A heart doctor is warning against strict new year diet plans.

Cardiologist Dr Laura Corsinovi, from Hampshire Hospitals, is advising people not to start January with food bans.

Instead, she suggests that better heart health can be achieved through long-term lifestyle changes that include treats.

According to Dr Corsinovi, individuals are likely to have more success with realistic goals rather than taking drastic steps that are difficult to maintain.

She said: "If people would like a piece of cake, especially over the festive period, have a piece; as long as it isn’t the whole cake or a piece every day."

Dr Corsinovi, who also specialises in general medicine, says balance is key, and a walk after a treat can minimise negative impacts.

She recommends avoiding highly processed foods, high-sugar foods, and fizzy drinks.

Dr Corsinovi works across several hospital sites and is known for her expertise in using high-tech imaging in cardiac care.

She performs cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, and various types of echocardiography, including stress, transthoracic, and transoesophageal echocardiography.

Dr Corsinovi maintains a low-carbohydrate diet, rich in beans and pulses, and enjoys dark chocolate as a treat.

The "Heart Centre" at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, where she works, opened in 2022.