Today's tip is by Brain Food nutritionist Yvonne McMeel who advises:'When venturing on new a healthy eating plan never underestimate the power of water. Thirst is often misinterpreted as hunger and can lead to all sorts of unnecessary snacking. Not only does water contain no fat or calories, it can also help to speed your metabolism.

Practically every working system in the body requires water, therefore dehydration can lead these systems to slow down when the body is thirsty. Adding a glass of water is the same as shifting your car into a higher gear; more water means a faster metabolism, which burns calories at a quicker rate. Studies have even shown that after drinking two glasses of water, it takes 10 to 40 minutes to jumpstart your metabolism. Yet once it’s going you’ll burn calories at a 30 per cent faster rate.'

Here are the top five ways to add water to your diet:

Photograph: PlainPicture/Stockwerk/Birgit Klemt