The senior personal trainer at Benton-based health and wellbeing centre Sound Mind and Body is keen to dispel the myths that surround how best to lose weight and help the North East shed those extra pounds the right way…and keep them off.
Dominic said: “As we start the New Year, people often take on dramatic diets and exercise regimes with the hope that they will see weight loss results quickly, but it is important that the difference between the quickest ways to lose weight and the best ways for seeing long-term results are understood.
“Eating less and exercising more are commonly perceived as the best ways to aid quick weight loss and although incorporating these elements into your daily routine will result in this, unfortunately the story doesn’t end there. As soon as changes to the diet are made and food intake goes back to eating a little more, the body reacts the same way as a dried out sponge does when put in water, soaking up as much as it can, becoming saturated and heavier than before.
“Continuity is key. Making sensible and smart gradual lifestyle changes are the best ways to aid weight loss and see long-term results. Think of the hare and the tortoise – slow and steady definitely wins the weight loss race.
“A healthy diet and active lifestyle brings so many other benefits than just keeping weight at bay. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and breathing problems are all conditions which can be caused by being overweight, and with the number of cases of diabetes soaring over the last 12 months across the North East, it’s increasingly important that people are looking after their bodies.
“Anyone looking to make smart lifestyle changes should be aiming to make changes for the better, by doing exercise and activities that are enjoyed and eating food that is looked forward to. Exercise and healthy eating shouldn’t produce thoughts of doom and gloom as this results in boredom and frustration with food that isn’t liked and exercise that becomes a chore.
“To succeed and feel great, a healthier diet and more active lifestyle should be factored into everyday life long-term, not just for a short spell until a goal weight has been reached. Make it fun with people who are positive to be around and give praise and support when needed.
“A fitness journey doesn’t have to be embarked upon alone, experts are here to help you achieve the best you yet.”
Dominic’s 10 top tips for losing weight and keeping it off:
- Seek professional advice from experts on fitness and nutrition
- Work with a trainer to identify what you want to achieve and how to do it
- Set personal goals and milestones, with goal weights and dates to achieve these
- Make fitness and diet plans for the week ahead
- Get active and make it fun
- Avoid beige foods such as pasta, bread, pastry, cakes, crisps and potatoes
- Write a list ahead of doing food shopping and stick to it to avoid being attracted to unhealthy foods on special offer
- Keep a diary of feelings towards certain foods and exercise, what’s gone well, what’s been a struggle and any progress made
- Keep track of measurements, weight and fitness improvements e.g. distance ran / swam
- Celebrate successes and achievements
For more information on Sound Mind and Body visit www.soundmindandbody.co.uk or call 0191 280 9274.