Are You Year 2000 Compliant?

My computer may well be year 2000 compliant, but my body most certainly ain’t! After the festivities, I bravely decided to assess the damage done in front of a full-length mirror. I was horrified – yet hopeful about the possible increase in my cuddleability factor. Sadly disillusioned when the children started calling me ”Mrs Blobby“ amidst much derisive and unnecessary noises from the spouse.

Overwhelmed by the myriad of dietary advice on offer, I resolved to do some research of my own into an effective weight loss programme. Here are the results and I defy anyone not to lose weight on it!

  Eat like a pig (preferably a vegetarian pig): eat as many fruits, vegetables and salads as you like. These foods contain fat-burning nutrients and plenty of fibre to make you feel fuller. Combine your vegetables with small amounts of quality lean protein such as fish, chicken (without the skin) and tofu. You’ll be amazed at how much more energy you now have in order to wallow in mud or similar.

  Drink like a fish: fish drink water. Under no circumstances do fish succumb to alcohol, fizzy drinks or coffee. Bear in mind that if you are in the process of losing weight, you are automatically detoxing, as toxins are released from fat. Drinking water helps your liver to detoxify – aim for 6-8 tumblers per day. It has been said that if you do not drink enough water, the body signals you to eat more food!

  Consume plenty of essential fats (not saturated or hydrogenated fat as in red meat, dairy, margarine or biscuits!). Essential fats are exactly that: essential. Apart from being major components of our cell walls and hormones, they do not make you fat but help to burn fat. One of the easiest ways of using them is to drizzle one tablespoon of flaxseed or hempseed oil (from health stores) over your abundant green leafy daily salad instead of a fattening dressing – delicious!

  Forsake any form of concentrated sweetness (this is the difficult bit!). Wave goodbye to sugar, honey, syrups, cakes, puddings, sugary drinks etc. Remember that excess sugar mysteriously turns itself into flab. Too much sugar also depresses your immune system and depletes energy levels – use fruit to sweeten breakfasts and desserts instead.

  Avoid or reduce foods you are intolerant to, as these may cause water retention and add to the bulge (wheat and dairy top the list of the UK’s most allergenic foods). Try to increase the variety of your foods, many people eat the same foods day in, day out.

  Unless you are rich and can afford a hunky personal trainer, just DIY and shift that body! Walk to the market for your fresh vegetables, cycle to work, climb the stairs and dance the winter blues away. Being consistent and including exercise in your daily routine is a sure way of burning off the calories, toning the muscles and reducing the risk of injury.

Follow the above tips and, hey, you’ll be laughing all the way to the communal changing rooms!

Martina is a qualified nutritionist practising at The Dolphin House Clinic,  Brighton (Tel: 01273-324790). email: martina@thehealthbank.co.uk

Article first published August 2002, Brighton Argus.

Copyright 2005 Martina Watts              All Rights Reserved              www.martinawatts.com