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Lose 5kg Before You Put on 5kg

Top 5 Ways to Lose 5kgs:

1. Ease off the alcohol:
The booze tends to flow that bit more freely around Christmas and New Year, and it’s not news to hear that alcohol is pretty calorific. The body tends to metabolise alcohol before trying to work on processing fat, so that’s partly why many healthy eating / get fit plans advocate giving up the grog in order to better achieve results in weight loss. Also, when feeling a little light-headed and merry after a cocktail or two, we are more inclined to make a grab for the yummy fare that seems to be in abundant supply at this time of year, chowing away without thinking too much about it. In the lead up to Christmas, if you are feeling particularly strong-willed, by all means avoid alcohol and substitute it for a delicious ‘mocktail’ or a juiced-up antioxidant-rich concoction. Otherwise, reduce alcohol consumption by only allowing yourself an occasional glass of wine or beer, or having a water in between each drink.

2. Up the exercise:
It is hot and humid this time of year, and as the temperature rises our incenvtive to exercise drops. Try not to let the amount of exercise that you do slip – rather, up the ante by extending yourself that bit further – as chances are that there will be enough time to engage in a bit more kicking back come Christmas. If you prefer to work out outdoors, exercising in the morning before the temperature rises will help you feel invigorated and ready to tackle the day. Try and aim for 20 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise (ie your heart is pumping and you are breathing heaviliy) at least four times a week. Exercise is a proven way to really fire up your metabolism and help keep yourself in trim.

3. Think before you snack:
Mindful eating is the way to go. Snacking tends to become habit-forming and before you know it, you’re popping calories aplenty without even thinking about it. Ditch the idea of reaching for a handful of chocolate biscuits or sodium-laden chips when you find yourself needing a pick-me-up before your next meal by having a juice or a low-fat smoothie instead. If you are a ‘grazer’, think more along the lines of yoghurt and blueberries, a handful of unsalted almonds or cashews or carrot and celery with hommous when you want to snack.

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4. Drink enough water:
As a general rule, we should drink an average of 8 glasses (or 2 litres) of water every day. It’s not unusual to mistake dehydration for hunger, so keeping yourself well hydrated will lessen the likelihood of snacking unnecessarily at any point throughout the day by giving you that slightly ‘full’ feeling. Always keep a water bottle to hand when you’re out and about. If you are prone to feeling peckish, pack a snack-box filled with foods with a high water content such as watermelon, grapes and kiwi fruits.

5. Ditch the processed foods:
Now is not the ideal time to embark on an all-out detox or super-strict eating program as you will be more inclined to ‘blow out’ over Christmas. Trust me. When all and sundry around you are heartily feasting, it will take the sternest will to refrain from tucking in amongst all the merriment and foodstuffs, particularly if you’ve subjected your body to sudden and severe changes in diet. Make sure that you start your day with a substantial breakfast to prevent you from flagging and reaching for the sweet things or the fast fatty food before midday. Make two-thirds of your diet plant-based. The variety of these kinds of foods now available to us should mean that this suggestion is not as measly or uninspiring as it sounds! You should include a portion of protein (seafood, poultry, eggs, lean meat and soy products) into each meal. Proteins help keep appetite-stimulating hormones in check by stabilising insulin production so that you’re not as susceptible to craving a ‘sugar fix’.

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