The FIVE MEALS A DAY diet

Feel full and look fabulous with this fuss-free eating plan

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Dieting can be such hard work as it's often associated with limiting how much and how often we eat. That's why the idea of following a plan that lets us eat five times a day, without feeling deprived, seems too good to be true. But you'll be glad to hear it's possible.

Eating more often can sometimes be a winning formula to lose weight, especially if you tend to struggle with energy dips, or you like to snack. Give this plan a go and you could shed several pounds a week - without feeling hungry.

Why it works

'Eating smaller meals frequently can support a healthy metabolism and prevent mindless grazing throughout the day,' says nutritionist Jenna Hope of jennahopenutrition.​com. 'You'll consume a source of protein more regularly, and that will help to maintain blood sugar balance.'

BREAKFAST

* 2 eggs, scrambled with a handful of spinach and a sprinkle of grated Cheddar cheese.

* 100g cottage cheese with 50g pineapple and 1tsp chia seeds on top.

* 2 oatcakes topped with 1tsp almond butter and ½ avocado.

* 1 Ryvita topped with 100g smoked salmon and a sliced tomato.

* ½ baked sweet potato with 1tbsp almond butter, ½tsp cinnamon and ½ banana.

* 125g Greek yogurt with 25g walnuts and an apple, sliced.

* 30g muesli with 150ml milk (of your choice) and 80g berries.

MID-MORNING

* 2tbsp peanut butter spread on a sliced apple.

* ½ tin of tuna (in brine or water) on 2 rice cakes.

* 2 boiled eggs with raw carrot and cucumber sticks.

* ½ avocado with 50g smoked salmon.

* 100g cottage cheese with 20g mixed nuts.

* 80g steamed asparagus and 50g steamed broccoli with 2tbsp houmous.