- Eat regular meals- at least three per day. This will prevent you from becoming too hungry and over eating later, don’t snack between meals.
- Make sure your diet is made up mainly from fruit, vegetables and fibre rich foods like bread and pasta. These are filling, low in fat and good for you!
- Use low fat substitutes for dairy products wherever possible, for example, skimmed milk, low fat cheese, cottage cheese and yoghurt.
- Get used to taking your tea and coffee with skimmed milk and no sugar.
- Do not be fooled by low fat biscuits and cakes, or you might eat the whole packet! Instead, allow yourself to a small portion of the full fat version, and savour it!
- Don’t eat large, heavy meals last thing at night or your body won’t have chance to burn off those calories.
- Make sure you have a healthy breakfast to kick start your metabolism.
- Avoid frying food, instead use the grill which lets fat drip off the food.
- Soak excess fat from food before serving on absorbent kitchen paper.
- Replace desserts with fruit to satisfy the craving for something sweet.
- Drink plenty of water and low calorie drinks to help you feel full.
- Make yourself more active, climb stairs and walk all short journeys.
- Do an exercise class or take up a sport, not only does this burn up calories but you’ll feel better and look more toned.
- Choose the lower fat options when in restaurants, avoid fried foods and rich sauces.
- Avoid using butter on bread, potatoes etc. If you must, use a small amount of margarine.
- Don’t drink sugary drinks and beware of the hidden calories in alcohol.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself, aim to lose weight slowly and it will stay off for good.
- Allow yourself treats occasionally or you may end up bingeing.
- Try and adopt a healthy attitude to food for life, rather than constantly being on a diet, that way you’ll be able to achieve and keep the figure you want.
GOOD LUCK!