Reach your goal: Diet

Whether your goal is weight loss or just improved wellbeing, try these ideas to create a diet that works and will stay with you for life.

1. Have a clear goal
Think about why you want to improve your diet. If it’s to lose weight, what’s your ideal target for a month and six months?

2. Keep a diary
Noting what you eat and drink really does make a difference if you want to overhaul your habits.

3. Have a plan
List five tactics you think will help you most. For example:

• eating meals from a smaller plate
• no eating the kids’ leftovers
• cutting out that coffee on the way to work
• no snacks after your evening meal
• no takeaways
• not eating in front of the TV
• eating more slowly: your body takes 15 minutes to feel full!

4. A positive food attitude
Don’t focus on what you’re missing, think about all the new things you’re going to try instead. Turn finding out about the value of food into a project – gather quirky facts and tips on cooking in healthier ways.

5. Don’t banish treats
Don’t forbid treat foods but do limit them to a healthier level. For example, if you love chocolate allocate a treat time, then go to the shop to buy one small bar rather than having a multipack of them tempting you at home.

6. Keep healthier snacks handy
Stave off cravings by snacking on easy to prepare, nutritious things that will keep you going until mealtime. Check out our Quick super snacks suggestions.

7. Flavour not quantity
Adding flavours with herbs, chillies and spices can give you a more satisfying meal so you are less tempted to over-eat.

Savvy tip
Check out our steps to Getting the confidence to reach your goals.

Pass it on – Drink water!
People often snack when they are actually just thirsty. Water doesn’t have the calories, caffeine or sugary additives of some other drinks.