Souped up diet

For those of us who are still struggling to shift the stubborn Christmas pounds, try a bowl of soup before the start of your main meal.

A recent study conducted by the Pennsylvania State University, found that people who consumed soup before their dinner reduced their overall calorie intake by up to 20 per cent.

Why this happens is not entirely clear, but it is suspected to be a mixture of factors such as temperature, water, fat content and thickness.

Green Giant’s registered nutritionist Vanessa McConkey said: “This study is good news for New Year slimmers, soup is a quick meal-time solution that is easy to prepare, good value for money and nutritious.  Choosing a warming bowl of low fat soup really is a simple way to help control calorie intakes
during these cash strapped times.”