By that I mean introducing consistent lifestyle changes.
Ditch the word diet, bin the quick fix plan that only works in the short term, lose the unrealistic New Year resolutions, that you make after a few drinks, think positive and achieve what you have wanted to do for years.
Everything is in your own hands, and yes make changes in January, but subtle ones which are realistic and will last over time. Not only will you look much better but will feel energized and positive throughout the year. Here are some ideas on changes you could look to introduce that over time, not just through January, could be life changing:
– Eat smaller portions. It’s simple and it works, eating less calories each day will lead to weight loss.
– Buy smaller plates. You can trick you mind into thinking you are eating a large meal if the small plate is full.
– Cut out snacks between meals, eating more protein at your main meals should help, it will keep you fuller for longer.
– Try to limit the amount of bread you eat per day. If you cut down from four to two slices, you would have saved 730 slices of bread calories a year.
– Ditch your scales! Use your clothes and how you feel as a real measure of your progress. Work towards fitting into a pair of jeans, dress, or shirt.
– Serious about weight loss? Be mindful of your sugar intake – four grams is equal to one teaspoon, more than eight teaspoons for an adult is above the recommended daily allowance.
– Until there is a vast reduction in the sugar content of most cereals, stop eating them! Pull back on these and you will have taken a big step forward in reducing your daily sugar intake. Eggs for breakfast is the way forward.
– Keep your body functioning well and stave off hunger by sticking to a daily routine of drinking water – adult two-three litres a day.
– Move more everyday! Take every opportunity to walk/exercise eg while on the phone walk, on your lunch hour, look to take the stairs not the lift. Moving more means burning more calories.
– Take the word diet out of your vocabulary, eat fresh healthy ingredients where possible. Bulk your plate out with vegetables alongside lean meats and fish.
– Cut down/replace carbs. Replace potato or white rice with a cauliflower version and instead of cooking noodles try replacing them with spiralized courgette. This will hugely cut down your calorie intake and actually tastes good.
– If you are stuck in the same exercise routine which you dread, change it. Find an exercise or class you enjoy, this way you are more lightly to attend regularly and give 100%, leading to better results. – Make time not excuses. Replace idle time on your mobile phone to do more productive things eg to cook fresh food or go for a run/walk, i think we could all learn from this.
– A mental approach is just as important as a physical one, try adding a relaxation class into your regime, this will help keep you calm and positive.
– Take your time implementing these changes, try adding one of two ideas every few weeks, this will help sustain your focus. Let’s face facts, if you are battling your weight and failing, you need to make changes.
Even if you only follow a few of the above tips you will see a big difference over time as long as you stay consistent.
