Don't be afraid of your syns!

[missy1978]

They used to be called 'sins' and they changed it, as it was believed to be too negative a word. Now they try to convince us that 'syn' is short for 'synergy'- what a load of codswallop! I hate it when people demonise food by using words like 'bad' or 'naughty'.

I disagree that syns are needed to maximise weight loss. But what probably happens when people try to cut back on syns is that they increase their consumption of free foods, so they'll have extra spuds/pasta/meat etc instead of a chocolate bar, so although they think they're eating more healthily,their calorie consumption won't be any less. However, if people do use their syns, they're probably more likely to eat smaller portions of other calorie dense free foods.

I mentioned the 'sins' thing above - I can see why they changed that as it really does send out the wrong message IMHO! I can also see why they would want to keep the new name similar but is syns really any better than sins? I'm not convinced either.

For what it's worth, I'm a great believer in using as much of your syns allowance as you need. I use 10-15 most days. Maybe it doesn't increase your losses, maybe it does. From my experience I lose well as a rule and have never really restricted my syns. What it does is give you an extra tool for staying on plan and the leeway to have a bit of what you fancy.

 

[jaylou]

I'd honestly be happy if they were just called points (me and husband refer to them as points at home as he doesn't like the name either) but I can see the reasoning behind having a snappy name for marketing purposes. Something more neutral maybe?

I know that SW will have put a lot of time and research into the names they have chosen for parts of the plan, it just bothers me when I hear people at group saying that using syns is bad and that they failed on a given day because they used 5 syns... :/

Not sure SW would ever use points - bit too close to the dark side!!

 

[missy1978]

Not sure SW would ever use points - bit too close to the dark side!!

Ha, I can believe that! It wasn't a serious suggestion, just what I call them at home. I'm sure someone cleverer than me could come up with a snappy and more positive sounding name!

 

[Devon Dolce]

How about 'perks'??? xxx

 

[jaylou]

I always emphasise that's syns can be used for healthy things like avocado, olive oil etc and not always for chocolate and wine!!!

 

[Rochelle1]

I honestly have no problem with the word syns.

And i agree if you don't have enough, you don't lose as well. Well I don't. I seem to lose better when I've eaten plenty! I don't know why people are scared to use them. Maybe they don't understand the plan properly? X

 

[*Emsie*]

I think it would be hard to find a better name which didn't make that part of the plan sound like better or worse than the rest when it's just part of it?

 

[SlimmingKitchen]

I don't always use my syns on a daily basis but then some days I can have 20 or so, but yes definetly need them to keep me sane xxx

 

[missy1978]

I'm not campaigning for a new name or anything lol! I just wonder if people are put off using syns because they sound like something naughty when in fact, as jaylou pointed out, they can be anything from avocado to coconut milk to an extra slice of bread!

I don't have any problem using syns myself, I use plenty in fact. It's just something that I see quite often on here and in group and made me wonder as I find the psychological side of weight loss quite interesting.

 

[SlimmingKitchen]

I always emphasise that's syns can be used for healthy things like avocado, olive oil etc and not always for chocolate and wine!!!

I like to use smart syns too, most people use their syns on naughty treats like chocolate and crisps but for me it could be things like tinned fruit, gravy, stuffing, special k bar or HiFi bar or abit of extra cheese and milk if I've gone over my healthy extras xxx

 

[shezam]

Its hard. This is my second time doing sw and its only my first week. Was at my friends for an Indian last night, got Rogan josh but didn't weigh it and could see the grease on top, tried to stay away from the naan but failed, had 2 poppadums & some onion chutney too. Had already used 10 syns yesterday. The thing is do I go syn free from now untill after weigh in on wed, or just wrote it off as a bad meal and continue eating my 15 as normal?

 

[*Emsie*]

I'd say definitely don't try and go syn free maybe set yourself a minimum daily that you think you can manage without feeling deprived, if you feel you need the full 15 use them but be prepared that you may not lose this week?

 

[donna88]

I always think its best to at least have 5 syns a day, so if you have a meal off plan and want to make up for it other days still have at least 5 rather then going syn free, but its up to you, either have 5 syns each day up until WI or stick with your usual syns and draw a line under it

 

[shezam]

I always think its best to at least have 5 syns a day, so if you have a meal off plan and want to make up for it other days still have at least 5 rather then going syn free, but its up to you, either have 5 syns each day up until WI or stick with your usual syns and draw a line under it

Thanks, I think i'd just be depriving myself if I didn't have any so going to try and stick to 5. Back on the sweetner for my cuppies instead of sugar haha, I hate the stuff though! x

 

[watcheronthewall]

I find that I just naturally use my syns on things like extra milk, yogurt and my beloved stewed apples on a Sunday or eating out which I do a fair bit. I must admit through that I'm quite afraid of using syns on things that I consider junk, ie chocolate/crisps or whatever. I just don't do it.

 

[bc201]

I think "PERKS" is a positive word and describe better what they really are!

 

[hare]

This was a lovely thread to read, and as a SW newbie it definitely reassured me that using my syns is ok xx

 

[donna88]

I think "PERKS" is a positive word and describe better what they really are!

I don't have a problem with the word syns to be honest, I quite like the fact that it's our naughty little treat but on plan.... but perks is also a very good word

 

[WelshJojo]

I think "PERKS" is a positive word and describe better what they really are!

But syns describes what they are too-it's short for synergy, meaning you need the syns for the plan to work x

http://www.minimins.com/silver-memb...me-2012-jos-journey-infinity-bit-further.html

 

[*Emsie*]

I think "PERKS" is a positive word and describe better what they really are!

and there are lots of perks within the plans I don't think it's good for them to be focussed on too much as treats/perks/rewards