Diet & Fitness

Top tips to stop you piling on the pounds then try the nautural way with moderate food consumption and exercise. Proceed with caution on the links and consult a doctor before any major changes in your diet

If you want a sugar fix or an energy boost - hold off on the chocolate and cereal bars and reach for the fruit, dried or fresh, which will give you a natural sugar lift.

Shop when you are full, not when you are hungry. Write a list so you can stick to your regime and avoid temptations even if they are on offer!

Portion control

Cut down on your portion sizes gradually - it is not a punishment, just a slight change will make a big difference over time.

Try steaming vegetables instead of boiling: it only takes 15 minutes for most vegetables to cook and helps keep all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Prepare two meals at once to cut down on the time you spend in the kitchen. Preparing a meal in advance means it only has to be warmed up when you get in, giving you a slot to work out in or some essential 'you' time.

Make health, simple soups and stews - they are a fantastic standby and very quick to do.