Winter is the perfect time for soups. Warm, hearty and filling, soups can be a great healthy meal for any time of the day. But if you’re getting bored of your minestrone, give some of these tasty recipes a try…

It can be hard to stick to our daily calorie limits when we always crave something salty in the afternoon or something sweet after dinner. But there are some healthier ways to satisfy your cravings, without blowing your whole diet plan. Whether it’s sweetness, salt, or carbs that you long for, try some of these ideas to keep your cravings in check.

Here are some healthy snacks to satisfy any craving…

Do you know how to choose a good artichoke? What about cucumbers? Browsing the fruit and vegetable section can be confusing. The basic guiding principle is to look for fruits and vegetables that are brightly coloured, unwithered and without any obvious bruises, but there are a few more things you should know to make sure you’re getting the best produce. Here’s a simple guide to get your started on choosing the freshest, tastiest fruit and vegetables…

Coffee in itself isn’t so bad for your weight loss goals- in fact, a small caffeine hit in the morning can actually help get your metabolism started and make your body burn more fat. But when you add all the sugars, syrups, powders and whipped creams that gourmet coffee franchises like Gloria Jeans and Starbucks offer, you might be packing in far more calories than you realise. In fact, one study suggested that consuming one of these gourmet coffees each day could result in gaining up to 10kg a year. Here’s why you should be cautious with your coffee…

The ancient Japanese proverb hara hachi bunme basically means, ‘Stop eating when you’re 80% full.’ Unlike Western food, which has over time come to favour the super-sized, the Japanese eat small amounts slowly, which is one of the reasons why the Japanese are among the healthiest races in the world. Japanese people have one of the longest average lifespans in the world, and have far lower rates of obesity, as well as other diseases like heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

The Japanese diet is full of low-fat, protein-rich foods that have all the nutrients and antioxidants you need. And it’s delicious, with plenty of variety and flavour. So taking a few cues form the Japanese could be a helpful way to make healthy changes to your diet

Here’s where the Japanese have gotten it right…

It’s common to try to avoid all dairy when you’re trying to lose weight. But if you choose low-fat options, dairy products are important to include in your regular diet plan. Studies have shown that most people don’t drink enough milk- and they have also shown that drinking a glass or two a day can help to support your weight loss efforts, as well as improving your overall health. Here’s why you should start your day with a glass of low-fat milk…

When it comes to losing weight, as well as just maintaining good health, getting enough fibre in your diet is essential. Fibre helps to slow down digestion, keeping you feeling full for longer, as well as reducing fat absorption and regulating your blood sugar levels. Dietary guidelines recommend eating 20-35 grams of fibre each day, but studies show that most of us only get half that amount. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can add more fibre into your regular diet, without even making any huge lifestyle changes. Here’s why you should be filling up on fibre rich foods, and what you should be eating…

To get the best results from your workout, it’s important that you’re eating the right things before and after you exercise. Proper nutrition is essential to improving your endurance and preventing injury, keeping your body in the best condition to reach optimum performance levels. By following these guidelines, you can make the most of your fitness plan and start seeing results faster. Here’s what you need to know…

To maintain good health, dietary guidelines recommend that you eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day- with one portion considered to be about 80 grams. Fruits and vegetables give you essential nutrients and vitamins, all with very few calories, helping you to lose weight as well as supporting your overall health.

Sometimes it seems hard to get in the recommended number of servings each day. When we’re busy, it’s often easier to reach for carb-based foods. But there are plenty of ways you can fit enough fruit and vegetables into your diet plan, without feeling like you’re always crunching on carrot sticks. Here are a few tips to help make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need…

You might think you’re making the healthy choice by drinking diet soft drinks. If there are no calories, it can’t be bad, right? Well, it’s better than drinking regular soft drink, but it’s still not the best choice when you’re trying to lose weight- or for your overall health. So the occasional diet soft drink is okay, but if it’s one of your main beverages, it would be smart to think about some healthier choices. Here’s why you should be cautious of those bubbly drinks…