If your favourite pair of jeans aren’t as comfortable as they were or you feel tired and sluggish every day you need to think and act now.  Here is a 10 step plan to help you on your way to feeling healthier and being slimmer:

1.  Make sure you have a meal plan

While that might sound a bore, it’s easier to do that than have to think “What am I going to eat today?”

2.  Make a shopping list and stick to it

This way you will avoid impulse buying, eat fewer takeaways and spend less money too!

3. Avoid shopping when you are tired or hungry

It’s well-known that when we are hungry or tired we are more likely to go for a quick and easy sugar and fat intake.  This instinct goes back to the days when we had to scavenge for food which is hardly the case now in our society.

4.  Reduce the size of your food portions

Sadly, we live in a ‘super-size’ culture which can make us super-size if we are not careful. Eat slowly, preferably at the table, and only eat until you are full.  In spite of what you may have been told as a child it is all right to leave food on your plate.  You will soon learn what is a healthy portion size for you.  Putting food on a smaller plate can also help with this.

5.  Drink plenty of water

A glass of hot water first thing in the morning is excellent for cleaning the system.  Often when we feel hungry we are actually thirsty so have a drink of water, wait 20mins. and then see if you still need to eat – that way you will eat less.  Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day.

6.  Learn about food and food labels

Low-fat foods may look good but can often be high in sugar.  Some artificial sweeteners such as aspartame have been banned from foods inAmericabut are legal here in theUK. 

Take a look at food labels and educate yourself a little more about what you are eating.  Of course the fewer processed foods we eat the less this is a problem.

7.  Prepare your own meals.

Yes, I know it’s quick and easy to stick a ready meal in the microwave and once in a while that’s okay.  However, ready meals are processed and have various additives.  They are not the same as the nutritious and delicious meals you can cook for yourself.  Also, if you are pressed for time, there are many cookbooks on the market showing how to prepare and cook simple, tasty meals in less than 30mins.

8.  Choose healthy snacks

Crisps, cakes and biscuits, while fine as a treat, do need to be banished from your daily diet because of all the fat, sugar and salt they contain.  Make sure you always have healthy snacks with you such as fruit, nuts and vegetables.  Oat cakes with a small amount of peanut butter can also be a tasty healthy snack.

9.  A little of what you fancy does you good

Remember, it’s not the cake you eat once a week that puts the weight on, it’s the cake you eat every day.  It’s great to have a treat once in a while and when you do then choose something you really love and enjoy it!

10.  Cut down on alcohol

Alcoholic drinks are generally high in sugar so do keep them as a treat.  Also we are more inclined to reach for the snacks and over-indulge on food when we have had a drink so it’s double whammy.

Above all do be sensible with your eating as faddy diets can be expensive and harm your health rather than enhance it.  Also remember taking regular exercise will tone your muscles and really help in getting you in shape.

You are advised to see your GP before you embark on any major changes to your diet.