Avoid winter weight gain
Research suggests most of us could gain around a pound (half a Kilo) during the winter months – while this may not sound that much – it soon adds up over a decade or so.
Three main contributors to winter weight gain
- Lack of exercise
- Comfort eating and
- Over indulging at Christmas
The New Year is a good time to look at your weight and decide how to manage any weight issues.
How to Lose Weight and keep it off
- Think about the reasons why you want to lose weight
- Do you feel ready to make the changes?
- It is vital that you are motivated
If you decide now is the right time, it helps to:
- Keep a food and activity diary for about a week this will help to identify any key areas/feelings or times which trigger overeating and areas in which you can change.
- Make an action plan of 2-3 small realistic changes i.e. take a 10 minute walk 3 times a week and when achieved move on to more changes.
- It might be useful to tell friends and family of your weight loss plans so that you have some support to encourage you.
- Make a list of things that would easily distract you from overeating
Set yourself realistic goals
Realistic goals are essential for weight loss success.
Losing ~ 5-10% of your weight over a 3-6 month period has great health benefits
Weight loss of around 1-2lbs per week is achievable weight loss
Increasing activity levels also helps you to lose weight and inches from your waist which is beneficial in reducing your risk of developing conditions such as Diabetes or High blood pressure. It is also important to boost long term success.
For more information visit the NHS 12 week weight loss guide.