SIESTAS, al fresco eating and leisurely family gatherings became the norm for the Dobsons when they swopped to a Mediterranean lifestyle.

The family, from Oxendale Road, Thornton, was one of ten taking part in a nationwide survey organised by Olivio.

Mama Dobson (Janet) was given shopping lists, money to buy food and plenty of guidelines, then left to spend an Italian-style week with husband Chris and bambinos Laura, eight, and Matthew, five.

"It was thoroughly enjoyable," she told the Citizen.

"The only thing missing was the Italian weather.

"We had a list of foods, some of which we had never tried before, lots of salads and fresh fruit which I never dreamed the children would eat.

"But they loved it. They've started taking Mediterranean packed lunches to school.

"Luckily, it was quite warm so we were able to eat outside quite a lot.

"One day we invited all our family just like the Italians do - we ended up with ten of us at one table.

"We drank wine with every meal, too, which is something I could definitely get used to."

The Dobsons, who also received a trip to Alton Towers as part of their prize, were encouraged to turn off the television, going for strolls after meals and spending time talking to each other instead.

"That's something we don't tend to do as much in Britain but it was great to sit down and discuss how our day had gone," said Janet.

It is definitely a life-style Janet and her family could get used to.

"We all feel much better for it," she said.

"We've been eating a lot more healthily."

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