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diet tips

You've been doing everything right – eating healthily, getting to the gym and focusing on your goal. All of a sudden though, it seems like your weight loss has stopped, or worse, you've actually gained a couple of unwanted pounds.

A weight loss plateau is common a few weeks or months into a diet plan, but it's no reason to get disheartened or to give up. Firstly, keep in mind that our weight can fluctuate daily due to the levels of water in our body. Hopping on the scales just once a week will give you a better picture of your weight than if you check in every day.

If you still find that your weight loss has stalled, keep these tips in mind…

1. Never go hungry
Eating too few calories per day will only send your body into starvation mode, meaning you'll conserve energy rather than burning it. Kick off your metabolism by eating smaller snacks at regular intervals throughout the day, rather than eating a big breakfast and nothing again until dinner. Yes, this will take some extra preparation time, but it'll be so worth it.

2. Don't forget carbs
If you're working out regularly, you'll need to eat some level of carbohydrates to ensure your body has sufficient energy to keep going, so don't ditch them completely! Whole grain carbohydrates like rice, brown bread and quinoa are great for keeping you fuller for longer.

3. Drink more water
One of the best ways to avoid water retention and bloating is, surprisingly, to drink more water. Avoid salty foods and stay hydrated throughout the day to ensure your body gets enough H2O.

4. Monitor your calorie intake
The more weight you lose, the less energy your body needs to keep going. Re-assess your calorie intake every month to ensure you're not overeating without realising.

5. Keep a food journal
Mindless eating and a lack of portion control are two of the main things that can stall your weight loss. Keep note of everything you eat over the course of a few days, and identify where problem areas may lie. For example, if you find you regularly reach for an extra biscuit with that mid-afternoon cup of tea, try eating a healthy snack around that time so you're less likely to crave sugar. Simple!

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If you find that strict diets only make you crave unhealthy food even more, perhaps it’s time to rethink your weight loss regime.

While there’s never a quick fix for staying in shape aside from eating well and getting enough exercise, you might not realise that a few simple changes to your routine can make all the difference.

So behold, our lazy girl’s guide to losing weight!

1. Have a lie-in!
We know that staying in bed a little longer isn’t possible every morning, but make the most of your days off by catching a few hours extra shut-eye. Too little sleep can negatively affect your metabolic rate, and you’re also more likely to crave sugar when your body is in desperate need of a pick-me-up. So do yourself a favour and enjoy those relaxed Sunday mornings in bed!

2. Keep healthy snacks nearby
Studies have shown that we are more likely to eat whatever is nearest to us when craving a snack. By keeping quick and healthy foods like fruit and nuts nearby, you’re less likely to make your way to the shop for a sneaky bag of Doritos.

3. Take time for each meal
Mindless eating is a sure-fire way to gain weight. If you inhale your lunch or dinner while leaning against the worktop or scrolling through Facebook, you won’t process how much you’re eating and how fast. Ever notice that when you’re standing at the buffet or snack table at a party that you eat far more than you usually would? Take the time to sit down and eat your meal slowly without any distractions.

4. Swap dessert for tea or coffee
If you begin a restaurant meal with a couple of glasses of wine and end it with dessert, you’ve automatically added an extra 500 calories at least to your daily intake. Skip dessert, opt for a tea or coffee instead, and save the Death by Chocolate for a special occasion.

5. Drink a glass of water before each meal
It's easy to mistake thirst for a feeling of hunger. Make sure you’re hydrated before every meal by drinking a full glass of water. This will also fill your stomach a little, ensuring you don’t overeat without realising.

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