When thinking about losing weight, accept that it is a long-term goal. It would be wonderful if it could all be done and dusted in a week or two but it doesn’t work that way. Your body does not like sudden shocks, and what you might think of as a quick fix diet, your body perceives as a famine. The result of a low calorie diet is that while you are trying to control your food intake, your body is crying out for more food and resists the change. Gradual changes are far easier to maintain long-term.
Begin by Getting Rid of One Unhealthy Snack
Maybe cutting out the biscuits you are used to having with your cup of tea. Try having a cup of tea with an orange instead. If you have got into the habit of eating a snack mid-morning, go for a banana instead. A banana provides approximately 180 calories, whereas an iced donut can be 220 calories or more.
Put your health as a priority. A recent study in clinical psychology revealed that women with high self-esteem were more likely to lose weight and keep it off.
Go for Quality, Not Quantity
When preparing a meal, use healthy ingredients. Keep a close eye on portion sizes and do not eat more than you want or need.
Get Moving
If you have overeaten, don’t be depressed, take action! Go for a walk or a swim, or just jog on the spot for 20 minutes, followed by some sit-ups.
Stay in Control
Having a piece of chocolate that you hadn’t planned for does not mean that your whole weight loss program has failed and that you may as well eat the whole box. If you feel that you have over-indulged, put it behind you and get straight back on track.
Give Your Body What It Needs
Think of your body as a highly tuned sports car, with you as the driver. It may run for decades with very little maintenance, but try to be a careful owner and cherish your investment. Give it good quality fuel. A good breakfast for the day ahead, with carbohydrates at lunchtime to keep you going, followed by a light supper in the evening. Work on the theory that your body is parked in the garage whilst you sleep at night, so there is little point in filling up the tank before you go to bed.
Exercise Hint
Motivate Yourself With Music
Do you have trouble staying motivated while exercising? Then try playing your favorite music. Most people find that this gives them energy and excitement to continue exercising for a longer period of time. You can use a portable headset if necessary. Of course, you should be careful not to play your music so loudly as to damage your ears!
Recipe of the Week
Machhi Kali Mirch
Serves 6
Ingredients
680-g fish fillets
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. turmeric
3/4 tsp. cumin powder
3/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1-1/2 tsp. oil
2-1/4 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Method
Place fish fillets in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, turmeric, cumin, black pepper and garlic, tossing to coat well. Cover and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 200°C. Coat the bottom of baking dish with the oil. Place the fish in a single layer and pour the marinade over it. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The fish should be firm to the touch. Fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Ask Alva
I want to know if is true that diet Pepsi really contains only 1 calorie? And if we drink it everyday we will not gain weight. Patty
Diet colas actually contain zero calories — but make sure for your health that you are drinking enough water, fresh juice, and milk. I don’t recommend drinking diet colas every day because apart from anything else, carbonated drinks can damage tooth enamel, but they are OK as an occasional treat. Alva
For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at:
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