I've been trying to lose fat while building muscle for some time now, with a certain degree of success. But I have hit a plateau and a friend who has done bodybuilding suggested i cut out all wheat and milk from my diet. Would this work and what would it do to me?
Toby Gage, Stockport

Nutritionist Dr Sarah Schenker replies: It isn't health to cut out wheat and dairy from your diet unless there are genuine medical grounds to do so, such as an allergy, because your diet becomes unbalanced and you'll risk nutrient deficiencies. Cutting wheat and dairy from your diet is often an effective way of losing weight, but only because you eat less. Weight loss achieved in this way is usually short-lived and you are likely to regain the weight if you start eating them again.

Instead of avoiding specific foods, reduce your portion sizes. That way, your diet can remain blanced and healthy and you can continue to lose weight. For example, replace a third of your usual portion of pasta, rice or potatoes with salad and vegetables.