Bavarian Potato Salad

“Guilt Free Carbs!”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I am trying to stop purging and I have been seeking out foods which I will be happy to keep down.  Carbs scare me as you can imagine, I love them but at the same time I feel like if I don’t release them from my body I will get fat.  The carbs I mostly eat are fast food, high in fat and have little flavour just feel good foods.  I have been set goals to start eating meals rather than splurging and with friends to just hold it down. May I please have a carb recipe that might help me,  maybe something that goes well with fish? I want to be able to eat with new friends.

Dear Ghostbuster,

It is time for you to conquer those carbs and I want to personally give you a tremendous virtual round of applause for taking the first steps towards fighting the urge to purge.  So many people have problems with carbohydrates whether they have eating disorders or not because it is a food group that is seriously misunderstood.  Carbohydrates are friendly as are sugars as are any other food group if eaten in moderation and within reason as part of a healthy diet.  High fat fast foods are designed to be a quick fix and not something you can really savour.  I have therefore come up with a side taken from an old cookbook that gives fresh potatoes a new sex appeal.  Learn to indulge in a good way, learn to love food again.  What can help with this experience is experimenting with foods where you can really use the senses of sight and smell as well as taste.  Fast food is not very appealing let’s face it so how about you start making beautiful carb rich foods that you will enjoy keeping in your body to let it work it’s magic.  Light heartedness aside carbohydrates keep you alive so please continue to battle these demons and work on your psychological relationship with food.  You are making excellent progress and I really hope others follow in the footsteps of those who reach out to me.  These potatoes go great with a white fish as well.   This recipe makes a few portions so you can cook when having friends over. Enjoy!

Recipe & Method:

1. Wash 2 pounds of tiny new potatoes and boil until just tender (leave the skin on).
2. Heat 4 tbsps of olive oil in a frying pan.
3. Add 4 finely chopped spring onions and 1 crushed garlic clove cooking until soft.
4. Then add 2 tbsps of freshly chopped dill and cook gently for a minute.
5. Pour in 2 tbsps of wine vinegar and 1/2 tsp of sugar.
6. When the sugar melts move from the heat and add a little seasoning.
7. Drain the potatoes, pour over the dressing.
8. Season to taste and add a some fine chopped parsley on the top for garnish.

Date, Apple And Celery Starter

“Crunch at Brunch”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I am currently recovering from an eating disorder.  I dislike cooking though so my diet is far more basic than the doctor would like.  I dislike the idea of having a savoury and then sweet meal.  I wish I could combine the two meaning that I can eat less but get the same quality from both.  I am at a stage where I can try new things but I tend to stick to liquidising everything.  I usually skip breakfast but I am challenging myself to chew something around lunchtime.  I am not sure what I am looking for but I would like your help. 

Dear Captain,

I am calling you “Captain” because you are taking control of your life which is very noble and I am still hyped from the latest Star Trek film.  I think it is fantastic that you are ready to include more solid foods in your diet, however I do encourage you to try and have something small within an hour after waking up or just after.  Maybe you can try one of my healthy juices for breakfast and try this recipe along with others for the rest of the day.  This “crunch for brunch” recipe took me a while to warm up to because I am not necessarily a fan of some of the ingredients, but when mixed with other ingredients including coconut it became more tolerable.  I have a feeling you will like this one.  It is actually a salad that mixes sweet with savoury flavours.  It requires barely any cooking and definitely includes the crunch that you have been looking for.  Please do try taking my advice in eating something for breakfast.  I think that it is fantastic you are seeking new ways to make you diet healthier and I encourage you to carry on.  Salads usually involve a crunch and allow you to make many variations which can include exciting new foods like pomegranate seeds and chickpeas.  I hope you can also find some salads I have made that you might like to try which includes nourishing foods that will help you on your road to recovery.  I wish you all the best of luck captain, live long and prosper.  Please update me with how you are coping and let me know what you thought of this salad/ starter.

Recipe & Method:

1. Toast 2 tsps of desiccated coconut in a dry frying pan over a very low heat until the golden brown.  Set aside.
2. Core and dice 2 crisp apples and chop 3 sticks of celery finely.
3. Put 75g dates into boiling water, drain then chop finely.
4. Combine the fruit in a mixing bowl with 2 tbsps of yoghurt and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with toasted coconut.

