As Easter approaches, lots of us are looking forward to spring – and the warmer weather.
But, some of us are already dreading the moment when we dig out our summer clothes – and find they don’t fit quite as well as they used to!
If you’d like to lose weight and hit the beach feeling fitter and healthier this summer – here are 5 top tips, from weight-loss & behaviour change experts at Slimming World.
- Set a goal!
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. - 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 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. - Get creative in the kitchen!
Discover your inner Jamie and 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 that 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, yet 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!).
The good news is that by making small changes to your drinking habits, you can still enjoy alcohol in moderation and manage your weight loss.
- 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. Slimming World 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, visit www.slimmingworldcyprus.com
