by Diana Coode

Created on: April 07, 2009

Not another article on losing weight: it's enough to make you reach for the biscuit tin. But wait a minute. Is that really the answer? OK, so you will enjoy the taste but, think how annoyed you will feel with yourself minutes later. Then imagine how good you will feel if you manage to resist the temptation. Well, that approach to food, and weight loss, might just be the one you are looking for.

So, where to start? It's better not to go telling everyone your intentions. Keep them to yourself if possible then friends won't be able to pass comment, or persuade you to eat that second piece of pizza. On the other hand, it would be a good idea for the family to join in. You may want to choose a specific date but otherwise, wait for a day when, for one reason or other you haven't eaten much, as this can give you a psychological boost. The next step is not to aim for impossible targets that you will never reach. If it helps to have a viable time scale and weight loss then fine but, be realistic and aim long term. This is not a diet, it is a change of lifestyle.

So now we are ready to talk about food, all food. In my book nothing is forbidden: what is needed in balance. Cut down rather than cut out: it is not necessary to forgo everything fattening but, keep the quantities small, very small. Fibre fills you up so go for wholemeal bread, cereals, pasta and rice. Use herbs and spices to make dishes interesting, yoghurt instead of cream and savoury spreads rather than butter and jam. Home made vegetable soups can be both filling and non-fattening and. they make an excellent meal substitute. Experiment with new recipes, not forgetting salads and fruits. Drinks too will play a crucial role. Alcohol can be drunk sparingly but remember it is not calorie-free, while chilled water and weak tea helps stave off a craving for snacks.

Changing your eating habits is clearly a major part of losing weight but, other factors are also important. Exercise might conjure up images of jogging in Lycra shorts but, there are other options. Walk - anytime. Finding half an hour three times a week isn't impossible and, in the evening after a meal, it can help digestion and sleep. Get an exercise bike, or rowing machine and use it whilst watching the television or listening to the radio or, how about an aerobics DVD to practise in the privacy of your own home.

Finally it is a good idea to monitor your daily and weekly routines. When do you tend to snack and what can you do? Chewing gum might be the short term answer or, cracking some nuts or peeling some fruit. A more permanent solution is to keep busy, join an evening class or take up a new hobby, anything to keep your mind off food but, make sure you enjoy it. And so we come to shopping, a critical part of the overall plan. Think about your meals for a few days ahead so that you know what you want, write lists and keep to them. Cut down the number of times you go to the supermarket and, don't be tempted by special offers that you know you really don't need.

It does take determination and time to lose weight but, the sense of achievement when you fit into that pair of size twelve jeans, will definitely make it worthwhile.

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