Slimming World rates avocados unhealthier than Strongbow Dark Fruits

Most people would agree that an avocado is healthier than sugary cider.

But diet plan Slimming World gives avocados an unhealthier rating than a can of Strongbow, it can be revealed.

The slimming scheme, which has 900,000 paid up members, allocates Syn points to all types of food including cider and avocados. 

According to the plan’s official Syn count, avocados have a Sun rating of 14, while a can of Strongbow Dark Fruit cider is worth 9.5 points.

However avocados are full of healthy fats, while Strongbow offers little nutritional value

A can of Strongbow Dark fruit has fewer Syn points than one avocado, according to the Slimming World plan. However avocados are full of healthy fats, while Strongbow offers little nutritional value

Students began joking that they would soon start drinking more cider and ditch avocados from their diet

Students began joking that they would soon start drinking more cider and ditch avocados from their diet

The unexpected difference in Syns between the two products was pointed out by student entertainment website Student Problems.

Baffled students then joked how they would soon change their breakfast habits and swap avocado on toast for a can of cider. 

Slimmers are allowed up to 15 Syns a day on Slimming World’s diet plan, but the programme classes some foods as ‘Free’ of which dieters can eat as much as they want.

Anything else has to be counted as ‘Syns’ – including cider and avocados.

Avocado toast is one of the most popular dishes posted on Instagram by clean eating bloggers

Avocado toast is one of the most popular dishes posted on Instagram by clean eating bloggers

It is thought Slimming World allocates avocados such a high rating due to the fruit’s high fat content and because they contain up to 320 calories.

However the type of fat avocados contain are called monounsaturated fats which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

A can of Strongbow cider on the other hand offers little nutritional benefit, as well as several grams of sugar.

But at 229 calories a can, it does contain less than one avocado.

Nutritionists advise that a portion of avocado is half of one fruit. 

Dietitian Victoria Taylor wrote on the British Heart Foundation website: ‘If you want to eat avocado regularly, you will have to think about the rest of your diet a bit more carefully. 

‘Compared with other high-fat foods, avocados are a healthy option.’

She added: ‘At around 150kcal per half an avocado, compared with around 20kcal for a similar amount of broccoli or a small orange, their energy contribution must be taken into consideration if you are trying to reduce your weight.’ 

A Slimming World spokeswoman said: ‘While avocados contain some beneficial nutrients – including healthy fats – they are a high-fat food and an average avocado can contain up to 300 calories, so they make weight loss more difficult.

‘Members enjoy between five and 15 Syns a day, and they choose how to use them to suit their lifestyle. So while one day they may prefer to choose avocado, on another day they may prefer a piece of chocolate, a packet of crisps or indeed a cider. 

‘This means their consumption of high-calorie choices is naturally limited. Instead, our members successfully lose weight by focusing on the filling power of Free Food – without guilt or restriction.’ 



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