I’m a firm
believer that if you are unhappy with your status quo, you should stop
complaining and focus your energy on changing it. In other words, if you are
unhappy about your current weight or dress size, or lack of energy, or lazy
attitude to exercise, stop complaining and whining and filling your dear friends’
ears with your meowing and do something about it.
How? Well, firstly
realize that ‘God don’t help those who don’t help themselves’ and there is no
easy way to being healthy or losing weight. I know, it already sounds hard for
some of you, I’m sure and you are probably ‘googling’ for that quick, fast
product that will assist you with your weight loss or achieving your goals.
However, if you like the truth (and I prefer the truth over lies), you will
never lose weight and keep it off without making some lifestyle changes…….it’s
just the absolute truth!
I mean, haven’t
you ever noticed those who try fad diets lose weight (sometimes really fast and
we are left wowing), but when the diet ends, they pile on back all the weight
they lost, plus some more.
If you
really are sincere with yourself and tired of the vicious cycle you’ve led, here’s
some advise that will see you through your journey -;
1. You are what you eat, so except you
are like my skinny cousin whom I adore but hate for her fast metabolism, if you
eat chocolates in excess, sorry, it will go to your hips. Pizza, it will show in
your skin, on your energy levels and go straight to your hips and other body
parts, icecream, same and affect your sugar levels and if in excess, may
eventually lead to diabetes. What am I saying/ Steer clear of fatty , unhealthy
foods. Even drinks such as juices, in excess (even though it may be freshly
squeezed oranges for instance) can lead to weight gain.
2. In order to lose weight, aim to eat
the ‘Right foods’. Healthy carbs such as wheat bread, wild rice, brown rice,
whole wheat pasta,etc. Squirm if want , but these foods are usually lower in
calories, full of fibre and therefore more filling and are unprocessed. If it tastes like ‘sawdust’ then you probably
aren’t cooking it right. Seek out interesting ways to make your healthy foods
palatable. E’g I love eating brown rice with a spicy chilli prawns stirfry. For
proteins, stick to lean meats such as goatmeat, lamb, pork without fat,
chicken, eggs, fish, prawns…you get my drift. Use healthy unsaturated fats such
as olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil for cooking…..and don’t forget to have
your helpings of fruits and vegetables. When planning your meals, watch your
portions and also try and have an idea of the amount of calories contained in
your meals. You can use a tool such as www.caloriecount.about.com to calculate
the amount of calories you need to consume to lose weight. They even have an
app that you can download on your ipad!
Thank me later!
3. The time of the day you eat your
meals is very important. Aim to eat meals before 7pm. Applying this simple rule
is actually enough to see a change in your scales. If per chance you are busy
and unable to eat before then, have some lean protein with veggies e.g a smoked
chicken salad made with lettuce and tomatoes. Add some sea salt and black
pepper and a tablespoon of oil and you have a lovely healthy meal that your
body will thank you for. The reason why
its best to focus your meal on protein is because it’s slow burning and will fuel
you all night, plus it will not affect your insulin levels and therefore you
will be able to fall asleep easier.
4. Exercise is very important if you
want to lose weight and keep it off. Why? Think about it, if you firmed up your
body and have more lean mass than fat, it would take longer for your body to
put on weight cos you are toned.
I understand that a lot of us do not like exercise, I don’t myself, but I
find myself doing it, especially if its fun. So try playing basket ball,
football or even volleyball for the ladies ( I cant play cos for some reason I am
afraid of getting hit by a ball..lol), try swimming (I love this!) take Pilates
classes (aim for more than 2 classes a week if you want to see a quick change
in your body), go running early in the morning to clear your head, try using an
elliptical trainer whilst listening to music or watching your favorite sitcom
(you wont notice 40 minutes are over ), jump rope, its great for cardio…start
with 100 jumps and build up to 1000, or if you’re just downright lazy, take a
long walk.
