There are two things we know for certain: summer will be upon us before we know it, and over a year of lockdown restrictions have not been kind to our bodies. We’re eating more and moving less, so it wouldn’t be surprising if you’re feeling more sluggish than usual. You’re in luck, however, as we’ve put together our top 7 tips on how to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way.
#1: Make small life changes
All too often we dive into the deep end when it comes to weight loss without appreciating the small changes we can make in our day-to-day lives. The next time you go to reach for an unhealthy snack, pick up a piece of fruit. If you take sugar in your tea or coffee, try to go without. When you’re feeling really brave, opt for skimmed instead of semi-skimmed milk. Small changes make a huge difference in the long run!
#2: Switch up the drinks
One of the biggest culprits when it comes to piling on the pounds is sugar, and there is heaps of it in carbonated drinks. The NHS recommend 6-8 glasses of fluid per day, so next time you reach for a can of fizzy pop, opt for a water or a sugar-free squash instead.
#3: Go for a daily walk
One good thing to come out of lockdown restrictions was the introduction of the allowed daily walk. Many people who didn’t step outside before are now appreciating the benefits of some fresh air and a change of scenery. Implementing a daily walk into your routine is great for both your physical and mental health, and will help boost your weight loss.
#4: Carefully consider carbs
Make no mistake: carbs are an important part of a healthy diet. You don’t need to cut them out to shed weight, but you should be choosy about the carbs you eat. Try to opt for whole grain versions of bread, pasta, and rice, as their processed counterparts remove key nutrients like iron, fibre, and vitamin B.
#5: Quench your thirst
We’ve mentioned the importance of your choice of drink, but never underestimate the importance of water intake when it comes to weight loss. Often what we perceive to be hunger is thirst. If you’re feeling peckish between meals, drink a good amount of water to help resist unnecessary snacking.
#6: Track your progress
Humans often need incentives to do things – it’s part of what makes us ‘tick’. Manage your weight loss via an app or smart watch to stay on track and monitor your progress. If you reach a milestone, plan a small reward or treat for yourself.
#7: Use a weight loss service
Often the best diet for weight loss is not one we can devise ourselves, but one we receive when we seek professional help! For example, here at Lanchester Pharmacy we offer a medicated weight management service, pairing the support of expert pharmacist with a prescription medication to help you lose weight healthily.
