Having trouble shedding those kilograms when it’s chilly? Follow our Winter weight loss tips to stay on track.

1.       Go shopping – You won’t notice the hours spent walking around Charlestown Square shaving off the kilograms.

2.       Download an iPhone app to help you out – Transform you iPhone into a pedometer with StepTrackLite or measure your fat percentage and BMI with 2Fat.

3.       Warm up properly – Cold muscles lead to injuries.

4.       Layer up – Stay warm and keep things practical when exercising outside. If you get too hot, you can take a layer off.

5.       Keep hydrated – Just because it’s feels icy outside, doesn’t mean you can do without the water.

6.       Increase incidental exercise – Climb more stairs or park your car a little further from work than usual.

7.       Utilise your television – Stick the treadmill in front of the television, play a DVD workout or jump on the Wii Fit.

8.       Eat healthy soup – Soups are a fantastic way to warm up and lose weight in winter.

Yes, Mother’s Day has been and gone but there are some excellent specials still available this week at Terry White Chemists.  If you forgot about spoiling mum or just want to indulge yourself, there are many fragrance specials to suit.  Terry White Chemists have really pulled out all the stops with beauty and comestic product specials, great for those girly nights out or in.

In keeping with the colder months ahead, and boy has it gotten cold recently, there are many great specials on antihistamines, cold and flu tablets Benadyrl.  This is a great time to stock up for your medicine cupboard, so take advantage.

On the 12-14 May, Terry White Chemists have hosting free taste testing on their line of meal replacements which are also on special this week.  Get on down to your local Terry White for a try, it may just be the kickstart you’ve been waiting for.

Winter has returned for another year and those dreaded winter kilos always have a habit of returning with it.  Keep in control of your weight this winter with this delicious Creamy Winter Vegetable and Chicken Casserole recipe.

Serving size = 2 people.

Ingredients

• 2 x 100g of chicken breast fillets (Females) OR 2 x 200g of chicken breast fillets (Males), chopped into cubes
• 2 Cups of broccoli florets, chunkily cut
• 2 Cup of cauliflower florets, chunkily cut
• 1 Large zucchini, cut into half centimeter semi-circles
• 1 Medium carrot, chopped into thin circles
• 2 Tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 Large Tomato, finely chopped
• 2 – 4 Cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 Small onion, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons of fresh basil, finely chopped
• 4 Tablespoons of low fat smooth ricotta cheese
• 2 Cups of water
• 1 Stock cube
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tablespoon of olive oil

Method

1. Place a large casserole pot on medium to high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Add the onion, crushed garlic and chicken, then toast until golden, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the chicken is golden, add all the other vegetables except the tomato and toast until the vegetables golden.
4. While the vegetables are cooking, in a quarter cup of boiling water dissolve the stock cube.
5. Slowly add the stock cube mix and 2 cups of water to the goldened vegetables and chicken mixture.
6. Add the tomato, tomato paste, ricotta cheese, chopped basil and a pinch of salt and pepper, combining well.
7. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes until the sauce has reduced to a thick and creamy consistency. Make sure you stir the casserole every few minutes to prevent sticking.
8. Serve immediately.

Note

• You can use a different type of meat or meat alternative if desired such as beef, pork, lamb or tofu.
• If you would like a spicy version, add 1 small finely chopped de-seeded chilli.