All of the ingredients can be found at most supermarkets.  Ready to eat dates are also available so there will be no need to boil them.

Shortcrust Pastry

“What the heck is in my food?”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I recently found out that there might be wood in my Parmesan cheese.  I am worried about all of the added weird molecules that my food might be based on.  I have a baby and because of this latest food scandal I am really worried about what might be in er food as well.  I am taking extra precautions to read all the labels but I want to make an effort to make my own food.  I like hearty food and I like the idea of making things from scratch.  I can’t make my own cheese but I bought a bread maker so at least one thing that I can use.  Do you have another basic food recipe I can make apart from bread that is really easy and cheap? 

Dear Rightfully Worried,

I most certainly can relate to what you are going through as these strange food scandals are scary and unlawful.  I am very happy to have received this letter because  it is great to know that other people are taking steps to make their food from scratch and therefore gaining more control on what they are putting in their systems.  Living in the west avoiding unprocessed foods is seriously difficult so every little homemade meal etc really makes a difference.  I would encourage you to keep going and learning new recipes and because you have a child it is even more important that you set a good example.  The recipe I have chosen for you is a very easy shortcrust pastry recipe.  I think this would be great for you because you can experiment with different pastry flavours and shortcrust pastry tastes fantastic with parmesan.

Recipe & Method:

1. Place 125g plain flour into a bowl.
2. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Cube 50g of butter into the flour.
4. Work the flour into breadcrumbs.
5. Add a tbsp of cold water and knead into a dough.
6. When it’s elastic textured wrap in cling film and place in the fridge until ready to knead for recipe.
7. If the dough becomes too sticky add more flour and if too dry and tiny amounts of water.

I have a wide range of great recipes that use shortcrust pastry.  Please let me know how you get on.  Also for good quality cheeses you can trust,  try farmer’s markets and local produce.  These cheeses may be more expensive but the quality tends to be higher.

Green Princess

“It doesn’t get any easier”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

My period pains can be pretty awful at times.  I hate period pains! I try drink tea etc but it doesn’t get any easier at all.  I get really uncomfortable and it can last all through the night but I don’t want to eat when I am on my period but then again I don’t think I am eating foods that are doing the right job.  It is hard to have the perfect diet and my lifestyle doesn’t allow it.  Do you have any recipes for period pains?  Or can you make one specially for me?  I am not too picky about what I eat I just need more stuff to combat my pains.

Dear Warrior,

I completely sympathise with you and want you to know that I am here for you if you need any support and any other advice on foods which can help.  I am someone who has a very active lifestyle and period pains are troublesome.  I also advise you to consult your GP because period pains should not be painful to the point where you are vomiting and cannot walk.  Endometriosis is quite common among women,  it is nothing to be ashamed of but maybe there are things that can help reduce the pain as a long term solution.  Regardless, natural remedies are always safest and I have a drink which I think will be helpful and encourage you to include more nutrients in your diet.  Because you have difficulty eating during your period I made a drink because creating a heavy meal of pumpkin and potato isn’t going to help you if you can’t face to eat it.  And let’s face it mush on a plate doesn’t help nausea. I hope this helps and I encourage you to keep trying new things to make your periods easier to manage.  I actually waited to have my period and tried a variety of recipes specially for you and this drink is the best and the nicest.

Recipe & Method:

1. Chop up 3 tsps parsley, 1 banana, 1 apple, 2 big lettuce leaves and 2 handfuls of kale.
2. Add 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp ground almonds.
3. Blend all of these together and drink in a calm environment, listening to or watching something that relaxes you.  Have some dark chocolate as well.  That’s right dark chocolate can help. Yay!

Saffy’s Helpful Period Pain Foods

I am a picky eater but a lot of my personal favourite foods are actually helpful while on periods. These include avocados, salmon and pineapple, which are said to help reduce period pain symptoms.

Energy Green God/Goddess Drink

“I’m not motivated.”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I hate going to the gym and I hate dieting.  I’m not a very adventurous persona and I’m just not motivated by fitness magazines.  I think the main problem is that I work long hours and I am tired a lot of the time, well most of the time. I saw some of your drinks but they don’t necessarily have the benefits I am looking for.  Do you have a quick energy fix drink that isn’t sugar loaded?  Anything to help me get going I didn’t realise how difficult it was to get going into fitness until I started a few weeks ago.

