TOP TIPS TO BOOST YOUR DIET

FOCUS ON BREAKFAST

Don’t skip this important meal. To prevent mid-morning hunger pangs, fill up on a nutritious bowl of porridge or muesli.

Or make a smoothie by blending together fruit, vegetables and protein powder to sip throughout the morning.

WORK OUT WITHOUT GOING OUT

No time? No problem. Cut out the gym and instead spend 20 minutes doing exercises such as sit-ups and burpees at home. You’ll feel fitter and more energised within weeks.

SHUN SOGGY SANDWICHES

Rather than grabbing a soggy supermarket sandwich or salad which won’t fill you up, bring your lunch from home.

Prepare a batch of lunches at the weekend and eat them throughout the week. Not only will your packed lunch be more nutritious, it will save you money too.

PACK A SNACK

When peckish, don’t dash to the vending machines for a sweet snack. It will lead to a spike in blood sugar which will cause your mood to crash and will help pile on the pounds. Instead, munch on carrot sticks and hummous or keep a packet of rice cakes and some peanut butter handy for a slow release of energy throughout the afternoon.

COOK FROM SCRATCH

Ready meals and shop-bought sauces are often less nourishing than a home-cooked meal.

For a quick and delicious dinner, fill a roasting tray with chicken breasts or fish fillets and whatever veggies you can find in the fridge. Sprinkle on some herbs such as basil or rosemary and pop it in the oven for half an hour.