Twenty-seven year old, American born Megan Denise Fox launched her modelling and acting career back in 2001. She made her film debut in 2004 when she starred in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen but it was Transformers (in which she starred in opposite Shia Labeouf in 2007) that became her breakout role. The film rocketed her to stardom and she moved from simply being a minor actress to a household name, known for her hit role and, of course, the amazing body which she flaunted throughout the film. Since then she’s starred in various other film, has been nominated for nineteen different awards, and her career seems to still only be blossoming. Megan Fox is now considered a modern day sex symbol and has a body women everywhere envy and men everywhere want. She’s appeared in magazines such as Maxim, Rolling Stone and FHM.

Women everywhere (me included!) are asking how on Earth she manages to keep her beautiful figure, and more importantly how they can get one too! Well, I’ve been doing some research and found out exactly what Megan Fox does to stay in such fantastic shape. Here goes…

Short Ab Circuit

Megan Fox constantly does short ab circuits. For her, this involves knee ups, ball leg lifts and leg swings. She does the exercises back to back for thirty reps, rests for thirty to sixty seconds then does it all over again. She repeats this for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Planks

I’m sorry to have to tell you, ladies, but Megan Fox’s workout routine relies on planks. If you want slim, toned abs like hers then you’re going to have to get used to practicing them daily – yes, daily!

Stationary Bike

Quite often in her workout, Megan Fox takes advantage of her high heart rate by jumping on a stationary bike. She does the low intensity workout for thirty minutes which she attributes to having helped her get lean and toned.

Pilates

She’s a big fan of Pilates and always tries to incorporate it into her workouts. She loves it because it’s not high intensity but still strengthens and tones various muscle groups.

Circuit Training

In addition to her short ab circuit, Megan Fox has a personal trainer, Harley Pasternak, who comes to her house three times a week to do circuit training with her. The circuits last for sixty minutes and include things such as knee ups, swiss ball exercises, the lateral plank, hyperextensions, and crunches. She performs each exercise for roughly five minutes then takes a thirty minute rest before continuing.

Cardio

Megan Fox also does a lot of cardio. She’s a big fan of running, cycling and dancing to keep her body lean and toned, and her heart and lungs healthy.

But This Doesn’t Come To Megan Naturally…

Megan Fox, like the rest of us, is human and even she likes to shy away from a workout. She even admits that she can be quite lazy had has to be forced to workout. On the subject of exercise she says, “[My]Trainer comes to my house 3 times a week and makes me to go through the exercises. I don’t even needs to leave the house….I am always like – Not Today! Not Today!”. I don’t know about the rest of you, but Megan Fox’s admission makes me feel a lot better about my own aversion to working out!

Megan Fox Diet Plan

Megan Fox’s diet plan was created by her personal trainer, Harley Pasternak, and is called a five factor diet. Megan Fox eats five small meals per day, hence the name, but has to stick to various rules. That said, there is one day per week when she can eat whatever takes her fancy. It’s her ‘cheat day’ as she so lovingly calls it.

Harley Pasternak also created diets for celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna so it just goes to show that his methods are obviously working seeing as they’re just as slim and lovely looking as Megan Fox.

- Megan Fox receives her carbs from fruit and vegetables instead of breads and pastas.

- Processed food is a big no, no so things like chips, white bread, fast food and sweets are out.

- Breakfast is a must and she’s never allowed to skip it. Luckily, the star is a big fan of eggs and generally has them daily in one form or another to start her day.

- She has to add a dash of apple cider vinegar to her salads to help her lose weight. She can’t eat too much however due to it’s highly acidic properties.

- Vitimin E is a strong antioxidant so Megan Fox tries to eat lots of it. She does this by eating lots of almonds which also having the added benefit of helping you to lose weight. This is because they contain lots of protein and fibre to keep you feeling fuller for longer. They’re a fantastic healthy snack.

(all images sourced via pinterest.com)

Progesterone is found in females and is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. It is one of the many female sex hormones which plays a vital role in a woman’s health. In addition, it also helps to balance a woman’s reproductive system and plays a crucial role in fertility and the menstrual cycle. When a woman becomes pregnant, progesterone aids the development of the baby throughout they pregnancy.

As you can seem progesterone is vital within a woman’s system. There are however cases when progesterone becomes unbalanced and low within the body which can cause depression, fibrocystic breasts, infertility, weight gain, an irregular menstrual cycle and increased PMS symptoms.

There are however many ways to increase your progesterone levels naturally which brings balance to your body. Here’s how…

1. Eat Plenty Of Zinc

Zinc is key for looking after your hormonal health, namely the production of progesterone. It helps to promote ovulation and stimulates a woman’s ovaries to produce progesterone as well as it’s counterpart oestrogen. Zinc is found in lots of everyday foods such as shellfish, pumpkin, wheatgerm, chickpeas, dark chocolate, veal liver, lean red meats and squash seeds so you have no excuse not to eat up and ensure you get your fill.

