What tips do other people have?

Weekly Tips - Archive

June 2009

Frances - East Maitland NSW

adding coconut essence to low fat milk is an alternative to high fat coconut milk or cream

Dee - Camden NSW

If you are struggling with your weight, learn to say no thanks to temptation in the workplace and do not think you are offending people.

Carolyn - Redbanks SA

If you have a problem with your weight, try drinking a glass of water before your meals. Listen to your tummy, and stop eating as soon as you feel a tiny bit full.

Hina - Arundel QLD

My daughter likes her fruit chopped up for school lunches, so instead of using clear wrap, I use a small clear container, in that way we save by reusing the container, and it's easier for her as she can never find the beginning to unwrap a clear wrap, hence the reason why we decided to use a container.

Bell - Brisbane QLD

Why not take some healthy snacks to store at work. Having some low fat cheese slices in the fridge, with some multigrain crackers are a great source of protein. Also consider mixed raw nuts and low calorie muesli bars. Even some tinned fruit is great. Having healthy snacks at your disposal will reduce your likelihood of gorging on high calorie dense foods when 3:30itis hits.

Rosemarie - Essendon VIC

Eat fruit with the skin on rather than peeled, pureed or fruit juice. The latter has the highest Glycemic Index GI thus keeping you hungry. If you eat foods with a lower GI it usually contains fibre. It helps keep the GI low therefore the food will be absorbed slowly from your digestive tract thus keeping you full longer and giving you energy slowly. Dieters should not be feeling hungry. Rather they should be satisfied so their metabolism can keep working effectively. If you starve then your metabolism slows as your body has mechanisms aimed for survival. Do not trick your body into starving which slows metabolism as later you will put on more weight. Aim to be satisfied and avoid hunger. Fibre and Low GI foods help keep you satisfied. If you have fruit puree in yogurt then it is a good idea to add a fibre supplement.

Mary - Claremont WA

If it isn't in the house you can't eat it..so be extra careful when you do the shopping..don't buy icecream or the ingredients for making cookies and cakes and then you won't be tempted to bake them. You'll have fruit and/or yoghurt for pudding instead and don't go food shopping when you are hungry.

Tora - Southport QLD

When starting out with exercise, make a goal e.g. get up at 6.30 everyday to go for a 30 min run. On the days when you feel lazy and the last thing you want to do is run, still get up, put your shoes on and walk to the gate. By the time you get there you are already awake and will want to make the most of it. Even if you don't want to run, just go for a short walk to get into the habit. Once you get used to the routine, you will start missing it if you miss a day.

Jen - Wollongong NSW

Trying to fit in 30 mins exercise per day can be really hard when you have to go to work as well as look after kids. I get past this by organising an activity for the kids, putting my iPod shuffle on and dancing around like a loony. Sometimes I pretend I'm performing the song on stage (but always lip sync so the neighbours don't hear). A can of baked beans in each hand gives an extra workout and I mix it up by stepping on an upturned plastic tub during the chorus. Only my kids know my secret. It is actually lots of fun. I set a timer for 30 mins, but often the timer goes off and I don't want to stop. A fun way to lose weight and tone up.

Lia - Melbourne VIC

Keep a food and exercise diary. By recording your food intake and your daily physical activity, it makes you more conscious of areas needing improvement, as well allowing you to recognise positive behaviours to reward yourself when appropriate.

Pauline - Oakleigh VIC

For no salt no sugar peanut butter try health food stores. Some can make your peanut butter for you there and then. It is 100% peanuts nothing added.