11 ways to max your dieting power
Wednesday 19 December 2007
The toughest thing about losing weight is the temptation to fall off the wagon. We all know what we need to do - it's sticking to it that's the problem. Try these 11 simple tricks to foolproof your weight loss plan...
How do celebrities do it? They seem to effortlessly stay slim all the time and stick to their diets with no trouble at all. And half of them look too skinny to be true! They talk about weight loss, but all they really mean is going from skinny to skinnier!
That's why we love stars like Charlie Brooks. Charlie makes no bones about her struggle with her weight - and she's only to happy to share the secrets of how she finally got into shape and is staying that way, with the help of a sensible Closer diet and a great new exercise regime. We all remember her as chubby Janine Butcher and admire her sleek new look now. She's living proof that ordinary women really can do it!
Charlie admits she struggled to cut down on chocolate - but she did, with the help of a few clever techniques to max dieting power. Here's 10 simple tricks to help you kick temptation in the teeth next time it rears its ugly head:
1 Don't go it alone
Research has shown that people who diet with a friend or partner get better results. See if you can enlist a gym buddy to train with or just someone to go on walks with. Get a friend to sign up to Closerdiets.com with you, or join in the Closerdiets.com buddy system for some friendly support and motivation. It's much easier to make excuses to yourself than someone else!
2 Get sorted!
Planning ahead helps you stick to your diet. Make a proper shopping list for the things you need each week rather than just browsing the aisles - and NEVER go shopping when you're feeling hungry. If you're a member of Closerdiets.com make sure you use your personalized shopping list every week. Pick up some low-cal ready meals and make sure you have them ready in your freezer for the nights you're feeling too tired to cook - and too tired to have much willpower!
3 Clean out your cupboards
Be totally ruthless and get rid of anything that might lead you into temptation. The beginning of a diet is usually the toughest time - it takes determination to break the habits and routines of a lifetime. Help yourself on your first day by getting rid of food you love but shouldn't OD on - and don't forget that tub of double chocolate chip ice cream lurking in the freezer to trip you up on a rainy day!
4 Keep a diary
Make a daily note of how your diet's going - jot down any particular cravings you have to see if patterns emerge, so you can avoid trigger situations in the future. It can also help you to look back and see how far you've come. If you're a Closerdiets.com member make full use of your personal online diary. It makes an invaluable record of any successes or problems, and what you were feeling at the time.
5 Talk about it
Don't become a diet bore - but it's a good idea to let friends and family know what you're up to. That way they won't urge you to 'Go on, have just one more slice!' It can really help to chat about your diet and talk to others about what they've been through. Closerdiets.com members should make full use of the messageboards - they're a great place to meet likeminded people going through similar things to you. Ask for advice, tell a joke or just have a moan!
6 Only weigh yourself once a week!
Don't be tempted to keep stepping on the scales - that way lies disaster! Your weight fluctuates for all sorts of reasons and you'll probably become disheartened and lose resolve. Instead weigh yourself once a week at the same time and wearing the same clothes, and make this the strict record of your weight loss.
7 Try something new
Try taking up a new activity to get you moving and shake up your life a bit. Salsa dancing, belly dancing or martial arts are all ways to of improving fitness, burning calories and beating boredom…which is what leads to snacking. You'll be getting out of the house and meeting new people too - you can't lose!
8 Don't be too hard on yourself
Hey, you're only human, just like the rest of us. One bad day doesn't mean the end of your weight loss plans forever - it just means one bad day. If you accept a slice of gooey birthday cake in the office because it's a workmate's birthday, don't beat yourself up - just accept that we all do it, and get back with the programme! That doesn't mean you have a license to fall off the wagon every day. If that's happening you need to look at why, and get some help.
9 Don't go out and buy an outfit in your target size
This way lies disaster. Lots of people think it will be a good inspiration - but if it's taking a while to lose the weight you're likely to get disheartened and give up. A really serious diet plan is not a quick fix solution - it's about changing habits for life so you can become a new slimmer you for good, not just for a few weeks after your diet has worked before you put the weight on again. Wait awhile before buying new outfits, and thin you can do so with a true sense of achievement.
10 Get in a good supply of healthy snacks
This one seems too simple to be true - but it's amazing how many people ditch the diet because they feel like a snack and end up picking at the wrong things every day. As well as the low-cal snacks you're allowed on your diet, trick your body into thinking it's getting even more by snacking on carrot sticks or other raw vegetables, a bowl of homemade vegetable soup or a glass of your favorite vegetable juice. Make sparkling water a treat with crushed ice and a slice of fresh lemon and lime. You'll be surprised how satisfying these snacks are.
11 When you feel peckish - drink something
Another simple one, but remarkably effective. We all often mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you're feeling hungry have a large glass of water and wait 10 minutes. You may find your hunger pangs have gone altogether until your next mealtime!