Being in the midst of summer usually means one thing - it's time to heat up the barbecue!

Sharon Grove, who runs Slimming World groups in Honiton, says: "On hot summer days staying on track with your weight loss might be even more challenging than usual.

"However, losing weight doesn't mean you have to miss out, and barbecues are brilliant if you're trying to be healthy."

Sharon continues: "Slimming World's Food Optimising eating plan allows slimmers to fill up on plenty of healthy foods – that also happen to be barbecue favourites – such as potatoes, rice and lean meats. So you can join in the fun without jeopardising your weight loss."

To prove her point, Sharon has shared some summertime scorchers to help you stay focused whatever the occasion. From refreshing salads and grilled chicken to a gorgeous, juicy burger – these delicious Slimming World recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your appetite all the while protecting your weight loss.

Recipe: Rice and mixed bean salad

Serves 4

Ready in 25 minutes

Ingredients:

250g dried basmati and wild rice

400g can mixed beans, drained and rinsed

400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

8 spring onions, finely sliced

2 tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

Large handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped

Juice of 2 large lemons, plus wedges to serve

100g reduced-fat feta

Method:

Cook the rice according to the packet instructions, adding the mixed beans and chickpeas for the final 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the spring onions, tomatoes, chilli and coriander and stir well. Drizzle the lemon juice, crumble over the feta and season to taste. Cool, cover and chill until you're ready to eat. Serve with lemon wedges.

The Honiton Slimming World groups are held every Tuesday 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm and Every Wednesday at 9.30am.

Sharon's colleague Sue also holds a group every Wednesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. All groups are held in the Honiton Family Church

It's absolutely fine to just turn up at a meeting but please feel free to get in touch with Sharon if you want to know more before joining – 07963337178

You can also visit our Facebook page for news of any joining vouchers – Slimming World Honiton