Those bods over at Mintel never rest for Christmas. Their latest research has looked into the sales of diet control food and discovered that   it has slowed to nothing over the last year. Good thing, we think. The best way to lose weight is with a balanced mix of whole foods which are specific to person’s own tolerances and preferences rather than artificially sweetened and bulked processed products. Here are the facts:

As a new year begins, the thoughts of many Brits will be on how to shed the excesses of the festive season and using the new year as a catalyst to realise their ambitions of a fitter self.However, while we may be growing larger as a nation, with one in three (31%) Brits on a more or less permanent diet, new research from Mintel finds sales of diet and weight control food stagnating.

Indeed, latest research from Mintel sees sales of weight control foods having risen by a conservative 10% to £1.6 billion between 2007 and 2012, with the market at a standstill in 2012. What is more, the number of consumers looking out for light or diet food and drink products has progressively slipped, albeit at a slow rate. Around one in five (19%) Brits use diet food and drink, the number of users having dropped from 21% in 2008, meanwhile, just 5% of Brits use diet products, such as appetite controllers and meal replacements.

Today, the top five ways Brits choose to manage weight are – 1. Exercise more 60%, 2. Eat small portions 55%, 3. Cut back on fatty foods 53%, 4. Cut back on sugary foods and drink 54% and 5. Cut back on desserts 46%. Meanwhile, just three in ten (30%) Brits opt for more diet foods to try to lose weight.

Overall, just over half (52%) of Brits have tried to lose weight in the past year (42% of men versus 63% of women). Almost a fifth (18%) try to maintain their current weight. Almost one in five (17%) sometimes think about their weight but don’t do anything about it, while one in ten (10%) never think about their weight and 3% are trying to put weight on.

Emma Clifford, Senior Food Analyst at Mintel said:

“The troubles of the diet and weight control market cannot be attributed to consumers lacking interest in losing weight, in fact, quite the contrary. The majority of Britons have tried to lose or manage their weight in the last year, and the number of persistent dieters continues to edge up. The turbulent economic landscape, squeezed disposable incomes and low consumer confidence have stifled growth in the market, as financially straightened Britons turned to cheaper methods of weight management, such as eating smaller portions and cutting back on certain types of food.”

When asked about light and low-fat foods, the overriding perception held by three quarters of the population (76%) is that diet products are overpriced. Also presenting a challenge to the market is the widespread scepticism over the health credentials of foods labelled as diet, low fat or low calorie. Indeed, while seven in ten (71%) feel it is difficult to know how healthy these products genuinely are, half (51%) of Britons actively distrust them, driven by concerns which linger over the ingredients or sweeteners they contain.

Competition from products which are naturally lower in calories is a major issue for the market, and almost half (48%) of adults prefer these products over reduced calorie alternatives. The top health claims consumers look for are low fat (52%), part of my five a day (49%), unprocessed 43%, low sugar 43% and low calorie (40%). Almost one in ten (8%) admit they do not buy healthy food.

“Despite rising levels of obesity and the large swathes of the population who are trying to lose weight, the diet and weight control food market is stagnating. Although the overriding perception that ‘light’ products are overpriced is undoubtedly limiting their appeal, consumers’ scepticism over their healthiness is also a major barrier. In order to win consumers’ trust and compete with naturally low-calorie foods it is vital that manufacturers offer consumers greater transparency in terms of their ingredients and what constitutes them being ‘diet.’ continues Emma.

Within the market, biscuits (which include cereal bars) account for the largest share of the identified diet and weight control food sales, accounting for 31p in every £1 spent on these, and this segment is expected to grow by an impressive 9% in 2012. The diet and weight control yogurt sector has seen sales slip in 2012 to an estimated £334 million related to ramped-up competition from more indulgent yogurts and functional yogurts. The most notable declines are estimated to be witnessed in the chilled and frozen ready meals segments, which are forecast to decline by 17% and 14% year on year respectively.

Overall, the diet and weight control foods market is made up of biscuits (31%), yogurt (21%), yellow fats (13%), breakfast cereal (7%), salad dressings (6%) bread (6%) chilled ready meals (6%), frozen ready meals (4%) artificial sweeteners (4%) and ice cream (2%).Looking at dieting schemes used by Brits, the top three schemes are – 1. Keeping a food diary (13%), 2. Using diet apps (10%) and 3. Joining diet clubs or programmes (7%).

“It is likely that more diet apps will continue to flood onto the market, and the popularity of these will grow. Consumers are becoming more data-driven and consumers are increasingly turning to technology to build ‘personal dashboards’. These can lend consumers a sense of control over the many facets of their busy lives, with the ultimate aim of self-betterment.” Emma concludes.