Dear Sleeping Dragon,

Being tired as a working adult is common all over the world and your lack of motivation seems like it is most certainly linked to fatigue.  There are other factors that you should look into so please remember that the drink recipe I am giving you is not an antidote but a little help.  Since having trialed this recipe I have actually made it an official energy drink because it gave me such a boost.  I was literally bouncing on the walls for four extra hours,  I was just giddy and hyper.  It was a wonderful feeling,  I am not just saying this but I am so serious within 2 hours I felt like I had fully rejuvenated.  The next day my muscles were fatigued from the extra hours of dancing but the high was beautiful and definitely rewarding.  It looks scary to some people but trust me this recipe is wicked.  Using only the fruits and veg you are comfortable with I did my best.  Simple…but effective.  Let me know how you feel after drinking it.

Recipe & Method:

1. Throw all of this in the blender and be grateful no actual cooking is involved.
2. A tin of mango slices, 4 handfuls of spinach (washed), 1 tbsp flaxseed, 1 cup of water 10ml tropical fruit juice.
3. Taste, adjust, pour.

Disclaimer:  This recipe is not to be used as a meal substitute and anyone on a diets which restricts a nutritional group against scientific guidelines should first get advice from their doctor.

Saffy’s Sleepy Tips:

• Being tired can also come from dehydration so keep drinking water.
• Don’t feel pressured to work out all the time, rest is even more importaant so allow your body to take some time out.
• Open the window.  A stuffy atmosphere infront of a computer everyday is not doing you any favours.  A little fresh air is never going to harm you… Well unless it is ridiculously polluted.

Cutie Pop Cake Pops

“I love my mum”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I have been suffering from anorexia and I am not happy with what I have done to my body.  My mum is devastated but together we have been trying to get through it all.  To make me feel more comfortable she doesn’t put out cakes and stuff like that during family get togethers.  She has done so much for me so for Mother’s Day I want to surprise her and eat cake in front of her or with her.  It has to be a cake I make myself, there can’t be much to it but please could you give me a recipe that doesn’t look plain.  I want it to be special but not too daunting.

Dear Thoughtful Baker,

I think this is a fabulous idea and very brave of you.  This is also a very good idea for other anorexia sufferers who could use mini challenges such as these involving loved ones to motivate them to make changes for the better.  I was very excited about this challenge because I immediately thought of a gift I received for my birthday, cake pop moulds.  Cake pops are miniature cakes that can be eaten in one mouthful.  They are quick to make and though small still allow lots of creativity.  I have designed a recipe in which you can control the sweetness and looks and tastes appetizing so you can still enjoy the benefits of a sweet dish.  You can have your cake and eat it.  Be brave, what you are doing is an incredible thing and is one of the most sincere gifts you could give your mother.  Good luck and let me know how it goes.

Recipe & Method:

1. In a mixing bowl beat one egg, 60g butter and 1 tbsp honey.
2. When well mixed add 60g self raising white flour.
3. The sweetness from the honey is enough so now you can add the flavouring.  If you do not want to add any more flavour you do not have to.  Take your time.
4. If you do want to add more flavour and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
5. Mix well and then add 1/4 tsp baking powder.
6. Divide the batter into a cake pop container holding up to 30 cake pops.
7. Heat the oven to 180 degrees C.
8. Bake for 15 minutes.  You can check to see if the pops are ready if when pricked with a tooth pick the center comes out clean.
9. Leave the cake pops to cool when removed from the oven.
10. Honey is a healthy sugar substitute so if you do not want to decorate your pops with icing sugar you can decorate them with honey or nothing at all.  I used icing sugar on some, honey on some others and even heart sprinkles for appearance.  All taste delightful and all are easy to eat though the hearts were a little tricky.  Providing different toppings is a great way for you not to fill pressured, plain or decorated these are lovely joys to share with your mum.
11. Smile, the first steps are always the hardest.

