Tips for following very low calorie diets (VLCDs)

Tip

Introduce flavour. Although sugar-free squash still has some calories, it's not massive, and can be handled by adjusting the vegetables. Having squash instead of water every so often helped stave off boredom, and meant I could still have a "special" drink after a long walk, or while watching the football (though watching England play without the support of alcohol is always going to be tough). Herbal teas are also a great option.

Tip

Monitor - but only as long as it's useful. Seeing fasting numbers improve and weight drop off in the first week? Great. Having to constantly think about testing and weighing, with no noticeable change happening? Unhelpful additional pressure. Do monitor closely if altering medication though.