Diet advice that works

Slimming secrets

Want to know what our reader's diet secrets are? Read on...

“Whenever I have a craving for pizza or wine, I’ll look at an old photo of me when I was a size 24 at my college ball.”

Hannah Boyd, 23, a law student from Bedfordshire lost 8st 1lb in two years, three months

Clever cooking

“If I’m eating out for a special occasion, I ask for my food to be cooked without oil or butter.”

Marie Claire Lea, 31, from Newport Lost 5st 5lbs in three years

Walking for weightloss

“I’m not a great exerciser, but I use a pedometer to help me walk four miles a day, and it’s paid off.”

Catherine Mortimer, 32, a writer from London lost 2st in 10 months

Mind games

“I pile my meals up in a small bowl to trick my brain into thinking I’m eating loads. But in fact there’s less than I’d put on a plate.

Frankie Updale, 23, a sales executive from Nottingham Lost 3st 5lbs in a year and a half

Burger busting

“Cutting back on junk food and doing some form of exercise for at least half an hour a day works for me.”

Jo Ingate, 33 a graphic designer from Essex Lost a stone in five months

Milk maid

“I drink a lot of milk, so swapping full-fat milk for skimmed made a big difference.”

Sophie Christie, 31, a counsellor from Oxford Lost 1st in two months

Get in the kitchen

“Stocking up on good food and cooking my meals in advance means I’ve always got something healthy to eat when I’m having a busy day.”

Rebecca Piper, 30, a designer from Exeter Lost 2st in a year

Shop 'til you drop

“I reward myself with new clothes when I lose a stone – it works wonders for motivation. I’ve got my eye on a pair of Christian Louboutins for when I reach my target weight.”

Nancy Brown, 32, a sub-editor from London Lost 4st 7lbs in a year and a half

The drink diet

“When I’m out drinking I stick to spirits with slimline mixers, like gin and tonic or vodka and soda, to keep the calories down.”

Tanya Filer, 32, a telemarketer from Hertfordshire Lost 3st in three years

Get fruity

“To stop myself feeling hungry or tempted by fattening food, I make sure I’ve got some fruit with me at all times.”

Suzanne Lynch, 28, a chef from Edinburgh Lost 5st 8lbs in two years