Our recent wellbeing expert, Rumana Zahn, from Rumana Health has advice for all TalkPerfection members who would like to lose weight.
Rumana says:
"There are typically three areas I advise to direct your focus: Nutrition, Body and Habits.
Nutrition: Ensure that your diet is healthy but don’t go crazy and cut out everything you may think is ‘bad’ otherwise the likelihood of you craving these foods may increase. Reduction is the best way or opting for healthy alternatives. One way you can do this is create a green list and a red list of foods.
Aim to reduce the red list foods such as those containing high amounts of refined sugar: biscuits, cakes, chocolate, sweets, fast/convenient foods; alcohol and foods too high in fats.
Your green list needs to contain a mix of healthy foods: vegetables, proteins and some grains.
Portion size and regularity is important, try to balance these without upsetting your blood sugar balance.
Body: Here you need to consider movement, exercise and any health conditions that may limit you. Have a plan of what is reasonable exercise for you to fit into your daily life, keep it varied and interesting - you’re more likely to be motivated to do it if it is fun.
Start with what you like – running, swimming, dancing or going to the gym.
Then add other things in such as yoga, pilates or walking. Any additional movement you can do over and above your daily routine– walking instead of driving, walking up the stairs instead of using the lift will all add to expenditure of energy.
Habits: What are the habits that are likely to sabotage your efforts in losing weight? If you know what these are you are much more likely to be successful by addressing them.
For some it can be eating too much chocolate for other it’s eating large portions and having to finish everything on the plate even if they are full! Find out what yours are and then create scenarios which will help you deal with that habit should it occur.
And finally you cannot do this without engaging your focus, determination and self discipline. It’s not just about saying yes I would like to lose weight, its saying I really really want this, I’m going to do it and then doing it.
If you would like to know more then have look at my Weight Loss Essentials Programme for details."
Read Rumana's advice on weight loss
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