We test great ways to help you stick to your diet as fasting becomes popular with model Miranda Kerr

FASTING is said to be good for your whole body, not just the waistline. Celebrity fans include Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Lopez and Dom Joly.

But sticking to reduced calories when you have a busy schedule isn’t easy.

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Here are some great ways to stick to your fast and I test gel nail varnishes which should last more than five days.

Health

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DIET COMPANY: LighterLife Fast is a version of the 5:2 diet.

So you have five days a week eating and drinking normally, then on two days you have four of its products, which total 800 calories.

I was surprised the packet food tasted so good. A spaghetti bolognese that was only 150 calories was really filling and freeze-dried fruit and yoghurt at 46 calories satisfied sweet cravings.

This is great if you’re doing the diet at work or you don’t want the hassle of weighing and measuring. Brilliant.

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SOUP: If you are on a diet, then soup is always a great go-to.

Superfood company Soupologie has produced a great range of chilled soups with a 21-day shelf life.

They contain the flesh, seeds, rind and pulp of fruit and vegetables so the fibre stays in the bottle, leaving you feeling full. It’s perfect when you are counting every calorie.

The cucumber, kale and avocado is amazing – and just 129kcal per bottle. See .

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AN APP: When you are having to control your calorie intake and know that going over will ruin your week, counting everything you put in your mouth is vital.

You can’t go wrong with , which you can download on to your phone or use at the computer.

It’s a free online calorie counter and you can also scan barcodes to add food quickly on the app. There are others out there – and many you have to pay for – but I’ve tried plenty and this is still my favourite.

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Beauty

BUDGET– Essie, Gel Couture Polish & Essie, Gel Couture Top Coat

£9.99 & £9.99, from

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A nail polish promising a “gel-like formula” for extraordinary long wear without the need for UV lamps or harsh removal techniques. There are five Gel Couture colours available in the UK from Boots and Superdrug.

MID-RANGE – Le Mini Macaron, Gel Manicure Kit

£34.99 from

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This portable kit includes an LED light to set the gel polish in 30 seconds. The high-shine, chip-free polish combines base coat, colour and top coat.

The results were great and lasted ten days with no chips. It’s a great product and my favourite of the three because it is so easy.

LUXURY: Red Carpet Manicure, Gel Polish Pro Kit

£90 from

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The most extensive at-home gel kit on the market.

It took me 35 minutes in total to apply, with 45 seconds under the LED lamp between each stage to set.

The nails lasted two weeks and it comes with an eraser polish to remove at home. Great.