With the festive season fast approaching, many are already dreaming of the indulgent food and drink that comes with Christmas.
It’s a time when diets often take a back seat, but for those worried about gaining weight, there’s hope. A weight loss coach recently shared tips on shedding 10kg before the holidays, and now another fitness expert is stepping up to assist those aiming to slim down in time for the celebrations.
Luke Mitchell, a personal trainer and online coach who runs a gym in North Wales, outlined three straightforward strategies to help you lose up to 1st (6kg) before the festive week arrives. He took to TikTok, where he boasts an impressive following of 241,800, to share his advice.
The fitness guru recommends: “Lose up to 1st (6kg) by Christmas doing these three things… 1. Reduce your calories to 10-15% below maintenance. 2. Prioritise whole volume foods and protein 80% of the time” and “3. 3x self care a week to manage stress and reduce emotional eating.”
While cutting calories during the hectic run-up to Christmas might seem daunting, Luke assures it’s achievable. Specialising in helping busy parents overcome emotional eating and stress drinking, Luke’s mission is to guide individuals towards becoming lean and strong without having to give up their favourite foods.
And as he suggests, there are numerous ways to embark on a weight loss journey without missing out on the joys of the season. Cutting back on the booze could be a wise move, as alcohol is often loaded with calories and sugars, leading to less-than-ideal food choices and lowered inhibitions.
It’s also recommended to steer clear of desserts, which are typically packed with empty calories and offer little nutritional value. Keeping active is key, whether that means a leisurely stroll or a high-intensity workout at your local gym. You might also consider reducing your carbohydrate intake by swapping out bread and pasta for meat, fish or chicken.
Upping your fibre intake and having a healthy snack on hand can also help you reach your pre-Christmas goals. And last but certainly not least, remember to stay hydrated.