This year, the HuffPost UK Lifestyle team is saying no to January. That means, saying no to diets, calorie restriction, detoxing and juice cleanses.
So what does healthy weight loss look like for 2014? The British Association For Applied Nutrition And Nutritional Therapy (BANT) have shared 10 of their top tips:
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How To Lose Weight Healthily
Stop Calorie Counting(01 of10)
Listen to your body rather than count the calories, eat slowly and stop eating when you stop feeling hungry, keep portion sizes under control – meals shouldn’t be larger than your cupped hands put together. Your stomach is only around the size of your fist!
Switch From White Foods To Brown(02 of10)
White pasta, white rice and white bread provide very few nutrients and are quickly broken down in the body to sugar, this will leave you hungry and craving sugar as a pick-me-up.
Sleep(03 of10)
When we are tired we eat more and reach for instant energy fixes from caffeine, sugar and fat. Try to get to bed early or deal with sleep problems should you have any. A good night’s sleep is really important for overall health as well as weight loss.
Don't Be Afraid Of Fat(04 of10)
There are good fats and bad fats. Good fats are essential for the body to function well and support the weight loss process e.g. fat from oily fish, avocados or unsalted nuts. Bad fats on the other hand should be avoided, especially trans fats found in many biscuits and cakes and other baked goods with a long shelf life.
Eat Five Or Six Times A Day(05 of10)
Have three healthy meals and two or three healthy snacks a day, this will give you sustained nutrients and energy for the day, keep hunger pangs at bay. Choose unprocessed, low sugar snacks such as a small handful of unsalted nuts, hummus with carrot and celery sticks or oat cakes.
Eat Protein With Every Meal And Snack(06 of10)
Protein is essential for the body to grow and repair, it also keeps you feeling fuller for longer keeping hunger pangs at bay - leaving you less tempted to snack. Choose protein-rich fish, chicken and lean meats or beans, pulses and nuts with your meals and snacks.
Manage Your Stress(07 of10)
It wreaks havoc with hormones slowing down your metabolism and making the body store more fat – especially around the middle. Did you know that stress has the same impact on your body as eating sugar? Stress causes cravings for the wrong foods, particularly salty, high fat and sugary snacks. Try to relax when you eat, chew your food and focus on what you are eating rather than reading, watching TV or using the computer.
Moderate Your Stimulants(08 of10)
Ideally don’t drink coffee or black tea, but if you do keep it to one cup a day and have it on a full stomach. Stimulants like tea, coffee and cola consumed for an energy boost actually have the opposite effect. They give you a blood sugar rush, but then a corresponding dip, leaving you lacking energy and looking for your next caffeine ‘fix’. Choose water, herbal tea and the occasional diluted fresh fruit juice as healthier options.
Exercise(09 of10)
This is important for overall health, energy and mood as well as a support to maintaining a healthy weight. Start slowly with a brisk walk in the park, take the stairs instead of the lift or get off the bus a few stops earlier than normal and walk the rest of the way.
Don't Skip Meals(10 of10)
The body needs a regular supply of fuel, if you skip meals it sends your blood sugar and energy plummeting leaving you tired, hungry and tempted by sugary snacks or caffeine to re-energise.