Honey benefits:

• Honey is a natural sugar.
• Honey is a great source for carbohydrates.
• Honey can help your digestive system and is an anti oxidant.
• Honey does wonders for sore throats.  Honey, lemon and hot water is a common flu remedy.

Sugarfree Salad Dressing

“Everything scares me.”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I have been anorexic for about a year and it has destroyed the most important parts of my life.  This is a huge step for me and I am really glad that you have been so welcoming and enabled me to have a platform where I can just write about the little issues I have concerning food.  Please feel free to publish this letter and including this fact that I am now eating salads with different meats and I had bread for the first time in months.  Your support and recipes have been amazing.  I still don’t like apples.  Everything that isn’t homemade still scares me and I recently had an episode where I ordered a salad and it had dressing all over it.  Can you please share a salad dressing, that is common and simple so I can make it?  Overtime I will be able to accept it from other restaurants maybe but I think you are right about taking small steps.  I heard about the amounts of sugar they put in dressings like Thousand Island and it is really scary.  Help!

Dear Beautiful Brave Soul,

I am so proud of you.  What may seem like small steps are actually huge movements towards your goals.  You are inviting more food groups into your life which will help you grow mentally and physically.  You are allowing your body to feel the love it deserves,  so well done you.  Don’t worry if you don’t like certain foods, you would be surprised at how picky people without eating disorders actually are.  I completely understand that you were nervous about the salad and I actually agree that some restaurants and brands are very misleading and can drown salads in dressing.  I have made and tested a dressing which is used on a variety of foods and salads and tastes quite nice.  It is delicate in flavour and is sugar free.  Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.  Also please don’t think that sugar is the enemy because little doses of sugar can make a world of difference.  For example,  tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes can be very acidic but a little sugar can uplift the whole sauce.  Nonetheless let me know how you get on with this recipe and when you are ready I have a lovely orange dressing for you when you want to add a little more flavour.  I tried the recipe I have provided on a crab salad and it was pretty nice.

Recipe & Method:

1. In a medium glass mixing bowl mix together a tbsp of fresh  oregano, a tbsp of fresh thyme and 225ml olive oil.
2. Do not worry you will have to taste this dressing but don’t be scared by the oil, this is going to be a batch for a variety of lovely salads.
3. Add 4 tbsps of balsamic vinegar and whisk together.
4. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and whisk.
5. Now I want you to do something which may seem really daunting.  I want you to taste the dressing.  Just a little taste.  Tasting food is very important, and this is also a part of dealing with eating disorder therapies.  Take you time and allow yourself to analyse the taste.  What does the taste remind you of? Is it bitter?  Is it weird?  What does it need more of?  Take control of the dressing.  You control the food the food doesn’t control you.  You can do it!

Saffy’s Sugar Watch:

• Sugar is not always a bad thing but  sometimes unnecessary amounts of sugar are added in products.
• Diet drinks may have less calories but can include a ridiculous amount of sugar.
• Look out for names like sucrose, fructose and high fructose corn syrup which also refer to sugars.
• Honey, coconut palm sugar and molasses are natural healthy alternatives to processed sugars.  My Caribbean sweet treats feature natural sugars so if you do want something sweet please search for my natural West Indian recipes.
• Also remember it is better to give your body nourishment and if the only thing available is a cereal far then listen to your instincts.  Our bodies are extremely smart and hungry is a sign that you need to eat so love yourself and fall in love with food again.

Posh Nosh Fish & Chips

“I want to make him something interesting but not too out there that he will hate it.”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

My husband’s favourite food is fish & chips.  We have a really bad diet but I really want to make small changes so we can set a better example for our kids.  If it’s not fish & chips it’s Indian curries and pizza.  I would say we live on a popular British diet – cheap and cheerful, no posh nosh for us.  Please may I have fish and chips recipe that is healthy but not too far fetched.  I know that when we go to different restaurants he tends to stick to the basics and food that is familiar, pub grub that sort of thing.  Also could you please make the recipe something appealing to children as well.   

