Keeping You on Track
It’s a new year and with the focus on fitness and weight loss we look at ways to keep to achievable goals rather than on a quick-fit approach.
The best way to lose weight and keep it off is by implementing long-term lifestyle changes. There are several reasons why you may be overweight including lack of exercise, eating too many calories and processed foods, as well as suffering from insomnia. Age also plays a part and although it is often said that as we get older our metabolisms slow down and cause us to gain weight, this is a myth. The fact is that as we get older we tend to be less active and eat more, and that’s why we put on weight.
If you have been trying to lose weight but can’t seem to make it shift, it could be a good idea to see if you can boost your metabolism, but do you know what your ‘metabolism’ is? It is the overall term given to the huge range of chemical processes which take place in all living cells in the body and a key element of the metabolism is to convert the food we eat into energy with which to fuel these chemical processes. Some people’s bodies burn more energy than others. This is called the metabolic rate. The higher your metabolic rate, the more calories you burn at rest.
There are certain foods that you can eat to boost metabolism, the best of these being: nuts, chilli peppers, mustard, seaweed, caffeine (tea and coffee), coconut oil, fish and whole grains. There are also three things that slow metabolism and these are: artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates including white pasta, white bread and white potatoes.
Nutrition and exercise are equally important when trying to lose weight. A nutritious diet including a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat, fibre, fluids, vitamins and minerals is important for everyone and can help you to achieve the body you want.
Remember, the best way to lose weight for most people is to implement healthy lifestyle changes, so try to get moving, exercise more and eat mindfully.
If you’re an athlete, bodybuilder or sportsperson, it’s even more important to fuel your body the right way. In sports and fitness, what you consume – and when you consume it – affects your performance. Protein is important in building muscle mass and in repairing injured tissue.
Adding more protein to your nutrition plan is one simple step that can help you lose weight by keeping you full, maintaining lean muscle, and stoking your metabolism so you burn more fat. When you are dieting, it can be so easy to slip off the wagon and turn to convenience or fast foods like biscuits, crisps and chocolate, so it is worthwhile keeping a stock of healthy snacks nearby instead, such as popcorn, fruit juice, fruit, and oat or rice cakes. It is also a good idea to have some protein shakes to hand and to take one at the same time each day to help you keep on track with your weight loss.
Protein supplements come in various forms and now that veganism has become increasingly popular over the years, Holland & Barrett has a range of vegan products to help you increase your protein. Try Precision Engineered’s Plant Protein, a dairy free blend of pea protein isolate and rice protein to support your daily protein intake or USN 100% Plant Protein, a great tasting blend of pea, rice and hemp protein.
USN Diet Fuel is ideal for supporting weight loss goals and is the perfect meal replacement that comes in a range of delicious flavours. Diet Fuel is high in protein which helps you to feel more satiated, and also provides a vitamin complex to support your health and wellbeing.If you are looking for a meal replacement shake or a snack between meals to support your weight loss goals, try USN Vegan Diet Fuel, a blend of pea, soya and rice protein.
Advisory Information:
Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional and always read the label before use.
