The best way to stay slim after you have achieved your target weight is through a sensible program of diet and exercise.

To stay slim it is necessary to balance the number of calories that you eat every day with the number of calories that you burn. If you eat more calories than you burn you will gain weight, if you eat fewer calories than you burn you will lose weight. If you therefore eat the right amount of calories every day you will remain slim.

There are a number of things that you can do to stay slim and stay healthy.

Eat breakfast every day. Breakfast is not called the most important meal of the day for nothing.

Eating a good breakfast provides a steady source of energy for the body and will help prevent snacking and nibbling between meals.

Do not overeat. Eating your food slowly will help stop overeating as you will know as soon as you are full. Use a smaller size plate - this makes portions look bigger. We eat with our eyes as well as our stomachs.

Regular exercise is probably the most important part of staying slim. Exercise builds muscle tissue in the body which is good for flexibility and strength. Muscle tissue burns calories 10x quicker than fat tissue and it also raises the metabolic rate. It will help you to stay sharp and stay young.

Increase the amount of food you eat that is rich in fibre. Food that is rich in fibre tends to be low in calories and very filling. It also promotes strong bones.

Remember it is better to boil, poach or steam your food rather than frying it. Frying food is generally the least healthy way to cook anything.

Drink lots of water. Not only is it good for you but it can help you to feel full and reduce hunger pangs.