Snip out the extra calories
Often it's only when you have to loosen your belt an extra notch that you realise you've gained weight. How can you lose it again without fuss, fancy meals or going hungry? A mini diet might help!
Weight gain occurs when there's an imbalance between the calories you need and the calories you consume. As little as 10-20 extra calories a day can show up on the scales after a month or so.
The good news is that only a small change in either your daily activity or your daily intake is needed to prevent weight gain. And a slightly bigger change in both your activity pattern and your diet will mean you can gradually lose weight.
A diet that's not 'a diet'
Consuming fewer calories can mean eating better rather than eating less. Simple changes can make all the difference like having a cup of tea instead of a sugary drink, or choosing fruit over more calorific snacks such as salted peanuts. And look out for the sneaky calories in your favourite foods – always read the small print on the packet!
Stepping out
The next step is to introduce some extra activity into your day. No need to get out the sweat pants or join a gym – just aim to be active for at least 30 minutes every day.
Become more house proud! Vigorous work around the house like vacuuming stairs, cleaning windows or weeding the garden burns up calories. Walk briskly or cycle instead of taking the car. Get off the bus or train a stop early and complete your journey on foot. And when confronted with a lift or escalator, use the stairs. Don't forget that walking down the stairs counts too!
And when you've worked up a thirst, reach for a low-calorie drink. Lipton leaf teas or Lipton Ice Light are great thirst quenchers without all the calories.
