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Chorley & Leyland News, Chorley Health & Care, East Health & Care, East Lancs News, Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care, Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

Let’s face it: there is a huge amount of information online about how to shed the pounds and get in shape. Wading into this endless stream of advice can be both confusing and overwhelming. And, when you take into account the new fads that seemingly pop up every day, the situation only becomes more dire. After all, who can keep up with all the raw food plans, prepackaged menus, and liquid cleanses that are constantly promoted in our social feeds?

The main problem with these very restrictive diets is that they only lead to short-term weight loss at best. That’s because most people cannot maintain them consistently and end up giving up after a couple of weeks. Losing 10 pounds a week on a fad diet may seem tempting, but it often results in unhealthy and unsustainable weight loss.

The real secret to healthy and successful weight loss is to adopt a lifestyle that you can maintain for the long run. This involves changing your diet, following a regular workout schedule, and taking the right supplements for your body’s needs. With that in mind, here are 5 other tips to help you achieve your weight and fitness goals:

Eat Better at Breakfast
While all meals are important, breakfast is the most crucial one of all. That’s because it helps you start your days on the right track. A hearty, healthy breakfast will fill you up and give you optimal satisfaction for longer periods of time. Your goal should be to eat between 400 to 500 calories at breakfast. Build a meal that includes lean proteins (nuts or eggs), fibers (fruits or vegetables), and whole grains.

Say Goodbye to Added Sugar
The main reason for most lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease is added sugars – especially from sugary beverages and soft drinks. Processed foods in general contain a lot of added sugars and do not provide any of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Instead, jump on Nutribullet bandwagon and replace sugary drinks with healthier, green smoothie options. For most people, the fastest way to lose excess weight is simply by cutting out foods that are high in added sugars from their diet.
Keep in mind that many “organic” or “healthy” foods can also have very high sugar content, so reading labels should be a regular part of your shopping process.

Start Lifting Weights
While changing your diet can help you lose a lot of weight fast, nothing beats keeping your body fit with regular exercise. Your best option is to visit the gym at least three or four times a week, doing some warm up, and lifting some weights. This form of exercise is ideal because it helps you burn off a lot of calories. It also keeps your metabolism from slowing down – a typical side effect of weight loss. You can also speed this process up with a fat burning supplement such as the range available at www.myelite health.co.uk. If lifting weights isn’t your cup of tea, then look for workout plans such as the massively popular Joe Wicks workout to get you moving in the comfort of your own home.

Cook More
Did you know that research shows that cooking more meals at home can promote healthy eating and weight loss? Eating out is fun, but it should not be your daily go-to. Instead, save the restaurants for special occasions and start eating more home-cooked meals. This is a great way of sticking to your healthy diet plan and keeping your weight in check.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

Get Healthy Rushcliffe is launching a new exercise on referral programme to help residents of Rushcliffe with long term health conditions become more physically active. Exercise is a critical component of achieving a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Get Healthy Rushcliffe aims to make that as easy and as accessible as possible to those living in Rushcliffe. By being more active, you can help reduce the likelihood of developing long term health conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure.
Mark Lambourne, Managing Director of Parkwood Healthcare, the organisation behind the Get Healthy Rushcliffe project said that “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with our partners at Lex Leisure and the wider health and social care community to help embed physical activity within the community of Rushcliffe”. The new 8 to 12 week programme allows residents of Rushcliffe who have been referred by their GP to engage in a personalised and safe exercise programme on a one to one basis with a qualified instructor.

The programme offers expert advice in relation to health conditions and exercise. Our instructors are highly trained in planning and delivering programmes tailored to the needs and goals of the individual participants. As part of the programme, participants are able to access the fantastic facilities at Bingham Leisure Centre, Cotgrave Leisure Centre, Keyworth Leisure Centre and Rushcliffe Arena at a discounted rate to enable them to take up more physical activity. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Executive Manager for Communities Dave Mitchell said: “We’re delighted to support Get Healthy Rushcliffe at our leisure centres, building on the Borough’s great sport, lifestyle and place.

“Encouraging those with health conditions to continue to be active is vital, whether in a role to assist recuperation or to make a significant difference in wider physical and mental wellbeing.”

