Thanks to my genes, I have always remained relatively "thin", however my metabolism has slowed down, quite noticeably in the past year now that I'm in my mid 20s.
I don't believe in obscure weight loss diets, starvation or meal skipping. Despite my metabolism dip, I have successfully maintained my healthy weight range and kept weight off unwanted parts. Today I want to share my diet and "exercise" tips with you.
BIG BREAKFASTS
They don't say breakfast is the most important meal of the day for no reason!
I love having big breakfasts to fuel and prep my body for a good portion of the day. Think of it as priming your face... except you're priming your body.
OIL AND BUTTER
A few years ago my father suffered some abdominal problems and as a result, he has not been able to eat anything with more than a smidge of butter or oil. Dad lost a lot of weight and changed our eating habits as a family (i.e., more boiling and steaming), it also heavily influenced my own cooking/baking style.
You will not find butter in this house, I will use olive oil, but it's no more than a small teaspoon when it is absolutely necessary. Outside of the house, I will consume butter and oily foods just so that my body does not become completely intolerant.
DRINK TEA
Tea is a natural diuretic, so drink up. My personal favourites are jasmin, lemongrass & ginger and my beloved Genmai-Chai (green tea combined with roasted brown rice - the aroma is absolutely amazing).
CHEW MORE AND FOR LONGER
I am the a very slow eater because I like to chew my food thoroughly. Research has indicated that calories can be significantly reduced simply by chewing your food for longer. I don't found calories, but it makes sense, your body will take longer to break down half chewed food.
WALKING
I don't generally have time for the gym. Once the weekend is here, I work intensively on my blog and find places to eat for Instagram (@theweekendfoodie).
Thankfully, my job is fluid and on the go. I have the option of driving to appointments and meetings, but I chose to catch public transport/walk as much as possible. If it's under 25 minutes on google maps, I'd walk it. This racks up my pedometer where I'd average between 8000-12000 steps per day.
Compare that with a day in the office, roughly 700-1000 steps per day.
SLOW STRETCHES
Before bed I like to do some stretches to target key areas, my body is not in proportion, I usually gain weight around my tummy and thighs. In order to keep my body some-what toned and less flabby, I'd complete a selection of "slow stretches" i.e., 20 reps of slow and sustained squats and/or the "bridge" pose to help strengthen my lower back, thighs, abdominal and buttocks.
A good stick figure Yoga pose picture here.
SNACK REPLACEMENT
Snacking healthy is hard, but it's do-able. I have a sweet tooth, so instead of lemon crème biscuits I found Greek Yoghurt to be the perfect replacement (especially alongside a cup of cherries). I also snack on celery/carrot sticks and seasoned seaweed packs from Korean Shops.
I started to notice a small muffin top so I decided to substitute yoghurt and fruits for lunch for a week, it worked quite well.
What are your diet/exercise tips?
I don't believe in obscure weight loss diets, starvation or meal skipping. Despite my metabolism dip, I have successfully maintained my healthy weight range and kept weight off unwanted parts. Today I want to share my diet and "exercise" tips with you.
 |
| My Oil free lunch option |
BIG BREAKFASTS
They don't say breakfast is the most important meal of the day for no reason!
I love having big breakfasts to fuel and prep my body for a good portion of the day. Think of it as priming your face... except you're priming your body.
OIL AND BUTTER
A few years ago my father suffered some abdominal problems and as a result, he has not been able to eat anything with more than a smidge of butter or oil. Dad lost a lot of weight and changed our eating habits as a family (i.e., more boiling and steaming), it also heavily influenced my own cooking/baking style.
You will not find butter in this house, I will use olive oil, but it's no more than a small teaspoon when it is absolutely necessary. Outside of the house, I will consume butter and oily foods just so that my body does not become completely intolerant.
 |
| Drinking Stay Lean Tea (stay tuned for a review!) |
DRINK TEA
Tea is a natural diuretic, so drink up. My personal favourites are jasmin, lemongrass & ginger and my beloved Genmai-Chai (green tea combined with roasted brown rice - the aroma is absolutely amazing).
CHEW MORE AND FOR LONGER
I am the a very slow eater because I like to chew my food thoroughly. Research has indicated that calories can be significantly reduced simply by chewing your food for longer. I don't found calories, but it makes sense, your body will take longer to break down half chewed food.
WALKING
I don't generally have time for the gym. Once the weekend is here, I work intensively on my blog and find places to eat for Instagram (@theweekendfoodie).
Thankfully, my job is fluid and on the go. I have the option of driving to appointments and meetings, but I chose to catch public transport/walk as much as possible. If it's under 25 minutes on google maps, I'd walk it. This racks up my pedometer where I'd average between 8000-12000 steps per day.
Compare that with a day in the office, roughly 700-1000 steps per day.
 |
| Shanghai 2014 - We took a walk under the lanterns and snowflakes |
SLOW STRETCHES
Before bed I like to do some stretches to target key areas, my body is not in proportion, I usually gain weight around my tummy and thighs. In order to keep my body some-what toned and less flabby, I'd complete a selection of "slow stretches" i.e., 20 reps of slow and sustained squats and/or the "bridge" pose to help strengthen my lower back, thighs, abdominal and buttocks.
A good stick figure Yoga pose picture here.
SNACK REPLACEMENT
Snacking healthy is hard, but it's do-able. I have a sweet tooth, so instead of lemon crème biscuits I found Greek Yoghurt to be the perfect replacement (especially alongside a cup of cherries). I also snack on celery/carrot sticks and seasoned seaweed packs from Korean Shops.
I started to notice a small muffin top so I decided to substitute yoghurt and fruits for lunch for a week, it worked quite well.
What are your diet/exercise tips?
Great tips Lily! At the moment I'm trying to cut out bread and sugar as much as possible. I feel so much healthier when I eat this way. It's hard though!
ReplyDeleteDi from Max The Unicorn
Sugar is such a hard one, i have a lot of difficulty staying away from cakes and ice cream lol. But now i keep discovering really yummy yoghurt haha
DeleteGenmai Chai sounds delicious. I wonder if I will be able to find it.
ReplyDeleteAngie | Chocolate & Lipstick | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
Ive been getting my supply from japan, ive looked through t2 and they didnt have any. Let me know if you find some in aus!
DeleteGreat tips! I think listening to your body and what it needs is the best way to look at a lifestyle change. Once you start eating better, bad foods taste bland and more nutritious foods taste amazing! If you haven't tried it, coconut oil in cooking is amazing! http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-coconut-oil-good-for-you/
ReplyDeleteKate | themintedblog.com
Thank you kate :) ive been using coconut oil in my baking rather than butter. But im also cautious of the high amount of saturated fat in coconut oil :(
DeleteI really need to do more walking, and try getting off my bus one stop earlier xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie
Its amazing what 60 mins of walking and 20 sit ups before bed can do :)
DeleteLike my mum says, everything in moderation! Switch up your exercise routines and walk rather than take a bus!
ReplyDelete