This tip is about that all-important moment: What do you experience just before you eat something? Do you tussle with yourself? "I really shouldn't… but I want to!" Do you imagine how the food will taste, even feel in the mouth? Or do you focus on the real consequences, rather than the temporary satisfactions of eating?

People who are overweight tend to imagine how food is going to taste and feel as they eat. In contrast, people who naturally 'eat slim' tend to imagine how that pie or cake will feel heavy in their stomachs for so long after they've eaten it. Jumping from a great height might feel fun whilst it lasts, but the consequences that come after we hit the ground are what we consider when deciding not to do it.

So when you're tempted to eat something you don't need, practice imagining how your stomach is going to feel ten minutes or an hour after you've consumed that weight-increasing food. Keep it up until this becomes a natural habit for you.


Research has shown that the average body type of the people with whom you hang out affects your weight and size

Start hanging around with slimmer, fitter types (perhaps at the gym) and your subconscious mind will pick up a new template for what is 'normal'.


Beware the perfectionism trap. Aim to eat sensibly and healthily most of the time, not all the time. We all consume more than we should of the wrong kind of food or drink now and then.

Everyone's weight fluctuates a bit and you should prepare for this (once you've reached a healthy weight). Have a 'sliding scale' in your mind of a couple of pounds on either side of your target weight. No one can live for long under a self-imposed, too harsh dictatorship.