Beetroot, apple and

Blueberry and green tea shake – 100 calories

numerous trials have shown that “more rapid and greater initial weight loss is associated with lower body weight at the end of long-term follow-up”. In other words, if you want to diet successfully it can be better to lose weight quickly than slowly.

red-wine drinkers will be delighted to hear it was the group drinking red wine who came out on top.

Veg frittata – 320 calories Serves 2

Courgetti prawns – 390 calories Serves 2

Mexican hash – 340 calories Serves 2 1 red chilli, slit lengthways and deseeded 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 200g baby mushrooms, halved 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 tsp Cajun seasoning 200g tin black beans, drained and rinsed 2 eggs 1 ripe avocado, chopped Lime wedges Salt and freshly ground black pepper Slice half the chilli into strips and set aside; finely

The main difference between the two diets was that those allocated to the Mediterranean diet were asked to eat plenty of eggs, nuts and oily fish and use lots of olive oil. They were also encouraged to eat some chocolate, preferably dark and made with more than 50% cocoa, and were allowed to enjoy the occasional glass of wine with their evening

Snack on nuts: they are a great source of protein and fibre. Try to avoid salted or sweetened nuts, which can be moreish.