Tips for dieters

It is a basic equation that the less we eat and the better we eat, the slimmer we will be. The important thing isn't to be as thin as possible, we all need to be a healthy weight, and learn to love our own bodies.

Firstly, set yourself a realistic target. Aim to lose around 1-2 lb per week with a combination of diet and exercise, this way the weight will stay off permanently. At Calorie Counter we encourage you to adapt to a way of eating which is healthy and enjoyable, not unrealistic. This way you can relax and allow yourself treat when you feel like it. See this as a change of lifestyle which you can keep up, rather than a punishing diet.

Once you have your goal, go to the supermarket and stock up on fruit, vegetables, lean meat, whole foods (like brown bread, rice, pasta and beans) Stick to a low fat, high fibre diet. Make sure your meals are made up of fresh, grilled, poached and stir-fried foods. Look at the fat and calorie contents on packaged food and avoid those with high values. We all know the foods that are bad for us, pizza, burgers, sausages, chips, so be sensible and have these in moderation. Stay off crisps, chocolate, cakes and biscuits while you are dieting, allowing yourself the odd treat to minimise the chances of a binge! Snack on dried fruit, veggies and drink lots of water or diet soft drinks.

Eat three meals a day, and avoid snacking in between (see menu planner for meal ideas.) The section on diet tips gives you lots of ideas about ways of cutting fat and calories from your diet, and if you're really struggling try our cheats section! Visit our sister site KeepingFit.co.uk to find out how exercise can help you lose weight, tone up and look great.