5 tips for dieting success

1. Get your body ready

Get your digestive system used to the diet plan you've chosen by introducing some of the recipes a day or two before you start the full plan. If, for example, the diet you've selected features lots of fibre-rich recipes but you're not currently eating much fibre each day, it will be beneficial to get your digestive system used to eating more fibre-rich foods before starting the full diet.

Find out more about fibre and how much you should eat a day.

2. Prepare in advance

The secret to success is being organised, so use the weekend before you start the plan to shop for ingredients and prep ahead for busier days.

Good Food recipes include a shopping list feature, where can send the ingredients you’ll need to a shopping list and use it to get prepared for the week ahead.

Be sure too to have all the equipment you'll need for the week. Check out our review of the best meal prep containers.

3. Shop smart

Make the most of storecupboard staples – from canned beans and tomatoes to dried fruit, oats and condiments. These products save time, minimise waste and are budget-friendly.

Read up on the health benefits of canned fruit and vegetables.

4. Stick to the daily plan

Keep to the daily meals in your diet plan to ensure you achieve the right balance of protein, fat and carbs. This should result in a modest calorie shortfall and help encourage steady weight loss. This will also help you to achieve all five of your 5-a-day (or more) and keep within the recommended Reference Intakes (RI) for fats, protein, sugar and salt, while avoiding any ultra-processed foods.

Read up on how much protein and how much fat you need a day.

5. Tweak flavours to your taste

Add tasty herbs and spices like chilli, ginger and garlic to your meals. A pinch or two of extra flavouring can make all the difference to your enjoyment if you’re used to spicy dishes. What’s more, they aid blood flow and are thermogenic, which means they boost your metabolism.

Find out more about the health benefits of ginger and garlic.

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All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. Any Healthy Diet Plan featured by Good Food is provided as a suggestion of a general balanced diet and should not be relied upon to meet specific dietary requirements. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.