Most slimming teas contain herbs such as senna or cascara.  These herbs are stimulant laxatives and therefore will cause stomach pains and a runny tummy.  Laxatives cause the bowels to become lazy so that they can not function normally without the stimulant laxative.  It is best to stay away from these type of herbal slimming teas. 

A well balanced breakfast that includes a starch such as a high fiber breakfast cereal or low fat muesli or raw oat bran and fat free milk or yogurt, will provide enough energy to sustain you up to lunch.  To keep blood sugar as even as possible and optimise fat loss, when choosing carbohydrates (starches), rather choose foods that have a low Glycaemic Index and is high in fiber.  Low GI carbohydrates give a steady sustained supply of energy to the body and brain.  By giving preference to low GI carbohydrates, you will be more energetic and at the same time able to concentrate for longer periods of time.

Examples of low GI carbohydrates you can use for lunch and supper are, brown rice, corn on the cob, pasta made with durum wheat/semolina, sweet potato, heavy dense bread e.g. seed loaf bread, Provita and low fat popcorn. 

Protein rich food slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and helps to control blood glucose levels.  Include small portions of legumes (e.g. beans, peas, lentils, and soya), chicken, fish, meat, eggs, or milk with your meals.

Avoid using processed meats e.g. vienna’s, frankfurters, polony, etc. for they are high in fat.  Instead of using meat, try to include legumes, fish or chicken at least three times per week.  Use low fat cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, low fat cheese wedges or cottage cheese.

Go easy on the meat and fill it up with salad.  Include at least 5 fruits or vegetables in your diet every day.

Trying to loose weight without doing regular exercise will lead to muscle loss, since the body finds it easier to turn muscle into energy, than to burn stored body fat.  Exercise increases lean body mass, which in turn increases metabolism and aids in weight loss. Get regular exercise at least 3-5 times per week for 20-50 minutes.

Lastly drink enough water.  At least 6-8 glasses per day will help to remove waste products from the body and help to increase the metabolism.