20 NO-PAIN slimming tricks

Losing weight is as much about what you do as what you eat. Try these simple lifestyle tweaks to lose the pounds – and still eat chocolate!

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1 Use smaller plates

Sounds simple, but it tricks your brain into believing you’re eating larger helpings. Portion size has played a huge part in the rise of obesity, with ready meals and restaurant portions increasing in size, and therefore calories.

2 Get a grip on emotions

Easier said than done, but it’s possible to reprogramme your body’s response to eating triggers, says dietician Lyndel Costain (weightloss resources.co.uk). ‘When you crave food and aren’t actually hungry, ask yourself: Why do I want to eat and what am I feeling?’ Find a distraction – a walk or chat with a friend. ‘The more often you break the “eating when you’re not hungry” habit,’ she says, ‘the weaker its hold.’

3 Drop the ‘D’ word

Label yourself as ‘on a diet’ and you’re more likely to obsess over the foods you ‘mustn’t’ eat. Instead make your goal a sustainable healthy-eating plan. Allow yourself to eat everything you enjoy (in moderation), without feeling bad.

4 Have a visual reminder

Stick an inspirational picture on your fridge, such as a photo of the beach where you’re going on holiday. ‘It’s an instant and powerful visual reminder of what you’re trying to achieve,’ says psychotherapist Karen Meager.

5 Go green