As everyone knows and none of us find it easy to admit, putting on weight comes from eating too much.  My mother was big - she told herself she had  ‘large bones’. I was fatter when I was young. I ate huge amounts of ..well, almost everything.

Now I cook a lot, never eat while I’m doing it, but I’m tempted to snack when I’m relaxing in the evenings. So here are a few thoughts which might make it easier to stay out of the kitchen:

1. Brush your teeth after dinner - you’ll be less likely to peek in the fridge for something to eat while you’re watching television

2. Bellringing.  A friend who has taken up church bellringing says that the arm action and general exercise has helped her lose pounds

3. Be generous - give away cake, muffins or chocolates that you happen to have around

4. Read a book on a Kindle - you’ll be less likely to eat while you’re doing it because you can’t click to turn the pages if your hands are sticky with chocolate or cake crumbs.