Slimmers normally avoid nuts like the plague as they're so high in calories. But, eaten in the right way, they could be your best friend when it comes to battling the bulge, according to natural health expert Michael van Straten. He has devised this week-long diet which uses nuts and muesli to help you lose up to half a stone while still providing your body with everything it needs.
Nuts are a super-rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids that will help keep your heart healthy. They also contain protein and vitamin E to help make your skin glow.
Most nuts, but especially peanuts, have what is called a low glycaemic index (GI). This means they are broken down into sugars very slowly giving you a steady stream of energy.
The muesli will keep you feeling fuller for longer and so help you avoid dangerous cravings for sweet things. It will also give you protein, vitamin C and loads of B vitamins to feed your nervous system.
Who is the nut and muesli diet good for?
People with big appetites. Both nuts and muesli will make you feel full for a long time.
You need time to prepare your muesli every evening. Obviously, anyone allergic to nuts should not attempt this diet.
First read these five easy rules then follow the seven-day meal plan.
1. You must eat everything on the list for every day.
and mix meals from different days.
3. You must drink at least 1 – 2 litres of water every day.
in meat and fish recipes.
Every day you must have a large bowl of muesli as one of your meals.
beats just pouring milk on it!
in a bowl. Add orange or apple juice and stir to a mush.
honey. Stir again, cover and put in the fridge before you go to bed.
raspberries, peaches, mango, or whatever else is in season).
Now you're ready to start following the seven-day plan.
Wholemeal pitta filled with houmous and mixed salad, 1 large peach.
half a pint of soya milk then whizz till smooth.
top with another slice of raisin bread. Small punnet of strawberries.
Any fresh fruit with a carton of low-fat bio yoghurt.
cucumber), selection of dried ready-to-eat apricots, dates and walnuts.
Large bowl of vegetable soup, an open sandwich of a thick slice wholemeal bread, 2 thin slices Edam cheese and 1 sliced tomato.
salad dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
1. Heat the oven to 190ºC/375ºF/gas 5. Mix flour and thyme in a large bowl. Dip chicken in milk then roll in flour.
1. Pre heat the grill and toast pitta on one side for 1 min.
1. Fry the onions in the oil until soft.
2. Mix tomato puree, chilli powder and 2tbsp water then add to onions.