“How long does getting thin take ?” asked Pooh anxiously ……

A question I know I ask myself often, especially after the 1st week on a new healthy eating regime…Note the non use of the D word !!!  Well I suppose it takes as long as it takes, everybody’s different, but as long as you know you’ve done your best most of the time, the getting thin bit will happen, but the health benefits, will happen almost instantly.

My emotions, and mood, have certainly peaked and troughed, moments of euphoria, moments of weakness & exhaustion, but one the desire to succeed has stayed with me. Being in the right frame of mind, is the most important factor of any new plan, it falters and wanes at some point, but re-focusing on your goal, stopping and thinking, taking 5 is all sometimes it needs to get back on track.

And don’t forget,changes should be for the better and for ever (note to self *take note*), they are not a punishment for your past, but for a brighter healthier future, indulgences of the food and drink kind, can be enjoyed, just make sure you enjoy them, don’t beat yourself up about them,make the conscious choice that is right for you.

O.K enough of the sermon…some tasty tips for you now, and some small changes that can make the world of difference to your wasitline, mood and overall well beingness ( Not really a word, but you know what I mean)

BREAKFAST IDEAS

• Scrambled egg, with grilled tomatoes and dry fried mushrooms, with oregano.

• Ruby Grapefruit with a teaspoon of Cane Honey.
• Bran flakes, with chopped banana and skimmed milk.
• Natural Yogurt with a handful of dried fruit, and a sprinkle of omega seed mix.

Now some foods for instance like nuts, avocado etc are avoided as people are aware their calorie content are high, well this is the case but their health benefits, far out way this, and your body uses their nutrients for your well being, so enjoyed in small amounts they are vital as part of a healthy D !

• Crudites with homemade healthy hummus
• 5 dried Apricots.
• 5 Brazil nuts.
• Piece of fruit – best to eat whole fruit as it will have less calories that a glass of Fruit Juice, and the fibre in the fruit helps with the digestive process.
• 2 small squares of dark chocolate – A least 70% cocoa solids.

This is a fascinating report on how to taste and appreciate chocolate, why not have a go. Click here for the details.

Lunch and Main Meals.

Use vinegars and lemon juice to dress salads, and Fab Friend to salads is a reduced Balsamic vinegar, which adds a hint of sweetness.

Try and include sustainable fish into your plan, Langostinos and dipping sauce, can be a luxurious treat, and grilled Sardines at the Chiringuito no problema,enjoy with pleasure.  Oily fish is very important in your plan.

• Basque Chicken Casserole
• Sweet & Sour pork with meatballs
• Hearty Beef and beer casserole
• Butternut and Apple Curry
• Roasted vegetable cous-cous
• Fish Provencal.

• With small changes you can see big results.
• No D word in sight !
• Embrace celebrations with gusto, and indulge with what you choose, without regret.
• Eat calmly, and thoughtfully, acknowledge what you are eating and enjoy.
• If hunger is not the problem, than eating is not the answer.
• Drink lots of water.
• There will be times in the month, hormonal, stressful & testing.  Breath deeply, take stock, talk it over with someone, or take 5 me time minutes, before comfort eating.  If you choose to comfort eat, enjoy it, then move on.