LOSE A STONE FOR SUMMER

A DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY WAY TO SHED THOSE LOCKDOWN POUNDS WITH

Abig family barbecue, an alfresco lunch to mark a special occasion or a simple outdoor meal with neighbours … these are summery gatherings that many of us have longed for throughout the dark winter days of lockdown.

‘There is something about lingering over an alfresco meal that makes an occasion uniquely relaxing and enjoyable,’ says Julia Westgarth, head of programme at WW, formerly known as Weight Watchers.

but if you’ve resolved to shed unwanted pounds you gained during lockdown and transform your health and fitness, you’ll also, understandably, be keen to ensure that social gatherings don’t scupper your weight loss goals.

The good news is that the fresh vegetables, salads and berries, as well as the seafood and lean meats that we love to serve at summer buffets or barbecues, are also great for your health and waistline.

Fruit and vegetables are ZeroPoints on all myWW+ colour plans, and lean meat and seafood have either low or no SmartPoints, depending on which colour plan you’re on.

‘This makes it easy to relax and tuck into some of the finest seasonal ingredients — such as peas, asparagus and strawberries — without weighing them,’ says Julia.

So today, as we continue our fabulous exclusive WW series to help you lose up to a stone in time to enjoy the freedoms of summer after lockdown, we’re sharing inspiring and delicious recipes for the great british barbecue that won’t leave you counting the cost on your bathroom scales.

And with dishes such as Peruvian chicken with avocado salad, onion rings or smoky bean and barley burgers on the menu — all featured in today’s pages — there’s every reason to celebrate.

Of course, there are occasions when you’re not in control of the food yet eager to enjoy the event. So how can you navigate a table laden with tempting goodies and stay on track with your health goals?

‘Try to focus on enjoying the event as a whole — an opportunity to catch up with family and friends you may not have seen for a while — and to see the food as a secondary issue,’ advises Julia Westgarth.

There are also some practical steps you can take.

‘it’s so tempting to try a bit of everything on a buffet and end up with a much bigger plate of food that you’d originally planned,’ says Julia. ‘Try to be strategic about portion size from the outset; pick a smaller plate and choose plain grilled meats or seafood and salads that are not drenched in mayonnaise or full-fat vinaigrette dressings.

‘if you’re well-prepared, you could even slip a little pot of low- calorie dressing into your bag to add to undressed salad so you know exactly how many SmartPoints you’re using.’

Another useful trick is to find somewhere to sit away from the food, to avoid the temptation to nip back to a buffet for ‘just a bit more’.

‘but if you do slip up, don’t beat yourself up. it’s not the end of the world and it’s certainly not a reason to abandon your healthy eating goals,’ says Julia. ‘be kind to yourself. Tomorrow is a new day and you can easily get back onto your programme and carry on working towards a healthier, happier you.’