The summer party season is upon us and despite that slight panic about looking – and feeling – like a sparkler at parties, it’s tempting to put your diet on hold. Who can lose weight in the run up to Christmas? You can, that’s who!

Getting healthy and losing weight doesn’t have to mean a dramatic overhaul of your life, spending hour upon hour on the exercise bike, or turning down one party invite after another. You can lose weight and still have fun with this four-week plan.

Making small changes gradually makes healthy eating a part of your life. And the good news is that making small and easy changes is a whole lot better for you in the long run than going on a mad diet of only apples that leaves you falling-down hungry and desperate for a korma.

It’s fine to have tea and coffee (with skimmed milk and sweeteners if you like) on this plan but stop at four or five per day. Limit diet fizzy drinks to an absolute max of two cans or 500ml per day and try to cut these out completely if you can.

With water, on the other hand, more is better – drink one to two litres per day, every day.
Salads and green veggies are free – the more the merrier!

Eating out

It is very important to make smart choices when you’re eating out. Restaurant portions are often huge and the dishes are often unhealthy so it’s up to you to make the choices that will keep you on the straight and narrow!
Don’t go out hungry. Have a snack (for example, fruit or yoghurt) before going out so you’re not starving and tempted to order one of everything.

Getting a takeaway

The same rules apply here as for eating out – every decision counts. Swapping pepperoni for chicken and extra chili isn’t going to ruin your day but it could save you hundreds of calories. Remember portion size and choose wisely.

Going for a drink

Alcohol is a double – whammy when it comes to diet. Not only does it provide zillions of calories, but it can also give you the munchies! When you’re trying to lose weight, it only makes sense to cut back a bit but that doesn’t have to mean total abstinence. If you’re going for a drink – which, let’s face it, you probably will when the sun is shining – here’s the damage:

Spirits: 55 cals

125ml glass of wine: 80-120 cals

Measure of Bailey’s: 140 cals

Alco pops: 200-250 (Bacardi Breezer Lite: 100cals)

Pint of beer: 125-250

So, pick out your Perfect party dress and throw away those big pants! It’s time to get gorgeous!