An effective way to begin losing weight is to make small, rather than big changes in the way that you go about achieving it.

Here are some of the things that you may want to consider doing a little differently:

• Shopping. Buy more low fat products.
  
• Food preparation. Steamed vegetables are healthier than fried vegetables and less fattening.
  
• Smaller portion sizes. Even if your diet is healthy, eating too much of it is not. Try reducing the portion sizes a little.
  
• Eat a little slower and chew well. Chew your food a bit longer. This will aid digestion and help you get more flavor from the food. It will also reduce the impact of eating smaller portions.
  
• Dining out. Try more vegetarian dishes, particularly in Tai and Chinese restaurants. Or why not have a salad as a starter and something lighter for the main course.
  
• Move your body. Any movement and exercise is better than none. Try walking more often.
  
• Turn off the TV and computer - and get outside more often.