How to lose weight...keep it simple!
Most of us put on a few extra pounds during the winter. So rather than planning a strict diet and mad exercise regime…why not start by making a few small changes to your diet today.
The secret
The secret to sensible weight loss is to be consistent in managing what and how much we eat. We won’t lie to you…quite a bit of determination and kick-ass willpower is needed too.
There are lots of complicated and confusing diets out there: weigh this, count that etc. We’ve found keeping it simple is the best way to still enjoy fantastic food and lose weight! Here's how.
Keep it simple
We love the simplicity of the following two diets because, and this is the best bit, a little of what we like is allowed. Just in a planned way, that’s all. How great is that!
The 80/20 principle is about eating the right kind of food and amount to lose weight and stay healthy, with a little indulgence just once or twice a week. So if you fancy a slice of apple pie or a few chunks of chocolate this weekend, that’s fine…just remember it’s about portion control too…so maybe not the whole pie.
Our favourite is eating a healthy diet 6 days a week and then having 1 day-off to eat anything we want! Literally, anything and as much as we want too! This is the basis of the Body for Life model. During the week eat small regular meals, watch portion sizes (this is vital) and drink water. Planning is crucial. Plan what you are going to eat each day and stick to it, but also have fun planning your day-off too…the pizza you’re going to have, the crisps, the cake…!
Even though losing weight doesn’t happen overnight, within just 3-4 weeks you will notice a difference. It usually takes 12 weeks to see long term positive changes.
If you have a bad day or week, and it's all gone a bit wrong, just plan the next day and start again. Keep it simple!
Key principles
· Have a goal! What do you want to achieve…lose weight, gain body definition?
· Plan what you are going to eat in advance. Writing it down can help make sure you don’t eat more than you’d planned.
· Keep your fridge and cupboards stocked up with healthy options.
· Eat small, regular meals throughout the day.
· Remember a portion is the size of your clenched fist or the palm of your hand.
· Eat a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables.
· Have at least 2 portions of vegetables a day…what can we say, vegetables are just good for you!
· Learn how to cook healthy. Add less fat, sugar and salt…food can still be super tasty!
· Drink less coffee, tea and soft drinks, and replace with water. We need 1.2 litres a day, more during exercise and hot weather.
· Enjoy your indulgences once or twice a week with the 80/20 approach or go crazy on your day off and eat anything and everything you want!
A healthy diet takes commitment, determination and willpower. But don't forget your day-off is never that far away. Sweeeeet!
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