6 steps TO A SLIMMER YOU

A FEW SMALL CHANGES MAY BE ALL YOU NEED TO KICKSTART YOUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

Losing weight is one of the most common goals that people set at the start of the year. But if the scales haven’t been budging, don’t give up. By following a few simple tricks, it’s easy to get on track.

CALORIES IN VS CALORIES OUT

While every diet is different, the only way to lose weight is to eat less calories than you expend. That means limiting high-calorie foods, but also making sure you get enough physical activity. “Every single successful diet on the planet works when a calorie deficit exists,” nutritionist Amelia Phillips explains.

BE HOLISTIC

It’s also important to limit stress and make sure you get enough sleep. “I’m happy with how the industry has evolved in a more holistic direction,” Amelia adds.

“There’s no point dieting like crazy if we’re sleeping terribly, or doing no exercise.”

MAKE HEALTHY SWAPS

One easy way to cut portions is to swap one of your main meals for a smaller ‘mini meal’ such as a healthy snack or shake.

“By swapping for a mini meal it will ensure we still get added vitamins and mineral micros, plus important macros like protein,” Amelia says.

Another trick is to find healthy substitutes for foods that you usually crave.

“I have a massive sweet tooth, so I’ve found a delicious 120-calorie hot chocolate that I sip on which satisfies my cravings,” Amelia says.

GIVE INTERMITTENT FASTING A TRY

“Intermittent fasting is another great method for weight loss,” says Amelia. “Time-restricted eating means you fast for 12 to 16 hours per day and have a designated eating window of eight to 12 hours.”

MIX UP YOUR WORKOUTS

“Cardio and bodyweight exercises pack a big punch when it comes to weight loss,” Amelia says. “Think burpees, squats, mountain climbers and push-ups. Combine those with steady-state cardio such as jogging, swimming and cycling.”

To know if you’re working hard enough, try this test: “If you can hold a full conversation, you ain’t working hard enough!”

FUEL YOUR BODY

As a busy mum with four kids under five, Amelia uses Isowhey shakes to stay powered throughout the day.

“I have a shake for lunch on my work days and for breakfast on my school-run days,” she says. “If I’ve had an extra-hard workout I use the shakes as a protein replacement (they have way more vitamins and minerals than the average protein shake!).”

• Follow Amelia on Instagram @_amelia_phillips