DAZZLEDieting tips, treats and inspiration for the health-conscious young woman.SUMMER EDITION

Low calorie summer cocktails

7-day weight loss

diet plan

What is the biggest temptation to women when dieting?

Mother-of-one’s dramatic weight loss

How Instagram gave a 22-year-old woman motivation to lose weight

How Instagram gave a 22-year-old woman motivation to lose weight

Mother-of-one’s dramatic weight loss

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

For many young women having body confidence is extremely difficult, and so women now more than ever are changing their eating habits in pursuit to shed the pounds.When summer comes back around

many women feel uncomfortable slipping on a summer dress or getting their legs out, and it is a time when an individual’s confidence can hit rock bottom.In this summer edition of

DAZZLE we offer you various tips to enable you to lose a few pounds, and change the way you think about cooking and eating all together. Summer can be a tempting

time to eat the wrong types of food, especially with many flocking to beer gardens and BBQs. This issue offers you

solutions with healthier alternatives that will allow you to have a treat, yet stay on track with your diet.

What is most important is to think of what your end goal is, and keep that in your mind at all times to keep on track. Once you reach that goal the

satisfaction of having been strong enough to get to that point, will be much greater than the satisfaction of a takeaway or sugary treat.We at DAZZLE hope you enjoy

this issue and try out some of the tips and recipes offered throughout this issue.Remember it is not about

being skinny or model-like, it is about being healthy and confident within yourself.Please provide us with

feedback of which articles you enjoyed, and suggestions of what you would like to se more of. Do this by emailing editor@dazzlemag.co.uk.

Samantha Gaulter-GreenEditor-in-chief

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Four low calorie summer cocktail

recipes

7Mother-of-one

Darian’s dramatic weight loss

Delicious, yet nutritious recipes to

ease your dieting

Sarah’s university dieting struggle

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3 9

Handbag heaven: Dazzle’s favourites

13How fitness rebuilt Kelly’s confidence

15Jordan gives DAZZLE a seven-day diet plan

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Jessica’s Instagram inspiration

Ella’s wedding weight loss success

High-street summer fashion steals

31DAZZLE’s flattering

fitness finds

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DAZZLE asks 100 women what is there biggest

temptation when dieting

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Four healthy summer BBQ alternatives

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LOW-CALORIE COCKTAILSFour guilt-free cocktails perfect for summer get-togethers.

INGREDIENTS:- 50ml Sailor Jerry rum- Fresh mint leaves- A dash of sugar-free lime juice - add more to taste- 150ml of soda water- Plenty of ice

METHOD:1. Add the ice, lime juice, fresh mint, and rum into a cocktail shaker and shake well.

2. Add more ice to your glass, and pour the contents of the cocktail shaker over the ice.

3. Fill the rest of the glass with the soda water. Depending on the amount of ice you would like to use could mean you may use less, or more soda water. 4. Serve with a circle of lime on the lip of the glass.

Spiced Mojito

Replace Sailor Jerry rum with

white rum for a classic Mojito

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INGREDIENTS:- 25ml gin- 25ml vodka- 25ml elderflower cordial- 25ml apple juice- 100ml soda water- A cube or two of ice- A few slices of green apple

METHOD:1. Add the gin, vodka, apple juice, and elderflower cordial to a cocktail shaker and mix well.

2. Add two or three cubes of ice to a long glass or champagne flute.

3. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker over the ice.

4. Fill the glass with soda water. Depending on the size of your chosen glass you may need more, or less soda water.

5. Add the slices of green apple to the glass and enjoy.

Elderflower Fizz Bellini

Replace soda water

with prosecco or champagne

for that extra classy touch

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INGREDIENTS:- 50ml vodka- 25ml Cointreau- A dash of sugar-free lime juice - add more to taste- 150ml of diet or light cranberry juice- A circular slice of lime to decorate- A handful of ice

METHOD:1. Add a handful of ice to the glass to ensure it is ice cold. Leave to melt for a few minutes to cool the glass, and then tip out.

2. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and ensure that it is mixed well.

3. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into the glass. If needs be, add more cranberry juice to fill the glass.

4. Place the lime on the lip of the glass and enjoy.

Cosmopolitan

Add 25ml of triple sec to give the cosmo

more of an alcoholic

kick

INGREDIENTS:- 50ml vodka- A dash of sugar-free lime juice - add more to taste- 200ml diet ginger beer- Six strawberries (more if smaller berries used)- A handful of ice- A handful of raspberries

METHOD:1. Cut up four of the strawberries into tiny pieces and mash with the end of a wooden spoon over sieve into a bowl.

