Seasonal Weight Loss

As we approach the Christmas season everyone will want to look their best for all the Christmas parties. If you have put on a few extra pounds its not too late to lose the weight safely and look fabulous on the day. Here are a few tips that may help.

Before you start your diet spring clean your fridge and cupboards throwing away the foods that will tempt you from eating healthy.

Replace high fat foods with foods that are lower in fat like fruit and vegetables. If you are a meat eater cut away all visible fat from joints before cooking. Remove skin from chicken and cook on a rack if possible to drain the fat away from the joints. Buy a separator jug to drain away the fat from the juices of the meat, using the juices to make a delicious gravy. If using oil use a spray to minimise the amount you use. Cut out sugar laden fruit drinks and choose water, as this will stop you getting dehydrated. If you need to use spreads, use a low fat variety with just a scraping. It is most important to avoid the high fat crisps and chocolate bars, so replace them with a low fat snack of between 50 and 100 calories.

Do not eat food you do not like as your diet will be short-lived, but look for lower fat alternatives of your favourite foods. While out and about keep a piece of fruit in your bag or pocket so you are not tempted to pop in the shop for a chocolate bar.
Try to keep a food diary of what you eat as sometimes we eat things without being conscious of doing so.

Many people who lose weight tend to gain some back, but you can minimise the chances of this happening by making permanent changes to your diet. Losing weight requires determination, but can be a life changing experience.

Do You Gain Weight At Work

Do you spend your working day sitting at a desk? If you do, I'll bet you are slowly gaining weight Then there are the office lunches. Isn't it funny how it always seems to be a colleague's birthday or anniversary? Where I work, that means he or she treats his or her colleagues to sticky cakes and maybe even alcoholic drinks. There are alternatives to these dietary distractions!!

Drink lots of water. This will help to make you feel full, keeping those cravings at bay. We often mistake thirst for hunger thereby eating when in reality we should be drinking water. Drinking water helps to suppress appetite, so is particularly good for you when you are dieting.

Eating snacks that are rated at 100 calories or less can help to boost your metabolism, but remember, these should only be healthy snacks!! Keep some low fat snacks or fresh fruit or raw vegetables, such as carrot sticks in your desk, and pick at these instead of chocolate bars.

Spend a few minutes making yourself a healthy packed lunch. Make sure that you get away from your desk at lunch time. A walk outside in the fresh air will increase your energy level, and invigorating your mind too.

Anticipating your evening meal is almost as much fun as actually eating it, especially if you have planned it yourself. You will be less tempted to spoil your appetite if you are involved in the planning of the meal, but remember, try to avoid using the deep fat fryer, as baking, grilling or micro-waving your food is so better, as less fat is used in the process.

Good quality sleep is important, so make sue you get sufficient sleep for the day ahead.