A Lanarkshire weight-loss consultant has given a number of top tips for staying in shape for the summer.
Slimming World’s Lian McCulloch, who is starting a new group in Wishaw on May 19, has previously revealed her own battle in keeping her weight off.
And Lian has shared her top tips on how making small changes now can get you on track for a slimmer summer.
She said: “Research shows that if you set yourself a goal you’re more likely to achieve it – and the more ambitious the better.
“A study of 24,000 slimmers by Slimming World found that slimmers who set an ambitious dream target weight lost almost twice as much weight as those who aimed for a more modest amount.
“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 compared with indoor workouts, exercising in a natural environment is associated with greater feelings of happiness and well-being, as well as increased energy levels.
“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.”
Lian also shared some practical tips while in the kitchen as well as making small changes to your drinking habits which would help keep the calories down.
She added: “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.
“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.
“By making small changes to your drinking habits, you can still enjoy alcohol in moderation and manage your ‘tipping point’ and your weight loss.
“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.
“At Slimming World we’ve got a deep understanding of the psychology behind successful weight loss, and our groups are all about getting support to build healthy new habits around food and activity.
“It’s so much easier to achieve when you have the support of a group of like-minded people who care about your success.”
To find out more about Slimming World and how to join Lian's Thursday evening group held every Thursday in Loyola Centre , Campbell Street, Wishaw contact Lian on 07748 845684.
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