When embarking on a diet, many of us are programmed to believe that foods with any fat content are a no-go.
But according to diet guru Micheal Mosley, one food group that should be full fat focused as it can help with slimming - and it may surprise you.
Founder of the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets, Mosley's plans involve fasting and only eating within certain time frames of the day. But he also recommends following this schedule while eating a Mediterranean diet.
Explaining how to lose weight on the diet that promotes the eating habits of countries like Italy and Greece, he recommends sticking to full-fat dairy for best results.
Mosley said the revelation may come as a "shock" for those who've turned to 0 per cent fat dairy products for weight loss. However, while they won't make you put on pounds, he explained that these options are often "stripped of their most valuable nutrients".
Sharing the advice on the Fast 800 blog, he said: "Full-fat dairy contains vital protein, iodine, omega-3, calcium, and Vitamins B-12, A and D. The extra healthy fats can also help curb hunger pangs throughout the day."
The Mediterranean diet promotes a diet full of plant based foods like whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, lean meats, fish and healthy fats like olive oil or nuts. While it may not be rich in the pizzas and pasta that are tied to these European countries, it contains a wide variety of food options - making it an ideal long term eating plan.
Other tips the health expert recommends to boost slimming progress on this diet includes making sure each plate of food is rich in colourful veggies - ensuring your nutrient needs are met.
Creating a meal plan for every week is also a great way to stick to your goals, limiting opportunities to stray from healthy eating. While this may not be possible for those with full schedules, even creating a loose plan with suggested ingredients can keep you on track.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
