Fitness News : Women Fitness> Health diet

Health diet

The Times November 15, 2005

 

Gourmet weight loss
Jane Clarke
The party season looms, you take out your favourite party dress and realise, with horror, that it’s just a little bit too tight for comfort. We all know that crash dieting is the wrong approach to weight loss — it’s not good for your bones or heart — but nothing will stop you trying to starve yourself slimmer if you need to fit into an outfit before a big event. But here is a two-week plan that should help you to shed those extra 5-6lb in the most healthy way possible, using mouthwatering recipes you’ll want to cook again after the programme is completed. There are tricks you can use to help you stick to the plan. Drink a glass of water or a mug of herbal tea and the hunger should go away. In fact, I’d like you to drink 2.5 litres of water every day. Water improves digestion and makes you feel full.
Snack on fresh fruits. Fill a big bowl and put it where you’ll notice it, on your desk or in the kitchen. Any fruit is fine, even banana, mango and pineapple, which are usually banned on diets (although don’t overdo it on these — one slice of pineapple at a sitting). Other good snacks for that afternoon low include unsalted nuts such as cashews and walnuts, but have just a few at a time, not the whole bag. You can also try raw vegetables with a little natural yoghurt and fresh mint and garlic. If you have a sugar craving, sniff a bottle of vanilla essence. The craving will disappear mysteriously.

In addition, I’d take a couple of remedies to help you along: 300mg of milk thistle twice a day (a traditional herbal remedy that will help you to detox), and 20ml of aloe vera juice three times a day, half an hour before having anything to eat or drink. Aloe vera is great for the gut and skin. Buy both of these from health food stores.

Finally, the weight won’t drop off instantly — try to remember that it may take the two weeks for you to notice a real difference. You might feel a little worse for wear after the first few days, as your body adjusts to a new way of eating, but stick with it and after that you should start to feel great.

I’d suggest starting the LBD diet on Wednesday (that way, you can enjoy the cooked meals at the weekends). Today should be about stocking up on basics and some fresh foods, and planning your meals and social life.

The rules

1. At both lunch and supper have a big portion of fresh vegetables — steamed or lightly boiled — or a bagged salad. You can even have half an avocado in a salad, as it makes it creamy and you tend to need less olive oil (you can use olive oil, but keep it to just a dessertspoon per person per salad). The only vegetables that you need to avoid during these two weeks are potatoes (other than sweet potato). Use only a little olive oil or butter with your vegetables, and add lemon juice, fresh herbs, a little sea salt and lots of black pepper to give food extra flavour.

2. Unless stated, desserts should be fresh fruit, such as apples, pears, fresh figs, plums, and clementines, which are are all so good at this time of the year. You could also add raspberries, strawberries, mangoes or pineapples for a more exotic twist. A little fromage frais or yoghurt on top is fine. Try not to exceed 4 portions of fresh fruit a day.

3. Make sure you don’t eat more than your body really needs — serve half what you’d normally eat, eat it slowly and then, if you need extra, have it. Stop when you’re full.

4. Avoid flavoured fizzy drinks. Reduce your tea and coffee intake to a couple of cups a day. All alcohol is off limits for these two weeks.
Remember that this plan is meant to be followed for only two weeks, and you should check with your doctor first if you’re on medication. It is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.