A Slimming World consultant has shared five weight loss tips to help people cut pounds.
April has arrived and the countdown to summer is on as people will be thinking of ways to aid weight loss as we head for the warmer weather. As travel restrictions continue to ease, it could be the first time in three years that people can enjoy a hassle free summer holiday - as Wales Online reports.
Rob Phillips is a consultant from Slimming World and he has shared tips people can implement into their lifestyle to ensure they reach their targets for the summer. Rob explained five lifestyle changes that could help people lose weight - and we have rounded them up below
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Set a goal
A study of 24,000 people by Slimming World found those who set an ambitious dream target weight lost almost twice as much weight as those who aimed for a more modest amount. Slimming World’s head of research and scientific affairs Dr Jacquie Lavin said: “Setting an ambitious target can help you visualise what you’re capable of."
She also recommends setting ‘mini targets’ which Slimming World members are encouraged to do each week – whether it’s to lose a couple of pounds, go for a lunchtime walk, or cook with new ingredients. She added: “Your big goal is your destination – mini targets are milestones along the way. Every time you achieve one it will give you a sense of achievement and motivate you on to the next step."
Spring into action
Make the most of longer days and warmer weather and head out for some fresh-air fitness. A study from the University of Exeter shows that exercising in a natural environment is associated with greater feelings of happiness and wellbeing as well as increased energy levels, compared with indoor workouts.
Outdoor exercisers also report greater enjoyment and satisfaction from their workouts and feel more inclined to keep it up – plus you’ll be boosting your immune system and topping up your vitamin D levels. Whether you’re a complete exercise beginner or already a keep-fit fan there are a whole range of activities you can enjoy outdoors this spring from walking the dog to family bike rides and Parkruns.
Get creative in the kitchen
People looking to lose weight are advised to cook meals from scratch with healthy seasonal ingredients like asparagus, spring greens, and new potatoes or dig out the barbecue and get grilling lean meat, fish, and veg. And remember – losing weight doesn’t have to mean going hungry.
A study by the University of Leeds found eating a diet based around low energy dense foods – foods that contain fewer calories per gram such as fresh fruit and veg, lean meat, and poultry, pasta, rice and grains – is more effective for weight loss than traditional calorie counting.
Spritz up your spring
There’s nothing nicer than sitting outdoors on a sunny spring afternoon enjoying a drink with friends. However, alcohol can be a real obstacle if you’re trying to lose weight. As well as the calories in alcohol, which are often higher than we realise (one large glass of wine has as many calories as a jam doughnut), Slimming World’s research into the impact of alcohol on weight revealed that having just slightly too much to drink and reaching our ‘tipping point’ can lead us into drinking and eating far more than we intended and as a result can impact hugely on our weight.
The good news is that by making small changes to your drinking habits you can still enjoy alcohol in moderation and manage your ‘tipping point’ and your weight loss. Carolyn Pallister, nutrition and health policy manager at Slimming World, said: “Interspersing alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, adding soda water to wine to make a spritzer, switching to slimline mixers, or choosing a low-calorie lager can all make a big difference.”
Spring clean your habits
We’re all creatures of habit and having a routine can be a lifesaver when you’re busy – you’re more likely to exercise regularly if you do it at the same time every week and having a set day for batch cooking can really help you plan for the week ahead. However research from the University of Hertfordshire has found that when routines get overly rigid they can act like webs, making it hard to change a habit even if we know it’s not helpful. Having a spring clean of your habits can help you go after your weight loss goals with renewed focus.
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