2. Use Natural Progesterone Creams

Mexican Yam Cream is a natural cream that helps to create a healthy oestrogen and progesterone balance. It’s also known as wild yam and contains diosgenin, a substance which, though a laboratory process, can be converted into progesterone. The resulting cream not only balances the hormonal system but nourished the skin and has wonderful regenerative properties due to the fact it’s rich in Vitamin E.

3. Herbal Remedies

Not all herbs are good for treating all ailments, in fact some can even make them worse. If you have a progesterone imbalance you should avoid herbs such as lavender, red clover blossom, liquorice and tea tree oil as these all contain oestrogen which makes the imbalance even worse. Avoid any herb that contains oestrogen or may stimulate production of it.

Some herbs however can considerably help to balance your hormone levels. Chasteerry, also known as vitex, does just that. It helps to reduce your levels of oestrogen and stimulates progesterone production.

4. Be Magnesium Rich

Magnesium is yet another key nutrient when it comes to ensuring adequate progesterone levels and an overall healthy hormonal balance. Whole grain cereals, halibut, spinach, black beans, okra, nuts and squash seeds are all excellent sources of magnesium but you can also take a vitamin supplement if you feel you aren’t getting enough.

5. Avoid Increasing Your Oestrogen Levels

Oestrogen and progesterone balance each other out, something which is vital for a woman’s health. Having low progesterone levels and too high oestrogen levels within the body can cause many phycological and also physical conditions, one of which is infertility. Many women have this issue and ca be diagnosed with progesterone deficiency because of it. If this is you, avoid all foods that could potentially increase your oestrogen levels as this can make the matter worse.

6. Get Your Vitamin C

Getting plenty of Vitamin C is proven to increase your progesterone production levels by considerable amounts. Just 750mg of Vitamin C per day over a period of six months is proven to have such an effect. That means eating plenty of oranges, ladies!

7. Just Breath

When you’re stressed it’s likely your progesterone levels drop considerably. This is due to the fact that your adrenal glands are unable to produce enough of the hormone called cortisol which they constantly need. Your body then proceeds to convert your progesterone into cortisol instead, depleting your progesterone levels.

8. Get More B6

B6 is what helps your body to maintain adequate levels of progesterone and not getting enough may stifle your progesterone production levels. It’s Vitamin B that helps you liver to break down oestrogen, thus stopping the levels of it getting too high and outweighing progesterone. To ensure you get plenty of Vitamin B and B6 eat plenty of whole grains, poultry, bananas, spinach, walnuts, lean red meat, potatoes, beans and fortified cereals.

As you can see, there are many natural remedies to create a balance within your hormonal system and increase your progesterone levels. While you can get supplements and doctor prescriptions to do so as well, you’re far better off sticking to natural remedies and treating your body right. You may even be able to solve what is causing your hormonal imbalance meaning you’re not just curing yourself but addressing the problem too. If you have any other natural remedies that you’d like to share please do you, I’d be interested to hear and I’m sure all my other readers would too. This is an issue that affects countless women, some of them without even knowing it, so it’s vital that we spread the word.

So, at one point or another I’m betting we’ve all looked in the mirror at our butts and been slightly underwhelmed. More than likely our butts are slightly saggy, not perfectly rounded and, to put it bluntly, just not what you want. No doubt we all want a beautiful, curvy, bootylicious butt opposed to what we see in the mirror. You know, something a little more Beyonce. We want a butt we can show off in our bikinis or in our super skinny jeans, not simply something to sit on. Some of us may even have given up on getting the perfect butt, however never fear. The butt you have isn’t the but you’re stuck with – with a little hard work and exercise you can change the shape of your butt from a cushion to downright bootylicious. Sounds like a good deal, huh? Well then, here’s how…

1. Squat

Squats are famed for helping you to sculpt your dream butt. They work all the muscles in your lower body so they really are a fantastic exercise. To do them, simply start with your feet shoulder width apart and you hands on your hips. Then bend your knees and lower you body down, keeping it straight, as though you’re going to sit on a chair. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel with the floor and your knees are at a ninety degree angle. Now just gently raise yourself back up. At first try to just do ten per day but add more each day as you build your strength.

2. Ballet

Ballet dancers with saggy butts simply don’t exist, period. That’s because the majority of the basic poses they do works their lower body, shaping their behind nicely. Don’t fret, the suggestion that you take up ballet need not be scary. You don’t have to become a professional to get a kick ass butt, simply enrol in an adult beginners class and you’ll soon see for yourself how good ballet can be for you. Even better, take a friend along for company.