2. Add this strawberry puree to a cocktail shaker along with the vodka, ice, and lime juice, and mix well.

3. Add extra ice to the glass, and pour over the contents of the cocktail shaker.

4. Fill the glass up with ginger beer - more may be needed depending on the size of the glass you have used.

5. Add a few raspberries and chopped strawberries to garnish, and stir gentally before drinking.

Strawberry Mule

Try pureeing other summer fruits to use for the base of the

drink 6

“I HAVE NOT HAD A CHOCOLATE BAR FOR OVER A YEAR”

Darian Maddocks, 20, was spurred on to lose weight after the birth of her child, and has since lost an enormous five and a half stone.

FABULOUS: This transformation proves that hard work does pay off. © Darian Maddocks

After giving birth to her daughter Millie in January 2014, Darian weighed 14 stone 7 pounds and was uncomfortable with her body.In 11 months the

mother-of-one has lost five and a half stone, and now weighs just under 9 stone.Her dramatic weight loss was spurred on by a suggestion made by her mum. Darian said: “One night I was about to order a Chinese and my mum suggested that we all should start a diet, so from then on I started losing weight”.Since starting

her diet, Darian’s biggest difficulty was overcoming her cravings. The thing she struggled to avoid the most was chocolate. The 20-year-old confessed

that she has not had a chocolate bar in over a year.Recently many

young people have become obsessed with exercising, but Darian has proved having the right diet is more important.Darian said: “I

lost weight purely through dieting, I have not really do a lot of exercise. I completely cut out crisps, takeaways and chocolate. I also cut down on carbs as well”.

While most 20-year-olds may struggle with dieting the day after a night drinking, the young

“When I am hungover I will just eat

Ryvitas”

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INSPIRATION: Darian looks fabulous and proves that the right diet can work wonders.© Darian Maddocks

mother has found an ideal solution to this problem. She told us: “When I am hungover I will just eat Ryvitas. “I know now not to

have anything bad because I know how guilty I would feel afterwards, so can control myself not to have fatty foods”.A lot of people

put off losing weight until they are older so they can enjoy life, and eat and drink whatever they want whilst they are young, but Darian is glad she did not wait. She said: “I am glad

I’ve lost the weight now because when I am older I want to be able to eat whatever I want and not care.“I think a big

reason for me losing weight was that I split up with my daughter’s father.“With him I was

really comfortable and didn’t really care what I looked like. “Becoming a single

parent has made me more determined.”Losing over a third

of her own body weight has had many benefits to Darian’s life, but the biggest thing she has gained is confidence. Darian added: “I now

feel like everyone else because before I felt overweight. I’ve got that bit of

confidence back.”Although the single-

mother is happy with her weight loss she is still motivated to lose more.

After losing such an enormous amount of weight she has been left with a lot of lose skin, so she aims to tone up. She also would like

to lose another stone so that her total weight loss would be 6 and a half stone. Darian would still

have a healthy BMI as her height is 5 foot 5 inches.Darian added: “It’s

not even about the weight and the scales anymore.“It is about

concentrating on toning my stomach and my arms and gaining that last bit of confidence. “I did very little

exercise when losing weight, so that is now my focus”.

“I now know not to have

anything bad because I know

how guilty I would feel afterwards”

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Serves 2

NGREDIENTS:- Low calorie cooking spray- 500g chicken (diced into chunks)- 2 crushed garlic cloves OR 2 teaspoons of lazy crushed garlic - 2 chopped red chillies (deseeded and finely chopped) OR 2 teaspoons of lazy chilli- 1 red pepper (deseeded and finely chopped)- 1 onion (finely chopped)- A sprinkling of chilli flakes- A handful of finely chopped coriander- 1 tablespoon of parprika- 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper- 2 tablespoons of any BBQ sauce - The juice of half of a lime

Smokey and Spicy Fajita Chicken

SIMPLE, HEALTHY & TASTY RECIPES.Six amazing recipes that will make alter your opinion on what it is to be on a diet and eat healthy.

METHOD:1. Place a frying pan over a hob, wait until heated and spray with low calorie cooking spray.

2. Add the chicken, and fry until brown.

3. Add the peppers, and the onions to the pan, and fry until the chicken

is almost cooked.

4. Add the remaining ingredients - except the lime juice - remembering to keep stirring so that the chicken does not get stuck to the pan.

5. Add to a plate and drizzle over the lime juice, and season to taste.

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Serves 2

NGREDIENTS:- 500g lean turkey mince- The zest and juice of one lemon- 2 tablespoons of curry powder (medium or hot dependent on your preference)- 1 teaspoon mint sauce- 1 tablespoon of dried coriander- 1 tablespoon of paprika- 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper- 2 red chillies (deseeded and finely chopped) OR 2 teaspoons of lazy chilli

Tandoori Turkey Mince Skewers

- a sprinkling of chilli flakes- 1 to 2 tablespoons of fat free natural yoghurt- 4 skewers (wooden or metal)

METHOD:1. Add the turkey mince, zest and juice of the lemon, curry powder, mint sauce, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, chilli, chilli flakes, and yoghurt into a large bowl. Mix well using your hands until the mixture is combined.

