Whether you’re following our Weight-Loss Diet or our Healthy Eating Plan, follow these handy hints to make the week run smoothly. With both of our plans, you'll enjoy colourful, wholesome recipes like the black bean bowl with pineapple below – all easy to make and packed with nutrients.

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You'll find more bonus content from our experts, designed to help you feel your best, such as how to get more active, cut back on sugar and support your immunity. Plus, read up on the benefits of exercise on mental health.

Black bean bowl with pineapple chunks and red pepper

1. Get your body ready

Most of us don’t eat enough fibre, so get your digestive system used to some of our more fibre-rich foods by introducing some of the recipes a day or two before you start the full plan.

Find out more about fibre and how much you should eat a day.

2. Use our handy shopping lists

Find our printable and downloadable shopping lists (Healthy Eating Plan, vegan Healthy Eating Plan, Weight-Loss Diet and vegan Weight-Loss Diet) and use them to get prepared for the week ahead.

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3. Prepare in advance

The secret to success is being organised, so use the Saturday before you start the plan to shop for ingredients and prep ahead for busier days.

Check out our review of the best meal prep containers.

Butterbean curry with brown rice and raita

4. Shop smart

Our plan makes the most of storecupboard staples – from canned beans and tomatoes to dried fruit, pre-cooked rice and condiments. These products save time, minimise waste and are budget-friendly.

Making thoughtful choices when stocking up on staples can make a difference to your health. We’ve used brands that use minimal ingredients in their products, so don’t forget to check the labels.

Read up on the health benefits of canned fruit and vegetables.

5. Stick to the daily plan

While you can swap in vegan or veggie adaptations to the recipes, keep to the daily plan to ensure you achieve the right balance of protein, fat and carbs. This will help you to manage hormonal and blood sugar levels, as well as optimal nutrient levels each day. You’ll also achieve all five of your 5-a-day (or more) and keep within the recommended Reference Intakes (RI) for fats, protein, sugar, salt and calories, while following the latest guidance on your intake of ‘free’ sugars.

Read up on how much protein and how much fat you need a day.

6. Tweak flavours to your taste

Add tasty herbs and spices like chilli, ginger and garlic to your meals. A pinch or two of extra flavouring can make all the difference to your enjoyment if you’re used to spicy dishes. What’s more, they aid blood flow and are thermogenic, which means they boost your metabolism.

Find out more about the health benefits of ginger and garlic.

Sign up now to try our FREE Healthy Diet Plan.

Enjoyed this? Now try:

Healthy Diet Plan snacks & sweet treats
How to lose excess weight
How to cut back on sugar
More health & nutrition tips


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All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. Any Healthy Diet Plan featured by BBC Good Food is provided as a suggestion of a general balanced diet and should not be relied upon to meet specific dietary requirements. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

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