Goodbye “Syns” — Hello Swips

Goodbye “Syns” — Hello Swips

1. Goodbye “Syns” — Hello Swips

For years, Slimming World members have carefully counted their daily Syns. From January 2026, the term will be replaced with Swips  short for “Slimming World Individual Picks.”

The idea? To move away from negative or guilt-based language and towards a more positive approach that frames these foods as conscious choices, not sins.

The principle hasn’t changed: Swips still cover those higher-energy, less filling foods like chocolate, crisps or wine. They’re still allowed, just managed.

Healthy Fats Become Part of Healthy Extras

In a huge step forward, Slimming World is officially recognising the role of healthy fats. Foods such as:

  • Nuts & nut butters

  • Seeds

  • Avocado

  • Olives

  • Oils like olive or rapeseed

These are now included in the Healthy Extras list. That means members can enjoy them intentionally, as part of the plan  without feeling they’re “breaking the rules.”

3. Three Healthy Extras Per Day

From 2026, you’ll be able to choose three Healthy Extra portions per day from a combined pool of calcium, fibre and fats.

👉 At least one choice should be from the calcium group (like milk or cheese) to ensure nutritional needs are met.

This flexibility means you can tailor your extras to your preferences perhaps two fibre choices and one fat, or one calcium, one fibre and one fat, depending on your day.

4. Simpler Language, Same Support

Slimming World is also updating some of its terminology:

  • Body Magic will now be referred to as the active lifestyle programme.

  • IMAGE Therapy will become simply the support system.

The aim is to make the plan more approachable and clearer for new members, while keeping the same support structure in place.

Why the Changes?

Slimming World says these updates are based on:

  • Member feedback  many felt “Syns” sounded negative.

  • Modern nutrition science healthy fats are recognised as vital for heart and brain health, and for helping us feel fuller for longer.

  • Simplification easier language, clearer categories, and more flexibility for modern lifestyles.

How to Adapt

Here are some practical tips to prepare for January 2026:

  1. Reframe your mindset: Start thinking of controlled foods as Swips not guilty treats, but planned choices.

  2. Plan your Healthy Extras: Think about how you’ll use three per day balancing calcium, fibre and fats.

  3. Update recipes: Add small portions of healthy fats a drizzle of olive oil, 10g of nuts, or half an avocado.

  4. Use the app: From late December 2025, Slimming World’s app and website will update with the new system get familiar with the changes early.

  5. Stay flexible: Remember, the foundations of Food Optimising remain the same  Free Foods, Healthy Extras, and controlled Swips.

Example Day on the New Plan

  • Breakfast: Overnight oats with skimmed milk (calcium HE), berries and chia seeds (fibre HE).

  • Lunch: Chicken salad with a drizzle of olive oil (healthy fat HE).

  • Dinner: Salmon, broccoli and brown rice (all Free Foods).

  • Swips: A square of dark chocolate and a small glass of wine.

Final Thoughts

Slimming World’s 2026 changes mark a new era:

  • More positive language.

  • Greater flexibility.

  • Recognition of healthy fats as part of a balanced diet.

For members, the shift is less about strict rule-changes and more about refreshing the mindset: no food is banned, it’s all about balance, choice and support.

If you’re already a Slimming World member, use the coming months to familiarise yourself with the new terms and start experimenting with healthy fats in your meals.

Let us know what you think of the changes, is this is modern new positive move for Slimming World?

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