1. Take less sugar

If you cut anything, make it sugar. It has zero nutritional value, plays havoc with your waistline and immune system, and eats away at collagen – the protein that keens sin looking younger. Go for natural alternatives such as honey.

2. Drink a morning cocktail

Start the day with a cup of hot water and lemon to get your digestive system going and destroy bacteria. Increase the healing properties by adding some fresh ginger (digestive aid, anti-inflammatory) and cloves (nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory).

3. Never skip breakfast

Research has shown that people who don’t eat a morning meal are more likely to be overweight. The quality of you breakfast also counts. Eat sugar-free, slow-energy-release cereals, such as porridge or bran. Or fuel up on protein-rich breakfast of eggs with tomatoes, spinach or fish (kippers, mackerel or smoked salmon).

4. Spice up your life

Hot spices and chilli do more than awaken your taste buds – they rev up your metabolism and are packed with health benefits, too. Add a dash of cayenne, chilli, paprika or mustard to everything from eggs and tuna to soup and casseroles to detoxify, fight colds and coughs and reduce inflammation.

5. Wear SPF everyday

UV rays account for 80 per cent of skin ageing. To avoid wrinkles and sunspots, wear a sunscreen every day – even when it’s overcast. Most good foundations and face creams now come with a sunscreen, making it easier than ever to block out harmful rays.

6. Say yes to fat

Sixty per cent of your brain is fat, and eating the right types of ‘healthy’ fat not only keeps your grey matter ticking, but also enhances skin elasticity, lubricates joints and makes hair shiny. Think natural, unsaturated sources, such as nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocados, not the saturated fats found in some processed food.

7. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Water is magical stuff – nearly two-thirds of your body is made up of it, and it helps to prevent kidney stones and nourish skin. Dehydration can be misread as hunger, so staying topped up is also good for your waistline. Aim for least 1.2 litres a day

8. Snack smart

If you’re out and about, avoid snacking on sweet treats. Instead, carry a handful of nuts. They’re nutritious and release energy slowly, keeping hunger pangs at bay. Try almonds and Brazil nuts.

9. Read labels

It’s important to know what you put into your body. Everyday items such as bread, avoured yogurts and juice can be loaded with sugar, and the ingredient ‘hydrogenated vegetable oil’ basically means nasty trans fats.

10 Get fit functionally

Sneak some extra exercise into your day by taking the stairs instead of lifts or escalators, and walk to short-distance locations that you’d usually drive to. All those extra steps will soon add up!