So the weather is warmer and we are starting to leave out coats at home! Hoorah! If you are anything like us though, whilst you might be super happy to see the sun, the thought of having to bare some flesh this early in the year might have you quaking in your winter boots. It’s about this time of year we start trawling the internet for miracle diets and cure-alls that will have us bikini ready in a matter of days. Of course, we know deep down that fad diets will always come and go, and panic dieting is not healthy for us. Even so, we still wish someone could invent a diet that combines both the consumption of cake with fast and pain free weight loss.
Here at Maid In Essex we are very good at what we do, but sadly we are not miracle workers! But, we can share our 5 favourite tips to help you gradually lose a few pounds before the summer sweats kick in.
1. Always Eat Breakfast
Research shows eating breakfast can help you control your weight. Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight, but missing meals doesn’t actually help us lose weight and can, in fact, make us eat more in the long run. It could also encourage you to snack more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Sadly eating breakfast is not a free pass to just chuck a ton of sugary cereals down our necks before we leave for work. A good breakfast should include plenty of fibre and slow release carbohydrates to see you through to lunchtime without reaching for the biscuits.
2. Drink plenty of water
People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. So keep your body happy by drinking water regularly throughout the day. You should aim to drink about six to eight glasses (1.2 litres) of fluid, preferably water, every day. Water is the closest thing to a miracle potion available to us – and guess what, it’s free! Keep chilled water in the fridge, bottled water in your work bag and a glass of water next to your bed. Use tap water if you wish, or treat yourself to some mineral water. H2O helps to clear the body of toxins which in turn helps your skin look brighter, your body feel lighter and generally make you feel better all over. Water can also help make you feel full, which will help you eat less at mealtimes.
3. Use a smaller plate
This is a great little trick to help you eat less. Studies show people who use smaller plates tend to eat smaller portions and are still satisfied. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it’s full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full, and never rush into dessert. Give your body that 20 minutes to see if you really need anymore food, or if you are just binging out of habit.
4. Eat more fruit and vegetables
Everyone knows this one! As yummy as a bag of crisps or a packet of Hobnobs may be, they are full of salt, fat and sugars that the body stores as fat. Always nice for a treat, but not a great idea for regular snacks. Try swapping your regular sugary treats and snacks for pieces of fruit instead. Mangos are sweet and chunky, apples are fresh and juicy, berries are great mixed together and bananas will keep you feeling fuller for longer. At first, your body may feel like it is missing out, but gradually you will feel all the benefits of swapping out salt and sugar for natures finest.
5. Finally….cut down on the drinking
Sadly that evening glass of wine, or a bottle at the weekend is loaded with calories and can really effect your weight. Try cutting out that cheeky glass of wine with your dinner, and if you are on a night out head towards a couple of clear spirits with diet mixers. Of course, drinking alcohol invariably leads to late night snacking, often of the fatty convenience kind, and hangovers love nothing better than a good greasy fry up. All in all booze makes you eat, and contains lots of hidden calories all on it’s own. Just think, you’ll also feel great for cutting down or cutting it out completely.
So, focus on eating well and drinking plenty of water. You don’t need to be a saint, but small changes can make a big difference. Exercise is important too, but we know that busy mums have busy lives charging around after the children. Why not take some extra time to visit the gym or take the kids to the park by having us help out with your housework. Maid In Essex offers a total domestic house cleanings service in Essex. Call us on 01277 812220 or click here to contact us by email.