I’ve just taken it in to my local tailor’s to have the seams let out, but as it’s vintage silk, 1cm on each side is as much as they can do. Which means the other couple of centimetres are up to me.

I don’t believe in diets, but I do know from experience that watching what you eat can help to beat the bloat. In my case, that means cutting out mindless snacks, especially salty or sugary ones (I don’t need that biscuit an hour before lunch and always feel better without it), and, crucially, finding a way to ride out the six o’clock snack attack. It’s the time of day I find most difficult – I’m always starving but supper’s still a couple of hours away. On an average day, I’ll stumble in from work tired and snaffle a packet of crisps, last night’s left-overs and a large lump of cheese. Which would be fine if I didn’t sit down with my boyfriend for a ‘second supper’ a few hours later.

So what’s the best option for snacking in this tricky time slot? Nutritionist Liz Harefleet had these ideas:

Avocado filled with cottage cheese; glass of pineapple juice (approx 300 cals)

‘Avocados are healthy, mini ready-meals full of essential fatty acids to fill you up. Pineapple is also a great tummy filler. Add an oatcake if you’re not eating till nine.’

Wholemeal pitta and houmous (approx 200 cals)

‘Use low-fat houmous or a vegetarian spread such as Cauldron Organic Moroccan Chickpea Pate (available from health food stores) for a filling snack. Add a glass of grapefruit juice and no-sugar lemonade if that’s not quite filling enough.’

A large banana and a snack bar; eight almonds (approx 300 cals)

‘This works if you’re in the mood for something sweet. Plus, it feels like you’re eating quite a lot, but it’s extremely nutritious and won’t send your calorie count soaring.’

Wish me luck (and a flat stomach).