Wondering how the stars get their bodies’ red carpet ready before a big award show? Imagine no more, Lisa Raleigh spills the beans and reveals chocolate substitutes
We hear about fad diets that stars follow. We’ve all heard of the Atkins diet, now there’s talk of an alkaline diet. Are there any that really work?
The problem with many diets is that they focus on short-term results. Losing weight can be relatively easy, but keeping it off is difficult. Losing it the healthy way is also a challenge. In my opinion, there are no secrets and no shortcuts – disciplined, balanced, clean eating will give everyone results.
What is considered ‘healthy dieting’?
Following any specific ‘diet’ is less important than being educated about how your body works and what you need to be doing to keep in optimum health. Knowing what nutrients you need on a daily basis, finding the foods that offer them, then making it a priority to include them should constitute your ‘diet’. By now, most of us know this includes complex carbs, plenty of fresh vegetables – raw where possible, fruit in moderation, lean proteins and healthy fats.
How do you keep the weight off once you’ve lost it? Do we have to be on diet forever?
Commit to a lifestyle change – healthy habits rather than a ‘diet’. Unless you’re after a dramatic initial weight loss, you shouldn’t be undertaking eating patterns that you don’t intend on keeping for life. The key is balance. So many ladies are too rigorous in their regimes and throw in the towel after silly mistakes. Cheats are important, and learning to be flexible enough to throw in a few guilty pleasures then return to normal the next day is far more beneficial than trying to follow any eating plan too rigorously. I’m a big believer in the 80-20 rule – getting it right 80% of the time and relaxing the remaining 20%.
Is there a substitute to chocolate?
Health-wise, the right chocolate can actually be GOOD for you! Look for the organic dark versions with over 70% cocoa. Calorie-wise, a low fat chocolate mousse or chocolate milk will curb a craving with half the fat and calories.
How do we get rid of ‘tuck shop lady’ arm flab?
There’s unfortunately no such thing as spot training – exercising one area to target fat in that area. If areas of your body are flabby, you need to be fit overall before you will see the results where you want them. You need a combination of cardio and weights to build lean muscle mass and tone. Once you are achieving this, classic push-ups and tricep dips will target the pesky flab we hate. Fewer reps and heavier weights is the way to go here.
Tighter bum? What do we need to do?
It’s the same story here. Incorporate interval training into your cardio – short sprints followed by a minute of slower recovery time. Lunges and squats are your typical butt-shapers, so hold weights as you move to intensify the exercise. Eating clean is also a factor.
How much exercise should we be doing, in terms of time? I’ve also read that Gwyneth Paltrow works out for 2 hours everyday to maintain her body – who has that sort of time?!?
Everybody is different, but I’m a believer in short and intense. I am seriously low on time, so I jam-pack a serious sweat session into 30 minutes. As a rule, add more strength and interval training to your routine before you think about extending it. Varied and explosive movements during cardio stimulate your body’s repair cycle effectively for higher calorie burns, improved fitness and boosted energy levels. Practise compound movements when strength training. They are responsible for greater calorie burns during sessions as well as increasing lean muscle tissue at a greater rate, meaning a faster metabolism overall.
Please share a few workout secrets we can try at home?
Equipping your home for exercise makes it harder to put it off. A mini-rebounder, resistance band and pair of dumbbells are all it takes to guarantee results. Make your own dumbbells by filling cylindrical jars with cents or sand. Then you can practice push-ups, tricep dips off the edge of the bed, and use your weights while you lunge and squat. If you’re at a loss, home workout DVDs are still one of the best ways to get a supervised workout at home.
Lisa Raleigh is a Fitness Trend Influencer, Wellness Activist, TV personality, Author, Lifestyle and Wellness Expert.
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