By Hannah Phillips
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So Christmas has come and gone and many of us will be on a mission to shift those extra pounds we’ve gained over the festive period.
We expect results straight away and when we don’t see them, willpower begins to dwindle and we’ve lost that motivation we had at the beginning of the year.
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The key is to be REALISTIC and take it one step at a time.
Completely cutting out the things you love will result in cravings and lead to a massive binge when you reach a weak point.
Getting your five-a-day is a good place to start:
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Incorporate at least five portions of fruit and veg into your everyday diet to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. You can do this by replacing unhealthy snacks with healthier options like a handful of berries when you’ve got a sugar craving, or carrot sticks when you fancy a quick snack.
This doesn’t have to be boring either, you can find loads of interesting, healthy snack ideas online!
Drink more water! Water is one of the best things you can put into your body. It’s vital for good health and by getting your 2 litres a day, you’ll notice a massive difference to your well-being.
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If you’re not a fan of the clear stuff, then why not add a little natural flavouring to make it a little less boring. Sliced lemon, cucumber or mint leaves are a popular choice and are also great for detoxing!
Be MORE active!
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If you can walk rather than taking the bus then why not try it? Go for a run a couple of times a week or try a home exercise routine if your budget won’t stretch to a gym membership. There’s lots of small changes you can make to become fitter and healthier. Take a look here for some home work out ideas.
Lower your alcohol intake:
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This one might seem like a difficult one, especially if there’s a pound-a-drink deal at your student union…but seriously, it’ll do you good if you’re aiming to be fitter and healthier. We know it can be hard to cut out completely but maybe reduce the amounts you drink for a month and see how you feel?
All these little changes will help you on your way to a fitter and healthier lifestyle after a little overindulgence at Christmas. But remember, it’s ok to have a treat every now and then!