2. Cover the bowl and leave in the fridge for as long as possible. 24

hours or overnight is prefferable.

4. Preheat the grill.

5. Take the turkey mixture out of the fridge and make 20 identical sized balls from the mixture. Place 5 balls on each skewer.

6. Place the skewers on a grill rack and place under the grill. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the balls start to slightly brown, ensuring that you keep turning the skewers so that the turkey balls cook evenly.

7. Serve with a side salad, and some mint and chilli yoghurt sauce. This can be made my mixing a teaspoon of mint sauce, a teaspoon of lazy chilli and 150ml of fat free natural yoghurt.

TIP:Chop up some red onion, red peppers and cherry tomatoes and add them on the end of the skewers to add more vegetables to your meal intake.

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Serves 2

NGREDIENTS:- Low calorie cooking spray- 500g lean beef or steak mince (5% fat or less)- 2 crushed garlic cloves OR 2 teaspoons of lazy crushed garlic - 3 red chillies (deseeded and finely chopped) OR 3 teaspoons of lazy chilli- 1 onion (finely chopped)- A sprinkling of chilli flakes- A handful of finely chopped coriander- A tin of chopped tomatoes- 200g pasta- 50g reduced-fat cheddar cheese (grated)

METHOD:1. Preheat your oven to 200C/425F.

2. Place a frying pan on a hob and spray with low calorie cooking spray when warm.

3. Fry the mince and when brown, add the onions until they are also cooked.

Spicy Bolognese Pasta Bake

4. Meanwhile cook the pasta as directed on the packaging, and leave to drain.

4. Add the garlic, chillies, chilli flakes, coriander, and the tin of chopped tomatoes, and keep stirring.

5. Leave to simmer for five minutes.

6. Line a deep dish with the cooked pasta and then pour over the bolognese

mixture.

7. Sprinkle the grated cheese and more coriander over the top of the dish and cook in the oven for 25 minutes.

8. Serve with a green salad and flavour with ground black pepper.

TIP: Add more chilli flakes or garlic for more of a kick to this dish.

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Very Spicy Chilli ConCarneServes 2

NGREDIENTS:-500g lean mince meat (5% fat or less)- 1 vegetable stock cube dissolved in 200ml of boiling water- 1 large onion (finely chopped)- 200g mushrooms (chopped)- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes- 1 tin of kidney beans- 3 tablespoons of tomato puree- 3 crushed garlic cloves OR 3 teaspoons of lazy garlic- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper- 1 teaspoon of paprika- 1 tablespoon of dried corriander- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin- 1 teaspoon of ground corriander- 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric- 2 tablespoons of chilli powder- 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes- 2 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce- 2 beef oxo cubes

METHOD:1. Heat a deep frying pan. When hot, add in

the mince and fry for four minutes.

2. Add in the onions and the mushrooms, and fry until the mince is fully cooked through, and the onions start to turn brown.

3. Add in all of the spices and cook for one minute.

4. Pour in the vegetable stock, the tomato puree, tinned tomatoes, and the kidney beans and cook through for five minutes.5. Add another 200ml of water to the pan and the worcestershire sauce.6. Sprinkle two

beef oxo cubes into the mixture, ensuring that the oxo is stirred in.

7. Ensure everything is mixed well, and leave to simmer for thirty minutes on a very low heat.

TIP: Swap the kidney beans for baked beans for a different texture and flavour. Also try using Heinz fajita beans.

Sprinkle over a little reduced fat

cheddar cheese before serving

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HANDBAG HEAVEN!This summer, it’s all about statement handbags!

1. Pink suede tassel handbag from Dorothy Perkins for £32.00

2. Tan tassel cross-body handbag from New Look for £15.99

3. Vibrant tribal colour tote from Primark for £20.00

4. Pineapple clutch bag from New Look for £12.99

5. Fur pom pom handbag charm from Dune for £15

5. White lazer cut tote with detatchable purse from Accessorize for £32.00

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7. Lollipop clutch bag from New Look for £12.99

8. Yellow colour block camera bag with triple zip from F&F at Tesco for £14.00

9. Fuschia suede box clutch bag from Phase Eight for £59

10. White and mint laser cut tote bag from Primark for £20

11. Colour block box clutch bag from Dune for £69

12. Floral box clutch from New Look for £25.99

13. Lilac laser cut shopper from New Look for £29.99

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“I SPEND MORE ON FITNESS CLASSES THAN ON ALCOHOL”

Kelly Arnold, 22, lost her hair due to Alopecia before she even turned 21. Since taking up exercise, she has regained her lost confidence.

