FRUITS : A 2 Z FOR WIGHT LOSS

Take inspiration from this list of nutritious and delicious  foods and watch the weightvdrop off without compromising on taste.

According to the British Nutrition Foundation, eating fruits and vegetables, which are low in calories density (i.e they provide fewer calories per gram) has been shown not to just help lose weight but also to keep it off long period.

This means you can eat as much of them as you wish  without having to weigh, count or measure them. Dr Jacquie Lavin, Head of Nutrition and Research at a slimming centre, reveals, "By filling one third of your plate with 'Superfree' foods (most fruit and vegetables) and making them your first choice between meals, you'll satisfy your appetite without feeling guilty and naturally limit your energy intake without counting a single calorie. It's a great way to enjoy a really healthy diet while making your weight loss easy."

A is for apple, which contains slow-acting sugars to keep you fuller longer.  

B is for blueberries, rich in healthy compounds, said to help prevent obesity.  

C is for carrots. Natural sugars make them sweet. Cook whole before chopping. 

D is for damsons that belong to the plum family and lower blood cholesterol levels. 

E is for eggplant or aubergines, they contain dietary fibre, helping digestion. 

F is for figs, which are high in cholesterol-lowering pectin and a source of calcium. 

G is for grapes, said to do wonders for high blood pressure and cholesterol.

H is for Hubbard squash, great for healthy skin and good immunity.

I is for iceberg lettuce — its high water content makes it low in

energy density.

J is for jalapeno peppers. Nutritious and spicy, they give zing to recipes.

K is for kiwi. Virtually fat-free and even richer in Vitamin C than oranges. 

L is for leek. The Ancient Greeks and Romans said leeks were therapeutic.

M is for melon, which contains an enzyme that reduces stress. 

N is for nectarines. One large nectarine provides your whole day's Vitamin C. 

O is for onions. Experts say just two or three a week can help your health. 

P is for peppers, with three times the Vitamin C of citrus fruits. 

Q is for quince, related to apples and pears. 

R is for raspberries. Ask your local supplier to get you some. 

S is for strawberries. Absolutely jampacked with Vitamin C. 

T is for tomatoes. The red colour comes from super healthy antioxidant lycopene. 

U is for ugli fruit. Exotic hybrid of grapefruit, orange and tangerine. 

V is for vine leaves. Fantastic source of iron to boost your energy levels. 

W is for watercress. High in Vitamin B  helps to improve mental function. 

X is for Xigua (watermelon). Refresh naturally on a summer's day. 

Y is for yellow plums. All types of plums are packed with goodness. 

Z is for zucchini. These are 90% water and low in calories.