QUICK TIPS 1 - GIVE YOURSELF A BOOST!

You are on your way to losing that excess kilos, now give yourself a helping hand.

SAY NO TO STRESS
Stress is not only bad for your health - it can spell disaster for your diet as well as you're more liekly to binge if you feel things are getting out of control. Set aside time every day - even if it's only 10 minutes - which is chill-out time for you alone. Read a book, sit quietly, reassess your goals, have a bath, write a letter... or do whatever makes you happy. exercise is also one of the best stress relievers, so take up a regular activity and if you feel things getting on top of you, try going for a brisk walk instead of reaching for comfort foods.

***Only weigh yourself once a week, at the same time on the same day. Your weight fluctuates a lot and you'll only get stressed if you seem to be putting on weight.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
Research has shown that spicy foods boost your metabolism for hours after you've eaten. They're also a great way to add colour and flavour to foods, without the calories. But don't splurge on takeaway curries which are laden with fat, instead experiment with different spices when you're cooking - try adding fresh chopped chilles to soups and stir fries for a bit of extra zing!

***Treat yourself - a new haircut, lipstick or a facial will do wonders for your confidence and self esteem.

BE A GOAL GETTER
Give yourself something to aim towards will really help to motivate you. Write a list of things you're looking forward to doing when you've lost weight. When you feel yourself waning, read the list back and think about doing all those great things... do you really want that extra biscuit now..??

***Keep your diet-diary up to date - it's amazing how 'forgotten' snacks soon add up and find their way to your hips!

HAVE MORE SEX!
Turning up the heat in the bedroom will not only help you lose weight and tone up, it will make you feel happier, sexier - and put a smile on your partner's face, too! A 30-minute session will burn off around 200 calories - that's the same as swimming eight lenghts or doing 15 minutes of circuit training, but a lot more fun! It also boosts your immune system, reduces stress and encourages your body to release endorphins - the body's happy hormones - and at the very least it will take your mind off food!

GET ACTIVE FOR LIFE
Exercising will help you to lose weight quicker, and will also boost your metabolism and energy levels. Take evry opportunity to be active and fit exercise into your daily routine. Walk whenever you can, use the stairs instead of the lift - and make sure that you find an activity that you enjoy doing.

And being active doesn't have to mean slogging it out in the gym. Walking and cycling are great calorie burners and doing just a little but everyday will soon make a real difference, inside and out.