While the cold April rain might have you thinking otherwise, Summer is just around the corner - and Brits planning to get their bodies in swimsuit shape should start counting calories today, suggest weight-loss company XLS Medical.
According to the over-the-counter weight loss aid company's research, 50% of the UK population start a diet in preparation for their holiday. And a 12-week diet starting today will have you in shape just in time for the summer holidays - Wednesday, July 18.
Juliet Oosthuysen, spokesperson for XLS-Medical, says: “As a guide, dieters should aim to lose around one to two pounds each week. Research shows that dieters are far more likely to maintain a healthy weight long term at this rate.”
Those who start today could lose up to 24 pounds (just under two stone) healthily, KLS point out.
UK dietitian Helen Bond tells HuffPost Lifestyle: “Staying motivated can sometimes be difficult, but little changes to your diet and lifestyle have a big impact in the long run. And they’re to forget about once they’ve become a daily habit.
She adds: “Instead of thinking about the weeks and months ahead on your weight-loss journey, simply concentrate on what’s immediately in front of you, such as, 'What am I going to cook for dinner? Shall I walk to the shops or take my bike?'”
Dr Matt Capehorn, clinical director at the National Obesity Forum, comments: “Starting a diet now gives dieters a reasonable time frame in which to lose weight steadily for their summer holidays. It’s important not to fall into the trap of last minute crash dieting, which is often unsuccessful and can play havoc with blood sugar levels and appetite cravings."
As a result, he explains, dieters can end up gaining weight as they struggle to cope with changes brought on by such extreme measures.