We wish we were Californian

A few years ago, no self-respecting Briton would dream of sipping a skinny latte while discussing his 'issues' with a lifestyle manager.

But now we have fully embraced the much-mocked habits of touchyfeely Californians, according to a new report.

For the British are abandoning their traditional stiff upper lip, pie and mash for previously ridiculed delights such as alfalfa sprouts, prune juice and lunch-hour plastic surgery, according to American psychologist Dr Aric Sigman. Beerbelliesand pork pies are decidedly out, while tanned torsos, rippling six packs and the Atkins diet are in.

'California is not just a state but rather a state of mind,' Dr Sigman says in How Britain Is Becoming More Californian.

'The change goes beyond the obvious, to the way the British feel, behave and organise themselves socially.'

Many Californian ideals previously sniggered at are becoming commonplace-Nancy Reagan is a case study. The British scoffed when she brought her personal astrologer to the White House.

But, 20 years later, Cherie Blair has lifestyle guru Carole Caplin on hand at No.10 to help the Prime Minister's wife with advice.

Dr Sigman concedes some fads tolerated by Californians may not be so acceptable this side of the pond - such as actor Arnold Schwarzenegger running for political office and a law which bans outdoors smoking more than 20ft from a bar.