Dear Runaway Chippy,

I think it is noble that you are trying to set a better example for your children and it does not help when your spouse is a picky eater and not necessarily open to new things.  Small steps tend to lead to the greatest improvements and re inventing fast food meals are often the best way to cut down on fatty foods.  The recipe I have for you I think will work well for a weekday meal and I have made two variations one for your husband and another for your children (which is more delicate to their taste buds as it will lack the heat from the chilli).  You expressed an interest in spicy foods so I have incorporated some heat with the fish.  I have not strayed too far from the classic fish & chips and have suggested using less than 5% fat oven chips to eat with the fish as it will incorporate less fat and taste more like a “real potato”.  I have chosen a different kind of fish from the usual cod and have swapped the batter for a lovely home made crust.

I have included chilli in the crust for you and your husband, not only is the heat a nice touch but also supposedly helps to reduce weight loss.  Not to mention my fish will have way more flavour than a battered cod.  The fish I have chosen is fresh salmon, full of vitamins and the good fatty acids of Omega – 3.  I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe.

My food was so delicious I started eating before I took the picture. 

Recipe (serves 5):

1. Heat a tbsp oil in a frying pan.
2. Fry 1 large onion (chopped) until softened.
3. In a bowl mix 100g breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 3 tsps fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tsps fresh thyme, 1 tsp dried herbs.
4. Add the onion to the bowl.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. First divide the mixture into the necessary amount to top the fresh salmon fillets.
7.  Make your children’s fish first then place on an oven tray lined with tin foil.
8. Add 1 tsp paprika and 2 tsps hot chilli flakes to the remaining mixture.
9. Spread on top of the remaining fillets.
10. Place these fillets on the tray as well remembering which is which.
11. Drizzle a little olive oil over the fillets.
12. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes at 140 degrees C.

Saffy’s Salmon Tips:

1. You can buy the fresh salmon fillets at your local fishmonger pre boned and to the size of your choosing.
2. The salmon will be cooked when the meat is slightly flaked.
3. Keep a eye on your oven as a hot oven will cook the salmon very quickly.

Beat The Beetroot

“I really hate vegetables!”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I have been challenging myself to eat different kinds of food because after watching this show called ‘Freaky Eaters’ and I honestly think I have a problem.  At university my diet was atrocious so now I want to try new things to see if I can give myself a bit of a range.  I don’t think it is fair that I should give up my fast food completely and  I am not a fan of cooking either.  Cooking is meant to be fun but so far I have been trying salads with my usual pizza and chips but I hate vegetables.  I really hate vegetables.  I have been looking at Kamaria’s Kitchen to try and find recipes which use vegetables but the thing is I don’t really want to taste the vegetables.  Veg like beetroot I want to know how to use but what I hate about that the most is when the juices run on the plate and touch the rest of my food.  At least other vegetables stay in one place.  So can you help me with my beetroot problem?

Dear Fast Junk Food Junkie,

I think it is fantastic you are daring to try new foods, especially by varying the types of nutrients you are eating.  Although fats are important for our diet, too much can really clog up your arteries and although you may not necessarily seem overweight the damage done to your inside is far worse as you may not be aware of the effects of a bad diet before it’s too late.  We all have our comfort food and I think you are absolutely right not to give up on what makes you happy.  I encourage you to search through my recipe archives to find some recipes that are agreeable with you, recipes which do not take you too far from your comfort zone to scare you aware but also teach you the basics of cooking.  I recommend my pasty recipes and my omelette recipes.  Both meals are great for packing in great ingredients plus you can add enough extras to enhance the flavours of the new found foods.  Beetroot is a very difficult vegetable but I do thank you for the challenge.  The only thing I like about beetroot is the colour, the taste is just disgusting.  However,  I have conjured up a recipe for you that I will you will enjoy.  You can also share this recipe with friends which will help reduce the fear levels of trying something new.  Cooking should be fun, it may not be your passion but I hope you do get some satisfaction from cooking your own food and knowing exactly what is in it.

The recipe I have made is a beetroot cake.  Cake is always a big hit and if I were you I would bake the cake and then challenge your friends or family to guess the main ingredient.  It will be a nice surprise and a good laugh. It isn’t nice that I am dissing beetroot so much because the health benefits are very good.  Beetroot contains potassium, antioxidants and effectively lowers your blood pressure and helps your blood flow.  Therefore, this vegetable would be very helpful to someone who has been on a high fat diet.  Search beetroot on Kamaria’s Kitchen to find more juices and beetroot recipes to make for yourself.