STILL SMILING: Above, Kelly after shaving her head. Below, before she lost her hair.© Kelly Arnold

Can you tell me a little bit about your case of Alopecia?K: Well it seems to be hereditary because both my mum and I have lost our hair. I was quite

stressed before I started losing my hair, but because I was of such a young age it started to come out in big clumps.I did get to the

point where I was literally crying all the time and didn’t want to do anything. I was at a point

where I knew I needed to change, get out of the house and occupy myself. Nobody can tell if

it is hereditary or due to stress. When people are stressed everyone reacts in different ways, some people have

breakouts of spots and unfortunately I lost clumps of hair.

How liberating was it to shave your head?K: It was so liberating. It was a weight lifted off of my shoulder. I was waking up

with hair all over my bed sheets and when I was in the shower it would all come out in clumps and I could not deal with that any longer. It was really scaryGetting rid of it

all made me feel so much better because I knew I would no longer have to go through that every morning.

What got you in to fitness?K: I think the thing that really got me into fitness was

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losing my hair, as before that I was really stressed, so I thought exercise would be a good way to let go and relieve the tension.

Would you say getting into fitness has boosted your confidence?K: Definitely I feel it has. It has made me feel different about the way that I look. Also, exercising

gives off happy endorphins which was just what I needed.

What other benefits have you have noticed from training?K: I feel like I have achieved more things. Every day I can see improvements, proving the hard work I am putting in is paying off. My mentality has

changed too; I have had a different mind set since I have started exercising. I would never have

dreamed of getting involved with fitness and did not realise the buzz people could get from it. Getting involved in

fitness has changed my outlook on a lot of things and has, I believe, made me stronger as a person.

I know it sounds weird when people talk about enjoying the pain they get from exercise, but I definitely enjoy it because pain shows that my training is paying off.

Have you changed your diet at all?K: It depends. Sometimes I will binge eat but will then do more exercise than usual to compensate and feel less guilty about it. I can still eat

bad things, but exercising makes me feel better about that.I have also cut

down on my alcohol intake since finishing university.I never thought I

would see the day when would admit that I spend more on fitness classes than on alcohol.

Future plans?K: I am enrolling on a personal training course so I can help other people the way that my personal trainer has helped me. I am also running the London 10k in the summer for Alopecia UK. Training for this at the moment is my main goal.

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HAPPY: Fitness has put that smile back on Kelly’s face. Above, Kelly’s shows her progress. Below, Kelly and her mum, Belinda.© Kelly Arnold

7-DAY DIET PLANPersonal Trainer, Jordan Forbes, gives DAZZLE an exclusive 7-day diet plan suited for a young female who is looking to lose weight.

Jordan told Dazzle: “Dieting isn’t about being drastically strict on yourself, it is about eating a reduced amount of food that can cause you to gain weight (such as salt, carbs and sugar), and eating more fruit, veg and protein. “Many people

turn to drastic diets but these are not maintainable.“Losing weight

is mainly about changing your eating habits, but is also about getting regular exercise so remember to fit it into your routine”.

Day One.

Breakfast:Fruit salad containing chopped apples, oranges, banana and grapes

Lunch:Tuna and sweetcorn wholemeal pasta with a mixed leaf salad

Dinner:Chicken stir-fry using beansprouts, peppers, onions, egg noodles and a splash of dark soy sauce

Day Two.

Breakfast:50g of porridge oats with skimmed milk. To add more flavour add a handful of mixed berries, or a teaspoon of honey

Lunch:Mixed leaf, tomato, cucumber and green pepper salmon salad with a tablespoon of sweet chilli sauce for flavour if required

Dinner:Spaghetti Bolognese using less than 5% fat mince meat or quorn mince, with wholewheat spaghetti

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Day Three.

Breakfast:2 Weetabix with skimmed milk

Lunch:Grilled salmon with boiled carrot and broccoli

Dinner:Thai green chicken curry using reduced fat coconut milk and brown rice

Day Four.

Breakfast:2 egg omelette with cherry tomatoes, pepper and onion

Lunch:Low calorie soup with a wholemeal roll

Dinner:Fillet of any fish with asparagus and sweet potato mash

Day Five.

Breakfast:Mixed berries and fat-free Greek or natural yoghurt

Lunch:3 egg omelette with ham and reduced-fat cheese (40g grated) with a mixed leaf salad

Dinner:Chilli con carne using less than 5% fat mincemeat or quorn mince, with brown rice

Day Six.

Breakfast:Scrambled or poached egg on two slices of wholemeal toast

Lunch:Fried pepper, courgette and mushrooms with couscous and a mixed leaf salad

Dinner:Lean peppered steak with a jacket potato and mixed leaf salad

Day Seven.

Breakfast:Two slices of grilled bacon medallions, a grilled tomato, grilled mushrooms, 2 poached eggs and baked beans

Lunch:Jacket potato with baked beans and reduced-fat cheese (40g grated) with a mixed leaf salad

Dinner:Special fried rice, including onion, mushroom, garlic, prawns and chicken

This diet plan

combined with regular exercise

consisting mainly of cardiovascular activities, will lead

to weight loss.

