As the summer is in full swing, that means only one thing, eating and drinking! Yes with BBQs, summer picnics, festivals, holidays, ice creams and a sunny afternoon in the pub, you may be starting to think about dieting after your latest break away. However, I don't believe in diets (most of the time) and urge you to join me in binning the countless number of diets out there and instead embracing the way of a normal, healthy balanced diet.
There are many quick fad, celebrity diets around- Atkins, low fat, high protein, low carb, no carb, GI and zonal, yet all have served their time, and unfortunately for most the effect is only short-term. Before you know it, you're slipping back into your old ways and that Ben & Jerry's ice cream at the cinema looks like heaven!
It is now widely recognised that diets are only offer a temporary solution to weight-loss, and when the goal has been achieved the weight slowly creeps back on. Fad dieting and starving yourself can lead to weight-cycling or yo-yo dieting, with new research suggesting that such yo-yo diets can lead to a bigger chance of obesity in the future and have serious effects on your health.
The diet industry rakes in over £20 million each year in the UK alone and it appears that many Brits succumb to these promises of a quick fix. In truth, if you're looking for a way to lose weight permanently and feel healthy within yourself, then follow our simple advice to a better life…
Overeating
Overeating and large portion sizes are the biggest known causes of weight gain, not only in the UK, but across the world! But, why do people overeat?
People overeat as a rebellion against the pressure to diet, emotional comfort, boredom or losing track of what they can and can't handle in general- anyone can form an addictive relationship with food. So, if your own diet is working for you, stick to it, and don't swap or change to try the latest celeb diet.
So, if you're thinking or have started to try and lose weight, the key point is to understand your body and your food- everything you eat affects your body, good and bad.
Food- Friend NOT Foe!
Calories, fats and complex carbohydrates are all essential for you to obtain optimum nutrition from your food. One myth of food facts is that these three factors will make you gain weight- wrong; it's consuming an excess amount. Once you understand the simplicity of these vital ingredients, you will start to approach food, without being scared off by the number of calories on the pack.
Calories, for example, can actually help you burn off fat. A calorie itself is a measurement of energy and heat, both of which are needed in our daily diets. The recommended daily intake of calories is 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men, however, this is only a rough guide, as it really depends on size.
In your diet, you should include nutrient-dense foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, complex carbs and quality proteins, as well as your five fruit and veg a day. A poor diet full of junk food will result in you feeling drained and sluggish.
Top Tips:
- Replace fizzy drinks with water, but for those who find water boring add a little fruit squash. You should aim to drink at least 1-2 litres a day.
- Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk
- Eat less lunch, and make your own when you can to avoid temptations
- Eat smaller portions, and take time when you're eating. This will allow your body to digest and means you feel fuller, quicker.
- Cut down on alcohol, as calories from the odd tipple can be the most stubborn
- Reduce snacking on sugary snacks. Replace them with fruit, nuts or yoghurts.
