Looking to lose weight but don’t know where to start?

For most people starting a diet is a big step, it takes determination, motivation and a big commitment to making the right food choices.

But aside from all that every dieter needs to know exactly just how to diet, as ridiculous as it sounds knowledge is the key to any successful diet - knowing what to eat when to eat it and what foods to avoid is so important which is why we have devised a simple healthy eating plan to help kick start your weight loss.

Breakfast Options: Remember breakfast should set you up for the day, if you skip breakfast you’ll be more tempted to snack on bad foods or over eat when it comes to lunch.

Option 1:A great way to start the day is with a bowl of porridge. Porridge is a slow release food which will leave you feeling fuller for longer meaning you won't feel tempted to snack on junk food before lunch! Porridge is also recommended as a breakfast option on the low GI diet which is a great way to lose weight long term. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, rather than adding sugar to your porridge try finishing breakfast with a piece of fruit such as an apple, pear or grapefruit.

Option 2: One slice of wholemeal bread toasted and served with a poached egg, feel free to add grilled tomatoes’ and remember not to over do the butter on the toast!

Option 3:Large fruit salad made up of any fruit you like (depending on season of course) How about trying a mixture of apples, blackberries, pears, cherries, peaches with a banana.

Lunch Options: For lunch try and make sure you’re full so that you don’t snack before dinner.

Option 1:Large salad made up of mixed leafs, tomato, cucumber, celery and a sprinkling of seeds in fact simply mix up a bowl of healthy vegetables and add a piece of fish for protein, oily fish such as mackerel or salmon are great sources of protein and omega 3, both essential for a healthy balanced diet.

Option 2:Enjoy a large jacket potato but remember to avoid fatty fillings such as those which are mayonaise based or contain a large amount of cheese. Instead opt for any of the following fillings - salad, tuna, chicken, beans (which is another low GI product) and if you don’t opt for salad in your potato try it on the side.

Option 3: An open sandwich served on brown bread and fill it with plenty of ham salad.

Dinner Options:Try and keep dinner light, avoid refined carbohydrates such as white pasta or bread.

Option 1:Serve a chicken breast and don’t forget to season although avoid the salt! Try some cracked black pepper and/or chilli powder -remember chilli is rumoured to speed up your metabolic rate which helps with weight loss. Or perhaps opt for some herbs or garlic. Serve the chicken with a selection of vegetables preferably steamed.

Option 2: Steamed fish and vegetables, simple! Try a squeeze of lemon and cracked black pepper over the fish.

Option 3: A large bowl of home made vegetable soup, soup can literally be made with anything you have in the cupboards but if you’re really stuck for ideas why not try making a cabbage soup

General Dieting Advice

1. If you really can’t resist a condiment on the side with remember to go low fat but watch out for added salt or sugar.

2. Avoid caffeine and stick to drinks such as herbal teas - peppermint tea is great if you‘re feeling bloated. Water is ideal but if you’re not feeling it try to opt for low calorie soft drinks.

3.Eat a well balanced diet do not completely eliminate any food from your diet or you’ll only crave the nutrients you’re lacking. For example, some people think eradicating carbohydrates from their diet will help them lose weight, it is safe to limit carbs especially if you are on the Atkins diet but if you chose to stop eating carbs altogether you'll only end up craving them.

4. Eat a healthy well balanced breakfast, this will set you up for the day.

5. Be strict with yourself, be strong and don’t give up on your diet.