Joanna Hall's weight loss tips

1.    If you’re trying to lose weight don’t be discouraged if your weight plateaus. Don’t pay too much attention to what the scales say – you know if you feel in better shape and muscle often weighs more than fat.

2.    Try to follow a “carb curfew” by not eating carbohydrates (bread, pasta, etc) after 5pm. Eating protein and fresh fruit in the evening will make you feel less bloated (you’ll retain less water), help you sleep better and give you more energy. In two weeks it could help you lose as much as 41/2in off your body.

3.    For a last pre-wedding weight-loss push, try a “double carb curfew”. Have carbohydrates for breakfast (something like porrige is perfect for a slow release of energy throughout the day) but none at all for lunch and dinner. You’ll notice results quickly but will probably only want to do this for a short  period of time.

4.    Make sure you do regular exercise. Walking is a fantastic way of getting in shape but you do need to make sure you’re walking at the correct intensity. First you need to find your optimum walk “break point”. To do this, start walking and then gradually speed the movement of your arms – this makes your legs move faster. Try to speed up your arm movements every 30 seconds. Almost break into a jog and then come back off that by 3-5% – that’s your optimum walk pace. Start with 5min a day and build up to 20min. A good pedometer will really help: my Small Steps Big Changes Pedometer (£10.99, joannahall.com) has won awards and comes in 8 different colours.

5.    Lastly, if organising your wedding is making you feel stressed out, a weekly Ashtanga yoga class will help you tone up and give you a chance to relax a little.


You’ll find loads more advice in Joanna’s latest book, Drop a Size GI Diet – Fast, Easy, Forever, which has just been published by HarperThorsons, price £6.99. Or visit her website at joannahall.com.

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