste! Food Optimising (where you can eat MASSES of Free Food) together with the support and encouragement of a Slimming World group really can help.
May we suggest that you find your nearest group right away!
Q: I'm pregnant, can I still come to my group?
A: Yes, with the support of your midwife. Slimming World's Food Optimising system provides a healthy, well-balanced diet and an ideal way to prevent excess weight gain when pregnant. Our policy (developed in the UK with the support of the Royal College of Midwives) asks you to get your midwife's consent to continue attending your group. Your Consultant will give you a Weight Management form for your midwife to sign and you must bring this with you to your group and get it signed at each check-up throughout your pregnancy. This will ensure your Consultant can support you in managing your weight in the way that is totally safe for you and your baby.
Q: I have a wheat intolerance. Can I Food Optimise?
A: Food Optimising does cater for members requiring a gluten or wheat-free diet. Unlike many other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means that it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference.
We do find that one particular section of Food Optimising, Healthy Extras, often requires more careful consideration when following a gluten-free and/or wheat-free diet. In this section we encourage members to have a healthy fibre intake and many fibre-rich foods do contain gluten and/or wheat. However, there are a number of naturally gluten-free and wheat-free products available as Healthy Extras and we also have some additional options to provide greater choice for those members following a gluten or wheat-free diet. Your Slimming World Consultant would be happy to explain these options to you in your group.
Please note, we are unable to provide specific advice regarding medical conditions, including food intolerance, and always recommend members follow the advice and any specific dietary recommendations suggested by their doctor or dietitian. As Food Optimising is based on personal food choice, it should certainly be possible to incorporate any personal requirements, and your Consultant will be happy to help you with this.
Q: Where is my nearest Slimming World group?
A: Click here to find a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Just $10 per week, plus $20 to enrol. Keep an eye on the website home page for information about our super special offers - saving you up to $10 on your first night!
To give yourself an extra incentive you can buy a Countdown course buy 6 weeks for the price of 5 or 12 weeks for the price of 10!
And team up for our 'five join together' offer - join with 4 friends, family members or colleagues and you'll all receive your first week free!
Find out more about our
Q: Is it women-only, or can men join?
A: Men are very welcome, both as members and as Consultants. Men love our generous eating plan - they do very well on it. Browse through some of our success stories - see how Slimming World suits men and women - and how much they were able to eat!
Q: I'd like to run a group, how do I go about it?
A: We are delighted to encourage members who've successfully lost weight with us to develop new roles with Slimming World. Helping others to shed the misery of excess weight as a Slimming World Consultant is such a rare and special job. And of course it requires a special person - one who genuinely cares about the health and happiness of others. With 127 million overweight adults in the US, Slimming World Consultants have the opportunity to make a real difference to the quality of life of millions of slimmers. For more information click here or talk to your Consultant.
Q: What is a Countdown Course?
A: It's a way of making a commitment to your weight loss plan by paying for six or twelve weeks at once. You'll find full details here.
Q: If my membership is paid for, do I have to pay for the recipe books?
A: When you join a Slimming World group, you'll receive the exclusive Food Optimising members' pack. featuring everything you need to know about Slimming World’s generous eating plan, our activity program Body Magic - a members' guide to boosting your weight loss and being fit for life - and Choose Success, packed with motivation and information about Slimming World and your weight loss journey.
Buying recipe books is separate from membership. browse the bookshop at your group and purchase copies from your Consultant.
Q: Do I have to go to the same group every week?
A: No, once you've joined Slimming World you'll welcomed at any of our warm and friendly groups nationally.
To find another Slimming World group near visit our
online service
Please take your Food Optimising book to your new group so you can keep a record of your personal achievements.
Q: What happens at a Slimming World group?
A: If you're new to Slimming World, you'll be warmly welcomed at the door by your Consultant.
Your Consultant will then talk to you and any other new members separate to the rest of the group, tell you all about the group and Slimming World’s special brand of support and all about Food Optimising our famous eating plan. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like - your Consultant will be happy to help.
