If your long-term resolution is to lose weight, you are not alone. It’s hardly surprising but losing weight is at the top of most people’s to-do list, according to a recent study. Number two on the list? To get fit, closely followed by eating more healthily. But losing weight can be tough, and we’ve all floundered along the way. If you’re up for giving it another crack, we’re here to help. Follow the top 10 tips of health and fitness experts to get your best body ever:
Looking sculpted takes commitment. Fancy looking like Jennifer Aniston? She works out at least five or six days a week. Her routine consists of 40 minutes of cardio, which includes spinning, running and elliptical machine, or a combo of all three. She also squeezes in Pilates once a week and yoga three days a week. Phew!
(Related: 8 Ways To A Flat Belly With No Exercise)
Many fitness trainers are big fans of using props in their exercise routine. They’re great because they provide a full-body workout and combine strength training with cardio so you can maximise your results. The momentum of swinging, pressing or pulling weights forces your muscles to counteract the movement, strengthening and toning them.
Keep in mind the real reason you’re trying to lose weight. Is it for health reasons? Or is it for looks? Both will be improved with a balanced diet packed with vitamins and minerals, so focus on what you’re eating, rather that what you aren’t.
(Related: Easy Tricks To Stop Unhealthy Food Cravings)
Don’t think of dieting as a short-term fix – it’s a lifestyle. Never skip a meal. If you do, blood sugar levels start to dip and you’re more likely to crave something sweet – and then the problems will really start!
It may sound counterintuitive but eating a very light starter before your meals may actually help you to cut the weight. A non-creamy soup or a salad without an oily dressing is the perfect choice. These starters will fill you up and help you to avoid overeating when it comes to your main course.
(Related: Must-Eat Super Seeds That Will Help You Lose Weight)
We all want results yesterday! Don’t expect miracles on day one, or even week one. Just keep chipping away, gain some momentum and you will succeed. If you expect some sort of magic to happen early on, you’ll soon feel demotivated.
Take time to do at least 10 minutes of deep diaphragmatic breaths every day. Place one hand on your chest and one on your tummy, and feel both lift when you inhale, and deflate when you exhale. Focusing on deep breathing encourages the body to burn fat, keep you calm and reduce stress.
One very simple tip is to replace all white carbs with fibre-rich, nutrient-dense, complex brown carbs like brown bread, brown pasta and brown rice. Generally speaking, the same size portion will contain 20 to 40 percent fewer calories.
(Try this recipe: Salmon and Brown Rice Salad)
Research suggests that capsaicin, the component that makes chillies hot, increases metabolic rate and suppresses appetite to help you burn more calories and control your weight. But beware, lots of takeaway food is spicy though calorie-dense. So try making your own food instead.
(Try this recipe: Steamed Whole Snapper With Chilli & Black Beans)
Healthy eating is a given when you’re losing weight. But did you know that one amazing trick after eating a meal is to brush your teeth straight away? It takes away the taste of food in your mouth and stops cravings.
(Related: 10 Easy Ways To Lose Weight)