Simple Slimming Tips
* Think positive. Don't think in terms of denial and punishment when trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss. Think instead of long-term healthier eating, better health and a better-looking you.
* Balance you body's needs. There is no big secret about losing weight. If your intake of calories exceeds your body's needs, you gain weight. It pays to be realistic about how much you eat and what you eat.
* Measure it! Weigh food portions to get an idea of what a recommended serving looks like - it's smaller than you thinks! Don't eat foods, such as ice cream or yogurt, straight out of the cartoon, instead measure out a portion.
* Ban buffets. You don't have to stop eating out, but do think about what you're eating and where. For example, you're more likely to lose track of how much you're eating at an "Eat as much as you like" buffet than at a sit-down dinner. The golden rule is to avoid anything fried, fatty or creamy. Beware of 'hidden' fats. Chicken, for example, is lean, but the skin is not.
* Read the labels. Always read the food labels to check for fat and sugar content. Try to use low-calorie products - you will soon find that the higher-fat and sugar varieties taste too rich. Beware, some low-fat products contain a lot of sugar, which will add to your calorie intake.
* Weigh yourself weekly. Don't keep weighing yourself. If you are on a weight-loss diet, jump on the scales every week or so but don't become fanatical. Weight can fluctuate during your monthly hormonal cycle.
* Take water with your wine. You don't have to give up alcohol when you're trying to lose weight, but you do need to cut down and stick to lower-calorie drinks, such as dry white wine, clear spirits, and fruit-based cocktails, instead of beers and creamy cocktails. Stick to low-calorie mixers, and follow every alcoholic drink with a large glass of mineral water.
* Eat regular meals. Don't skip meals and do aim for a realistic weight loss. If you skip meals to lose quickly, you are more likely to disrupt your metabolism and ultimately put weight back on. Aim to lose 1-2 lbs. (500 g - 1 kg) per week.
* Exercise to lose weight faster. To lose weight faster, cut down on you calorie consumption and take regular exercise.
* Cut out convenience foods. There are very few low-fat or healthy fast foods - so try to cut them out. Avoid convenience foods too because they are often high in fats and sodium to enhance their flavor.
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MARCH 24
