When it comes to dieting and healthy eating, we need to make sure we are not cutting essentials out of our diet.

In a typical day, it is recommended that the average male adult needs approximately 2,500 calories, while the average adult female needs 2,000 calories. If you find you are eating too many calories, a top tip is to slow down your eating. You may find you get full quicker therefore eating less and taking in fewer calories. When you’re eating you should be focused on your food rather than things such as TV, phones and the internet which can distract you and leaving you to eat more without even noticing.

Many make the mistake of skipping breakfast, thinking you don’t have time, or you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast is an essential and key part of your daily diet, not only does it give you the energy to start the day it also means you are less likely to eat unhealthy snacks before and during meals. Cutting a meal out of the day is not the way to lose weight and is not good for your stomach as it needs food on a regular basis. One of our go to breakfasts is a simple overnight oat pot. In a ramekin simply fill with berries of your choice (we use blueberries and raspberries) cover with your desired amount of oats and then add a splash of coconut milk and a dollop of coconut yoghurt. Leaving the oats overnight means they are nice and creamy in the morning and this often keeps you fuller for longer with no fuss! You can even eat these on the go- ideal for morning commutes on the train or bus.

A lot of the time it is mind over matter, simple tricks like swapping a big dinner plate for a smaller one will make it look like you have more food on your plate but really you are eating a smaller portion. Having regular meal times and regular snack times can train your body for when food is coming, stopping you from snacking throughout the day. For many of us we snack when we are bored, so why not do some yoga or read a book to distract us from the hunger pains.

To live a healthy lifestyle a little bit of everything will not hurt-just be careful not to overdo it!