Our consultant nutritionist Azmina Govindji explains how to get the most out of the recipes included in the Little Black Dress Diet.

You won’t believe you could lose weight on this mouth-watering array of tasty treats. From exciting breakfasts like banana & vanilla porridge to sumptuous suppers like chicken olives with baby new potatoes, you can be sure to find a delicious meal that won’t show up on your waistline. I’ve taken Lisa’s recipes and checked them out for good nutrition so you don’t need to worry about getting the right balance.

Note that this isn’t a diet – dieting doesn't work! This is an overall healthy eating weight loss plan (1300 to 1400 kcals per day) with lots of variety to ensure you get a range of nutrients and also help you keep to healthier habits in the long term. Chances are on some occasions you’ll feel like you’re eating more than you normally do, but take comfort in the knowledge that if you eat the dishes as advised you could be losing 1-2 pounds a week, which is the best rate of weight loss as advised by The British Dietetic Association.

How to use this Plan – easy as 1, 2, 3!

The menu suggestions have been designed to allow you a good balance of nutrients each day but if you want to mix and match, check out the calories on the original suggestions and swap them for a dish with a similar calorie value.

When you’re watching your weight, it’s tempting to miss meals in the hope that this will speed up your weight loss – NOT TRUE! Enjoy the filling foods on offer and keep to 3 meals a day.  Also drink 6-8 glasses of fluid each day.

Remember to also eat the fruit, vegetables and milk in your daily extras list so you get enough calcium and nutrients throughout the day.

Daily Extras

Each day make sure you choose these extra goodies – they will help you get a balance of nutrients so you maintain good energy levels and they will also help to fill you up in between meals.

  • Half a pint of semi-skimmed milk for tea, coffee and cereals as needed
  • 2 fruits as snacks or desserts
  • One diet yoghurt
  • Extra salad with fat-free dressing to add to your meals whenever you like
  • Unlimited raw or steamed veggies to fill up your plate. Choose from broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, cabbage, asparagus and peppers


And get active….If you’re not a regular exerciser, build in some easy activity into your daily routine. Have two 15-minute bursts of physical activity each day – from running for the bus to going to the next pillar box, just take simple steps to get your metabolism pumping. Even better if you can plan a structured fitness routine into your week. Aim for at least five 30-minute sessions a week.

For Men

Add the following to your daily meal plans.

  • 1 slice toast plus low fat spread or ½ cup cereal at breakfast
  • Larger portion of rice, potatoes or pasta at evening meal e.g. extra ½ cup pasta/rice or 2 medium potatoes
  • 1 extra fruit or yoghurt

Recipe plans