It looks like chocolate and tastes just as good as a quick chocolate sponge.

Recipe & Method:

1. Wash and trim 250g beetroot.
2. Put the beetroot in a large saucepan and cover with 2cm water.
3. Bring to the boil then cover and leave to simmer for 30 – 40 minutes until just tender.
4. Line a deep rectangular cake tin or a 9 inch round tin.
5. Sieve 50g dark cocoa powder, 175g plain flour and 1 tsp baking powder into a large bowl.
6. Mix in 200g caster sugar.
7. Drain the beetroot and blend in a food processor.
8. Put the beetroot in another medium bowl, break in 3 eggs and pour in 200ml sunflower oil.
9. Beat the wet mixture well until smooth.
10. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
11. Pour into the cake tin and bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees C.
12. Remove from the oven and set aside from 10 minutes.

Saffy’s Baking Tips:

• Make sure the temperature is not too low otherwise the cake mixture will be to doughy and/ or collapse.
• Do not leave the cake in the pan after baking for too long.

Dream Diet Drink

“I’m addicted to fizzy drinks I need an alternative for partying.”

Dear Kamaria’s Kitchen,

I am a very social person and like to hold house parties and do a lot of “get togethers”.  My problem is that I am addicted to fizzy drinks,  I love them mixed with alcohol but I am on a diet which means I can’t take in as much fizzy drinks as I want.  I need to loose weight so I can fit into my super hot bikini but not too much because I like a bit of meat. Infact I have decided to give up fizzy drinks altogether this year can you mix up a party inspired drink or recommend any beverage that can combat my fizzy drink addiction?

Dear Ms Lady who wants to keep it popping without the fun stopping,

I have a great alternative to fizzy drinks which has all the good sugars and allows you to include alcohol.  I have gone for a tropical inspired drink as the ingredients are associated with an irie vibe and has a sophisticated after taste which will be a nice surprise to a standard smoothie.  You can serve this recipe as drinks to friends, which means you won’t feel left out if some decide to opt for a fizzy drink.  Not to mention this drink is sexy so at least your body will feel as good as you want it to be.

Feel free to be creative and come up with new combinations, but I must urge you to drink responsibly for though I am a fan of rum I am not one for abusing the body with too much of a likely dangerous substance, so please be aware that this particular drink is for special occasions.

Recipe & Method:

1. Get your blender out and put on some calypso!  This will make a good jugful
2. Chop up 2 bananas and plop them in the blender.
3. Wash a handful of basil leaves, chop them and scatter them in the blender in a really ostentatious way.  This isn’t a diet drink it’s a sexy drink!
4. Open up a can of 150g chopped peaches in their juice and add.
5. As the last of the juice drips down the blender do the same with half a chopped mango.  Make sure the skin is off.
6. Save the other half of the mango for a sexy eating game with friends or as a snack.
7. Add 2 tsps of water.
8. Get ready for it!
9. 3 tbsps of clear rum!  I said 3!
10. Put the cover on the blender… Just reminding you in case you took a swig and are feeling a little forgetful.
11. Blend all of the ingredients together.
12. Pour into a jug and serve chilled.

I like turtles.

Saffy’s Juicing & Dieting Tips:

• I recommend the juicing technique because it provides a lot of natural sugars BUT… the acids from acidic fruits such as oranges can cause further damage to the teeth like fizzy drinks so try drinking through a straw.
• Do not use juicing as a substitute for meals unless the smoothie or juice has the nutrients which make up for the recommended daily intake.  Vitamin C is great but what about the other vitamins? To loose weight you need a balanced diet and exercise.
• Juicing does not mean you should stop drinking water.  Add water to some of your juices to loosen them up and use vegetables like cucumber with a high water content.
• Last but not least, you declared that you wanted to give up fizzy drinks completely and though it is good to give up a bad habit making these sorts of decisions may be your downfall if you find it too difficult.  Take little steps and give up things weekly or monthly rather than an outright year otherwise it is all you’ll be thinking about.

Disclaimer:  The sender’s personal details have been withheld.  Their age and dietary requirements have been identified so the recipe is suited to them.  Please drink responsibly and seek medical advice before dieting.