Then, join the rest of the group for Image Therapy. It stands for Individual Motivation and Group Experience and it's the time when everyone in the group can share their successes, their problems and discover solutions together.
If you decide to join your group, you will then get weighed. Your Consultant will enter your weight (which will always be kept confidential) into the Passport section of your Food Optimising book - the start of your journey to success with Slimming World.
Click here to find a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you
Q: What is Club 10?
A: Because losing just 10% of your body weight - and keeping it off - can bring amazing health benefits we, at Slimming World, have introduced Club 10. There's no charge to join this prestigious group, in fact membership is automatic. All you have to do is lose 10% of your weight and you'll be given a Club 10 award. Keep that weight off for 10 weeks (or lose even more) and we'll reward you with a free week! Click here to discover 10 great reasons for losing just 10% of your weight.
Q: Can I attend a group to see if it's 'me'?
A: Absolutely. Every new member is invited to sit through a group before they commit to joining. Get an idea here of what to expect on your first week.
Q: Will everyone know how much I weigh?
A: Absolutely not! That's part of our promise to you . We will never announce your weight in the group, only your weight change (and if you'd prefer that not be known, just ask your Consultant not to announce it to the group).
Q: Do I have to exercise to lose weight successfully?
A: We encourage you to combine healthy eating with an active lifestyle. Being active can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure as well as help protect against osteoporosis and diabetes. It can have positive effects on mood, self-esteem, stress and anxiety levels, and improve sleep, energy levels and general fitness. However, Food Optimising doesn’t rely on you sweating every evening at the gym or training for the marathon from day 1! Food Optimising properly without exercise will result in a weight loss – we guarantee it! Food Optimising with exercise will bring even greater results. For further information, have a browse through our Body Magic section
Q: Am I too old to exercise?
A: No, the benefits of exercise are even greater as we get older. Activity can be enjoyable and beneficial for people of all ages. It can help us feel younger and fitter.
Although changes in our physical abilities are inevitable with age, increasing our daily activity levels can improve many of the conditions associated with aging. Aerobic activity, which gradually increases the heartbeat, also improves the flexibility of the arteries, improving circulation and reducing high blood pressure. Keeping active also improves balance and mobility reducing the risk of falls and fractures. It can even helps with our short-term memory and decision making and avoid dementia and problems such as Alzheimers disease.
For further information, have a browse through our Body Magic section
Q: I have high blood pressure. Should I exercise?
A: High blood pressure doesn’t have to extinguish your good intentions! Regular activity can help reduce blood pressure and, along with a change in eating habits, is recommended for people with mild hypertension. By Food Optimising you are already on the road to lower blood pressure. Including daily walking, swimming or cycling in your routine provides an even more effective way of getting back in control. If you build up gradually in your walking programme the risks of it triggering any incident are extremely low and much lower than if you did not bother to exercise at all. If you are on medication for high blood pressure we recommend you discuss your exercise plans with your doctor.
For further information, have a browse through our Body Magic section
Q: Are there any recipe books available?
A: Yes. Our Extra Easy coookbook is available to members in group.
Each issue of Slimming World magazine is packed with tasty, healthy and slimming recipes and includes a sample menu. The latest issue is also available from your Consultant.
Click here to find a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you
Q: Do you have set menus?
A: We suggest menus, although you don't have to follow them! You'll find a sample 7-day menu here. You can Food Optimise using your own menus or use ours.
Q: Is Slimming World's Food Optimising book available to buy?
A: Slimming World’s Food Optimising book, isn’t available for purchase as a single item. It is only available by becoming a Slimming World member.
Click here to find a warm and friendly Slimming World group near you
Alternatively, bodyOptimise, the only online service to bring you Food Optimising - the UK’s favourite weight loss system. Logon today at www.bodyoptimise.com to discover the route to a brand new you – cool, confident, slim and sensational. Free your dreams today.
Q: Does Slimming World have a mobile application?
A: As well as the continuing development of our websites, we’re constantly looking for other ways to provide great service to members – including mobile applications. We are looking into launching new applications in the near future, so watch this space!
