An expert in weight loss, Professor Franklin Joseph of Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, revealed that a minor change in your diet could assist in shedding up to five pounds within a month without resorting to extreme diets or exercise plans. He believes that intelligent dietary swaps are key to slimming down effectively instead of food deprivation.
The expert said: “People often think weight loss is about deprivation, but it’s really about smart choices. By replacing refined carbohydrates with fibre-rich whole grains or high-protein alternatives, you can cut calories while staying full and satisfied.”
Professor Joseph highlights the importance of being cautious with refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice since they are rapidly digested, leading to spikes and then crashes in blood sugar levels, which can further result in hunger and cravings, reports the Mirror.
He said: “When you eat refined carbs, your body processes them rapidly, leaving you feeling hungry again soon after. By switching to whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, or oats, you slow digestion and keep blood sugar levels stable, which reduces snacking and overall calorie intake.”
For those keen on cutting their calorie intake even more, he suggests opting for high-protein alternatives to refined carbs. Ditch the white toast for brekkie and say hello to eggs or Greek yoghurt, advises Prof Joseph, who also recommends trading in pasta for lentil-based meals or cauliflower rice come dinner time.

The logic? Protein packs a more satisfying punch than carbs, leading you to eat less as the day goes on.
Prof Joseph breaks down the weight loss equation: it’s all about the calorie deficit – burning more calories than you consume. He said: “By making this swap, you could reduce your daily intake by 250-500 calories without even noticing. Over the course of a month, that’s a deficit of around 7,500 to 15,000 calories – roughly equivalent to two to five pounds of fat loss.”
Studies back up the idea that fibre-rich and protein-heavy foods are ace at controlling hunger hormones. “Whole grains and proteins keep you feeling full for longer, meaning you’re less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or overeat later in the day,” he explained.

This isn’t your typical restrictive diet; it’s sustainable because it’s just tweaking what you already eat. He added: “Many diets fail because they require extreme changes that people can’t stick to. But swapping one staple food for a healthier alternative is a simple habit that can lead to lasting results.”
Weight loss doesn’t need to be torturous. According to the professor, small but smart swaps can significantly benefit your health and trim your waistline over time.
If you’re on a quest to shed those extra pounds, Prof Joseph has a nugget of wisdom for a successful start: initiate your transformation by swapping out just one item at a time, progressively incorporating healthier choices into your diet. He offers a straightforward strategy: “The key to success is consistency. Find the swaps that work best for you and make them a part of your daily routine.”