Healthy weight-loss diet (part 5)

To maintain good health, we need to eat a variety of foods from the five food groups. Eating them in the right proportion 

will help to keep your weight under control.

A sensible rate of weight loss is around 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) a week. To achieve this, you need an energy deficit of 3,500kcal to 7,000kcal a week, which means eating 500 to 1,000 fewer calories a day. You can do this by replacing high-fat foods with those that are low in fat such as fruit, vegetables, unrefined carbohydrates and lower-fat dairy products, and by being more physically active. It's also important to watch the size of your portions. This can be difficult, because over time you can lose touch with what's a sensible amount of food.

Milk and dairy foods

Foods such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are an important source of calcium as well as providing protein and vitamins. Choose low-fat or reduced-fat versions to reduce the amount of calories in your diet.

Aim for around three portions of dairy foods a day. A portion is equivalent to:

• A medium-size glass of milk
• A small pot of yoghurt
• A small matchbox-sized piece of cheese

Part 6