3. Scissor Kicks

I love scissor kicks, mostly because they do amazing things for my inner thighs as well as my butt plus you can feel them working from the off. Simple lie on your side with your legs straight, prop yourself up on one elbow, then slowly lift your top leg into the air. Be sure to keep both legs straight and hold the position for five seconds before you lower your leg. Try to repeat this fifteen times and then switch to the other leg. I warn you, it may take a few days before you can do as many as fifteen, especially if you’re not used to exercise. Like I said, you really can feel the burn with this one.

4. Single Leg Lifts

This one takes a bit of getting used to and you may want to hold onto something to keep your balance but trust me, it’s worth it.  Start by standing straight with your arms at your sides them slowly lift one leg out in front of you. Be careful not to bend your knee or allow your toes to point. Hold this for five seconds then lower yourself back into the starting position. For best results, repeat this movement ten to fifteen times daily on each leg.

5. Running

Running is one of those great all around exercises. It’s fab for giving you goddess like legs, toning your abs, clearing your head, relieving stress and, of course, toning that tush! Even a brusque walk or a slow jog is better than sitting on the couch so grab your trainers, lace them up and go!

6. Hurdles

Sadly, some of us are just not cut out for distance running but that doesn’t mean we still can’t work for a bootylicious behind. Why not try sprinting and adding a few hurdles into the mix? You’ll still get the benefit of running while working your butt out even more by leaping over the hurdles too.

7. Forward Bends And Kicks

This exercise is as much about improving your balance as it is about toning your butt. Start by standing straight with your arms at your sides then slowly lean your dory forward and lift one of your legs off the ground behind you. Bring your arms up for extra balance and support. Repeat the exercise ten to fifteen times with each leg. It may not sound tough but trust me, after a few reps you’ll be feeling it and finding it tough to keep your balance.

8. Step Aerobics

Step aerobics is great for shaping your butt and can be ridiculously simple too. The simple stepping up and down works all the muscles in your butt, shaping it in no time. You can either attend a step aerobics class, buy a DVD to follow or simply put on your favourite CD or set up in front of the TV with your step aerobics board and step away. This one’s great if you don’t have much time as it means you can multi task by catching up on all your favourite shows. You can even do as I do and listen to an audiobook as you workout.

9. Diagonal Kicks From Standing

First off, I suggest you grab a chair for balance when you’re doing this exercise. To start, stand straight with your feet centred and your arms either at your sides or on the back of a chair. Then simply slowly lift on leg off the ground and push it out backward and to the side so it’s moving diagonally away from your body. Repeat this is many times as you can with each leg for the best results.

10. Front Lunges

Front lunges are amazing when it comes to sculpting and toning your butt. Not only that but they also help you to shape a pretty great set of legs to go with it at the same time so it’s a win win exercise. To start, stand upright with your hands resting on your hips. Then, step forward with one leg, bending it at the knee, and lower your body until your knee is at at right angle. Then simple step back into your starting position and repeat the exercise fifteen to twenty times with each leg. One safety note, make sure when you step forward that your knee doesn’t go over your toes or else you could do damage to yourself.

11. Side Lunges

Side lunges are pretty similar to front lunges but instead of stepping to the front (you guessed it!) you step slightly to the side. You step forward almost diagonally in this one so, if you’re using your right leg, go forward and to the right and the opposite for the left leg. It’s simple really but it takes a bit of getting used to until you get your balance. This exercise is great for ensuring your butt it sculpted all round and it’s not just the main muscles that are working.

12. Elliptical Trainer

It’s no secret that I love the elliptical trainer. I mean LOVE! It’s amazing – a complete body work out that sculpts your legs, butt and abs in beautiful ways. Sure, it’s hard work but gee is it worth it. Believe it or not, it’s incredibly fun once you get into it too. If you’re using one at a gym simply slip in your headphones and off you go. You can burn anywhere from six hundred to nine hundred calories per hour by using the elliptical trainer too so it’s great for more than just toning your butt.

13. Single Leg Squat

Single leg squats are easy and you’ll feel the benefit of them right away. To start, stand up straight and swing on of your legs out to the side. Then bend your other leg and lower your body until you’re at a ninety degree angle before gently lifting yourself back up again. Repeat this ten times then switch to the other leg. You may need something to prop yourself up on if you’re unbalanced like me but overall it’s worth it.

14. Stair Stepper

This is another great butt shaping machine that you’ll find in the gym and, even better, it’s designed specifically for this reason so you know it’ll do it’s job. If you’ve got bad knees, unfortunately this one may be best avoided as it can be hard on them but, otherwise, step away! Oh, and did I mention how great cardio this exercise is too?

15. Backward Lunges

So, earlier we covered front lunges and side lunges, well, now it’s time for back lunges. These are my personal favourite because they help you sculpt a pair of kick ass legs as well as a nice butt. Again, start by standing up right with your hand on your hips then simply step back with one leg, bending your front leg until it’s at a ninety degree angle as you do so. Then step up, simple! You might have to take this one slow because it can be hard to get your balance but it really is worth the hassle.