Q: Registering on Lifeline Online with your member card and PIN: What will change?
A: When you next log in (from 16th August) LifelineOnline will ask you to enter your member card number and a unique PIN number that you’ll receive in group. That will help us match up your LifelineOnline account with your group details.
You’ll only have to enter your member card number and PIN once – after that you’ll just need your e-mail address and password to log in to LifelineOnline whenever you like!
Q: Registering on Lifeline Online with your member card and PIN: When is this happening?
A: From 16th August through September, your Consultant or social team members will give you your own special PIN number.
Then, from the 16th August, when you log in to LifelineOnline, you’ll be asked to enter your member card number and 5-digit PIN number, and answer a few short questions… and that’s it!
Q: Why are you getting rid of the weekly group password?
A: Our XpressWeigh system will let the website know that you’re a Slimming World member, which means we won’t need a group password – one less thing for you to remember each week!
That means, when you take a vacation or can’t get to group, you won’t need to call your Consultant to get the password either – your free LifelineOnline access will be there for you!
We also know – from the UK and the US – that some people who use our members-only website aren’t in fact members! The passwords can easily be shared on forums, giving free website access to people who don’t attend group, don’t support others in their weight loss, and don’t pay their weekly fees – which help us maintain all our services to you.
Q: Where do I get my PIN number?
A: Your PIN number will be given to you during ‘pay and weigh’ by one of the social team members. Your Consultant will also be able to let you have your PIN number – please ask in group next week
Q: How private is my LifelineOnline account?
A: LifelineOnline uses a secure system during your registration and logging in process. As long as you don’t share your username and password with anyone else, your LifelineOnline account will be safe and sound.
To keep your account really safe, we recommend that you don’t write or keep your PIN number and member card number together – although once you’ve registered on LifelineOnline using these, they can’t be used again.
Q: Could anyone use my PIN to access the website?
A: If you’re already a group member with a LifelineOnline account, you’ll need four things to continue using the website:
1. member card number
2. personal PIN number
3. your username (e-mail address)
4. your personal password
As long as you haven’t shared all four of these things with anyone else, nobody will be able to use your PIN to access the website. And as soon as you register using your PIN number, no-one else can use it.
If you’re a brand new member, we’ll ask you for four things:
1. member card number
2. personal PIN number
3. your username (e-mail address)
4. your personal password
We recommend that you don’t write or keep your PIN number and member card number together to make sure no-one else can register using them – and once you’ve registered on LifelineOnline, they can’t be used again.
Q: I’m a target member – how do I keep my LifelineOnline account active?
A: We ask target members to attend group at least once every 4 weeks to see your friends again, inspire others with your success, and keep your own motivation high. This also means the XpressWeigh system can keep your member details active and your LifelineOnline account remains active too.
Q: Can I still share my PIN with my mum (like the group password?)
A: No – but we’d love your mum, sister, friend or other friends and family members to join a friendly group too! The PIN will only work once – when you register – so it can’t be shared.
Q: What if I don’t get a PIN number?
A: If you don’t get your PIN number immediately, don’t worry. The group password will still work for the next few weeks.
And if you’re a target member who hasn’t been to group for a while, please make a date in your diary to go back, see your friends again, inspire others with your success – and pick up your PIN number! (We will be asking target members to attend group at least once every 4 weeks so the XpressWeigh system can keep your member details active and your LifelineOnline account remains active too.)
Q: I’m a target member – how do I get my PIN?
A: If you come to group regularly, you’ll receive a PIN number when you next attend.
If you haven’t been to group for a while, please make a date in your diary to go back, see your friends again, inspire others with your success – and pick up your PIN number! (We will be asking target members to attend group at least once every 4 weeks so the XpressWeigh system can keep your member details active and your LifelineOnline account remains active too.)
Q: What if I can’t get to group for a while?
A: While ever you’re using your vacation weeks (booked in advance with your Consultant), LifelineOnline will be available to you.
Because LifelineOnline is a tool for attending members, if you stop coming to the group, and don’t attend for 4 weeks, your LifelineOnline account will be closed down. If you return to group, you’ll receive free access once again!
