HOW IT WORKS

MONDAY

So why are beans so good for weight loss? Let’s start with the fact that they are the perfect mix of fibre and protein, meaning they fill you up fast – and keep you full for longer. In fact, in one trial, people put on a bean-based diet ate 200 calories a day less than normal without even noticing because of this fill-up factor.

Beans are also relatively low in calories and are what’s known as low GI foods – this means they turn to sugar slowly in your system, which helps keep your energy stable – and hunger pangs at bay.

Cooking beans used to mean using dry beans that needed soaking. Not now. You can now buy all sorts of them in tins, or frozen, that are ready to cook and done in minutes – and our fourweek plan shows you just how tasty they can be.

Now, we do admit that eating too many beans too fast can cause bloating. If this happens, just cut the bean portions in half and add some extra veggies until your body gets used to things. Also drink plenty of water to keep things moving – and of course get moving yourself to power up your results.

Breakfast

Three pieces of fruit, chopped, 150g Greek yogurt.

Lunch

Fist-sized jacket potato topped with 200g low-sugar baked beans. Green salad or 1tbsp low-fat coleslaw.

Dinner

Stir fry of 125g chicken and unlimited vegetables in 150g sweet and sour sauce served with 200g frozen broad or edamame beans.

As waves crashed against the shore, I sprawled out on my sun lounger. It was September 2018, and although I was on my dream holiday in Mexico, instead of swimming in the sea, I was on my phone looking for puppies....

Growing up, I’d always had dogs and I was desperate for a furry companion. I spotted the cutest, fluffiest Pomeranian I’d ever seen on Gumtree. Lowering my sunglasses, I called over my husband Stuart, then 35, while admiring the creamcoloured pooch.

‘Please, can we get her?’ I said to Stuart, showing him the advert.

‘Go on, then,’ he smiled. I sent the seller a message and was thrilled the gorgeous pup was still available.

Desperate to be united with my hound, I transferred £800 to the owner. The next day, Stuart and I got a 10-hour flight home to Glasgow. Jet-lagged and unwashed, we then drove 50 miles to Edinburgh to meet our new bundle of joy.

As soon as I cuddled the pooch, she became my whole world. She gave us quite a welcome!

Tiny and sweet-natured, I decided to name her Cupcake.

Later that week, I splashed out £300 on sparkling T-shirts, dresses, pyjamas, and a personalised silver wardrobe for her. It took up so much space in our bedroom, but I didn’t care.

‘It’s a bit squashed in here,’ Stuart said.

‘It’s Cupcake’s bedroom too, now,’ I replied.

After that, Cupcake was an absolute diva. Despite having her own bed, she snuggled between Stuart and I every night. At weekends, I’d take her for delicious brunches at top restaurants, or nights away in dog-friendly hotels.

There, we’d go sightseeing in the day, and watch films back at the hotel room in matching pyjamas. During the week, when I left for work as a bank manager, Cupcake would whine at the door. It broke my heart leaving her.

Soon after, I arranged for a dog-sitter to look after her during the day and take her for long walks. She’d send me pictures and updates while I worked.

When I’d return home, I’d get the biggest cuddle from Cupcake. I was so in love with her and she became my best friend. My heart was full and five months later, Stuart and I decided to expand our furry family.

In February 2019, I found a Pomeranian breeder nearby. She told me she had an eight-week old puppy ready to be homed. I knew I just had to have him. And

‘Parenthood comes in every shape and form. You don’t have to have children to be a mum. And my fur babies are worth every penny.’

‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned’