We try Skinny Sprinkles — the diet supplement loved by celebs on Instagram
The sachet of powder that you drink before each meal has been described as the ‘gastric band in a glass’ and has a host of celebrity fans including Demi Rose and Chloe Ferry
Would you try the ‘gastric band in a glass’?
From Demi Rose to Chloe Ferry, Celebland has gone gaga for Skinny Sprinkles. Writer Becky Barclay, 35, gives it a go.
Being a 5ft 1in, size-14 mum of two skimming 11st on the scales, I’m not exactly the target audience of the latest celeb diet supplement.
And the one on everyone’s lips at the moment is Skinny Sprinkles, a sachet of powder that you drink before each meal that Lateysha Grace from The Valleys likened to “a gastric band in a glass”.
With other fans including Geordie Shore’s Chloe Ferry, TOWIE’s Billi Mucklow and model Demi Rose, I’m about to discover whether it’s a case of hot air and endless PT sessions (as I imagine), or if you really can lose 1st in just eight weeks.
Here goes…
Week 1
The instructions are simple: mix one sachet with water, drink half an hour before each meal, then “let Skinny Sprinkles do the rest”.
As a daily dose contains 150mg caffeine, it’s no surprise that cutting down how much coffee I drink is highly recommended.
Costing £24.95 for 30 sachets (that’s 10 days’ worth), the magic ingredient is glucomannan, a soluble fibre that absorbs water then swells in your stomach to make you feel full, reducing snacking.
On top of that there’s manganese, which is said to help break down fatty acids, along with vitamin C and niacin to boost energy.
Taking my first sip of the Candy Apple flavour, I can only liken the taste to liquidised Haribo, and the texture is thick and soupy.
Reading the small print, I also discover it’s not quite as simple as “letting Skinny Sprinkles do the rest”. As well as the sachets, there’s a suggested eating plan.
Reading the small print, I also discover it’s not quite as simple as 'letting Skinny Sprinkles do the rest'...as well as the sachets, there’s a suggested eating plan.
Becky Barclay
It sounds delicious – meals include fish wrapped in Parma ham with sweet potato mash and salad – but the portions are teeny tiny, as the plan recommends eating just 1,200 calories a day.
Hmm. Surely if you’re only having that many calories, you’d lose weight anyway?
The guidelines also advise me to do 30 minutes of interval training, such as press-ups or squats alternated with jogging, every other day (another sure-fire way of dropping a couple of pounds).
Thankfully, I discover that my snack allowance means I can have a glass of wine with six olives, which I definitely need, as by day two I am really hungry.
Even my husband Rob’s breathing drives me up the wall, and my boys Jamie, four, and Eddie, two, are irritating me without doing anything.
It doesn’t get better, as I really struggle with the exercise plan and can only manage a couple of press-ups and squats, and I lose just 1lb in seven days. Urgh.
Week 2
My celeb counterparts might pose on Instagram with this lurid concoction as if it were a delicious treat, but I’m still not feeling it. Although it tastes OK, I don’t love the gloopy texture, and frankly I could murder a bacon sandwich.
At least I’m allowed real food alongside the drinks, unlike some meal-replacement diets.
Come Friday, there’s no low-fat alternative for the fish and chip supper at a school ‘do, so I decide to enjoy the meal in moderation. And I get better results on the scales, too, with a 2lb loss.
Week 3
By now, I’m used to dishing up lower-calorie versions of family meals such as roast chicken or beef stew and only giving myself a tiny portion, then passing on dessert. I’m not happy about it, but I’m hoping it will be worth it.
I’m also getting better at the press-ups and squats, although no one is ever going to mistake me for Kayla Itsines!
But I’m bored of being good and tempted to give up. That is until Saturday, when I try on an old size-12 dress for a party and am able to squeeze back into it.
I’m also getting better at the press-ups and squats, although no one is ever going to mistake me for Kayla Itsines!
Becky Barclay
On top of that, I realise I’ve lost 5lb in total. Result!
Week 4
This week, a friend states the bleeding obvious: “If you’re doing all this exercise and eating less, wouldn’t you have lost weight without the Sprinkles?”
Of course, she’s right, but would I have been able to stick to 1,200-calorie days for so long without the Sprinkles filling me up? I’ve certainly found myself snacking less, plus the sweetness of the drinks helps satisfy my sugar cravings.
The problem is when I have to go somewhere that doesn’t offer much of a menu choice, and this happens when we go on a family day out to Legoland.
I end up eating a burger and chips because they smell divine, but thankfully, despite my cheating, I still lose another 2lb.
Week 5
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m actually starting to enjoy exercising and find it easy to stick to the plan.
My diet halo nearly slips on a night out with friends – I feel like a party pooper having just one glass of wine – but I don’t give in.
When Sunday brunch provides a potential stumbling block, I overcome it by choosing poached eggs, ham, spinach and mushrooms, and enjoy every bite. I don’t even get food envy when the boys’ bacon baps arrive.
It’s still a chore downing the sickly drinks, but it’s worth it when I discover I’ve now lost 9lb.
Week 6
I’m ill with a cold, and even though I don’t feel like eating, I force down my Sprinkles.
Then, finally, I get the question I’ve been waiting for from another mum: “Have you lost weight?” I’m thrilled my progress has started to show.
When I explain how I’m doing it, she asks whether I recommend it, and I hesitate. It’s definitely working, but I’m not sure it’s worth the money, as it only does the job if you’re choosing healthy meals and exercising.
At least you can follow the 5:2 without shelling out a fortune.
At least you can follow the 5:2 without shelling out a fortune.
Becky Barclay
Week 7
As I lost 3lb last week, I can’t resist treating myself to a creamy dessert. I ignore my body telling me I’m full and eat the whole thing. I pay for it, though, and only lose 1lb this week.
Even so, I can see the difference – my legs are slimmer, my waist is more toned and Rob says I look great.
I just hope I don’t pile the pounds back on when the Sprinkles packet is empty…
Week 8
At a soft-play centre, I ask for the kids’-size jacket potato with beans and salad. It wouldn’t have filled me up before, but now it feels like plenty, and I’m full until dinnertime.
However, on Friday, hormonal and lacking motivation, I hit the boys’ sweet tin for some chocolate buttons.
Previously this might have led to a downward spiral of pizza followed by crisps, but I manage to get back on track and opt for a salad and soup for dinner.
At my last weigh-in, I discover that over two months I’ve lost 1st 1lb, plus 6cm off my waist and 5cm off both my hips and chest. It’s awesome news, but I’m also ready for a big fat slice of cake to celebrate!
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CONCLUSION
I’m delighted with the results, but it’s not rocket science that eating less and exercising is key to losing weight.
I’ve learned some good habits, such as thinking about what I put on my plate, snacking less and moving more.
I hope I can continue the good work, but I can’t bear the thought of glugging back any more granules, especially as a two-month supply can cost almost £150.
From now on, I'll leave the Skinny Sprinkles to the celebs.
Photography: Lancton, Instagram/Skinny Sprinkles
Hair & make-up: Sara Bowden
Styling: Daisy Jordan
Becky wears: jumpsuit, River Island; boots, New Look
See your GP for advice before embarking on any new diet