Weight loss tips from Theresa Cheung

1. Say “I Do” to a reasonable weight loss goal
Most weight loss programs fail because of unrealistic goals. You can safely lose one to two pounds per week, so a goal of 16 pounds of weight lost in eight weeks is appropriate. Anything more and you are setting yourself up for frustration and failure.

2. Raise your glass
Water lowers body fat, flushes cellulite, improves digestion and metabolism (fat burning), gets rid of dark circles under the eyes, and makes you feel full. It also improves your liver function, and if your liver runs more efficiently, it will break down fat more effectively. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant. These are just a few of the benefits of drinking the required six to eight glasses of water a day: The easiest way to get into the habit is to break the amounts down into manageable amounts:
- Keep a bottle of water beside your bed. Before you go to sleep drink * the bottle and as soon as you wake up (before your feet touch the floor) drink the remaining * bottle.
- Before each meal drink a half a bottle of water.
- Carry a bottle with the targeted amount of water with you and sip it throughout the day. When the bottle is empty you know you have drunk enough. Remember if you are exercising and sweating you will need to drink more.
It's pretty difficult to drink too much water so just keep on drinking. Note: Nettle tea is a great weight loss tea as it boosts metabolism and is another natural appetite suppressant.

3. Eat more, not less
Eat several small meals (say five or six) a day rather than three big ones and always make sure you have breakfast. This keeps your blood sugar stable, and your metabolism (the rate at which your body turns food into energy) high. Although you need to cut down on alcholol, saturated fat and refined foods high in sugar and salt you also need to make sure you eat plenty of nutritious high quality foods to help your body burn fat and reach optimum health. So make sure you have lashings of fruits and vegetables and plenty of whole grains, legumes, beans, nuts and seeds and oily fish. Remember, the best way to lose weight is to eat less than before but to make sure you eat the right foods which give you the nutrients you need to boost your metabolism and burn fat. That way you'll lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived.
 
4. Practice walking down the aisle
Choose to be active every day. As little as 20 minutes of brisk walking will burn excess calories. And watch your posture when you walk (standing tall can take pounds off you) What's more, that time is for you. Use it to relax, meditate and escape stress. Do some gentle stretching every day too; just 10 minutes each morning is a great way to combat wedding stress. Or you could take a yoga class once or twice a week to learn the basics.
 
5. Hit the weights, not the wall
Muscles burn fat so a little light weight training with dumbells will boost your metablism and give your body definition and tone. Include at least two to three days per week of light weight training with dumbbells. Choose eight to 10 exercises and do at least eight to 12 repetitions per exercise. One set is enough, especially if time is precious. Best exercises include biceps curls, triceps extensions, lateral raises, rows, lunges, squats, crunches and hyperextensions.
 
Stay on track and you'll be amazed at your results. Eat plenty of nutrious food, drink lots of water, stay positive and imagine your groom seeing you for the first time in your wedding gown and his face lighting up with pride.
 
Theresa Cheung is a health writer and qualifed fitness instructor. Her books include: The Lazy Person's Guide to stress (Macmillian), The Depression Diet (Sheldon) Weight Mangement and Fitness through Pregnancy (Hodder) and Living with the Glycemic Factor (Sheldon).

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