WITH so many diets on the market and so much conflicting advice, losing weight can be fairly confusing.

It’s hard to know who to believe, what to eat, what not to eat, whether to go to the gym or just give up and eat chocolate!

Well let’s get back to basics.

Fad diets have been around for years and years. They may do their job in reducing your weight on the scales for a certain length of time, but then we go back to our normal routines and put the weight back on, and usually more too.

This yo-yo dieting doesn’t create “healthy habits”, giving you the understanding and self-control of what you eat, nor is it sustainable for the rest of our lives.

My advice to you is to be healthy, eat wholesome and nutritious foods and look after your body.

This way you will be healthy, happy and your weight will take care of itself.

We, as humans, are supposed to eat food, that is why we have teeth.

Eating small meals at regular intervals will provide your body with a steady flow of energy.

For most people five small meals a day is adequate, with no longer than a four-hour gap in between.

This will help to balance blood sugar levels, stimulate the metabolism and maintain lean muscle mass. It will also encourage your body to burn off extra fat stores.

Combine a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats into each meal.

Our bodies need a good supply of protein for health and exercise needs. However, we only absorb a small amount each time we eat.

Incorporating proteins into each meal will provide us with an adequate supply.

Get healthy carbohydrates from vegetables, pulses and wholegrains to aid our bodily functions, and provide us with key nutrients and a steady supply of energy.

Healthy fats from fish, avocado, olives, etc, are important for our brain and heart. They will also help keep hunger at bay.

Lastly, drink plenty of water, sleep well, exercise and get some fresh air daily.

l To get in touch with Claire, follow her on Twitter @CLKpt or email ckopicki@me.com