It must be January as my inbox and Facebook feed are full of magical ways to lose weight (fast!). Do eat this, don’t eat that, try this amazing detox product, as well as promoting expensive fat busting pills and potions.

The reality is, that to lose fat and keep it off, you have to find a way that works for you and which you can make into a long-term lifestyle. While that might look slightly different for different people, there are some basic principles that apply to pretty much everyone.

It is really tempting at the beginning of a new year to start off with a hiss and a roar and to severely restrict your eating. You are feeling bloated and gross from overdoing it over the holidays and you are determined to drop those extra kilos, fast.

The thing is though, when you severely restrict your calories you end up being hungry. You might be able to hang in for a few days, maybe even a few weeks, but eventually you just can’t sustain being hungry and boom, you burst out and eat all the things you had been missing while you were starving yourself. I can see a few heads nodding!

So, what is the best way to drop those extra kilos which accumulated during lockdowns and the holiday period without feeling deprived?

First of all, take the emphasis off rapid weight loss and instead focus on eating better.

Eating less of the unhelpful foods which make you tired, grumpy and hungry (simple carbs, processed foods, excessive alcohol, etc) and instead add in more of the ‘real’ foods that give you energy, good mood and, in the long term, fat loss and good health. You will feel more satisfied and less likely to keep looking for food.

If you have put on a few kilos over the lockdowns and the holidays, deal with them now, before the number on the scales becomes even harder to face. Those extra kilos simply won’t go away unless you take action.

We are all very aware of the health implications of excess bodyfat. It isn’t just an aesthetic issue; being overweight is a factor in many health conditions. If tweaking your lifestyle now can help prevent health issues later, isn’t it worth doing?

Lifestyle changes vs taking pills.

The average American is taking 5 different prescribed drugs by the time they are 50 years old. I would suggest that New Zealanders are closing the gap and younger and younger people are having to take medications for health issues that could be improved by changing their lifestyle.

I know how daunting it can feel when you have a lot of weight to lose, but the simple fact is, if you don’t do something then the situation won’t change.

Most people I see are looking for not only advice and support, but also accountability. When you are checking in with someone, it helps to keep you focused and mindful of what you are doing. I’m never going to be judgemental or look down on anyone who is struggling, how would that be helpful? Everyone is different in what works for them and hopefully, together we can figure that out.

A simple BBQ meal idea

A simple BBQ meal that serves 8-10 is butterflying a chicken. We buy a 2.3kg frozen chicken for around $11, defrost it, cut it down the backbone and flatten it out. Next, squeeze lemon juice over it, season it and cook it on the BBQ for about 60-65 minutes – or until the juice in a thigh runs clear. Once cooked we shred the flesh off the bone and it keeps, chilled, in an airtight container for 4 days. It’s great for adding to salads or lunches and so economical.

Appointment times this year

Initially this year I am going to trial just seeing clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on Saturday mornings, keeping Wednesdays for online clients. Online appointments during lockdown were popular and I’d like to see if the demand is still there, to be able to help clients who can’t make it to my office. If anyone local can’t make Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturday mornings, but Wednesdays work, do get in touch and we may be able to work something out.

If you would like help with your nutrition, please contact me to schedule and appointment.