As well as an Exercise on Referral scheme, Get Healthy Rushcliffe also offers residents of Rushcliffe an online resource through which they can access advice, guidance and resources on how to stop smoking, eat a healthier diet, be more physically active, drink less alcohol and maintain a healthier weight. Anyone who is a resident of Rushcliffe is welcome to register at www.gethealthyrushcliffe.co.uk to access the range of services that are available.

If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0115 784 5690, PARKWOOD.gethealthy rushcliffe@nhs.net or visit our website on www.gethealthyrushcliffe.co.uk

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

This February half-term, QUAD have an exciting range of activities for families and young people of all ages. Make and Take Day, Monday 17th February, 11.00am-4.00pm, for all ages. QUAD’s popular family friendly artist-led creative sessions are suitable for families with children of ages.

Choose from a range of craft materials to make whatever you want and take it away afterwards – just bring some imagination! The drop-in sessions are free. KidsQUAD: Build your own Video Game workshop, Monday 17th February, 10.30am-3.00pm, £25.00, for ages 7-11 years. A chance to learn how to design and build a video game that can be played online at home.

KidsQUAD are creative activities open to children aged seven to eleven years, without grown-ups. booking is recommended and a packed lunch is required. MinecraftLAB Survive workshop takes place in QUAD on Wednesday 19th February from 11.00am-4.00pm, £22.50, for ages 8-16. A series of fun creative sessions at QUAD for ages eight to sixteen focused around the popular game Minecraft, focusing on specific objectives and a community-themed build. Join QUAD’s Minecraft team for a day of ‘Survival’, Minecraft’s original game mode where players must collect resources, build structures, battle mobs, manage hunger, and explore the world in order to survive.

Advance booking is recommended as there are limited places remaining, a packed lunch is required. Teardown! Reimagine! Saturday 22th February, 1.30pm-4.00pm, for ages 8 and up. An animation workshop with UK artists Anna Bunting-Branch and Aliyah Hussain to explore the themes in QUAD’s new digital exhibition ‘Warm Worlds and Otherwise’ by deconstructing machines to create animated characters, sounds and new worlds. The workshop is free, but booking is essential. QUAD’s VR Day, for ages 8 and above. explores the digital world of virtual reality (VR), including a VR Storyroom ‘The Lift’; decision making sci-fi experiment ‘Playing God’, ‘Beat Saber’ competition, plus creative VR experience ‘Tilt Brush’.

• The Lift is a chance to travel through time and space to meet a long extinct dinosaur or be transported back to the trenches of WW1 to hear the stories of the Empire’s forgotten soldiers. Designed by Metro Boulot Dodo, this walkaround VR Storyroom uses a headset for you to explore the past.

• Playing God is an interactive VR thought experiment that lets you imagine you are the captain of a space station, a space station suddenly presented with a humanitarian crisis. Designed by Leicester based Artist filmmaker Ben Fredricks, it challenges its audience with a series of scenarios and questions.

• Beat Saber is a virtual reality rhythm game which takes place in a surrealistic neon noir environment, with the player using light sabers to slice blocks that represent musical beats. Developed by Derby based Beat Games, Beat Saber sessions need to be booked in advance, and the cost is £4 per 10 minute session. www.vr-play.co.uk/

VR Day is suitable for ages eight and above and takes place in QUAD on Friday 21st February from 11:00am to 4:00pm the drop-in day is free to attend apart from the Beat Saber sessions which can be booked in advance or on the day. Cine Kids: Spies In Disguise, daily between Saturday 15th and 23rd February, £4.00 for Kids Club members, for all ages. Smooth, suave super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites.

This unlikely duo are forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into a brave, fierce, majestic… pigeon. For more information or to book tickets for films workshops or workshops, call QUAD on 01332 290606 or see the QUAD website. https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/whats-on/get-creative/families-and-young-people

Chorley & Leyland News, Chorley Leisure, Chorley Weddings, East Lancs News, East Leisure, East Weddings, Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure, Lancs Weddings, Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts Weddings

Thinking about marrying abroad but worried that your grandparents won’t be able to make it? Perhaps your close friends and family can’t afford an overseas holiday or maybe you’d rather just get away on your own. Weigh up your options here with our list of pros and cons to help you decide.
The biggest issue with getting married abroad tends to be that not everyone on your guest list will be able to make it. So if your grandmother has always dreamed of being at your wedding but is unable to travel, don’t be surprised if she seems upset when you drop the bombshell that you’ve decided to get married abroad. Do reassure anyone who can’t make it that you’ll have a second reception when you’re back in the UK.

