Aldi's new Slimfree Range - What we know so far!

Aldi have just controversially launched its "SlimFree" range. The range -  which can be found in the frozen section -  includes Slim Free Moroccan Vegetable Stew, Slim Free Three Bean and Vegetable Chilli, Slim Free Chicken Saag, Slim Free Tikka Masala and Slim Free Meatballs and Pasta.

So far, we know just that the meals are about 1/3 cheaper than Icelands offering, with the calorie count being lower than it's counterpart in many cases. We don't yet know for sure if the aldi slimfree meals are syn free - the official slimming world app does not contain information on the meals. 

There was a similar instance recently when Asda launched their Slimzone range, which they openly advertised as "Free" on Slimming World. Asda then pulled the range from their shelves.

Slimming World so far had remained tight lipped - merely stating "We’re aware of a new range of ready meals in Aldi and have no comment to make at this time.”

Have you tried the meals? Will this play out the same way as Asda's range did? Would love to hear your comments below. 

Nutri Brex - 5 ways to enjoy on slimming world

When I started slimming world and as I became more educated about the choices I was making, Granola was one of those foods that I found out was typically much higher in sugar and fat than originally believed. So, I put it on the ol' "block list" and skimmed past it when I saw it in supermarkets.

Nutri-Brex reached out to see if I'd like to try their granola and to come up with some fun ways to use it. They had two varieties: ‘HONEY, ALMONDS AND SEEDS’ and ‘HAZELNUT, COCONUT AND QUINOA’.

 This granola has 50% less sugar than typical granola, is high in fibre and is packed with superfoods (almonds & grains), it sounded appealing - but step one was to check it on the slimming world app. It was more than reasonable at just 5 syns per 25g, so I got the thinking cap on, and came up with 5 ways to use it with slimming world.

1. Breakfast Bowl with toasted granola - 4 syns

This is a comforting breakfast as we get into the colder months. Not to mention, your house will smell delicious with the toasty cinnamon filling the air.

Ingredients:

• Fruit of choice (I used banana, pears, blueberries and clementines)
• Fat Free greek-style natural Yoghurt
• Pinch of cinnamon powder
• 20g Nutri-brex, honey, almonds and seeds.

Method:

1. Spray a small frying pan with frylight
2. Add the granola and the pinch of cinnamon
3. Toast for 3/4 minutes until the granola is golden
4. Slice fruit as desired and pop into a bowl
5. Add a dollop of fat free greek toghurt
6. Sprinkle the toasted granola on top and enjoy! 

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2. Banana, Choc Shot and Granola Pops - 1.5 syns each

These are fun to make, ideal for a late night sweet treat. A decent substitute for an almond magnum :) if you have kids they will love these too.

Ingredients:

Serves 4 | 1.5 syns per Pop

• 2 Bananas
• 25g Nutri-brex almond, honey and seeds granola (5 syns)
• 4 tbsp Sweet Freedom Choc Shot (2 syns)

Method

1. Peel the bananas and cut in half. 
2. Spread the choc shot onto a bowl or plate
3. Gently roll the top of the banana into the choc shot, until evenly covered.
4. Sprinkle the granola over the chocolate covered area.
5. Place on a container, cover with cling film and put in the freezer for 3-4 hours.

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3. Oaty Cinnamon Flapjacks - 1.5 syns each

For this recipe, regular oats make up the bulk of the recipe, with the granola acting as a crunchy topping. Enjoy these with a coffee as a breakfast, or an on the go snack.

Ingredients

• 80g Porridge Oats (2 x Healthy Extra)
• 25g Nutri-Brex Hazelnut, Quinoa & Coconut, (5 syns)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla essence
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1 muller light yoghurt (vanilla and dark choc)
• 2 heaped tbsp granulated sweetener (1 syn)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees
2. In a medium sized bowl, whisk the egg. Add the sweetener, vanilla essence and muller light and mix.
3. Fold in the oats and cinnamon until well mixed.
4. Spray a loaf tin with frylight or line with baking paper
5. Pour in the mixture, ensuring an even spread
6. Sprinkle the Nutri-brex evenly on top of the mixture
7. Bake in the middle shelf for 20 mins or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool, cut into 4 rectangular pieces.

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4. Overnight Oats, Fruit and Granola Jar - 2.5 syns

In the morning, the oats will have absorbed much of the yoghurt, and the granola crunch on top really packs a punch. This will give you a hearty and filling start to the day.

Ingredients:

• 40g Porridge Oats
• 1 Heaped Tbps of Nutri-brex Hazelnut, Quinoa & Coconut, Granola
• Fruit of choice (I went for sliced pears, banana and blueberries.
• Any syn free yoghurt

Method:

1. Layer oats, yoghurt and fruit in that order. 
2. Add Nutri-brex as your top layer
3. Pop in the fridge overnight

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5. Chocolate Crunch Pear Bites - 1.5 syns each

It's super simple to make these little bites, and they are a perfect snack if you are craving something sweet. Not to mention, pears are a speed food. Make sure your pears are nice and ripe, so that you don't lose a tooth :) 

Ingredients:

• 2 pears
• 4 teaspoons of Sweet Freedom Choc Shot
• 20g Nutri-Brex Granola

Method:

1. Cut the two pear sides just off the middle to avoid the core.
2. Add a teaspoon of crunchy granola to each
3. Drizzle a teaspoon of choc shot on top.

If you would like to get your hands on Nutri-Brex, you can buy it Ocado, Asda, Morrison’s and directly from www.nutribrex.co.uk

NOTE: This post is sponsored, but all opinions and recipes are my own. Syn Values are correct at time of posting and to the best of my knowledge.