Ask Mel: All your weight loss questions answered

All week we’ve been asking you to Tweet or message us with your weight loss questions for Slimavite nutritionist Melanie Bibby.

Whatever your dilemma, when it comes to slimming, diet or motivation, Mel will have the answer!

Have we missed one? Get in touch on Twitter to @Slimavite using #askmel or post on our Facebook page wall.

Q) I find I can’t get a certain food out of my head

A: It all depends what the food is. If it’s a high fat/high sugar food then try to focus on something else rather than give in to temptations. If it’s a healthier food than reward yourself with a small portion and allow for it in your ‘Bite’ allowance. Generally try and have a large glass of water and wait an hour before you decide. You may just be dehydrated and not hungry.

Q) My good intentions always fall apart at the weekend

A: Plan, plan, plan! Decide in advance what you are going to eat at the weekends. If you are going to go out to eat, then don’t just leave it to chance. Decide on a restaurant with healthier options and go there. Don’t persuade yourself that a couple of days off from restricted eating won’t matter; it will and will take you so much longer to achieve your desired weight loss.

Q) If you lose inches rather than weight whilst exercising and eating well is that normal or could it indicate food intolerance?

A: Losing inches rather than weight when you start exercising is normal, as you are building up muscle mass and losing fat. However, if you are not losing weight but have increased your exercise dramatically, you may be eating too much.

Q) I can’t stop snacking when I’m bored

A: Make a list of other things to do when you’re bored. These could include things like chewing gum, going for a walk, phoning a friend or having a cup of herbal tea.

Q) When I’m on my own I can’t stop myself

A: Don’t keep unhealthy foods in the house. If it’s not there you won’t be tempted. Also don’t drive or walk past shops that you can buy unhealthy food, especially if you think that you’ll be tempted to go in and buy something.

Q) When I reach a weight loss milestone I ruin it by having a slip up

A: It might be good at this point to examine why you seem to want to scupper your own plans at this point. Keep a list of all the reasons why you want to lose weight and congratulate yourself on how much you’ve achieved so far.

Remember you can still get your questions in for Mel, on Twitter to @Slimavite using #askmel or post on our Facebook page wall.

(Image credit: Photostock / www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2125)