Eating well & diet B1–B2
Talking about habits, health and cutting back.
Cutting back
cut down on — reduceA: Do you want another coffee?
B: No, I'm cutting down on caffeine lately.
cut out — stop doing or eating something (usually for health reasons)A: You look great! Have you been working out?
B: Thanks! I actually just cut out junk food.
lay off — stop consumingI'm trying to lay off the sugar. (casual)
I'm cutting back on sugar at the moment. (neutral/polite)
Weight
put on — gain weightA: You look well!
B: Thanks — I've actually put on a few kilos since I stopped running.
lose weight — become thinnerA: Have you been working out lately?
B: Yeah, I wanted to lose weight before summer.
Healthy habits
balanced diet — healthy mix of foodA: I'm always tired these days.
B: Maybe you should try eating a more balanced diet.
healthy diet — good nutritionA: You look great! What's your secret?
B: Honestly, I just try to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
stay healthy — keep wellA: You never seem to get sick. What's your secret?
B: I just try to stay healthy by going for walks and eating well.
Cutting back
Sam: I'm trying to cut down on sugar this month.
Jo: Good idea. I cut out fizzy drinks completely.
Sam: I should lay off the biscuits too, really.
Jo: Little by little — it all adds up.
Watching your weight
Jo: I've put on a bit over the holidays.
Sam: Me too. I'm hoping to lose weight before summer.
Jo: Fancy starting a run together?
Sam: Go on then — tomorrow morning?
Staying healthy
Sam: What's your secret? You never seem to get ill.
Jo: A balanced diet, mostly — lots of veg.
Sam: I keep meaning to eat a more healthy diet.
Jo: It's the easiest way to stay healthy, honestly.