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“I’M SO PROUD TO THINK I HAVE HELPED PEOPLE”Many young women who hit 21 stone think they could never be thin. Jessica Semmens, 22, tried many fad diets but found they were not maintainable. She then turned to Instagram for inspiration, and has since lost nine stone.

How much did you weigh at your heaviest?J: I believe 21 stone 9 pounds, but I’d already lost a little bit of weight so probably more.

How much do you weigh now?J: On a good day I weigh 13 stone 2, on a bad day I weigh 13 stone 7. After a holiday or a binge I can go up to 13 stone 11.

Do you have any more weight to lose? If so, what is your target weight?J: I do. In order to have a healthy BMI for my height, I should weigh just a tad under 12 stone. I think if I could get to 12 stone 5, I would be happy. I won’t rush it; I’ll

let it take as long as it needs to. My weight loss journey started 4 years ago, I’m healthy now and that’s all that matters. What was your motivation for losing weight in the first place?J: I kind of fell into it. I broke up with an ex boyfriend and moved back home, my lifestyle changed and suddenly my clothes got looser. I thought... Hey I can do this! So then I started to make conscious choices and the weight started dropping off!

What was your method for losing weight? J: In the beginning it was pretty general stuff, I was over 21 stone,

All pictures © Jessica Semmens

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was over 21 stone, so actually just cutting out some fatty foods and going for a swim meant the weight would drop off week by week. Now I’m smaller, the weight is really hard to get off. I eat right and I exercise and if I lose a pound I’m happy! Now I do my research, I try new things, and I eat a healthy balanced diet and I work my behind off at the gym!

Have you tried fad diets in the past? Did you find them manageable?J: So many! The thing is... the weight just goes back on. Funnily enough if you stop eating carbs, yes you’ll lose weight,

but you can bet your bottom dollar that it’ll go straight back on when you start eating normally again! Just stick to a healthy balanced lifestyle and try to eat different foods and try new things.

Did you find losing weight hard? J: It was tough, and I mean tough. The blood, sweat and tears (I mean in the literal sense to all three) were constant. When you eat really well all week and exercising your butt off and gain a pound... that’s heart breaking. When you have a slip and you eat a pizza, the guilt you feel! It’s all a learning curve, it was the

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hardest thing I’ve ever done and I still have battles every day. I don’t regret a thing.

What did you enjoy most about losing weight?J: Being able to shop and finding a passion for clothes. I love shopping now! Also, going on holiday is now something I look forward to! I wouldn’t even bother before, I pretended I hated the heat because I thought that people would judge me for sweating.

Do you think it will be hard to keep the weight off? J: It’ll be a constant battle for the rest of my life. I will never

be one of those girls who can eat a donut a day and not gain any weight. I’m not built that way. The best thing that has happened to me during this experience is the acceptance of my weight troubles, I’m now prepared to deal with them and work hard, every day to stay healthy.

How did instagram help you with your weight loss? J: Instagram has a weight loss community! There are thousands of people on Instagram purely to gain support with weight loss. I wouldn’t have lost the weight if I didn’t have fellow ‘losers’ support. It’s a well-known fact that people who

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write their food down tend to eat less, because it makes you realise what you’re eating. Instagram is the same, except now we’re all trying to make our food look better!!

Since your story has been shared in the media, how has the response you have had been? J: I can’t begin to explain the response I’ve had, I am so overwhelmed and humbled by the amount of people who have contacted me. It’s been a HUGE confidence boost and I’m so glad I shared my story. Being told I’m an inspiration is something I will never get tired of hearing. I’m so

proud to think I have helped people!!

What would your advice be to a young woman looking to lose weight but needs motivation?J: 1. Try new things - are you having trouble sticking with a certain diet? Well then change it up! 2. Make sure you eat!! Eating a banana, a salad, and chicken with veg isn’t a sustainable diet for most people. Eat healthy balanced meals that are delicious and fill you up! 3. Believe in yourself, get on Instagram, and gain the support of others who are going through the same thing.

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WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TEMPTATION WHEN DIETING?We asked DAZZLE readers to send in their answers to this question. Here are some of our favourite responses.

Jessica McDowall, 20 Alcohol, I could not cope at university

without it. Especially wine! In my honest opinion grapes have never tasted as good!

Elizabeth Cruddas, 20 Chocolate. Even if I am feeling fat it

makes me happy. It is always on the end of tills at the shops so it is always there to

tease you!

Amber Hetherington, 20 Takwaways. When I cannot be bothered to cook, me and my housemates always resort to ordering

food in, or going to McDonalds. Oops.

Charlotte Baugh, 20 Takwaways, especially

pizza! It is comforting and so

convenient. Pizza is just so cheesy and

delicious!

