The weight-loss hack that will 'get rid of excess weight without compromising the muscle you want to keep'
Having a protein-rich diet can cut pounds and retain muscle
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Starting a weight loss journey often feels like staring at an insurmountable mountain. Many find themselves overwhelmed by their ultimate target weight, unsure of where to begin.
The prospect of completely overhauling eating habits and lifestyle can feel daunting, especially when focusing on a significant amount of weight to lose.
Nutrition Coach at OriGym, Abbie Watkins, shared her tips for people to begin losing weight including her weight-loss hack.
Before even getting started, Abbie said: "Set yourself SMART goals - this is an acronym that stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound. By doing so, you make your overall goal more attainable and provide yourself with a clear sense of direction.
Setting SMART targets is an excellent way of starting to lose weight
PA"For example, you could break down a general goal of 'I want to lose weight' to a more specific 'I want to lose one stone within three months, I will weigh myself every two weeks and lower my calorie intake by choosing healthier snacks'."
Abbie revealed the type of food that people should be eating to start losing weight, which will cut excess fat and keep the muscles underneath.
The nutritionist said: "Prioritise protein-rich, whole foods such as scrambled eggs, chicken, salmon and broccoli. Not only will these foods promote fullness and leave you feeling satisfied, but they will also boost your natural metabolism to burn fats, whilst simultaneously preserving your muscle mass.
"In short, they will get rid of excess weight without compromising the muscle you want to keep!"
The best way for people to start is to set small goals and make sure that you retain consistency.
Abbie said: "People should tackle weight loss in smaller increments rather than focusing on their end goal.
"For example, if you want to lose a stone, break this down into more manageable achievements, for example, you are going to lose 2lbs every month for seven months.
"This will keep you motivated by consistently hitting milestones every month, pushing you towards your final goal."
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Keeping hydrated is another key tip for losing weight
GETTYDiet is the most important thing when losing weight and there are foods that people should focus on cutting out and incorporating in.
Abbie advised adding high-fibre foods to your diet which will prevent overeating and make you feel more full.
She claimed: "Examples of these foods include leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce, as well as fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and cod.
"You should also eat more whole grains alternatives (e.g. rice and pasta) as they are more filling and less processed. Highly processed foods are high in sodium, which causes your body to retain water and cause you to feel bloated.
"It is always best to avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries. This is because they are stripped of any fibre and nutrients, and will likely cause a spike and crash in your blood sugars, which will only lead you to feel hungry later on."
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