HOW TO TACKLE THOSE HOLIDAY TEMPTATIONS

WE’VE all been there: hunger strikes on a journey and you’re at the mercy of the motorway service station, the train’s buffet car or a vending machine. You know it’s not going to end well for your budget — or your eating plans.

Here are some tried-and-tested ways of avoiding temptation and coming out the winner.

PLAN for long journeys by taking fruit, vegetable sticks, low- fat cheese portions and bread sticks to avoid what is on offer at filling stations. Cold boiled eggs, or a selection from today’s picnic recipes also make excellent snacks or lunches while on the move.

AVOID the temptations of coffee-shop lattes and cappuccinos that are expensive for wallet and waist, by filling your own insulated, re-usable mug with coffee and a dash of semi-skimmed milk. (You’ll also spare yourself the temptation of the pastries and muffins on display.)

ON FLIGHTS, ask if you can request a healthier meal at the time of booking — most airlines provide options to suit dietary preferences. Choose diet soft drinks, tea or coffee with your meal — or if you fancy something stronger, why not ask for gin and a slimline tonic?

AT A barbecue, try to avoid the crusty bread and creamy dips on offer before the food is ready. Offer to take your own healthy nibbles such as a selection of vegetable crudités or fill up before you set off.

AT A summer festival, opt for baked potatoes and baked beans (minus the butter).

AT AN all-inclusive holiday resort or celebration, such as a wedding, you’ll be confronted with an extensive buffet laden with delicious food. So be sure to begin your day with a hearty Slimming World breakfast such as the dishes we shared in our five-day meal planner in Weekend magazine. Then choose lean proteins — chicken, turkey, cottage cheese and eggs.