Ays to -start r diet
rol metabolism. Even a couple of ts of sleep deprivation can lead to eased levels of the stress hormone sol, which encourages the body to eat and store fat on the belly. e days of super-sizing ything it’s easy to forget t a sensible portion of looks like. But eating much, even of healthy s, will soon sabotage ht loss. Give yourself a ng-size refresher course. Luckily your hand provides an easy way to visualise a sensible portion of common foods for each meal:
Pasta, potatoes and rice = fist-sized
Protein (meat/fish) = palm-sized High-fat foods (e.g. cheese)
= a thumb-sized portion
Fruit and veg: Two to three handfuls Research shows choosing eggs first thing keeps you feeling fuller than cereals, making you less likely to reach for snacks mid-morning. This one simple change can be enough to get a stalled diet back on track. If you’re spending a full hour in the gym you might be wasting your time and energy. New research shows shorter bouts of exercise are better for weight loss – as long as you do them regularly.
A study done at the University of Copenhagen found people who worked out for 30 minutes every day lost just as much fat as those who worked out for 60 minutes a day. They suspect the people who did shorter workouts were left with One of the most overlooked causes of a diet plateau is dehydration. Drinking plenty of water can keep hunger at bay and keep your energy and mood levels high, making you more likely to resist cravings and stick to your diet. Keep a water bottle in your bag so you’ll remember to sip throughout the day.
A simple tip is to monitor your urine. If it is a dark yellow colour, you’re not getting enough water – it should be a pale straw colour.
Start measuring portions
Switch to eggs for breakfast
Try shorter workouts
Take a water bottle everywhere
“It’s entirely possible your weight loss has slowed because you’ve reached your ‘happy weight’,” says nutritionist Linda. “This is the weight your body is most comfortable at – and if you try to achieve a much lower weight, it will work against you.”
How do you know you’ve reached your happy weight? Linda suggests checking in with your GP – if they agree you’re at a sensible weight for your height and frame, perhaps it’s time to stop worrying about the scales.