Six secrets to dieting success
Our dietitian Victoria Taylor reveals the secrets of
getting to a healthy weight, and staying there for the long
term.
January 3, 2012
When January rolls around, it’s tempting to get stuck in to the
latest faddy diet. They often promise miraculous
levels of weight loss – but often leave your tummy rumbling, which
can lead to flagging energy levels.
But quick fix ideas like skipping meals or only
eating grapefruit aren’t just boring and unsustainable – they’re
actually unnecessary.
It is possible to eat a varied, tasty, healthy
diet that gets you all the nutrients you need, lose
weight, and keep it off. Sceptical? Take a look at our
Battle of the Diets video to find
out just how much better our way looks, and tastes!
Follow my top 6 tips for long term, sustainable dieting
success:
1. Find out if you need to lose weight, and if so, how much you
need to lose
Work out your BMI – it can help you figure out
whether you are overweight, the ideal weight, or underweight for
your height. Use our handy tool to find out your result:
It’s also important to work out your waist
size. People who carry too much fat around their waist are
at greater risk of heart disease. If you don't have a tape measure,
you can get one free by joining our free Heart Matters service for people who want to
know more about looking after their heart.
Men are at increased risk of health problems at
37 inches (35.5 for South Asian men) and
women are at increased risk at 32
inches.
2. Have regular, balanced meals
Keep to a regular meal pattern and reduce your
calorie (energy) intake by cutting down on food
and drink that's high in fat and / or
sugar. Include plenty of fruit
and vegetables. These are low in calories and
contain fibre which will help you to feel full.
Make sure your meals have the right balance of all the food groups so that you get all the
nutrients you need for good health.
3. Plan your portions
Our
So you want to lose weight...for good booklet can help you take
a good look at the way you eat and help you adjust your
portion sizes, if necessary, while still
maintaining a balanced diet.
4. Exercise
Being physically active helps to keep your heart healthy and
will also burn up some extra calories. Why not plan to take part in
one of our walking, running, cycling or
swimming events? Get training and gradually build
up the amount and
intensity of exercise you do.
5. Don’t keep it to yourself
Sharing your goals with your
friends, family or
partner, and keeping a diary of
your progress and setbacks can help you keep on track.
6. Do keep it slow and steady
We recommend a slow and steady approach to weight loss. Losing
one to two pounds (between half a kilo and one
kilo) a week is a safe and realistic way to keep them off for
good.
For more help with this and other New Year’s resolutions, why
not order a
New Year Starter Pack.