Many people have admitted they have added a pound or two to their weight during lockdown and are keen to shed the excess.
With that in mind, South Antrim Vox has come up with a few tips to help you lead a healthy and active lifestyle and shed a few lbs along the way.
Always eat breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight – in fact it could do the opposite. You could be leaving vital vitamins and nutrients out of your diet and you could end up reaching for the biscuits if you are hungry. There are plenty of meal prep ideas on Pinterest and one of the most popular is overnight oats which uses plant milk and fruit.
Aim for two litres of water a day
Drinking water will nourish your body and help keep you alert during that mid-afternoon slump. People sometimes think they are hungry when they are actually thirsty. You could end up consuming more fat through food when a glass of water is what you need. Two litres a day is the recommendation so always keep a bottle of water at hand when you’re at work.
High fibre foods
High fibre foods work wonders on your digestive system. Foods containing plenty of fibre can help keep you feel fuller for longer, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is found in food created from plants, such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread, oats, pasta, beans, brown rice, peas and lentils.
Do not ban ‘naughty’ foods from your diet
This can work against you if you exclude certain foods which are deemed as ‘bad.’ This will only make you crave them more and can lead to a negative relationship with food. You can enjoy the occasional treat, as long as you eat a balanced diet and stay active.
Get active
Put on your outdoor shoes and enjoy a brisk walk if you are able. A 2km walk is a good starting point, and if you are younger and more able, you can easily build up to a 5km run. Fresh air too will ensure your lungs stay healthy and best of all, your metabolism gets a welcome boost.
Meal planning
Planning weekly meals for weight loss can help you to lose the pounds as you know exactly what you are eating every day. Meal prepping/batch cooking has enjoyed a surge in recent times. You can eat yourself skinny using simple and easy-to-cook recipes online. Store your meals in the fridge or freezer and enjoy!
Drink coffee and green tea
Coffee has often been demonised but a cup of black coffee is loaded with antioxidants and can have various health benefits. Studies show that the caffeine in coffee can boost your metabolism by 3–11% and increase fat burning by up to 10 to 29%. Always drink it black and don’t be tempted to add sugar. Green tea contains small amounts of caffeine, but it is packed with powerful antioxidants. These are believed to work with caffeine to boost fat burning.
Time for some turmeric
In recent times, people have been reaching for turmeric, thanks to its health benefits. This popular Indian spice contains an active ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin can have a positive effect on weight loss and many people are incorporating turmeric into their daily routine. Tumeric can also reduce inflammation and assist with back pain and can even be used post-chemotherapy, but do check with your doctor first if you are taking medication. Curcumin has also been found to target cancer cells and inhibit the development of tumours.
Eat less refined carbs
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, include sugar and grains that have been stripped of their fibrous, nutritious elements. Refined carbs can spike blood sugar quickly, leading to hunger, food cravings and increased intake a few hours later. Eat refined carbs sparingly and instead pack your meals with protein and plenty of rainbow vegetables.