Pros
You’ll be able to take your vows in the open air and celebrate your special day in an exotic or unusual location, with different food, flowers and music to complement your wedding.


Getting married abroad can often be less expensive than the average British wedding. Many couples buy their own tickets and, while the bride’s family may pay for the wedding package, it’s acceptable for guests to pay their own way.

You can invite just a small handful of family and friends to the wedding, so you’re only with people that you really want to celebrate with. It’s the ideal excuse for not inviting your 20 odd cousins and all their children.

Alternatively, you can jet off alone and get married in a romantic, private ceremony, just the two of you. If you book through a travel operator, they’ll do practically all the organising, leaving you plenty of time for dress shopping and planning your honeymoon!

If you’d rather be totally involved in the planning process, you can opt for a tailor-made wedding.

Cons
Friends and family might not be able to afford to travel abroad, or be able take the time to go further afield. You might upset people who’ve been left off your list – but you may be able to ease some disappointment by having a big bash when you get home. You won’t have as much control over the organising as you would at home.

You might end up regretting not inviting family members if you jet off alone. If it’s just the two of you, you’ll need to rope in a stranger to act as witness. Although your wedding abroad may work out cheaper initially, if you put on a second reception in the UK for all those who couldn’t make it, you can end up paying as much or more than you would have done if you’d married in the UK in the first place!

Even if you head for tropical climes, you can’t guarantee sunny weather. And remember, unless you head off for a second week somewhere else, you might be stuck on honeymoon with your friends and family!

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts What's On

Join the party and discover a unique experience that celebrates the best Gin and Rum right now and promises the party of the year. If you’re thirsty for knowledge or just want to party the night away, the Gin and Rum Festival is for you! Discover new favourites with samples from hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at the themed Gin and Rum bars, and let your hair down with your friends.

Whether you are a gin-genius or a new convert, expert staff and complimentary masterclasses will help you discover new flavours to savour, while the resident DJ and amazing live entertainment keep the party going. Remember to bring your dancing shoes!

Paying for your drinks is quick and easy – just purchase tokens at the token station and swap them for drinks at one of the themed bars. Premium mixers and tonics are all included, and your Gin and Rum guide includes expertly crafted garnish suggestions so you can take the perfect serve home with you.

Perfect for hen parties, lad’s night out or date night.Friendly staff, tasty street food and buzzing party atmosphere will guarantee a night to remember! Over 18s only, www.drinkaware.co.uk

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Headliner Supergrass, Special Guest James and Pop Icon Belinda Carlisle. Wollaton Park, Nottingham. Saturday 18 July 2020

The wait is now over with the first wave of artists today announced for Splendour 2020, set in the stunning grounds of Wollaton Park on Saturday 18 July.

Bona fide music legends Supergrass make their Splendour debut headlining the Main Stage alongside very special guest James. Global pop icon Belinda Carlisle will be performing on the Confetti Stage, with all three bringing impeccable back catalogues to Nottinghamshire’s biggest summer party.
Supergrass have been described as one of the most important bands from the 1990s. Made up of members Gaz Coombes, Mick Quinn, Danny Goffey and Rob Coombes, the award-winning Britpop Oxford outfit have achieved an unbroken run of five Top 10 albums, including three platinum sellers – ‘I Should Coco’ (1995), ‘In It for the Money’ (1997), and ‘Supergrass’ (1991) – generated millions of worldwide sales and spawned 10 Top 20 singles, with ‘Caught By The Fuzz’ crowned NME and Melody Maker Single Of The Week and ‘Alright’ an international hit.

Throughout the band’s illustrious career they have scored the biggest-selling debut for Parlophone since The Beatles, helicoptered into Glastonbury, toured the world and supported everyone from Blur and Arctic Monkeys to Foo Fighters, Radiohead and The Cure. Superfans will remember their multiple gigs at Rock City throughout the nineties and early noughties.