Amy Todd, 20Chocolate. It is

something that you just start picking at, but you always end up eating loads

of.

Siobhan Rothwell, 20Alcohol. It is a massive part of socialising, and a huge temptation with the stress of

university.

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Leah Harrison, 23Chocolate. It is my all time favourite food. Apparently it takes 40 bars of

Dairy Milk to become deadly to a human. If that is how I go then

so be it!

Out of the 82 women that

answered this question, over 25% of them admitted

that chocolate was their biggest

temptation.

Answers also frequently

included the reason that these

treats made the person ‘feel happy’ or ‘feel

better’. 24

Elisia Higson, 19Cake. It is my all time temptation. I

just love like cream donuts, or a slice of any cake. I then feel guilty for ages

though.

Rebecca Schofield, 20 Takeaways. They’re so cheap and easy, and just there when you really do not fancy cooking. Not to forget that they

taste amazing.

Kaite Morrish, 19Crisps. Once I have eaten one pack, I

have another and end up having eaten about 15 packets! Make’s me feel so much better.

Katie Dodson, 21 Chocolate. Whenever I try and eat healthy it is my biggest downfall. It just

makes me feel happer.

Laurie Hughes, 21 Crips. How can you even resist. There are just SO many flavours! Nothing

make’s me happier.

Copyright of all pictures belong to the

respondants themselves, and are taken

from their Facebook Profiles.

Spicy Cajun Wedges

YOUR SUMMER BBQINSPIRATIONFour fabulously simple ideas, alongside a few tips, to allow you to stay on track at your summer get togethers.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS:- 2 large potatoes- 2 tablespoons of cajun spices- 1 teaspoon of chilli powder- 1 tablespoon of paprika - 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper- 1 tablespoon of chilli flakes- 1 red chilli (deseeded and finely chopped) OR 1 teaspoon of lazy chilli- 1 teaspoon of oregano- 1 teaspoon of dried coriander- Ground salt and pepper- Low calorie cooking spray

METHOD:1. Peel the potatoes, and then cut them into wedge like shapes.

2. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and add the potatoes. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes

until the potatoes are soft.

3. Preheat the oven to 200C.

3. Drain the potatoes in a sieve. Ensure they are drained well or the wedges will not go crispy in the oven.

4. Line a deep baking tray with a couple of sprays of low calorie cooking spray.

5. Pour into the tray the potatoes

and cover those with the low calorie cooking spray.

4. Mix together all of the other ingredients in a sandwich bag.

5. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the wedges and toss the tray to ensure all sides are covered. Leave to infuse the spices for five to ten minutes.

6. Cook in the oven for 25 minutes.

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Tandoori Chicken KebabsServes 2

INGREDIENTS:- 4 chicken fillets- 1 tablespoon of tomato puree- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice- 1 tablespoon of lime juice- 1 tablespoon of dried coriander- 1 teaspoon of cumin- 1 teaspoon of ginger - 1 tablespoon of medium curry powder- 1 teaspoon of paprika- 2 crushed garlic cloves OR 2 teaspoons of lazy garlic- 1 red chilli (deseeded and finely chopped OR 1 teaspoon of lazy chilli- 150g fat-free natural yoghurt- Four kebab skewers (wooden or metal)

METHOD:1. Dice the chicken into fairly large cubes (4cm by 4cm).

2. Add to a tupperwaredish.

3. Mix together the yoghurt with the garlic, tomatoe puree, tomatoe puree, lemon juice, lime juice, coriander, cumin, ginger, curry powder, and paprika. If

the mixture is at all lumpy, add to a food processor and blend until smooth. processor and blend until smooth.

4. Pour the mixture over the diced chicken, and leave the bowl in the fridge overnight.

5. Get your BBQ up to temperature. If cooking inside, prehear the grill.

6. Place the chicken kebabs on the metal rack of the BBQ or the grill.

7. Cook on a medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked right through. Ensure that the kebabs are

turned every five minutes.

8. If the chicken looks like it is beginning to dry out, drizzle some more of the marinade over the chicken.

9. Serve with lime wedges for the best results.

TIP: Add more or less curry powder to tailor the flavour to the spice you prefer.

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Try using this marinade

on diced chicken as part of

an extra tasty curry

Spicy Beef BurgersServes 2

INGREDIENTS:- 400g lean beef mince meat (less than 5% fat)- 2 tablespoons of medium curry powder- 2 spring onions (finely chopped)- A handful of fresh chopped parsley- 1 tablespoon of chopped chives- 4 red chillis (deseeded and finely chopped) OR 4 teaspoons of lazy chilli- A pinch or two of chilli flakes- 2 wholemeal rolls- 4 slices of tomato- Green salad leaves- Rings of red onion

METHOD:1. Add the beef mince to a bowl with the curry powder, spring onions, parsley, chillis, chives, and chilli flakes. Combine well using your hands. Cover the bowl and allow to chill in the fridge overnight.

