Top 10 Tips For A Healthy Diet

1. Drink lots of water

Take a 1.5-litre — that’s over 2.5 pints — bottle of water to work with you, and try to finish it all by home time. It might involve a few extra toilet breaks in the day, but it’s worth it.

2. Eat the recommended portions of fruit and vegetables every day

If you find this difficult, then remember that smoothies , juices and dried fruit all count. Although advice on how many portions of fruit and vegetables a day can vary from country to country, average recommendations tend to be between 5-10 portions a day. 

3. Never skip breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Opt for something that will release energy slowly — porridge and a handful of blueberries are a great option!

4. Plan your meals for the week ahead

Write a shopping list and stick to it — and never shop when you're hungry, as this is a fatal error that inevitably leads you to stuffing your shopping trolley full of junk!

5. Keep a supply of healthy snacks to hand

Snacks can include fresh and dried fruit, wholesome cereal bars, rice cakes, low-fat fruit yogurts and wholemeal pitta and hummus.

6. Remove all visible fat from food before you cook it

Take the skin off chicken and trim the white fat off any meat. Also, try to avoid eating too many processed meats such as sausages and burgers (the fat's not visible from the outside, but it's certainly there).

7. Limit your intake of stimulants

Caffeine , alcohol and refined sugar are a few to limit in your diet.

8. Limit the number of times you eat out to once a week

Take your own packed lunch to work or choose (non-creamy) soup in the canteen.

9. Eat properly

Don't cut out food groups — such as carbohydrates — altogether in a bid to lose weight quickly. Your body needs balance, so make sure you eat properly. And don't do denial — you'll only end up cracking!

10. Only eat things you like the taste of

 Find what works for you, and don't force yourself to eat things just because they're good for you.