So Paige Denim has landed here at Lovestretch and we were just wondering how to get across how seriously nice they are when we found this pic of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing her Skyline Ankle Peg jeans courtesy of Just Jared celebrity news. Enough said, really, except to add that they’re selling out fast. Skyline is the jeans style for classy lovers of classic five-pocket denim.

Smooth your line beneath a fitted dress with Lace Trimmed Slip
An unforgiving dress can be a challenge at any time. This gorgeous piece gives a long slender look for jersey dresses or an evening dress which calls for a sleek foundation.

Show off your beautiful shapewear with Lace Trimmed Stretch Cami
We love curves and we love the fact that this shapewear is fabulous enough to be worn out in public! The Lace Trimmed Cami looks great peaking from behind the lapels of a tailored jacket – a key piece for Autumn so this is one to invest in.

Yoga and Pilates vests and circle scarf, all by Wellicious
Summer has to end and the whole thing is made so much easier but the thought that the shops are starting to fill with the rich, luxurious colours of autumn. Over the last few years, yoga and Pilates clothes have become seasonal in the same way and there are few companies as adept at making sure fashionistas look their best in the studio as Wellicious. This London-based company is no less serious about yoga and Pilates but it always manages to produce a collection which reflects beautifully the turn of the seasons.

Headed by its Founder and Creative Director, Heike Schnell, each seasonal collection is designed and developed by the very experienced and highly skilled design team at Wellicious. Each and every detail carefully evolves to create an eco-friendly yet stylish and glamorous collection infused with the latest fashion and colour trends. Since its launch in 2007, celebrity fans of the luxurious yoga, Pilates and loungewear have included singer and actress Dannii Minogue and top model Erin O’Connor. More significantly, many star yoga teachers such as Tara Lee, Katy Appleton and Gabriela Bozic advocate the brand for its comfort and quality.

Sustainability is a core issue for Wellicious and it uses only carefully sourced fabrics such as Organic Cotton, Lyocell and Tencel. Rain-fed Organic Cotton ensures less water is used for its growth than for regular cotton. Tencel and Lyocell are soft, lightweight breathable, shrink-resistant and durable materials created from natural cellulose found in wood pulp. They are also biodegradable.

For 2012, deep and luxurious colours such as merlot are blended with muted highlights for a flattering yet modern take on the classic yoga vest and leggings combo. Stand-out pieces include a ruched vest which borrows the sweetheart neckline and seaming from an evening dress to make a top that properly supports the figure throughout practice. Leggings get yet another Wellicious makeover with fabulous jodhpur styling added to the classic fold-over Wellicious stirrup pants.

As a brand, Wellicious is very interesting; a contemporary yoga and loungewear company, focuses on comfort which lends itself perfectly to travelling. I recently had a long work trip flying overnight so wanted to focus on comfort, yet equally didn’t want to look like I was flying in my PJ’s! The cotton mix fabric of the Deluxe Pants feels more like light cashmere and the design is stylish - the drawstring waist brings shape to the waist, and the tapered cuffs are bang-on-trend as well as the grey marl colour. My fellow travellers looked on in envy and I decided to rifle through Lovestretch on my return for more. The summer collections are now in the sale and the classics are always right there in the Wellicious section – I’ll keep my beady eye on both.

Summer can be the season of dread for women who regard stripping Lycra on the beach or by the pool as exposing rather than exciting.  But it is possible to make most of any figure with the right advice. Here are a few nifty tips for working our  swimwear. This season’s crop includes a new classic style for plus-cup wearers from Sunseeker (above right) and the fabulous starburst Prism print cossie from Moontide (centre) which shapes the body with optical illusion. Whatever your body shape, we hope these pointers may help point you in the right direction…

Fall in love with a one-piece:
A swimsuit doesn’t have to be matronly. It can hide a multitude of sins if the shape and fabric are right for you.  It’s usually accepted that a bikini is sexier but a swimsuit can really show off and smooth curves.  It’s also sometimes better to hint at your lovely shape rather than to put everything on display.

Try: Cut-away swimsuit, £62, by Sunseeker.

Big Bosoms require careful handling:
It’s easy to feel self conscious in swimwear if your chest is on the generous side but with a well fitted, properly supported swimsuit you can feel secure and know that you’re enhancing your assets. You can also boost what nature nature has given you with underwired bikini tops.  Either way, V–shaped necklines are the most flattering and wide straps will balance a heavier shape and add extra support.

Try: Ruched plus cup swimsuit, £62, by Sunseeker. 

