Weight loss

Many of us battle with weight gain, especially after childbirth. Here's some tips that I have learnt...

First of all, it is important to eat to keep the metabolism going. Instead of 3 large meals per day, eat 6 small meals - breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, evening snack. Now, remember to be careful what you eat! Choose low or no fat options. Cut out as much fat as possible from your diet. Little things such as buttering only one side of your sandwich (or of course have no butter at all) can help.

You don't have to deprive yourself of treats, just keep them in moderation. Use them to reward yourself. I found a good way to get a sweet treat is diet jelly. It tastes quite nice and has no fat at all. You can also add fruit to it. Diet ice blocks are good, too. When doing shopping, look at the range of 'Weight Watchers' food - they have some delicious foods available! I particularly like their ice cream cups with caramel - yummy!

Walking is one of the best ways to burn calories. Walk as much as possible, even it it's just around your backyard. If you're like me and love to dance, that is another good way to burn calories, so crank up the music and dance around the house! Any physical activity burns calories so move around as much as possible. For instance, I have music playing while doing the housework and bop around as I clean. While standing at the sink washing up, I move to the music or suck my stomach in and out. I have stairs in my home so instead of walking slowly up them, I 'power' up them. When hanging out the washing, have the basket on the ground and bend as you would if you were trying to touch your toes when picking up each item of clothing. If your sitting at a desk, again suck your stomach in and out, and/or move your legs. Basically, the more you move, the more you burn, the quicker you will lose weight.

Play with the kids! Get out in the yard with them and chase them! I bought my kids a totem-tennis set a while back so I play with them. Another day I had a friend's little girl playing with my daughter so I was pretending to be a monster, chasing them around. They loved it and I got some exercise! I didn't do it for long, but it all helps.

Find something to motivate yourself. Put a sign on the fridge reminding you of the calories within. Get out your favourite item of clothing that no longer fits you and hang it where you will see it each day. Picture yourself in your mind as a slim person. Remind yourself of how good you will look and feel. Remind yourself of how much better it will be for your health. I keep thinking about what would happen to my children if I had a heart attack, for instance, and that helps motivate me - I want to be around for my kids for a long time!

Of course, I'm not saying you have to be thin to be happy. Many 'cuddly' people are happy that way and that's fine. But I know there are a lot of you out there who want to lose weight and find it hard, so I hope this helps.