5 simple food rules that’ll instantly help you lose weight

Looking to shift a few pounds?

It’s true that losing weight overnight is never going to happen, nor is it realistic to think that you will. But one sure-fire way to shift the pounds a lot easier is by making small changes to your daily eating habits, as doing so will almost immediately allow you to reduce bloating, lose water weight and feel (and look) lighter. Here are the finest culinary choices to make right now…

The importance of protein at every meal

Making sure that you’re getting the right amount of protein on your plate is the easiest way to prevent your muffin top from making an appearance. It also keeps you fuller for longer, which is great news for your 4pm sugar craving. Moreover, although a steak once in a while isn’t going to kill you, try to steer clear of red meats on a regular basis and choose leaner options such as chicken, turkey and egg, instead.

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Not all carbs are created equal

One of the most common quick-fixes that men and women the world over tend to rely on is the cutting out of all carbs. Of course, it’s true that white, processed carbs eaten on the daily can be horrendous for our gut, but it’s all about careful selection. Brown rice, sweet potatoes and oats are just a couple of naturally produced carbs that’ll do your body favours without piling on the pounds.

Getting ahead of the game with meal plans

It might be going against your instinct to head to the supermarket on a Sunday and do your weekly shop, or take a tupperware to work instead of heading out to Pret, but if you’re serious about your weight loss journey, it’s going to pay to take preparation seriously. Forgetting to cook lunch for the week ahead is only going to make you fall at each and every hurdle as the office cake, the café next door or that open bag of sweets on the next table are ultimately going to become too tempting and will set you back more than is worth it.

Hydration is the way forward

It’s true that guzzling water all day every day doesn’t always come naturally, but it’s the easiest way to nurture your body both through hydration and the realisation of whether you’re actually hungry or not. Regular glasses of water have been known to stave off hunger and stabilise your appetite. Drinking herbal teas and vegetable juices are also good ways to ensure you’re getting enough liquid in if you’re becoming bored of h20.

Snacking isn't always the worst idea

We’re conditioned to assume that reaching for a snack mid-morning or afternoon is the quickest way to help us put on weight. But snacking smarter is a great way to actually help have the opposite affect, staving off huge hunger pans and also providing you with essential nutrients throughout the day. Reach for apples, nuts, humous and carrots instead of your usual bag of crisps or Haribo.

Stuffed? Now it’s time to hit the gym

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