If you have lost the count of how many diets you have tried and how many hours you have spent doing strange stretchings and work out methods – it’s time to get real. Dieting is not only for those who wish to lose weight, but for anyone who wishes do live a healthy life. Fear not – it’s actually quite simple.
• The number one ‘rule’ to maintain a healthy life is to eat breakfast. Many chose to skip breakfast thinking it’s too early to eat and that it will make you gain weight. This, however, is wrong. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it gives you energy and starts your metabolism. If you’re not big on eating during the early hours try to drink a smoothie and eat some fruit. Crackerbreads (such as Ryvita) are fantastic as they don’t contain wheat.
• It is very important that you educate yourself on how to maintain a balanced diet. Eating too much or not enough will give you the reverse effect, therefore it is better if you get into the habit of eating five meals a day, just make sure they are not too big. What you don’t want is to eat so much you feel tired, but just enough to fill you up.
• It’s not uncommon that you feel the need to put something in your mouth, the problem is that most people go for an unhealthy option, such as crisps, chocolate, biscuits or sweets. If you aren’t a huge fan of fruit and vegetables you can try to make smoothies instead as they are filling and very refreshing. About a third of your daily intake should contain fruit or vegetables.
• Many find that cutting down on their intake of bread helps them feel less bloated. There is a huge range of muesli’s you can eat instead, but what seems to work for many is crackerbreads. You can get these in different flavours and sizes and they are a great substitute for bread and will keep you fuller for longer.
• It might be difficult to cut down on soft drinks and juice, but it is vital that you do this. Try to drink as much water as you can every day as it keeps you hydrated and awake as well as being good for your skin.
• With a hectic schedule you might find it hard to take the time to exercise enough during the week, but there are solutions. Get off the bus a few stops earlier than usual and walk the rest of the way, do simple exercises in front of the TV, or you can go for a run or a walk before or after working hours. Not only does exercise release endorphins and make you happy, it also gives you more energy.