[chazzyb31]

Hi VG,

It sounds like you have a lot to contend with - stopping smoking and drinking, moving to a new country, starting a new diet and living on a tight budget. I'm concerned that you have given yourself a lot to contend with all at one time. I hope this doesn't overwhelm you.

I don't know where you come from originally, so I don't know what sort of diet you are used to. I know you want to lose your extra weight quickly, but it sounds like you might have cut back too much on your food. This can shock your body into storing everything you eat as fat and actually set your weight loss back. It's much better for you to eat sensibly rather than not at all.

I'm not familiar with the cuisine in France, but if it's possible I would suggest that you eat wholegrains, like cereal and wholemeal bread for breakfast to sustain you until lunch time, then lean protein like grilled chicken or fish with vegetables for lunch and dinner. Keep on eating the apples, as fruit and vegetables are important to everyone's diet, but make sure you get a good variety, otherwise you'll get bored and give up. You said you were eating a "normal lunch". What does this consist of? Is it possible to make your own food and take it with you to University? That way you stay in control of what you're eating. It might also be cheaper than buying food from the University restaurant. Without knowing exactly what you're living arrangements are I can't really advise you properly.

In general terms I would suggest that you eat wholegrains, lean protein and lots of fruit and vegetables. Be careful of hidden sugar in your yoghurts. Choose 0% fat plain yoghurt and add fresh fruit to sweeten it. If you're really desperate you could add one teaspoon (no more!) of honey. This is still a better option than some of the brands on offer in the supermarket.

Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep you hydrated. This also flushes out the toxins in your body and helps to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Keep fat and sugar to an absolute minimum. Try to drink skimmed milk if you can and stay away from all those French cheeses! Walk past the boulangerie and patisserie too - I visited Paris once and know how tempting they are!

You haven't mentioned an exercise plan, but to achieve your goal as quickly as you want you'll need to do some form of exercise. My own journey has been very slow because I haven't followed an exercise plan. I'm hoping to change that this year and have a better weight loss than I did last year. Do something you enjoy so that you keep at it. If you enjoy walking and there are parks or countryside nearby, take advantage of these. Perhaps you enjoy swimming or cycling instead? Anything that increases your heart rate and makes you sweat will be beneficial.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you manage to achieve your goal. I look forward to reading more about your progress. Happy New Year x