James will generate plenty of excitement joining Supergrass as the next act confirmed for the Main Stage. With a career spanning more than three decades, the Mancunian rock band fronted by Tim Booth have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and produced a string of huge hits including ‘Come Home’, ‘Sit Down’, ‘She’s a Star’ and ‘Laid’.

The band brought a crowd-pleasing set of classic hits and new material showing their continued relevance when they performed at Splendour five years ago. Since then, they’ve gone on to produce two new UK Top 10 albums – ‘Girl at the End of the World’ (2016) and ‘Living In Extraordinary Times’ (2018). There’s nobody quite like James. American singer Belinda Carlisle gained worldwide fame as co-founder and lead vocalist of groundbreaking all-female new wave rock band The Go-Go’s. The group achieved worldwide sales in excess of 15 million albums and singles and produced international Top 10 hits including ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’ and ‘We Got the Beat’, all before going their separate ways in 1985.

Belinda went on to have a prolific career as a solo artist regularly selling out stadiums across the UK. With an acclaimed catalogue of timeless pop hits, the gifted and glamorous singer-songwriter is sure to have everyone singing along to songs such as ‘Mad About You’, ‘I Get Weak’, ‘Circle in the Sand’, ‘Leave a Light On’ and the global smash ‘Heaven Is a Place on Earth’, which turned Belinda into a superstar.

George Akins, DHP Family owner, says: “As one of the biggest and best festivals in the East Midlands, each year thousands of people await the exciting news of who will feature in the line-up. We’re over the moon to welcome Supergrass and international superstar Belinda Carlisle to Splendour for the first time ever, plus James returns with what will no doubt be an epic set. With last year’s event selling out in record time, don’t hesitate in purchasing your ticket.”

Supergrass, James and Belinda Carlisle are the first of more than 40 acts announced to perform at the Wollaton Park music festival, with many more artists, comedians and entertainers to be revealed in the coming months. With lots happening across the festival aside from the three music stages, including comedy in the courtyard, an array of food stalls featuring local suppliers, a funfair and entertainers out and about in the crowd, the event is a fantastic day out.

Cllr David Trimble, Portfolio holder for Leisure, Culture & IT, said: “This July, we look forward to once again having some of the UK’s top musical talent descend on our beautiful Wollaton Park, as Splendour returns for another year. The festival is truly one of the highlights of a summer in Nottingham, and with the £10 discount for residents it’s no surprise that the festival remains such a popular part of our annual events programme.” A standard ticket is £58.85, including a booking fee, coming down to £47.85 when the Nottingham City discount is applied. Tickets for Nottingham City residents aged 11-17 are £23.10. VIP packages are also available and start from £90.35 for a Nottingham City adult. Children under 11 will once again be admitted for free.

Tickets can be purchased from splendourfestival.com or in person from the Nottingham Tourism Centre. To claim Nottingham City resident discount, a copy of your council tax bill is required. To stay in touch with festival news, follow Splendour on social media:
Facebook: @splendourfestivalUK
Twitter: @splendourfest
Instagram: @splendourfest

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure

Skegness is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK, with amazing beaches and an abundance of local restaurants, but there is so much more to this amazing destination than meets the eye.

Fantasy Island is one of the most popular attractions for those on holiday in Skegness, providing a great time for all the family! With rides to please the thrill-seekers among us, a shopping market to get all your souvenirs, and a high-class arcade to play with friends and family, there is always something to sink your teeth into.

The Rhombus Rocket
One of the most popular rides at Fantasy Island, and for good reason, is The Rhombus Rocket! With twists and turns at every sight, it truly is a ride for the adrenaline junkies, and perfect for those looking to step out of their comfort zone.

The Millennium
This is not a ride for the fainthearted! This ride measures 150 ft high, travels a whopping 55.9 mph, features two vertical loops and a sidewinder, and it is guaranteed to make your heart race and your knees go weak!

Log flume
No amusement park is complete without a log flume, and Fantasy Island is no exception. Sail your way to the top, and then plummet to the water below at a breathtaking speed. This ride is fun for all the family, as long as you don’t mind getting a bit wet!

The Magic
You will also find magic here at Fantasy Island. Maybe not wand-waving, potion brewing magic, but magic of a whole different kind. The Magic ride takes you up on a swirling adventure, leaving you amazed and dazed at the same time!

