The six VERY surprising things you can do before midday to help you lose weight (including sleeping in and opening the curtains as soon as you get up)

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Even with the best of intentions, sticking to a diet or fitness regime in the hope of slimming down is no easy task. 

But there are some tricks you can employ to set yourself up for success, according to Women's Health magazine. 

If you want to ensure you stick to your diet throughout the day, the secret is all in your morning routine. 

Hitting the snooze button to enjoy an extra half hour in bed might mean you forgo your lunch prep, but as long as you grab some healthy snacks then it all contributes to dieting success. 

HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON 

Hitting the snooze button means you'll feel well rested and less likely to succumb to mindless eating throughout the day (stock image)

If you're watching your weight, getting up early to prep food or fit in exercise might sound like an ideal plan. 

But if you approach the day feeling grumpy because you've not had enough sleep, then you're more likely to be in the positive frame of mind needed to stick to a diet. 

On top of that, feeling tired means you're more likely to eat more throughout the day.

In addition, studies have suggested that lack of sleep effects hormones that can make your metabolism more sluggish.  

FACTOR IN A SHORT BURST OF EXERCISE

Some morning people love to get their workout over first thing, and that's a great strategy as it boosts your metabolism, releases positive endorphins and puts you in an achieving frame of mind for the day ahead.  

If you prefer to do your exercise later in the day, there's no need to force yourself down to the gym first thing. 

But even a short burst of exercise, such as 10 minutes of yoga or running on the spot will kickstart your metabolism for the day. 

If you're really pressed for time or just can't face your sun salutations in the early morning, make it part of your commute. 

Get off the bus or train one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way to cheat yourself into exercising. 

IF YOU DO ONE THING, PACK A SNACK 

Ideally, you'll head off to work with a healthy homemade lunch in your bag. 

But if you don't have time, then at least make bringing healthy snacks a priority. 

Stock up the cupboards so you always have something to grab, or keep a stash under your desk. 

Snacking on sugary or fatty foods is a surefire way to ruin your diet, so make sure you have healthy options such as nuts or fruit to hand. 

Go to work armed with healthy snacks or else it will be hard to resists the temptation of a sugary tweet  

THROW OPEN THE CURTAINS 

Let some light into the room as soon as you can, and don' forget about that morning walk.  

Getting a dose of UV light is thought to help sync your body clock, which helps to get your metabolism firing on all cylinders.  

GO TO WORK ON AN EGG 

Everyone knows that eating a good breakfast is the foundation for resisting temptation. 

But a sugary cereal or a slice of toast is not the set up you need if you want to stick your good intentions all day.  

A combination of protein and carbohydrates will keep you feeling full and level your blood sugar, so have eggs on toast or Greek yogurt with fruit. 

Starting the day with protein will help you feel fuller for longer and help you stick to your diet throughout the day 

START HYDRATING 

You may not be able to get started without your morning coffee, but make sure you have a big glass of water too. 

As well as helping to fill you up it will help to reduce the bloating that can leave you feeling sluggish and demotivated.  

Add a squeeze of lemon or lime if you're craving fruit juice for a flavour hit without the sugar and calories.