I’m counting down the days until our first family holiday abroad in years. Since Covid stopped play.

Wanting to be my best self — or even shed a couple of pounds before I go — I’m loosely following a higher protein, lower processed carbohydrate routine.

The wonderful Gemma Hirsch introduced me to an easy-to-follow eating plan as part of her Fitbuddie programme. It really does work. Even more so if you stick to it. In the run-in to my son's bar mitzvah her advice helped me feel and look my best.

Fast forward a year and I'm back to my old habits. I tried another go at the plan, and had I managed to follow her advice on what to eat and do the exercises she advocates, I’d be waif-like by now. But my will power isn’t strong and my tooth is sweet.

With the departure gate now in sight, I need to have another go. One of my secret weapons are delicious protein bars from local lady, Sue Robinson.

Mrs Robinson, who brands her bars “And here’s to you” in homage to Simon and Garfunkel’s 1968 ditty, herself shed multiple pounds four years ago. She still looks amazing. Her mentor was Janine Blasi and her Fitter Formation plan. Robinson has managed to keep the weight off and credits the bars with helping her stay on track.

Each bar contains 12 grams of protein, using protein powders combined with a blend of fruits or other flavours like chocolate or peanut butter. She launched with four recipes — berry; chocolate banana; berry mocha and plain banana — and now offers 15 flavours. They include banoffee; raspberry and white chocolate; lemon chilli; blueberry and apple; and orange drop.

As well as being packed with protein, the bars are low in sugar and less than 200 calories. They’ll keep for a couple of days in the fridge and three months in the freezer. In the recent heatwave they were a chilly bonus in the snacking department.

And since my visit to Sue’s spotless kitchen, she has launched super cute, mini versions of her bars. Half the size and half the calories that should hit the spot. And they’re pressed into moulded shapes that look almost too good to eat.

Apple cinammon bars and minis Mrs R

Apple and cinnamon two ways

So, when my sweet tooth demands a sugary snack mid-afternoon or the end of my evening, I’ll be reaching for one of these — and hopefully not going on to reach for the ice cream/peanut butter or jar of Nutella…