The Twister
The Twister brings the nostalgia of a funfair directly to an amusement park! One of the most popular rides at Fantasy Island, each summer sees families having the time of their lives on The Twister. Give it a go!

With events running throughout the summer season, there is something for everyone to enjoy, so start organising next year’s trip today!

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Following a remarkable recovery from a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Wilko Johnson the original Dr Feelgood guitarist, actor (Game of Thrones character Ser ilyn Payne) and all round national treasure has enjoyed a rousing return to the live arena, including a number 1 album with Roger Daltrey (Going Back Home), a sold out show at The Royal Albert Hall to mark his 70th birthday and, most recently, the release of Blow Your Mind, his first album of new material in decades.

Wilko is famed for his blistering chop-chord strumming action (the ‘stab’, as he describes it), a technique inspired by his admiration of the late Pirates guitarist Mick Green. With this electrifying sound, his trademark black-suited, scowling look and his characteristic strut, Wilko became one of the guitar heroes of the 1970s and beyond, not to mention on of rock ’n’ roll’s most extraordinary characters. He, alongside his original Feelgood bandmates, is also widely acknowledged as a forefather of punk on both sides of the Atlantic, fans ranging from Joe Strummer to Blondie.

Following a stint with Ian Dury & The Blockheads in the 1980s, he formed the Wilko Johnson Band, with Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy. Featuring former Blockhead Dylan Howe on drums, the trio is known as one of the most exciting r’n’b bands in the world today.
Special guest ‘Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure John Otway.
Tickets for the WILKO JOHNSON – April / May 2020 shows are available from: Thursday 9th April
WORTHING – Assembly
Box Office No: 0844 249 1000
Website – https://www.eventim.co.uk/artist/wilko-johnson/?affiliate=GCL
Tickets – £32.50
Friday 10th April
POOLE – Lighthouse
Box Office No: 0844 249 1000
Website – https://www.eventim.co.uk/artist/wilko-johnson/?affiliate=GCL
Tickets – £32.50
Saturday 11th April
ABERYSTWYTH – Arts Centre Great Hall
Box Office No: 0844 249 1000
Website – https://www.eventim.co.uk/artist/wilko-johnson/?affiliate=GCL
Tickets – £32.50
Friday 24th April
NOTINGHAM – Albert Hall
Box Office No: 0871 220 0260
Website – https://www.seetickets.com/event/wilko-johnson/albert-hall/1443664
Tickets – £32.50
Saturday 23rd May
BLACKPOOL – Grand Theatre
Box Office No: 01253 290190
Website – https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/wilko-johnson/
Tickets – £32.50
For further information on WILKO JOHNSON, check out the following website / social media links:
Website – https://wilkojohnson.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WilkoJohnsonBand
Twitter – https://twitter.com/wilkojohnson
You Tube Links:
Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey ‘I Keep It To Myself’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwLeTPVuD3c
Wilko Johnson on Later With Jools Holland – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIXP889rLBQ
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WILKO JOHNSON INCLUDING IMAGES / INTERVIEW REQUESTS AND COMPETITION TICKETS – PLEASE CONTACT:
Maria Philippou @ M P Promotions
Tel: 0161 494 7934 / Mobile: 0780 119 1784 / Email: maria@mppromotions.co.uk / Website – www.mppromotions.co.uk

Nottingham News

West Bridgford has a new Customer Service Centre for residents to access key Rushcliffe Borough Council services, contact Nottinghamshire Police and connect with a host of local partners. Conveniently located in the centre of West Bridgford and close to bus links and car parks, the new Centre is on Gordon Road, opposite the Council’s Gordon Road car park, postcode NG2 5LN.

You can drop in to see to a friendly advisor during opening hours, or access partner services by appointment for the Police, Nottinghamshire County Council, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, Homesearch and Citizens’ Advice.

The authority is also excited to announce it has opened a new Customer Service Point in East Leake Library, providing face to face access to services for residents living in the south of the Borough.

