Cereal can be a good choice for a healthy breakfast- but some cereals are definitely much better for you than others. Many cereals contain large amounts of refined flours, and often large amounts of sugar can be disguised by fancy names and clever marketing buzz-words. So start the day out right and choose a cereal that gives you a big nutritional boost and keeps you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.

Here’s what to look for in your breakfast cereal:

It is possible to lose weight fast, however there are things that pull back your weight loss rate and make it harder. Find out the fastest rate of weight loss that is sustainable.

When people want to lose weight they often want to do it fast. This is definitely one of the biggest challenges with weight loss as there is a delay between hard work and achievement. There are a number of reasons that contribute to making fast weight loss difficult. Primarily this is due to the fact that when you have a large calorie deficit (burn more calories than you eat) your body goes into starvation mode. Lack of fluids is another major reason for unsustainable fast weight loss. Our body is made up of 70 - 75% water, so levels of only 2% dehydration would lead to a weight loss of nearly 2kg. This weight is put straight back on when fluids are put back into the body. In addition, hunger becomes a real distraction for fast weight loss as your body is crying out for calories to fulfill even the most basic bodily needs. 

So how fast can you actually lose weight? 

Let's look at Mary, who is 32 years old and weighs 80kg. By looking at a few extremes we can see how quickly weight loss is actually possible. If May ate absolutely nothing for a week, she would have eaten 0 calories against around 14,000 calories burnt. Now it takes around 7,600 calories to burn 1kg of fat so this would equate to weight loss of around 1.8kg. 

This spiced fish is quick to make with some amazing flavours. The citrus adds a unique flavour and the cous cous is a great alternative to rice.

What you'll need

For the cous cous

• 1.5 cups cous cous
• 1.5 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 an orange peeled, segmented and chopped
• 1/2 a lemon, peeled, segmented and chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• A few sprigs of (mint chopped)
• A few coriander (cilantro) leaves (chopped)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt flakes
• Black pepper corn mill

A tasty way to enjoy your greens, with only 63 calories per serve! This makes a delicious side dish that can be served along with all your favourite meals.

If you read up on dieting trends, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of the Dukan diet. Some celebrities have used this four-stage diet with great success, but unfortunately many of us mere mortals have reported more lackluster results. So what is the diet and its history? Let’s give you a rundown of the basics and what people have reported.

Perhaps you’ve heard of this diet that’s popular in vegetarian and vegan circles, but certainly not limited to it. The raw food diet requires you at least 75 percent of your dietary intake to be raw fruits and vegetables, and in some non-vegetarian cases, raw meat and fish as well! Other acceptable products incude dehydrated foods like dried fruit, nuts and seeds, and fresh fruit or vegetable juices. You are not allowed to eat beans, salt, potatoes (considered inedible when raw), or drink alcohol or coffee.

In recent weeks we’ve looked at why you should add coconut oil, dark chocolate, and wholemeal bread to your diet for optimal weight loss. Here’s another power food to put in your arsenal: low fat yogurt.

Everyone knows that too much fat in your diet is bad, but most weight loss programs and resources neglect to clarify there are good fats that can actually help you lose weight. Welcome to the wonderful world of Medium-Chain Triglycerides, otherwise known as MCTs! You’ll be sure to find them a helpful tool in your journey to your slimmer self.