Changing habits

with our top 5 tips for healthy weight loss

Young woman hands under chin with wind in hair

It's easy to fall in a rut of endless unhealthy habits such as midday sugary snacking, or ordering a takeaway on more than just a Friday night, so Scottish Slimmers works hard to help you develop healthy habits, enjoy your life and lose weight.

Try our top 5 tips to change your habits and you'll see that it is possible to make long-term healthy changes that will result in a healthier, happier you.

1. Make gradual dietary changes:

Instead of trying to change your entire diet in one go, swap one meal or snack per week for a healthy alternative. For example try substituting tea biscuit for a fruit.

2. Everything in moderation:

Once you restrict yourself of one food, you will want it more. So don't cut it out completely but eat it in moderation or find a healthier version. If your favourite food is chocolate, try eating dark chocolate. The stronger and more bitter taste will result in your eating less but still getting your sugar fix.

3. Prepare meals:

Having healthy meals ready in the fridge decreases the chance of grabbing unhealthy snacks when you are hungry.

4. Vegetables:

Add an extra serving of vegetables to each meal. This will increase your micronutrient intake without even noticing. Try adding carrots, onions and mushrooms to spaghetti Bolognese or better, peel courgettes through spaghetti to add in some greens.

5. Incorporate exercise gradually:

Exercising 5 times a week at the start of your journey is unlikely to be maintainable. It is best to slowly increase your activity each week. For example, run for 1 minute, walk for 1 minute and repeat for 15-20 minutes. Each week run a little longer, walk a little less. In a few months you will be able to run continuously.

Making these small changes everyday will result in the long term, maintainable habits that will not only cause you to lose weight, but also become a healthier, happier you.

It is easy to prepare and eat real food when you are guided by easy to follow, flexible and nutritious eating plans!