All of the Council’s walk-in Council facilities now have the same opening times and residents can see a customer advisor in West Bridgford, Bingham, Cotgrave and East Leake from Monday to Friday at the following times:
Monday 8.30am to 5pm
Tuesday 8.30am to 5pm
Wednesday 9.30am to 5pm
Thursday 8.30am to 5pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Other ways to contact the Council are by calling 0115 981 99 11, emailing customerservices@rushcliffe.gov.uk or visiting the website.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson, said:
“The new Centre in West Bridgford is still your one stop shop for local services and is now based in an even more accessible location on one of our great bustling high streets.

“It’s just yards from public transport stops and car parks. We can’t wait to give a warm welcome to customers, or if you can’t call in, why not visit our website or contact us on social media, where we can answer your questions. “We know our face to face services across the Borough are still vital to so many people even in such a digital age, so we’re now delighted to offer extended opening hours on weekdays in Bingham, Cotgrave and East Leake.”

Chorley & Leyland News, Chorley Health & Care, East Health & Care, East Lancs News, Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care, Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

Whether it’s lunch with work colleagues or an evening celebrating with friends, most of us tend to eat less healthily when we eat in restaurants, pubs and cafes. Senior Dietitian Victoria Taylor offers her tips for eating out without overdoing it.

Believe it or not, it is possible to eat, drink and be merry without overdoing it. Here are my tips for having a good time while keeping an eye on your waistline and good health.

  1. How often are you eating out?
    A one-off meal out probably won’t make any difference to your health in the grand scheme of things, so enjoy it. However, if it’s one of many, consider carefully how it fits into your overall diet. This could mean having a lighter meal in the evening, like soup or a sandwich, if you had a big meal earlier in the day. Or you could choose the healthiest menu options to make the meal fit into your normal diet, rather than just going for your favourites.
  2. Check what’s on the menu
    Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant to adapt dishes
    One of the best ways to ensure you make healthy choices when eating out is to check the menu before you arrive, whether online or in person. It means you can choose your meal without others influencing you. Many larger restaurant chains offer nutritional information online.
  3. How many courses?
    The tendency when we eat out is to have more than we would at home. Sticking to just one course once you see what everyone else is having is hard. Decide before you begin if you are going to have a starter or a dessert, and which one you’ll find easier to decline. Having a coffee or cup of tea while others have a pudding is a good way to round off a meal, or you could share a pudding with others.
  4. Adapt your dishes
    Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant to adapt dishes. It’s not usually a problem to replace chips with a jacket potato, salad or vegetables. You can also ask for no extra cheese, butter or oil, and to put sauces in a dish on the side.
  5. Portion control
    A small portion of saladIt can be easy to eat more than you intended when eating out. If you don’t want to feel too stuffed, consider a starter (perhaps with a side order of vegetables), instead of a main course, or ask for a smaller portion.
  6. Keep it lean. Choose dishes which are based on lean proteins like chicken or turkey (where you can remove the skin) or lean red meats like fillet of pork or beef. Avoid fattier cuts of meat like belly pork or rump steak and remove any visible fat like the fat around the edge of a chop. Watch out for battered and deep fried dishes – even if the contents are lean (like chicken, fish, tofu or vegetables) the coating means they will come with lots of extra fat and calories.
  7. A bit on the side
    Having a coffee or cup of tea while others have a pudding is a good way to round off a meal
    Having a good helping of vegetables with your meal will add vitamins, minerals and fibre and help you towards your five a day, but beware vegetables that come with added butter, cheese sauce or salt. Ask the server for more information and see if there are any healthier alternatives.
  8. Be drink aware
    Keeping alcoholic drinks within the guidelines is important, particularly if you are going to be socialising more than usual. Try not to exceed the recommended 2–3 units a day for women and 3–4 for men. Don’t forget the calories that drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can add. If you can, choose sugar-free drinks or water, and alternate these with any alcoholic drinks you are having.
  9. Entertain at home
    A dinner partyWe all enjoy eating out sometimes, but have you considered inviting family or friends round for a meal? That way you can control what’s on the menu, and it’s often cheaper, too. Ask your guests to bring a dish if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by cooking, although don’t forget to let them know if you want them to bring a healthier option.
  10. Fancy a nibble?
    Nibbles are always a very tempting option. It’s fine to indulge in a shortbread biscuit, or a chocolate sweet, but sticking to a regular pattern of meals and snacks will help to make sure you aren’t hungry between meals and help maintain your willpower.