The secrets that helped me lose 12 stone

Want to shed the excess pounds and shape up? Start 2018 with a fabulous new eating regime, designed by our cover star Lisa Riley

Get set to shed those excess pounds with fabulous recipes and tips from cover star Lisa Riley

Lisa shares some of her diet rules

1. SAY GOODBYE TO WHITE CARBS

I recommend having no potatoes, rice, pasta or bread on this diet until later on, once you’ve done the initial hard work and you’re maintaining a reduced weight. And, even then, be cautious, go for brown or wholegrain varieties, and certainly don’t have them every day.

2. NO ‘PING’ MEALS

I ate a lot of ready meals back in the day. I was very guilty of the ‘single ping’. I can’t even begin to imagine how many tuna pasta bakes I put in the microwave. You’re being sold a convenience dream, but I’m afraid they’re not going to make you lose weight – even if they claim they will. It’s not about the calorie count: it’s about all the rubbish they contain.

3. EGGS ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS Eggs can be eaten in so many different ways, and they’re amazing for filling you up.

4. SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

If your food isn’t varied, you’ll soon get bored and slip into old ways. Livening up all your food with spices is an easy way to keep it interesting.

5. COOK FROM SCRATCH

I know it’s not always possible, but if you cook from scratch, you’ll always be in control of what you put in your mouth. And you’ll be able to be totally honest with yourself about what you’ve eaten.

6. BOWLS ARE BEST

I deliberately don’t have any plates in my house. I always use bowls because they’re so much harder to overfill.

7. STOP WHEN YOU’RE FULL

This is a really hard one, and it took me a while to retrain my body and mind to know when I was full. As soon as you’ve finished eating, move your bowl out of sight. If there is any food left, it could end up tempting you.

8. ALWAYS SIT DOWN TO EAT

Be mindful every time you eat. Sit down and make sure you don’t have anything to distract you. Give the food all your attention. Eat slowly and chew well. You have spent time making this delicious food, so you should enjoy every mouthful.

9. DON’T EAT LATE

I know this is hard, but I find it makes a real difference. It gives your body and digestive system a chance to have a rest and properly process the food you’ve eaten during the day. The following morning, you’ll be hungry for a good breakfast and your body will be ready to burn it efficiently.

10. HONESTY ALL THE WAY!

Finally, ask yourself every day – how honest are you really being? If you think you’re veering off track, pull yourself back. You’ve got all the tools now, so there are no excuses!