04 March 2024 , 13:52
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Losing weight doesn't have to mean giving up all your favourite foods - just two swaps can make a huge difference.
Today is World Obesity Day (March 4), an event which spreads awareness of the global obesity crisis. Being obese can have a serious impact on. your health, reducing life expectancy by an average of three to 10 years, depending on severity, according to the NHS.
While there are many ways to lose weight, being in a calorie deficit is key, and many find going on a diet can help. However, restrictive diets are notoriously difficult to stick do, especially if they mean giving up on your favourite foods. But diet expert Dr Michael Mosley has shared a helpful tip that might just see you fast-track your weight loss to achieve your goals in record time, while making sure you never go hungry.
The health guru, who created the Fast 800 diet, acknowledged it can be tough to cut out "bad health habits" immediately, so he recommended taking small steps by thinking about the junk food you regularly eat and finding suitable replacements.
Packing a healthy lunch the night before should help (stock photo) (Getty Images/Westend61)Dr Mosley suggested swapping out your chocolate fix for a handful of nuts and seeds, or trying yoghurt and berries as a tasty and nutritious dessert instead of your usual pudding choice. Writing on his Fast 800 website, he said: "Quitting bad health habits cold turkey isn't going to necessarily help you in the long run. Making some simple swaps can begin to rewire your brain, and help you to make this a long-term change.
TV doc Michael Mosley says of last meal of day time is cruical to losing weight
"Switch out your daily chocolate fix for nuts and seeds instead, try Greek yoghurt with berries instead of pudding for dessert, or try swapping your simple carbs for a veggie alternative, like cauliflower instead of white rice.
"There are plenty of recipes out there that are healthier alternatives to favourite junk foods if you're struggling for inspiration." The expert also recommended getting a good night's sleep, as he said that a poor sleep schedule can actually make it more difficult for you to resist unhealthy food.
Another tip from Dr Mosley is to always pre-pack your lunch before you head off to work because it should help you stick to your healthy eating goals if you don't have the temptation of the cafes and restaurants around your workplace.
He said: "A 2015 study found that fast food consumption and our eating behaviours, while we're outside of the home, is a main risk factor for lower diet quality, with higher fat and calorie intake.
"The convenience of eating on the go, and the kick that a sugar hit gives you while you're out and about can result in poor food choices, so try to anticipate this if you know you're going out. Pack your lunch ahead of time for a meal just as convenient but without the negative effects."