Lose seven pounds If you've been on a diet the last seven pounds are always the most difficult to lose. There are a few reasons for this, some of which you don't have much control over, such as your body's natural urge to try to hang on to its last fat reserves. Also you are probably not quite so motivated at the end of a diet as you were at the beginning and you might be less strict on your calorie intake as you are already looking and feeling great. But, you have to admit, half a stone really isn't very much – four pounds can easily be gained overnight depending on what we've eaten and the time of the month. With such a small amount of weight to lose, the key is not to consume more calories than you are burning off – an extra biscuit here and there can make all the difference. One of the best ways of monitoring what you are eating is to keep a food diary, filling it in through the day every time you eat or drink something. You might be surprised how much you snack without realising it; studies have shown that we genuinely forget the food we have eaten over the course of a day. The extra half stone will soon go if you can reduce your daily intake by 500 calories. By keeping a food diary you will be able to see where you can trim those 500 calories from your diet – taking your tea without a spoonful of sugar, eating porridge made with skimmed milk for breakfast instead of muesli with semi skimmed milk – without too much pain. And don't forget your portion sizes may be hindering you from reaching your goal – a little less food on your plate might be all you need to shift those last few pounds. Remember as you lose weight you need less calories compared to when you were heavier. But if keeping a food diary doesn't help you drop the weight try stepping up your exercise routine. If you already go the gym three times a week try adding a bit more exercise to your day by going out for a brisk half hour walk in your lunch hour. By combining diet and exercise you'll soon be waving goodbye to those extra seven pounds. Hide the extra pounds Hiding that extra half stone has never been easier. With the right underwear and a little fake tan those extra seven pounds will soon melt away. According to Gok Wan, presenter of Channel 4' s How to look good naked, every woman should have magic underwear in her drawer. It might not be sexy but it will help to control your bum, tummy and thigh areas to give you a smoother looking silhouette. And don't forget a properly fitting bra can either make the most of, or minimise, your assets and help show off a gorgeous cleavage. Once you've got the foundation right you're half way to hiding those extra pounds. Choose clothes that are tailored, skimming the body rather than clinging to every bump, and steer clear of baggy styles that will add pounds. Tailored jackets are great for hiding all sorts of problems. If you've got a big bum then chose a jacket that finishes just below your waist, but if you have a large bust then make sure your jacket is nipped in at the waist and wear it unbuttoned. Only wear patterns and stripes on the slim bits of your body and be careful that an empire- line cut dress or top doesn't make you look pregnant. And finally, head off to Nirvana Spa for a 55- minute Celestial Nourishing Body Wrap treatment ( members £ 50, guests £ 60) to smooth your silhouette and a 10- minute St Tropez Ultimate Spray Tan ( members £ 30, guests £ 36), is guaranteed to make you look and feel fabulous. half a stone

30 ? Exclusive Nirvana Spa is the UK's leading floatation facility – there's nowhere else that offers the treatment on as grand a scale, or in as opulent surroundings. With its sparkling waters and starry-sky ceiling, twinkling away above you, it's the ultimate in divine relaxation, and one of the most effective ways to escape the everyday world as it's possible to experience. The pure waters of the Celestial Pool – taken from Nirvana's own natural springs – are enriched with 100 tonnes of Dead Sea salts, providing buoyancy and 21 minerals, each of which has a vital role in improving health and wellbeing. This means that floatation is not just a pleasurable experience; though there's no denying that allowing your body to drift around the pool in the gentle current is decadently comforting! It's also a powerful treatment for many medical conditions and injuries. Skin and joint problems, aches and pains, stresses and strains are washed away in the magical waters, leaving you glowing from within, energised and soothed. And when your float is over, the pampering continues. Everyone who floats is provided with a complimentary application of Clarity Conditioning Mineral Hair and Scalp Mud, which is the most sought after product in Nirvana Spa's new Celestial range of premium treatments and products. Since its launch in winter 2007, Celestial has proven to be a major success, and the secret behind this is the range's gemstone ingredients. The products contain extracts of precious malachite or rhodochrosite crystals, which have been used throughout the centuries to nurture and enhance the mind, body and soul. Coupled with advanced formulations, pure essential oils and other active natural ingredients, Celestial is a truly unique range – and more and more people are experiencing just how effective and luxurious the products are to use. Loaded with mineral- rich Dead Sea mud silt and water from Nirvana Spa's springs, the creamy mask works in total A s out of this world experiences go, floating in Nirvana Spa's Celestial Pool, followed by an application of its luscious Celestial Clarity Conditioning Mineral Hair and Scalp Mud, is as close to heaven as you can get on earth. harmony with the floatation experience, helping soothe away dry, flaky and itchy scalps. Used after shampooing, and either rinsed immediately or left in for up to 20 minutes for a nourishing treat, it leaves hair looking thicker, stronger, shiny, revitalised and soft. The pure essential oils of bergamot, lemon and sandalwood also infuse hair with a long- lasting, refreshing fragrance. The mud contains extract of malachite, a deep green gemstone that has been scientifically proven to boost the skin's immune system and enhance cell repair. In crystal therapy, the gem is also used by practitioners to bring balance and harmony to the body as a whole, while clarifying thoughts and calming the mind. " This is such an amazing product," said Laura Johnson, who heads up the new product development team at Nirvana Spa. " When we created it we knew we were onto something special – it's a sheer pleasure to use and has so many benefits packed into a simple hair mask. And our customers agree; for many it has become a ' must have' product that they use to keep their hair and scalp in wonderful condition. " There's no better way to discover the difference the mask can make to your hair than by enjoying it after your Celestial Pool floatation. It's a Celestial partnership made in heaven!" A match made in heaven A 55 minute floatation in the Celestial Pool, including an induction session, costs £ 25 for members and £ 30 for guests. Those familiar with floating may book a 40 minute session, at a cost of £ 25 members and £ 30 for guests. For booking and further information please contact Nirvana Spa on 0118 989 7575. Celestial Clarity Conditioning Mineral Hair and Scalp Mud (£ 9.35 members, £ 12.50 guests) is available exclusively from the Nirvana Spa shop, or online at www. nirvanaspa. co. uk