Tips

Exercise

Many of us would like to be more active. The best way to begin an exercise program is to start off slowly, and do something you really like doing. Here are some tips from our current clients:

• Start walking 15 - 20 mins each day- Start off at a stroll until you feel slightly fitter, then start to push yourself. If you find walking a little boring try taking someone or something with you, such as your partner, neighbour, friend, children or dog. Try to walk in interesting places such as the beach, local park, or even around the shopping centre. Invest in some good quality shoes, and have them fitted professionally. Indulge yourself, and buy an Ipod with headphones.
• Go Dancing - Dancing is a great way to introduce exercise and is great fun! You can dance at home, in a local club, or even join a dancing group.
• Water Workouts - Exercising in water is a very good way to introduce exercise if you are recovering from an injury, or are unable to bear weight for long periods of time. There are regular classes in most fitness centres, or take yourself down to the local pool.

Stress

Lower your stress levels. Easier said than done? There are ways to reduce your stress levels, which in turn helps you achieve a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Spend 30 minutes each day doing things you love to do. Here are a few ideas:

Water

We all know that two litres of water is essential for our health, especially whilst we are trying to lose weight. But what if you don't like water?

Here are some tips from other SureSlim clients:

• Carry around a bottle of water everywhere you go. Take a sip every few minutes. A normal bottle holds around 500ml or more, so after four bottles you have had all the water you need.
• Start the day with a glass of water, and continue to drink throughout the day
• Every time you visit the bathroom, drink another glass of water (this tends to keep the cycle going!)
• Remember, THE MORE YOU DRINK, THE MORE YOU SHRINK!

Cravings

Do you crave something sweet after a meal? Research shows that most cravings for food can be overcome by distracting yourself for 10 - 15 minutes. Try applying the 10 minute impulse control principle. So what is the best method of distraction? Here are some ideas from our clients:

• Go for a walk
• Go do some gardening, or mow the lawn
• Clean the bathroom
• Paint your nails
• Have a bath
• Do the ironing

If you are at work, you can apply impulse control by trying the following:

• Talk to a workmate
• Go for a quick walk around the building

Remember, your cravings may only last for a few minutes. If your cravings have not disappeared after 10-15 minutes, you can try having a cup of tea or coffee with a herbal sweetener.

If your cravings persist please contact your SureSlim Consultant for further advice.

Stay in Control

We all know that as soon as you start to lose weight almost every person you know will try to tempt you with chocolates, cakes, sweets and pastas. It is important that you learn to say "no" politely but forcefully. Here are some examples:

• “No thank you, my doctor has put me on a very specific eating plan for my health problems.”
• “No thank you, I've just eaten and I'm really full.”
• “Hmmm, looks great. I think I'll save it until after dinner.”

Don’t let other people encourage you to stay overweight.

Trigger Foods

Almost everyone has a trigger food, and avoiding them can be difficult. By this we mean a food that once you start eating it, you can't stop.

After asking a few of the SureSlim consultants what their trigger foods were we came up with some fairly common ones - cookies, chocolate, chips, lollies, peanuts....... we think you know what we mean.

So what is the best way to not eat these foods? Do not keep them in the house. Obvious, we know, but it does work.

The BIG EXCUSE!

Don't use the big excuse!

Imagine the scenario:

You have been on your program for a while and you have decided to go out to celebrate your anniversary. You have your dinner, then decide on having a few glasses of wine, then dessert, then an ice cream on the way home, then some chocolates when you get home.......and now you feel very depressed, as though you have undone all your hard work.

Don't say to yourself, “Ah well, that's the end of my diet”, because it's not true. No one stays overweight because of one meal.

Instead say to yourself, “Never mind, tomorrow I'll go back to my program”.

If you can get into the habit of doing this you'll be absolutely fine. Ring to book a visit with a consultant for motivation and assurance.

Remember not to use this as an excuse to break your diet too often.

Confidence

Many people make the mistake of not buying new clothes while they're losing weight. Perfectly understandable. But why wait to improve your appearance when you can improve it right now?

Buying a few new clothes to slim into is a great tonic and will give you new-found confidence and the encouragement to continue.

On the same note, you can book yourself in for a new hairstyle, buy some new makeup or have a beauty treatment. You will feel (and look) fantastic!

Calcium

Would you like to increase your calcium levels naturally?

Dairy products are the first foods that we usually think of when it comes to calcium. Whilst it is good to include a range of dairy products in your diet, don't forget to include lots of leafy green vegetables (such as broccoli, bok choy and spinach), fish with bones, nuts and seeds. These foods are high in calcium and are particularly good if you cannot consume dairy products.

Foods to avoid if you are concerned about your calcium levels are tea, coffee and any carbonated drinks as these foods interfere with calcium absorption.

Good Oils

Consuming the correct amount of healthy fats is important for a balanced diet. Good fats promote strong bones, nails, skin and healthy hair as well as being responsible for the production of hormones and absorption of certain vitamins.

Make sure that you always consume your fats and oils as recommended on your Quick Loss Program.

Fibre

Are you consuming enough fibre? Fibre is made up of indigestible compounds from plants which pass relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines.

Fibre helps to add bulk to the stools and is also important for digestive system health. To make sure you are consuming enough fibre consume lots of fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds rather than processed cereals and breads.

If you would like to increase your fibre intake discuss this with your SureSlim consultant.

Think Organic

Choosing organic foods whenever possible is the nearest we can get to eating a pure diet.

Organic foods are free from highly toxic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics and artificial growth hormones. Naturally grown and ripened produce may also have a higher content of essential nutrients.

Many supermarkets now stock a range of organic fruit and vegetables.

Be Cool this Summer.

As the most humid days of summer approach stay on track, as well as cool, with iced tea. Place a glass or plastic jug in the freezer for an hour or so.

Prepare peppermint or lemongrass and ginger tea, let cool and pour into chilled jug. Add ice cubes for a refreshing drink on a hot, sultry day.

Alternatively, prepare Raspberry and Apple Frappe from the SureSlim Quick Loss Recipe Book.