The late Dr Michael Mosley helped thousands of people with his weight loss advice, and once revealed the two simple changes to your diet that can help you fast-track the process
If you are starting the new year with a health kick, you don’t have to say goodbye to all of your favourite foods.
Restricting yourself too much can have the opposite affect on your weight loss efforts. Doctor Michael Mosley, who sadly passed away last summer, helped thousands of people with his expert advice on how to avoid this very thing from happening.
The late TV doc previously revealed the best food swaps to make to boost your weight loss, without leaving you hungry. He recommended taking small steps by thinking about the junk food you regularly eat and finding suitable replacements.
The health guru, who created the hugely popular Fast 800 diet, suggested swapping out your chocolate fix for a handful of nuts and seeds, or trying yoghurt and berries as a tasty and nutritious dessert instead of your usual pudding choice.
Writing on the Fast 800 website, he once wrote: “Quitting bad health habits cold turkey isn’t going to necessarily help you in the long run. Making some simple swaps can begin to rewire your brain, and help you to make this a long-term change. Switch out your daily chocolate fix for nuts and seeds instead, try Greek yoghurt with berries instead of pudding for dessert, or try swapping your simple carbs for a veggie alternative, like cauliflower instead of white rice.
“There are plenty of recipes out there that are healthier alternatives to favourite junk foods if you’re struggling for inspiration.” The expert also recommended getting a good night’s sleep, as he said that a poor sleep schedule can actually make it more difficult for you to resist unhealthy food.
Another tip the late doctor once gave is to always pre-pack your lunch before you head off to work because it should help you stick to your healthy eating goals if you don’t have the temptation of the cafes and restaurants around your workplace.
He said at the time: “A 2015 study found that fast food consumption and our eating behaviours, while we’re outside of the home, is a main risk factor for lower diet quality, with higher fat and calorie intake.
“The convenience of eating on the go, and the kick that a sugar hit gives you while you’re out and about can result in poor food choices, so try to anticipate this if you know you’re going out. Pack your lunch ahead of time for a meal just as convenient but without the negative effects.”
An earlier version of this story was published in March 2024.
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