Dee's top five tips for a healthier you

Our free 12-week weight management programme can help you feel healthier and happier. It's all down to the amazing expertise of the Health Champions in our pharmacies, who deliver the scheme.

Dee Garrard from our Swineshead Pharmacy won our Lincolnshire Co-op Health Champion of the Year accolade at our Celebrating Together awards last year.

She's revealed some of the top weight loss tips she gives to her customers to help them feel like they can take on the world…

1. "A good way to track your calorie intake is to write a food diary even if only for the first week. You’ll be surprised at how many calories you are consuming."
2. "When serving up a meal put the vegetables on first and fill up half the plate. You can then add the meat or fish for protein on a quarter of the plate. Lastly add potato or rice for carbohydrates – it’s a nifty trick to get you eating more greens."
3. "Don’t step on the scales daily as it will dishearten you; once a week or month will see a truer picture of how you are doing."
4. "If you're feeling hungry, first try drinking a glass of water. If after 20 minutes you feel the same, have something to eat - often you’re hungry because you're thirsty."
5. "If enrolling on our weight management programme, bring us your naughty cupboard treats and foods. We can help you donate them to your local foodbank with our donation basket found in our food stores – so helping you and others.

Interested in losing weight and getting healthier for the New Year? Pop into your local Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacy and speak to one of our amazing team members about the free NHS 12-week weight loss plan. Or go to our website here to find out more.