'I lost 7st 2lb without counting calories - a diet strategy I developed at home helped me zap fat'

Christine said: "An important lesson I learned early in my weight loss journey is the power of cooking meals at home.

"Home cooking gives you control instead of relying on unseen food preparation in a restaurant kitchen.

"It begins with shopping for wholesome, nutrient-dense foods that effectively fuel your body and support weight loss efforts."

Indeed, weight loss success "largely depends on the foods you eat", explained the dietician. "It's crucial to monitor what you put into your body."

Rather than embarking on fad diet after fad diet, Christine advised slimmers to make healthy choices that enable them to nourish themselves without being restrictive.

She said: "By choosing protein-rich foods and healthy fats, you can move away from the traditional approach of counting every calorie or limiting your portions.

"Eating meals that satisfy your hunger will help you build a positive relationship with food, turning each meal into an opportunity to nourish your body and support your weight loss."

On a slimming journey, feeling satiated as opposed to hungry is crucial. This is because someone who is satisfied after a meal is less likely to crave sugary snacks in the evenings than someone who hasn't eaten enough.

The best sources of protein are beans, peas and lentils; nuts and seeds; lean meats; fish; dairy products and soy products.

There are a myriad of reasons why consuming more protein is integral to a weight loss journey.

It is not only satiating but is essential for maintaining muscle mass and preserving leanness. It also burns more calories when being digested than carbohydrates do.

Healthy fats to stock up on include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout and herring; olive oil; avocado; peanut butter; nuts and seeds and full-fat yoghurt.

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Healthy fats raise 'good' cholesterol and lower 'bad' cholesterol, and also help prevent fat from developing around the tummy.

Exercise is also important to consider when trying to lose weight. While walking is often overlooked, it is actually hailed as one of the best weight loss strategies.

A doctor who shed more than 7st shared how many steps to walk per day to zap fat - and it's less than 10,000.

If you want to lose weight, always consult a doctor or weight loss professional first as they can give you tailored advice on doing this safely and sustainably.