The healthy fast-fix diet

From Christmas pudding to New Year canapés, there’s no food more likely to challenge your waistline. Fortunately, nutritionist Penny Rushton has devised a no-hunger diet that could see you losing five pounds, gaining energy and looking five years younger – in just five days

Click here for your five-day fast-fix eating plan

Our great fast-fix diet does exactly what it says on the tin. Nutritionist Penny Rushton has created an eating plan that will ensure you lose weight sensibly - in just five days - and will give you the bonus of an energy boost. And a slimmer more vibrant you will make you look years younger.

Vegetables comprise the main part of this eating plan. These will provide you with essential nutrients as well as the fibre necessary to eliminate the increased toxins that build up when excess calories are burned in the over-indulgent festive season.

It's also crucial that you eliminate caffeine, sugar, refined and processed foods and alcohol (sorry, but it is only five days). These are all loaded with empty calories, which cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate and - in a nutshell - reduce the chances of you being able to lose weight properly.

"One vital rule to follow on this eating plan is to avoid snacking between meals," says Penny, who practises at the Hale Clinic in London. "Your appetite and digestion are regulated most effectively if you don't constantly graze on food. Also, less strain is placed on the pancreas and liver when balanced meals are regularly spaced, providing periods of rest between eating."

This plan is also effective at helping protect you against winter bugs as it incorporates many immune-boosting nutrients such as the B vitamins, which are found in brown rice (and included in our risotto; see the final page of this feature for the recipe); zinc, which is present in seafood and chicken; and vitamins A and C, which are found in all green vegetables.

The fast-fix plan is, as the name suggests, not ideal for anyone aiming to lose a lot of weight over a prolonged period of time. Instead you should keep it on hand for whenever you have an important event
for which you'd like to shed a few pounds, or even as a pre-holiday bikini diet.

"This five-day eating plan features appetite-suppressing protein-based suppers and filling high fibre vegetables," assures Penny. "However, it's important to note that this is a short-term weight loss solution. Eating the same vegetable soup twice a day could become pretty boring after a while. You should also aim for your long-term diet to be as varied as possible, so that it gives you the maximum number of nutrients for good health. Not to mention that boredom is the enemy of any dieter and is one of the commonest reasons why so many people eventually give in to temptation!"

Good luck and here's to a great new slimmer you!

10 lifestyle tips to suport your fast-fix diet

1 Eat just three meals a day; no more, no less.

2 Body brush before your morning shower as it will help to break up fatty deposits and eliminate toxins. Always brush towards your heart.

3 Drink at least two litres of fluid daily, such as water or herbal tea. Reducing your fibre intake can cause constipation, so it's important to drink more to keep your bowels moving.

4 Exercise for at least one hour each day. For example, take a 20-minute walk before work, after work and at lunchtime.

5 Add two drops of bergamot essential oil to your bath - the fragrance released is known to both curb your appetite and relax your mind and body.

6 Always sit down to eat and chew food slowly. Aim for 20-30 chews per mouthful.

7 Ensure you get eight hours of sleep each night.  

8 Light a vanilla-scented candle when you're feeling peckish - the sweet aroma can satisfy sugary cravings. Try a Vanilla Inclusion Candle, £15, Marks & Spencer, available online at www.marksandspencer.com.

9 Brush your teeth after eating to help register the end of each meal. Cleaning your teeth when you're hungry can also curb your appetite, due to the peppermint kick.

10 Wear sufficient clothing to keep warm in winter - your tendency to snack can increase when you're cold. 

Click here for your five-day fast-fix eating plan

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