The biggest myth of all is that you will lose weight permanently if you go on a diet. Yet, it is established that at least 50 percent of all women are on a low calorie diet at any one time. Judging from my many emails and letters, there are many misconceptions.
‘I Need a Strict Diet to Lose Weight’
Following a strict, low calorie diet is one route to lose weight, but not the best way. Rapid weight loss causes the metabolism to slow down as the body feels it is going to starve; so it processes the food it is given more slowly. When the dieter returns to normal eating, the body tries to recover and because the metabolism has slowed down, weight is regained more quickly.
‘I Don’t Eat Breakfast to Help Me Lose Weight’
At breakfast time, your body has already been on an 8-hour fast! You are more likely to put on weight if you skip breakfast. If you skip breakfast, you tend to eat more during the day in terms of snacks.
‘I Hardly Eat a Thing and I’m Still Not Losing Weight’
This is a complaint that I hear almost daily. This is because people can underestimate the amount they eat. They forget about the food they eat while cooking, or the peanuts eaten while chatting on the telephone. The only way to judge whether there is a medical problem causing weight gain is to keep an accurate list of everything eaten during the day. Other causes of weight gain can be steroids, antidepressants or high dose HRT. It may also be worth discussing with your doctor your thyroid function as an underactive thyroid can cause your body’s metabolism to slow down.
Get Fit and Healthy
Begin a 20-minute program of exercises every morning
Why? Exercise gets the circulation going and makes you feel happier and brighter for the day ahead, no matter what it holds.
How? Get up 20 minutes earlier. Follow my mini-morning workout (email to [email protected] for a free copy) or buy an exercise video. Exercise each part of the body starting with gentle stretches. Do it every day so that it becomes part of your daily routine.
Recipe of the Week
Italian Style Broccoli With Tomatoes
Serves 6
Ingredients
15 g unsalted butter (or 15 ml vegetable oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
370 g Italian style peeled tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. oregano
680 g broccoli florets
Method
Melt butter (or heat vegetable oil) in a heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium high heat. Add garlic, tomatoes, and oregano and simmer uncovered 2-3 minutes. Add broccoli, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer 7-8 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
Exercise Tip
Lunch Time Power Walks
If you are an office worker with little time to take exercise, then lunch time power walking is a great way to exercise regularly without placing a huge burden on your schedule. At this time of year, when the weather is cooling down, spend twenty minutes of your lunch break walking at a steady pace around your building. Try to involve one of your coworkers to keep yourself motivated. Don’t forget to talk to your doctor before exerting yourself if you are overweight.
Ask Alva
I live in Riyadh. My weight is 100 kg. I am 33 years old. I would like to reduce my weight to 75 kg or 80 kg. Will you please suggest some course for me to follow. I ama strict vegetarian and am basically a good food lover. Madma
You haven’t given me your height so I can’t work out your ideal weight. But it is important that you do lose weight for your future good health. You will be glad to see that we have published a recipe that would be suitable for vegetarians this week, which I hope you will enjoy.
Eat a healthy breakfast like Muesli with skimmed milk and fruit. Mid-morning, have a banana for potassium. For lunch have a healthy salad with rice or bread, followed by yoghurt. At supper make sure you have some vegetables, protein and carbohydrates — and a low fat dessert. Make sure you drink 2 litres of water a day and a glass of fresh milk every day. You can walk every morning or evening, as this would be good for your circulation and keeps you toned. Alva
