Load Shedding … the good type!

Let’s be honest. We all cheat every now and then. And after Easter … we probably need to cut back a little to make up for all those chocolate treats.  

1. Ditch the guilt – we all deserve a little indulgence now and then.
2. Don’t weigh yourself; weight is a very crude measure and doesn’t take into account body composition, so it can be very misleading. In addition, if you’ve consumed a lot of starch and/or salt, you will be retaining fluid.
3. Plan ahead and stock your fridge with lots of lean protein, fruit, veg and healthy snacks so you don’t eat junk out of desperation.
4. Unless you’re on an intermittent fasting plan, don’t skip meals. Rather steady your sugar levels and eat three balanced meals a day, plus two low- GI snacks.
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Avoid fizzy drinks and too much caffeine; rather choose water and herbal teas.
6. Jump back into your exercise routine.
7. Eat early and light at night, stay away from processed foods and alcohol as much as possible and reduce your salt intake.
8. Be mindful about getting enough sleep; read in bed and switch off your phone at least an hour before you go to sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
9. Keep a food diary – it is the best way to track your eating and get you back on track.
10. A few “bad” days usually do not derail progress as much as you might think. The best strategy is to get back on track at the next meal rather than waiting until the next day or the next Monday.

* In consultation with registered dietitian Lila Bruk; lilabruk.co.za

* PIC CREDIT: freepik.com