Iam a mother: Ways To Lose Weight Fast

Ditch the faddy diet

Dieting is never easy, but after a bank holiday cutting back on the things you love - and lacing up those trainers - feels like even more of a challenge.

But, did you know that you can lose weight simply by making a few clever choices throughout the day?

Try these easy ways to lose weight fast - you'll feel lighter and more confident in no time!

7am: Start the day the right way

Beat that 11am hunger pang without reaching for the biscuit tin by eating a balanced, healthy breakfast before you leave the house. Swap sugary cereals and stodgy white bread for a slow-release carbohydrate like oatmeal or wholemeal toast which will fill you up until lunchtime. Enjoy some fresh berries and a glass of fruit juice for a vitamin boost.

8am: Walk to work

Whether it's getting off the bus one stop earlier, or parking the car a little further away, walking to work will clear your mind, sort stress and tone up your legs.

9am: Make it skinny

There's no need to forgo that coffee shop treat, just order wisely. A 'skinny' coffee or tea is made from skimmed milk so it will save you wasted calories. Likewise avoid cream, syrup or chocolate sprinkles on top! Think about the size you're ordering too. A small coffee will still give you that much-needed caffeine hit. If you can, swap coffee for green tea. It's a much healthier option.

11am: Drink more water

By late morning, we should all be well on our way to sipping a litre and a half of water. The body and brain need plenty of fluid to keep functioning properly. Without it, concentration drops, we feel more tired and end up craving sugary pick-me-ups. Make drinking enough water easy by filling up a glass litre bottle with fresh water twice a day, then decanting in to a tumbler while you work.

1pm: Take a proper break

Sitting at your desk all day isn't going to benefit anyone. Not only will you find it harder to concentrate after lunch without a quick break, but short bursts of exercise - such as walking to the bank to pay that bill or meeting a friend for a sandwich - help to burn calories. You are also much more likely to overeat if you tuck in while typing because your mind is distracted.

1:30pm Choose wisely

Every meal should be made up of lean protein, complex carbs, fresh produce and plenty of water. Try an Asian-style broth for a filling lunch. Broth is usually a much healthier option than creamy soups because it's made from water then bulked out with rice or wholewheat noodles, crisp seasonal vegetables and protein like chicken. Delicious!

4pm: Snack smart

Afternoon snacks are the worst culprits for pushing up our daily calorie intake. Be prepared for that 4pm lull by keeping healthy, tasty snacks which you enjoy eating in your desk drawer or handbag. A handful of seeds or nuts, an oatcake with peanut butter or a few pieces of popcorn are satisfying and guilt-free! Potassium-rich bananas and citrus fruits are a great option too because they help the body get rid of excess water.

And don't be tempted by fizzy drinks

Put down that diet fizzy drink! Although drinks manufacturers lead us to believe that 'zero-sugar' or diet fizzy drinks aren't bad, research suggests that the body classes the sweeteners many contain as sugar, triggering an insulin spike to break them down. Diet drinks also play havoc with the gas in your stomach so you'll feel more bloated, and do little to help hydration thanks to the sodium. Water is a much better option.

6pm: Buy clever veg

Here's a little trick that will help you slim: swap potatoes for cauliflower when making mash. Cauliflower has the same texture as potato when mashed but far fewer calories, so try substituting half the potatoes with cauliflower instead. Go easy on the tasty extras like butter or cream too, skimmed milk and a little grated nutmeg will still give your mashed potato plenty of flavour.

7pm: Order less

The temptation to over eat is huge when ordering in a restaurant where everything looks (and smells) divine! Stay in control by opting for two tasty starters instead of an - often supersized - main course. Starters are usually made up of high protein foods like scallops or thinly sliced meat rather than carb-heavy pasta or bread. Two entrees and you'll be satisfied rather than stuffed!

8pm: Go easy on the wine

Alcohol is packed with empty calories. If you can't avoid it altogether (we struggle!), top up that small glass of white wine with tonic water to create a refreshing long drink, or swap wine for a waistline-friendly vodka soda instead.

11pm: Lights out!

Stay up too late and you risk undoing all that hard work. Seven to eight hours sleep a night is enough to keep most people feeling - and looking - great. A restful night also stops the junk food cravings we all suffer from when stressed and tired. Turn off your Blackberry, read a few pages of that book then drift away...