The ‘save pennies, shed pounds’ diet

Eking out the January finances until pay day is always a struggle, but as we grapple with a cost-of-living crisis causing sharp rises in fuel and food prices, this year it’s tougher than ever.

In a month when most of us attempt to be healthy, it’s not very helpful that ‘clean’ foods such as ready-washed salad, salmon fillet and fresh fruit and veg represent some of the most expensive items you can put in a trolley.

Worse, at times of financial stress, research shows that many of us turn to sweet or stodgy comfort foods, which are often ultra-highly processed and packed with fattening sugar and additives. But don’t panic!

Here, Harley Street nutritionist and weight-loss expert Kim Pearson offers her top advice for shaving a few pennies off your food bill and a few pounds off your figure — at the same time.

THINK TWICE BEFORE DITCHING MEAT

Meat, especially organic or free-range, is expensive and often the first thing people cut out when tightening their belts. But think again because high-quality meat is a good choice if you are trying to lose a few pounds. It’s satisfying, it helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents hunger and cravings later on. People trying to lose weight who cut back on protein will lose muscle mass — a bad move for long-term weight…