2. Get your BBQ up to temperature. If cooking inside, prehear the grill. 3. Use your hands to

mix together the mixture again. If the mixture does not feel as though it would form into burgers, add a whisked egg yolk to help the mixture combine.

4. Make four burgers with a width of around 4 inches out of the mixture. If there is any mixture left, make smaller burgers out of it to serve on the side.

5. Place these burgers on a plate, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.

6. Take the burgers out of the fridge and place them on

the metal rack of the grill pan or the BBQ.

7. Cook these burgers at a medium heat for around ten minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through and browned. Remember to turn the burgers half way through cooking to ensure that both sides are evenly coked.

8. When cooked, put these burgers on a sliced wholemeal bun, and top with lettuce, tomato and rings of red onion.

TIP: For extra flavour add a little bit of BBQ sauce or reduced sugar tomato sauce to the burger.27

Lime & Chilli Chicken KebabsServes 2

INGREDIENTS:- 4 chicken breast fillets (diced into large chunks)- The juice and zest of two limes- 3 red chillis (deseeded and finely chopped) OR 3 teaspoons of lazy chilli- 3 crushed garlic cloves OR 3 teaspoons of lazy garlic- 2 tablespoons of dried coriander- 1 tablespoon of medium curry powder- A sprinkling of chilli flakes- Lime wedges to serve

- 150g of fat free natural yoghurt- Four wooden or metal kebab skewers

METHOD:1. Mix together the lime, red chillis, garlic, coriander, curry powder, chilli flakes and yoghurt. If there are lumps in the mixture then add to a food processor and blend until smooth.

2. Add the diced chicken to a large bowl. Pour over the marinade and using your hands, mix the marinade into the cubes of chicken.

3. Cover and leave to rest over night if possible, or for at least a couple of

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hours.

4. Get your BBQ up to temperature. If cooking inside, prehear the grill.

5. Add the cubes of chicken to the chicken skewers. Do not worry that there is too much chicken on each skewer, it will just take a little longer to cook.

6. Place the chicken skewers on the metal rack of the BBQ or the grill. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, ensuring that you keep an eye on the skewers from becoming too dry, and ensure to keep turning them so that they cook evenly. If the chicken seems that it could be becoming slightly dry, dab a little bit of the marinade left over onto the chicken.

7. Place the chicken skewers onto a plate and squeeze the juice of the lime wedges over the kebabs before serving.

TIP: Mix fat free natural yoghurt, chilli and mint sauce together for a sauce to compliment this BBQ treat.

“I DID NOT WANT TO BE A FAT BRIDE”

Many brides-to-be feel the pressure to look great on their big day. Ella Sherratt, 20, lost 3 stone ahead of her wedding to her childhood sweetheart.

Above: Ella and her husband Jeff on their wedding day. Below: Ella before she began her diet.© Ella Sherratt

Ella decided to start dieting after her long-term boyfriend and the father of her child proposed to her at their daughter’s christening last year. Ella told us: “I started dieting as soon as he (Jeff) proposed really. I did not want to be a fat bride.”In the nine months

leading up to her wedding, the mother-of-one managed to lose exactly three stone, meaning that she had to have her wedding dress altered numerous times! Ella added: “I had

to have the dress altered twice, and even then it was a lot bigger than it should have been. “I had already lost

about half a stone before I bought the dress, and so I could tell the difference of how much weight I had lost, by how big

the dress was when I tried it on. “It didn’t bother

me in the slightest that I would have to pay to have it altered, because at the end of the day, I had lost the weight I had planned to lose before the wedding.”Looking at Ella’s

wedding pictures it is clear that her hard work payed off, as she looked amazing on her big day. Ella added: “I had

so many compliments on my weight loss on my wedding day. “I think almost

every speech at the reception was about how I had lost three stone.”Many people

find dieting very difficult, however Ella described to DAZZLE how easy she found shifting the weight. She said: “I found it really easy to lose weight, 29

it was really straightforward. “It didn’t bother

me like it does with a lot of other people.”Losing the weight

has undoubtedly boosted this young woman’s confidence. Not only was she able to look stunning for her wedding day, but she now enjoys shopping again. She added: “When

you go shopping you don’t have to worry about whether what you like will fit you, or will suit your figure. “It is just more

enjoyable when I go shopping now.”Many women who have

children at a young age put all their focus on their child and end up putting off losing weight until they are a lot older. Ella, like other women, is glad that she lost the weight sooner rather than later.Ella said: “I think

the longer you put it off, the more it creeps up on you. “I had gotten into

a relationship with Jeff and had become really comfortable with him, and gradually put more and more weight on. “I think if I