Q: LifelineOnline won't let me in!
A: A red star will appear alongside the field that is incorrect.
If you're trying to register:
- If you share your email address and the person you share it with has already registered for LifelineOnline, you'll need to use a different email address. (If you would like an email address specifically for the purposes of using Lifeline Online Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.co.uk) and Hotmail (http://www.msn.com) both supply free e-mail addresses).
- Please also check that you haven't already registered by trying to log on.
If you're trying to log on:
- Please check that you are entering your username and password in the same case as you registered them.
- If you haven't received a PIN number from your Consultant please ask in group next week.
- If the site is flagging your personal password as the problem, please use the forgotten password link to receive a confirmation e-mail.
Q: I registered with LifelineOnline several months ago - why can't I login?
A: If you find that you can’t access the website because your password is incorrect, please double-check that your personal password is entered in exactly the same format that you first registered with and you are entering your group password all in lowercase letters. If there is an error with your password, you will see a link on the screen where you can ask for a password reminder to be emailed to you.
If you haven’t accessed Lifeline Online for over 6 weeks, your account may have been automatically removed. We regularly clear accounts from our database if they haven’t been accessed for 6 weeks to keep the website as fast-running as possible. Each time an account is due to be removed we always inform the member by email to remind them to log on during the next few days to keep their account active.
If your Lifeline Online account expires before you’ve had the opportunity to log-on, please feel free to re-register with your email address, member card and PIN number to create a brand new account.
Q: How much does it cost to join LifelineOnline?
A: Great news! LifelineOnline is absolutely and exclusively FREE to Slimming World group members.
Ask your Consultant for your PIN numberand register today!
For a warm and friendly Slimming World group near visit our
website to find your nearest group.
Q: I still can’t log on even after trying all your log on solutions, what do I do now?
A: If you have tried all our solutions and are still having problems accessing the website or section, we recommend you contact the manufacturer of your security software package. You’ll need to ask them how to enable cookies for our website, www.slimmingworldusa.com
Another reason may be that you haven’t visited Lifeline Online for over 6 weeks. If this is the case, your account may have been automatically removed. We regularly clear accounts from our database if they haven’t been accessed for 6 weeks to keep the website as fast-running as possible. Each time an account is due to be removed we always inform the member by email to remind them to log on during the next few days to keep their account active. If your previous Lifeline Online account has expired, please feel free to re-register with your email address and your member card and PIN number to create a brand new account.
Q: I still can’t log on even after trying all your log on solutions, what do I do now?
A: If you have tried all our solutions and are still having problems accessing the website or section, we recommend you contact the manufacturer of your security software package. You’ll need to ask them how to enable cookies for our website, www.slimmingworldusa.com
Another reason may be that you haven’t visited Lifeline Online for over 6 weeks. If this is the case, your account may have been automatically removed. We regularly clear accounts from our database if they haven’t been accessed for 6 weeks to keep the website as fast-running as possible. Each time an account is due to be removed we always inform the member by email to remind them to log on during the next few days to keep their account active. If your previous Lifeline Online account has expired, please feel free to re-register with your email address and your member card and PIN number to create a brand new account.
Q: How do I register for LifelineOnline?
A: LifelineOnline is our exclusive members-only website.
To register visit LifelineOnline by clicking on the link from www.slimmingworldusa.com or clicking here
Click the register button. You'll be asked to complete a short registration form. We don't give or sell these details to anyone else - they're purely for us to recognise you each time you login.
You'll be asked for your e-mail address, which will become your username, along with a personal password - something memorable that you will use each time you logon, plus we'll as you to enter your member card number and the personal PIN you received in group
Handy hint: LifelineOnline is case sensitive. We recommend you register all in lowercase. Each time you logon, use all lowercase letters.
Q: I've changed my email address. How do I get into LifelineOnline now?
A: You will need to logon to LifelineOnline using your old email address and personal password.
Once you get to the homepage, click on 'My Journey > update my details' from the left-hand navigation. This will show you the current email address and enable you to change it.
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