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THE NEW WEIGHT WATCHERS SIMPLE SUPPERS PULLOUT
Now the days are longer and warmer, it’s so much easier to be active outdoors — and adding exercise to your life will definitely boost your summer weight loss.
That’s why the Mail has teamed up with ww, formerly known as weight watchers, to help guide you to a healthier and happier lifestyle in time for the summer holidays — and well beyond.
on Saturday in weekend magazine, we showed you how the ww Freestyle plan works, along with the foods you can eat with zero guilt, while yesterday’s Mail on Sunday featured more delicious recipes to help you achieve your weight-loss and fitness goals.
Today, we’re bringing you key exercise tips and simple recipes for easy suppers, plus don’t miss our pullouts tomorrow and on wednesday for more recipes for scrumptious party food and picnics.
Research shows a combination of healthy eating and a more active lifestyle can cause you to lose 20 per cent more weight than by diet alone. An active lifestyle also helps you to feel more positive due to the ‘feel-good’ chemicals released in your brain when you exercise.
This is why exercise is a key part of the ww Freestyle programme, along with the flexible SmartPoints eating plan (see panel overleaf) and mindset techniques.
‘Now the evenings are lighter and longer why not spend 20 minutes outside taking a brisk walk — take time to look at the blossom and the way the trees are changing?’ says Julia westgarth, head of programme at ww. ‘ It’s so much better for your mindset and physical health than flopping in front of the TV.
‘The word exercise frightens some people — who instinctively see it as a painful duty to be endured. In fact, try thinking of it as having fun being active outdoors and you’re much more likely to spend time doing it.’
MOOD-BOOSTING WALKS
oNe fitness study showed that people who were asked to walk a mile ‘to have fun’ with friends said they felt less tired and happier afterwards than those asked to do the same walk ‘for exercise’.
The ‘fun’ walkers consumed fewer calories from high-sugar drinks and desserts during lunch right after the walk. This supports the ww philosophy that life is to be enjoyed. Moreover, scientific research has shown happier people make healthier choices.
So you can see how a combination of a more active lifestyle and the delicious recipes we are sharing in our exclusive series can give a major boost to your lifestyle goals. If you follow the ww Freestyle programme, you will steadily lose weight — between ½lb and 2lb a week is a healthy and realistic goal — meaning if you start now, you could be a whole stone lighter by the summer holiday season.
Lack of time is the reason most commonly
given for not exercising, but you can use WW Freestyle’s mindset techniques to change the way you perceive this.
For instance, instead of thinking there’s no point in exercising as you can only spare 20 minutes, try to focus on the time you do have. High-intensity activities such as running, interval training or resistance training with weights burn more calories than walking.
SET YOURSELF A GOAL
Setting a goal is a great motivation to be active — and WW’s 5kMyWay challenge is the perfect way to have fun and boost your chances of shedding a stone for summer.
Last year, hundreds of people took part in the challenge, which is to complete a 5km distance any way you like. You could swim, walk, dance, run — it’s up to you. Here’s the lowdown…
WHEN AND WHERE? You’ll be asked to complete your 5k on the weekend of June 8 and 9, 2019. You could do it in a local park or leisure centre under your own steam. WW Wellness Coaches will be organising group walks, too.
WHO CAN TAKE PART? Anyone! invite a fitness buddy, friends or family to join in, or organise a group event. You could organise a meet-up via WW’s Connect or instagram. take pictures of yourself training. if you post them on social media using the hashtag #WW5kMyWay, you can connect with others. good luck!
WW TOP TIPS FOR 5K
BUILD UP GRADUALLY — Pushing yourself too hard, too soon puts you at higher risk of injury.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY — it isn’t a race; the aim is to complete the distance and enjoy the event. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to take a breather.
STAY COMFORTABLE — Opt for layers of light, breathable clothing and comfortable worn-in sports shoes. Women should wear a well-fitting sports bra.
TRAVEL LIGHT — A water bottle is really the only essential piece of kit.
STAY MOTIVATED — Congratulate yourself on taking part and don’t worry about your time. Remember, you’re achieving more than you would be sitting on the sofa at home.