Weight loss: Lose that pot belly in just 10 days

by Debarati S. Sen

Weight-Loss-1

Courtesy our party-hopping and binge-eating sprees in the last couple of months, thanks to the festive season, almost all of us are battling that unwanted bulge. In fact, fitting into our old dresses and slim-fit jeans is almost like a challenge.

Here are some simple tips, which, if followed properly, could help you get rid of your paunch in flat 10 days.

Drink lots of water

Water is essential for our system, as around 70% of our body constitutes water. However, too much of anything does not work. So, have around 2.5 to 3.5 litres of water every day. And make sure you avoid drinking cold water. Normal or lukewarm water will help you stay slimmer. Water flushes out toxins and hydrates the system. If you don’t like water, sip on herbal and green tea. Deepshikha Agarwal, sports nutritionist, advocates going the anti-oxidant way with this. “This is a delicious way to include anti-oxidants in your diet. It can work wonders for your immune and digestive system.”

Cut down on carbs

Many believe that going on a zero-carbs diet will help in a miraculous way. While one should cut down on it for quick results, the no-carbs way is a strict no-no. Pooja Makhija, clinical nutritionist, explains, “Carbs are our energy givers and should contribute 65-70% of the total calorie intake in a day. One can only improve stamina if one includes carbs in every meal, every day! Weight loss will also follow suit when the body is fuelled optimally to be able to burn fat.”

Increase protein intake

Have baked chicken or fish with steamed vegetables for lunch and dinner. Skimmed milk and milk products work too. Having a protein-rich diet makes you feel full for longer. Make sure you include egg whites in your breakfast. Have small portions and ensure that you have at least five to six meals.

Stay away from fad diets

Crash diets can be extremely harmful, so stay away from them completely. Dr Smita Naram, Ayurvedic physician, says, “A diet with a combination of 30% protein, 60% vegetables and 10% carbohydrates is most beneficial for reducing weight.” Eating regular food every two-three hours (don’t go for snacking in between) is great when it comes to losing weight.

Eat slowly

Eat slowly and stop eating when you are about 70 to 80% full. Do not overeat. Eating fast and gulping down food results eating much more than our body needs.

Walk, and then walk some more

Go for a 45-minute brisk walk in the morning or evening. Wear clothes that are not too tight and comfortable shoes that are meant for walking. Start with a 30-minute walk and extend it to 45 minutes or one hour. Do this for 10 days without fail.

Crunches can save your day

Don’t have time for the gym? Just do some warm-up exercises and then target your paunch — do crunches (See box). Do this everyday — twice a day if possible. (After all, you want to lose that paunch in 10 days, don’t you?) Throughout the day, whether you are sitting or walking around, make sure that you pull in your stomach and keep your back straight.

Take up a de-stressing activity

Stress and depression can lead to a lot of unwarranted emotional eating. So, de-stress. Take up a favourite activity — do some meditation, read a book, watch some romantic comedies, play with your dog or take up a yoga or dance class.

Stay away from temptation

Every time you almost give up and reach for a chocolate bar, remind yourself what you really want — looking hot in a sexy LBD or being flabby and fat and hiding inside a loose ill-fitted outfit. And behave accordingly.

Basic crunches

Lie down on your exercise mat. Bend your knees and keep it parallel to the floor. Now put your hands behind your head and exhale and lift up your shoulder blades off the floor while you contract your stomach and reach for your knees.

Get more out of crunches

Do bicycle crunches. Paddle each of your legs in the air while you do the crunches.

Ban the following completely for the next 10 days:

– Red meat
– Sweets
– Canned foods
– Junk foods like burger, pizza, pasta etc
– Cold aerated drinks
– Canned juices (even the ones that say ‘healthy’ on the pack)
– All kinds of outside food
– Avoid over-eating

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Read more in Times of India

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija

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