hadn’t of lost the

weight when I did, it would have been much harder because there would have been a lot more weight to lose.”For many losing

weight is not the battle, it is keeping the weight off that is hard. Ella does not fear the weight creeping back on. She added: “I think it will be rather easy because it has all been about changing how you cook. “If you go out

for the day, it is about planning what you are going to eat before you go instead of thinking ‘oh I’ll just get a McDonalds’. If you take something to eat with you it just makes it simple, and you resist the temptation to go and eat rubbish.”Ella’s aim was

to lose 3 stone 8 pounds. Since her wedding, she has lost another 4 pounds, so has just another 4 pounds to lose. The newly-wed added: “I hope to lose a little bit more than that because I am going on holiday soon . If I lose that bit extra, I can afford to put a little bit on on holiday and not feel as bad.”

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RADIANT: Since losing over three stone it is clear that Ella is beaming with confidence.© Ella Sherratt

DAZZLE’S SUMMER FASHION PICKS10 must-have summer steals from the high street

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1. Tan tassel chunky heel sandals from New Look for £29.99

2. Blue denim crochet trim shorts from New Look for £19.99

3. Khaki belted utility playsuit from New Look for £19.99

4. Khaki and cream leaf print belted shorts from Miss Selfridge for £35.00

5. Round matte frame sunglasses from Primark for £2.00

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6. Mirrored floral print swimsuit from Primark for £13

7. Sam Faiers black tie back bikini from Very.co.uk for £29.00

8. Sam Faiers white plunge swimsuit from Very.co.uk for £29.00

9. White straw oversized fedora from New Look for £9.99

10. Red felt floppy hat from Dorothy Perkins for £14

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“I’VE TRIED EVERY FAD DIET GOING”

Many students find themselves putting on weight, but since starting university Sarah Hancocks, 21, has made an astonishing transformation.

TRANSFORMED: Above Sarah in late 2012, below Sarah in February 2015. © Sarah Hancocks

So Sarah, how much did you weigh when you begun university in September 2012?S: At my heaviest I was 18 stone 7 pounds.

What was your main motivation for losing weight?S: The main reason was to gain more confidence and just generally feel better about myself. I just didn’t feel comfortable being bigger than everyone else.

How hard did you find it to lose pounds?S: To start off with it was easy because the bigger I was the quicker it just came off me.I have fluctuated a lot though since starting university, especially in first year, which is why it has taken me so long to lose weight.I would lose a lot really quickly then

progressively put it back on.

Why do you think your weight fluctuated in your first year of uni?S: I was following a lot of different diets. I have tied every fad diet going. You name it I have

probably given it a go. I have done the Rosomary Connolly diet, Atkins diet, Dukan diet, a juice diet and tried losing weight with Protein World Shakes.I’ve also taken

weight loss supplements but they are only good maintanable in the short term.

Since first year how have you done with maintaining and losing weight?S: In second year, as in first year I was going out a lot and in the mentality

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where all I wanted was to go out and party and would in turn not really watch what I eat. This year I haven’t

been going out as much, but when I do I know to be mindful of what the best drink options are.I stick to low

calorie drinks such as vodka and other spirits with soda, and stay far away from drinks that have a high calorie content such as wine or cider.The hardest part

is avoiding having a takeaway on my way home.

How would you say your confidence has improved?S: Obviously I am

fitting into smaller clothes so that really gives you a confidence boost. I can wear clothes

that in first year would not have been suitable or flattering for my figure and I would

never have dared to wear.

Are you glad you lost weight whilst you are still young?S: Definitely. Once you get older it is much more difficult to lose weight.There are so many health complications that you face when you are overweight and of an older age.

How hard have you found keeping the weight off?S: That will be my main challenge. I am still not at

my goal weight and am continuing to lose it, but when I am the hardest part is going to be keeping it off. It is all well

and good losing the weight but trying to maintain it is going to be hard. It is not about drastic dieting it is about changing your attitude to food consumption completely. You also have to adjust your lifestyle.You can still have

your bad days, and you can still eat what you want, it is just having the common sense to know how much of it to have and when to stop.

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CONFIDENT: Sarah still feels she has a way to go but feels much more happy with her body.© Sarah Hancocks

“It is not about drastic dieting,

it is about changing your attiude to food consumption completely”

LOOK WOW FOR YOUR WORKOUTLooking good could give you that extra motivation to get exercising and lose weight this summer.

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1. Zigzag workout bra from Primark for £5

2. Letter print mesh insert crop top from South Beach for £15

3. Crop swirl workout leggings from Primark for £8

4. Pink stripe canvas bag from South Beach for £12

5. Slogan iPhone 5 case from Primark for £2

6. Gym & Tonic tote bag from notonthehighstreet.com for £14.75

7. Floral running shorts from Juicy Couture for £80

8. Floral crop top from Juicy Couture for £60

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