Like it or not, it’s the time of the year for making well-meaning resolutions. Obviously this year I will be losing weight, getting fit, reading 200 books, donating half my disposable income to charity, that sort of thing.

OK, maybe not, but it’s nice to have a few good intentions, especially after spending most of December eating mince pies and Elizabeth Shaw mints for breakfast. That’s why when I was offered to review Skinny Sprinkles again, and stepped with trepidation onto the scales for the first time in about three months, I thought I’d better say yes.

I really like the funky packaging too – it doesn’t look like a punishment…

I reviewed Skinny Sprinkles about this time last year, and although not terribly impressed at the time with the taste, they did help me lose four pounds. Since then, Skinny Sprinkles have been working hard on their recipe, so I was happy to give them another go.

Skinny Sprinkles aren’t a meal replacement plan – instead you drink one about half an hour before every meal, and they are designed to make you feel fuller, meaning you don’t eat as much. The new Skinny Sprinkles formula is certainly much improved, and not at all gritty, which they were a bit to start with. They dissolve much better, leaving a much smoother texture, and the flavour can be improved a lot by making them up with different kinds of milk.

Here’s how I got on over the course of a week with Skinny Sprinkles:

Day one: Decide to start with a weigh-in. Make a sad face and wish I had used tightness of clothes as a judge instead. Use mince pie weight gain as motivation though to crack open the Skinny Sprinkles. Make up shakes with water today – tastier than last time but not exactly delicious. Find it hard to resist eating a biscuit afterwards as a reward.

Day two: Up out of bed, kettle on, and Skinny Sprinkles on the go. I definitely need to work them into a routine to make sure I remember to drink them, as I am a little bit hopeless. Do find myself eating a little less at breakfast and not feeling starving quite so soon.

Day three: Tidy up kitchen, clear worktops and put Skinny Sprinkles on top of the fridge. Immediately forget they are there (see day two) and forget to drink them all day. Do feel hungrier, and wonder why I’m eating more than yesterday, then notice tub on top of fridge and penny drops. D’oh!

Day four: Start again with renewed vigour. Spend some time mid-afternoon willing myself to stay at my desk and not wander into the kitchen for a custard cream or six. Worry that perhaps I think about food too much. (Answer is yes).

Must resist…

Day five: Chatting with Skinny Sprinkles on Twitter and am told that I will find them much tastier if I make them up with skimmed milk or other dairy free option. Try making one up with full fat milk. Very delicious indeed, but think I might be missing the point a little.

Day six: Pre-menstrual subconscious convinces me that my Skinny Sprinkles are best enjoyed today with a small slice of leftover Christmas cake. Just a wafer thin slice. Oopps.

Day seven: Time for another weigh in. Have lost two pounds. Not staggering, but then I wasn’t quite as good as last year at working Skinny Sprinkles into my daily routine.

…

So, conclusions? Skinny Sprinkles are definitely much more palatable than when they first launched, and are helpful if you’re trying to lose weight, although probably best not to drink it made with full fat milk everyday if you actually want to lose weight. It’s important to remember that like using patches to give up smoking, they are an aid, not a cure – you have to do most of the hard work yourself.

For me, willpower is a massive issue, and my motivations for eating in the first place play a big role. I don’t often eat purely because I’m hungry, so although Skinny Sprinkles can help reduce your appetite, I need to work personally on things like not just eating out of boredom, for comfort, or any other of the myriad excuses I make.

The week has certainly been food for thought though. Now maybe I’ll just have a little custard cream while I think about my next move.