The Christmas period often means many of us over indulge reciting ‘go on its Christmas’ as our excuse. Apparently, on average, we consume around 7,000 calories on Christmas Day alone which is enough fuel for 1.7 days of hiking through the Himalayas[i]. Due to our lack of constraint around the festive season, the New Year has now become synonymous with the latest diet du jour. Whether it’s only eating meat, not eating meat, only consuming raw or fermented foods or only eating when the wind blows from the East (!) we are bombarded with the quickest and easiest ways to lose weight.

The reality is anyone can lose weight by reducing their calorific intake. We make it difficult for ourselves by trying to follow a complicated or confusing eating plan which, even for the most committed dieter, becomes a chore and wears away at our willpower. Societies concept of diet is to ‘eat less’. However, deprivation diets are not sustainable or habit forming as they leave us feeling dissatisfied, hungry and grouchy and reaching for the biscuit tin. When you look at it like this it is no wonder that so many people in the UK struggle to control their weight.

According to a report published by the UK Parliament in March 2018, 61% of UK adults are either overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is above 70% among all age groups from 45 upwards with men (65.7%) slightly more likely to be overweight or obese than women (57.1%).

As consumers, we actively seek out products which provide validation to justify our purchase. Many beauty brands have made a tidy sum by purporting the benefits of their products which have been ‘clinically proven’. Yet when it comes to dieting we all turn into naïve individuals willing to believe that there is a magic cure for our expanding midriff. We don’t seek out science or proof but, instead, are far more willing to believe what the (paid) celebrity claims about the latest fad diet. Why? Because, the truth is we would all prefer a tauter tum, most of us just don’t possess the willpower or inclination to make it happen.

So what is the answer?

GoFigure is a next generation weight management range that contains SlimBiome® which independent clinical studies have shown (there’s that validation bit!) reduces hunger and cravings for sweet and fatty foods. Developed by leading UK universities SlimBiome®, the winner of a number of industry awards, helps you to feel fuller longer and also controls blood sugar peaks and troughs reducing cravings. Essentially helping you to help yourself manage your weight.

Independent consumer surveys have shown that 100% of people who used the GoFigure products lost, on average, 2-3lbs per week. But perhaps, more importantly, experienced a relief from hunger pangs which led to easier and more successful dieting.

The GoFigure range comprises shakes, snack bars and muesli pots. They are packed with healthy ingredients such as gluten-free oats, pressed fruit, nuts as well as a host of vital vitamins and minerals, making them great for protein and fibre. The inclusion of fibre and prebiotics means you benefit from a healthier gut and the mineral chromium helps to keep glucose levels consistent, so your energy levels don't spike after each meal. This also helps reduce food cravings too, as when your blood sugar dips, this is when you are most likely to reach for the snacks.

So rather than opting for the latest diet du jour and suffering the misery that often accompanies such plans why not give science a go?

[i] https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sasma/article/viewFile/138167/127736