Crisps and movie munchies!

Everything in today's post is 3 SP! Just take a look at these munchies!

The Walkers Hoops and Crosses in beef tasted just like beef Monster Munch, this made me very happy. 

Marks & Spencers Ready Meals - 10SP

Sometimes you don't have time to cook, some days, you just can't be bothered to worry about it, or perhaps you work late and only have access to a microwave. Ready meals have their place and can be a great help. However picking ones that aren't high in points is not always an easy choice. Here are some meals from Marks & Spencers that are 10SP a meal. Keep an eye out for other posts soon with 9SP and 11SP meals.

The benefits of weight loss

A member asked me recently if I had anything on weight loss and blood pressure, that led me to think that I needed to do a post on the benefits of weight loss. Aside from feeling better about yourself, which many find is the most obvious change there are lots of other benefits. 

Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol which are mentioned when talking about cholesterol, LDL is the type known to be harmful, HDL is less discussed but is what is considered good cholesterol.  Decreasing LDL is important, while increasing HDL is good though not easy. 

Losing around 5-10% of your body weight is enough to increase HDL by around 5 points, it is also show to decrease LDL by as much as 40 points. 

Blood Pressure

Just losing around 5-10% of your body weight can lead to reduction of 5mmHg, reducing salt, increasing fruit and veg intake and switching to low fat dairy can make this reduction even greater. 

Weight loss is also shown to help improve back pain, sleep apnoea, contribute towards preventing angina, improve mobility and even reduce blood sugar. For more information on this and other information on blood pressure, weight loss and blood sugar reduction check out the links below. 

Weight Watchers - The benefits of losing 5%

Benefits of 5-10 Percent Weight-loss - Obesity Action Coalition

NHS - Lower Your Cholesterol

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Improve your NHS Health Check numbers

Picture by George Hodan

Cabbage Rolls?!

Doesn't sound like the most appetising dish but the picture looks amazing, and at 3SP I would say that it was well worth a try!

Check out this link to see the recipe for yourself!

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A few 2SP items for you!

These were the initial items added to the 2SP album, as before this post will be only 2SP items. These points were accurate at the time of posting. 

2 SP per bag 

2 SP per bar

2 SP per bar 

2 SP per bag 

2 SP per bag 

2 SP per yoghurt

2 SP per taco

2 SP per tortilla

2 SP per cup

2 SP per 100g

2 SP per biscuit

Let's get started!

Our Facebook group is a little ahead of this blog so let me introduce you to a few of the products we have already found. This post contains the 1 smart point foods that were initially added to the facebook group. When there are more items in this range they will be added and tagged with the smart points per item or portion. 

1 SP per stick

1 SP per sweet

1 SP per pot or per 30g

1 SP per bag

1 SP per tsp but you won't need much!

1 SP per biscuit (try the 99p store for these)

 

1 SP per cookie (again try the 99p store for these, but beware, they are moreish)

1 SP for 3 of these!

1 SP per falafel

1 SP per serving.

Welcome to Smart Points!

This blog is here to help my members and other members, get to grips with the new system and find a little inspiration! 

Check out this blog to see new posts or join us on Facebook to see more up to date posts from all the members as we find you new ideas for your meals.