Enhancing a small but perfectly formed chest:
This can be a great shape to possess because you can easily work a bandeau type bikini or a string bikini.  Balconette tops will boost a small bosom with padding and under-wiring although it’s a good idea to keep the enhancement modest and lifelike! A decent fit is as important as it is for a larger chest.

Try: Underwired Bandeau Top, £49, by Moontide. 

The added extras that help modest bathers:
Some swimsuits come with deceptively good coverage, using low legs, skirts and shape-enhancing panels that can make most of us feel more confident nowadays.  A sarong or beach kaftan sarong will minimize the time you spend feeling exposed but don’t let them drown your figure.

Try: Sheer Leopard Print Poncho, £165, by Roidal. 

Leave bikini shorts to those with long legs:
Swimwear with a lower leg can make you appear shorter so avoid them unless your legs can take them. Go instead for a high leg option which extends the figure and is generally more flattering if you have a curvaceous behind.  A one-piece swimsuit with a plunging neckline can create the illusion of a lengthened body.

Try: Pin-up Twist Swimsuit, £67, by Moontide 

The super-slim have their issues too:
Most people think that skinny women and swimwear go together like Kate and Wills but there are pitfalls to this shape. Solid colors and high necks can create a bean-pole look so opt instead  for patterns, bright colors and shapely, cut-out styles.  The monokini is great for a sleek look. Tie legs and beading are a cute addition for adding interest.

Try: Prism Halter Swimsuit, £69, by Moontide. 

Above all, remember that we all have good and bad points and there are swimwear styles out there for everyone. So enjoy your body and remember that finding the right swimsuit is something everyone has to work at.

 

Large Cotton and Canvas bag, £86, by American Vintage

It’s only when you’ve had children that you realise just how unnecessary most of the kit is that accompanies the contemporary infant. And among the most unnecessary of all are the special baby bags that every new mother feels obliged to own, with a space for a changing mat and pockets to hold bottles and room for nappies. I can rarely see the things without wanting to accost the women who carry them and hiss: you do realise you don’t need this? Because you don’t.

What you need is a bag big enough to hold two or three nappies and a packet of wipes, a couple of bottles and a folded changing mat. And you know what? A big handbag will do the job perfectly well, even the changing mat. There is nothing cooler than accommodating a baby into your everyday wardrobe and one thing most of us possess is a big bag. Make it generous enough, and it’ll not only fit the baby, it’ll stand you in perfectly good stead for civilian life, post-infancy.

Whether you go down the canvas or leather route can depend on the season. Summer is the time you can unleash breezy cottons into your wardrobes and bags are no different in this respect. Leather, as used by IKKS for its capacious handbag, will see you through the seasons but fare less well on the beach (you’ll be hoovering sand from its depths well into autumn) unless your name is Marc Jacobs and a) you won’t go anywhere without your Hermes Birkin and b) someone else will do your bag-hoovering for you. The answer is probably to own a selection. Okay, it means getting a bit of a work-out if you forget the golden rule – just because it will fit in, doesn’t mean that it should fit in – and you overstuff your gorgeous bag, but what is all that gym work for anyway?

The benefits of big bag really show themselves in the summer months. What we all need is a holdall that will masquerade as a handbag when it comes to check-in – especially if you entire mini-break can fit into your hand luggage. It is also a way to combine a summer shopping bag (practical) with a shape and colour that fits right in with your outfit rather than simply going along with it (fashion hit).

Find Lovestretch now at Fashiolista.com, a fashion-watcher’s dream come true, and win a fabulous Metalicus catsuit and Zatchels bag. Basically, you sign up for a ‘Love’ button and then you simply press it whenever you see a fashion or beauty must-have whenever you’re on the internet. It alerts other Fahiolistas to fabulous things and you can build your own hit list for the season and beyond (you can add as many pieces as you like). We’re going slightly nuts with this one – it’s a race to have the best looking shopping list.

 

Featured in this week’s Style mag, Zatchels is finding a wider audience. Why do we love them too? Handmade from the finest quality, durable leather, Zatchels specializes in traditional English bags, including the barrel bag and the classic school satchel, and makes them fun again.

It’s great to get a mention in gorgeous mags and Grazia is one of those we really love to be mentioned in. The glossiest weekly has chosen our Atelier zodiac chains for its bumper Christmas issue. Yes, these are presents to covet and there’s no denying that if Santa leaves one of these in your stocking on the 25th, a very popular bloke he would be. And if he doesn’t? A present under the tree labelled, ‘To Me, with lots of love from Me XXX’ achieves the same happy ending.