How to lose that winter weight…

The days are getting longer and the sun is beginning to come out from behind the clouds. Winter is gradually drawing to an end, but is that extra winter weight preventing you from putting the spring back into your step? Don’t panic! We still have a few months ahead of us to burn the fat off and to cut a dashing figure on the beach this summer!
Think positive and follow these tips to lose that weight and get in shape for the summer season.

Stay motivated and be realistic

Dieting is all about willpower. So, before you start on your weight-loss programme, make sure that you’re determined to see it through. No excuses like “I don’t have enough time”, find that willpower! Get the moral support of a friend, a spouse, a discussion group or a professional. Also, don’t set goals too high. If you have a lot of weight to lose, start by accepting a smaller weight loss.

Lose weight with a balanced diet

There are no miracle cures - stuffing yourself with fast food, pastries and sugary drinks won’t make you lose weight. Standing on the scales and hoping for a miracle ... It’s just not going to happen, is it?!
There is plenty of variety among the foodstuffs available and no shortage of options for concocting delicious dishes that won’t blow the calorie count. By following these few basic rules, you will easily lose excess weight:
• Eat a balanced diet: eat a daily serving of carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice etc), a serving of protein (meat, poultry, fish etc), and several servings of fruits and vegetables (5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day).
• Limit your intake of foods rich in sugar and fat such as pastries and soft drinks etc.
• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
• Eat to your fill to avoid snacking.
• Vary your diet.
• Follow this simple principle: eat well in the morning and at lunchtime, and eat light in the evening.
• Do not skip meals: it will make you want to snack or eat more later on. On top of that your body will store more at the next meal.
• You have to introduce some variety to stay motivated. So treat yourself from time to time to a spa or a (healthy) treat when you achieve a goal

The right physical activity to strengthen and tone up your body

Walking, swimming, jogging, dancing, tennis, fitness classes... choose an activity that suits you. Set reasonable fitness goals for yourself and the rest will follow. Practise this activity 3 times a week for at least half an hour - it will soon strengthen and tone up your thighs, buttocks, stomach and arms.
Are sports not your thing? There are other possibilities to get you moving and to get rid of that weight: shopping, dancing, gardening, doing the housework...

Our last weight loss tip: be patient and follow this basic equation: balanced diet + appropriate physical activity = guaranteed way to lose weight!

Weight loss tips

• Eat your greens and raw vegetables. The fibre will increase your feeling of fullness and provide lots of vitamins and minerals.
• Cook with herbs and spices to give your dishes more flavour.
• Steam, bake or grill your food.
• Beware of low-fat products. You shouldn’t buy a product just because it says it’s light! Read the labels - they sometimes have a few nasty surprises in store.
Where there’s a will there’s a way!