When you’re trying to lose weight you want to do it quickly so the last thing you need to hear from me is that you need to slow down. But in the end slowing down really will help speed up your permanent weight loss, believe me.

One of the fundamental rules that I followed when I lost weight was to eat more slowly. I sat down for all my meals and made sure that I chewed my food properly – at least 20 times. To force yourself to do this, one trick is to put down your knife and fork between mouthfuls. A pain, I know, but if you practice it often enough it will become a habit. The reason this is so important? Well, it takes about 20 minutes for hormones to build up to tell your stomach it is full, so if you eat too fast you will in fact eat more than you need to satisfy your appetite. What would be the point in that? So keep reminding yourself that there is a method to this madness!

Secondly, don’t be tempted by any of these celery and replacement meal type diets. Losing seven pounds in one week will not result in long-term weight loss. I’ve been there. Look at trying to lose one to two pounds a week, so around eight pounds a month.

Another trick I used was to buy myself a little treat for each pound that I lost – not a food treat mind you! Steer clear of the chocolate aisle!  Just a magazine or a T-shirt for instance – something to look forward to other than food. This trick really works!

Happy Monday and let’s hope these tips kick start your weight loss!

  

Becky

I'm a 46 yr old mum who has been battling with weight on and off for about 30 years. Last year I finally managed to lose 20 pounds, going from a UK size 16 to a size 12, and have so far kept it off - I now weigh 10 stone exactly. In June of this year I decided I would start a personal blog about how I lost weight. I wanted to write a weight loss blog about healthy weight loss - not about diet pills, replacement drinks or any other gimmicks. I come from a fairly sporty family - mum and stepfather both in their 70s are still running 5 miles plus, I have a husband who runs marathons and a daughter who is a competition squad gymnast - so in response to all this sportiness I have dabbled with running on and off for the past 8 years - normally about 5 months on, 5 months off, the latter being attributed to a mixture of injury, work demands or just pure laziness. This year I have signed up to do the Cardiff Half Marathon in October so have a clear measurable fitness goal plus a family who will not let me duck out of it! I have also decided that I would like to attempt a sprint triathlon next summer. As running a half marathon (13.2 miles) is a real effort I decided it would be easier if I was carrying less weight so have decided to lose an extra stone by mid-October. Join me in my journey!

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