Start to losing weight

Kick things off with cardio While it is possible to lose weight without exercise, the fastest route to a flat stomach is through intense cardio. That means fast-paced circuits and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).  

Give yourself a sporting chance Circuit training brings big results in little time, but it can be gruelling. Mix up your cardio by including some sports in your fat-burning regime – check out our programmes for running, cycling and rowing. For one of the highest calorie-burning sports, however, get yourself onto the squash court. 

  Lift weights to lose weight Pumping iron may not seem like a priority, but resistance training is a key factor in speeding up your metabolism and altering your body composition for greater fat-burning potential. Try this weight-free resistance regime and take your pick from our total-body workout toolkit. 

  Clean up your diet To lose weight you need to be in a 'calorie deficit' – you must burn more calories than you consume. The easiest way to do this is to pack your supermarket trolley with ingredients for healthy, low-fat meals, such as our shrinking man's lasagne, stick-thin stir fry and skinny fish 'n' chips. Thankfully, there's no need to live on ice water and celery – MH can also provide you with waistline-friendly versions of guilty pleasures ranging from junk food to fry-ups.

  Eat the right snacks and supplements Don't jeopardise the positive effects of a clean diet with calorific snacking. These six foods will actually help you lose weight between meals, while berries, grapefruit and tomato sarnies will also stop you piling on the pounds. And to really watching your surplus insulation melt away, consider these fat-burning supplements.