Taxing sugar? I'm all for that.

Cigarettes are taxed to the hilt - which certainly deters many people from taking up the habit. And that's a good thing. Electronic cigarettes seem to be taking off but no one really knows what the dangers are - yet. Time will tell if these e-ciggies are safe.

Sugar has been described as legal chemical cosh - because it is highly addictive. It is also costing the tax payer millions because the NHS is having to give so many prescriptions related to diabetes - caused by too much sugar and hence we have one of the most overweight countries in the world. It is a serious issue and one that involves all of us.

I think the government should tax sugar - it is madness that children have access to things like Sugar puffs and Frosties - these are appalling cereals - saturated with sugar. Poor children.

Natural sugar substitutes are good but can be pricey but you don't need much.
Honey is a good one and quite cheap aswell as providing good health benefits.
Bananas and other fruit are good plus raisins, sultanas etc.

Chemical sugar is deadly - Sweetex and the like are now known to cause cancer (in USA this has recently been discovered).

Thermal bodies from M&S - terrific!

I have discovered the most amazing piece of underwear to date. It is a very soft and thin thermal body vest - and I totally recommend them. I find normal vests ride up in a roll and make you look as if you have a spare tyre (of flesh). These bodies are in cream, grey or black and I would get a size bigger to allow for the shrinkage which occurs if you tumble dry it. You can't get them in the shop but online they are available - although the black version sold out apart from enormous sizes. They give you a very smooth line under trousers and skirts. Get em before they sell out. £16. A jolly good investment if you want to keep colds and coughs at bay. They do say if you wrap up warm you can prevent colds. I have been cold-free for a year now.