Weight loss tips before the work Christmas party!

From today there are exactly six weeks until Christmas Day. The well-prepared amongst us may have already bought presents for loved ones to save on stress in the fortnight or so before the big day. However, many of us will suffering with some degree of stress about the work office party and trying to slim down to fit into that expensive dress or suit.

Let’s be realistic, as soon as December starts is when the majority of work Christmas parties will be taking place, not to mention being inundated to invites to other festive parties, leaving at the very most just four weeks until you need to shift those extra pounds, and five until you might be feeling your pants have become a little tighter!

For those looking to lose the last 8-10lbs in the next month, it might sound daunting and an impossible task, but it can be done. Although building lean muscle from workouts at the gym will help to a certain degree because muscle speeds up metabolism and burns fat, the majority of the weight loss will inevitably come from dietary improvements and a closer monitor of what is going onto your plate and the calories you are taking in.

Research conducted by XLS-Medical (creators of the popular weight loss aid XLS-Medical Fat Binder) in 2012 suggested that over half (51%) of the population would like to lose weight in the run-up to Christmas.

With this in mind, Medical Specialists® Pharmacy are providing some helpful weight loss tips that should enable people to shed those last few excess pounds before the dreaded Christmas party at work!

. Don’t skip breakfast

Make sure to fill yourself up at the start of the day with a well-balanced breakfast that consists mainly of carbohydrates and protein. This will help to keep hunger pangs at bay so you don’t gorge on junk food by dinner time. Your metabolic rate is slowed down as a result of not taking in any food during sleep and by eating breakfast, your metabolism will be awoken and revved for the rest of the day.

. Reduce sugar intake

A high sugar intake actually messes around with your blood-sugar levels, meaning the more you have, the more you crave it. Instead try substituting it where possible for natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, xylitol, coconut sugar or agave nectar.

. Drink plenty of water

Many times when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty, so it is important to stay hydrated. Numerous studies have been conducted that provide evidence to show that drinking water prior to or during a meal could help with weight loss – in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet.

. Cut the caffeine

Try and reduce or cut out your caffeine intake. Caffeine can impact your insulin levels, increasing the craving sugar after the initial stimulation has vanished. For those unaware, insulin is the main fat storage hormone in our body.

. Boost protein intake

As most people are aware, protein is an absolute essential component of muscle building, and with more muscle comes more burning of fat. The healthier choices of protein include fish and seafood, lean meats (chicken breast or turkey) and eggs.

. Don’t forget liquid calories

The fact drinks can be quickly and easily taken in means that many people simply forget to consider the sometimes high number of calories in some drinks. For example, there are 139 calories in a 330ml can of coca-cola, which will quickly accumulate after a few cans each day. Consider ditching the sugary fizzy drink for a sparkling water with a slice of lemon and of course always remember about alcohol calories.

. Be more active

It shouldn’t be too difficult to manage to squeeze in one extra walk into your day. Fast walking is especially effective at burning calories. Use the stairs at work instead of the lift, if the weather is nice then go outside for a brisk walk on your lunch break, or even get off the bus one stop earlier than usual and walk the rest of the journey home. You should try to aim for walking at least 10,000 steps per day – not as difficult as it may seem!

. Consider high intensity exercise

Want to get fit and quick? It might be worth engaging in some high intensity interval training (or HIIT for short) exercises. HIIT exercises result in a big calorie burn within a short time period. Don’t be fooled though, HIIT workouts are far from easy and require you to give three or four times more effort in the 20 to 30 second bursts that such exercises are comprised of. The hard work here means your body is unable to bring in sufficient oxygen and a ‘debt’ is built up that must be accommodated for after exercising has finished so normality is resumed. This means your metabolism is boosted for hours after you leave the gym!