Diet Tips

• never nibble between meals, if you feel you need to then make up a fruit or vegetable mix in a bowl and keep in the fridge
• try not to buy many "goodies" when shopping to help this don't food shop when you are hungry
• eat food slowly this has the effect of making you feel satisfied sooner helping to consume less food and calories
• eat a well balanced diet and help maintain health and energy levels to enable you to exercise with more vigour
• try experimenting with recipes using natural ingredients, herbs and spices you may be surprised at the difference it can make
• try to eat your main meal in the middle of the day and your last meal or snack should be light in calories and be small portion
• if you must indulge occasionally then do so after an exercise session but try not to make it an excuse to overindulge every time you have exercised
• reduce your intake of refined sugar and refined flour products - - check labels if unsure, substitute these for wholemeal and wholegrain products
• limit use of sauces, dressings and creams
• consume more fibre
• avoid frying foods, bake, boil or grill
• try to cook without adding butter, margarine or oils
• select only the leanest cuts of meat and keep meat portions small
• try not to consume more than three eggs per week
• buy tinned fruit in its natural juice rather than in syrup
• always start the day with a good breakfast this may help stop any cravings between meals and will give you more energy
• make use of alternatives like cottage cheese rather than hard cheese, herbs rather than rich sauces on meats and herbs and spices rather than dressings, oils, etc
• when buying soft drinks choose low calorie ones or unsweetened fruit juices diluted with water
• remember alcohol contains lots of calories use in moderation or preferably cut out until you reach your goal
• try reducing your calorie intake by 500 per day to begin with
• be realistic with your goals, use short - term, easy reachable goals to help you progress to the long-term goal
• talk to close friends and family about your plans they will probably want to help and encourage you, the support can be helpful
• keep a food dairy and record calories and fat intake if possible
• remember a positive lifestyle change rather than a specific crash diet is the result of success in weight control
• exercise carefully and lightly to start you can build up the pace as you progress through each workout
• do not rely on weighing scales to monitor your progress, instead try the fit of your clothes as a guide or look in the mirror
• remember to try to be positive and don't worry if you falter occasionally, you're only human after all!