16. Simple Bridge

This position is great for helping to tone and strengthen your tooth and it’s another one that you can feel working right away. To do it, lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides and your knees bent so your feet are flat on the floor. Then gently push your hips and butt into the air and hold the position for five seconds. Repeat this fifteen to twenty times or as many as you can. You’ll feel the burn and you’ll feel your muscles with every step after you’ve done this but you’ll love the results.

17. Trampolining

Okay, so I admit it. While all of these exercises are great for helping you to tone your tush, some of them can be a little bit boring or tedious. Well, not this one! Trampolining is great cardio, fab for strengthening your abs and thighs and amazing at shaping your butt as well as being unbelievably fun. If you’ve got kids, this can be a great exercise to do with them too. You can even just get a mini trampoline and set it up in your living room while you watch TV (my personal favourite). Either way, you can bounce your way to a firm butt in no time at all.

18. Yoga

Yoga is great for your body and mind all round. It tones you and makes you incredibly flexible while helping to calm your mind and wash away stress. Different positions work different pars of the body but overall yoga is great for toning your tush. You can do it at home but personally I recommend you go to a yoga class to see that you are doing the moves correctly and so you can socialise too!

19. Bicycling

Bicycling is a great way to get you out the house and into the fresh air. You can explore the beauty of the countryside, go for a picnic, have a day out with the other half or the kids, all the while working your butt and shaping your thighs. Okay, so I realise that not all of us are made for the outdoors so if you’re an indoor chic you can always hope on a static bike, either at home or in the gym, and achieve the same great results.

20. Plank

No doubt we’ve all hear about the miracle exercise that is the plank. Few things will tone your abs as well as this but what people often leave out is just how well it tones your tush too. Make it a competition with yourself and see if you can hold it that little bit longer each day. Most of us can only start off holding it for around ten seconds but if you practice often enough you’ll find yourself holding it for a minute, two, five or maybe even ten. I know, it seems impossible that you could ever go that long when you’re just starting out but with enough hard work you’ll get there.

(All images sourced via pinterest.com)

All of us have problem areas when it comes to our bodies – little things we’d change or like rid of and things we downright loath. For many of us, our problem area is our stomach or our muffin top as we jokingly call it. Never fear though, just because you have a bit of extra belly fat now doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. There are plenty of things you can do to banish that extra fat and get yourself a flat stomach in no time at all. Here’s 50 healthy tips to help you do just that…

1. Have A Goal -

Before you ditch the junk food and start hitting the gym a few days a week, you should decide on your goal. Take a minute to think about how much weight or how many inches you want to lose and make a note of it. Also, make a note of your starting weight and measurements so you’ll be able to track your progress on your journey. If your goal is quite far off then perhaps set yourself a couple of mini goals (e.g. have a mini goal of getting a quarter then a half way to your target). Having a clear and defined goal will help to motivate you and, as you see the pounds coming off, you’ll push yourself even harder.

2. Take Soda Off The Menu -

Nothing bloats you faster than a can of soda which means to lose belly fat it needs to come off the menu. Just one can is full of calories and sugars, most of which are made up of high fructose corn syrup which your body isn’t sure how to digest. As a result, all those sugars end up being converted into fat which tends to land around your stomach. Even if your soda claims to be calorie and sugar free, don’t be fooled, it still doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

3. Water Is Your New Best Friend -

For any type of weight loss and no matter what area you’re trying to slim down, water is key. It should essentially become your new best friend and you should take it everywhere with you. Drinking eight glasses of water per day will keep you well hydrated and feeling fuller, thus you’re less likely to indulge in too many calorific treats. It’s great for flushing any bad toxins out of your skin too so not only will it help you to lose some of that unwanted stomach fat but you’ll also start to look radiant too!

4. Stay Away From Fast And Processed Foods -

When you’re trying to battle the bulge and lose some precious inches, not just on your midsection, cutting out fast and processed foods is an absolute must. They’re full of everything that’s bad for you and have extremely few redeeming qualities. It doesn’t matter how much exercise you do, if you give into processed food you’ll never achieve your goal of a flat stomach. Don’t give into your cravings and simply stick a pizza in the oven or nip out for fries – it may taste good now but trust me you’ll regret your decision once the last bite is gone and your stomach won’t thank you for it.

5. Colour Is Key! - 

Okay, so you’ve cut out all the fast and processed foods to help you achieve a flat stomach but now you’re wondering what you can eat. Don’t worry, eating healthy isn’t hard and you don’t have to be a master chef to achieve it either. There are plenty of heathy choices out there for you indulge in but the absolute key to choosing them is filling your plate with a variety of colour. The more colour you have, the better the meal is likely to be for you and your dream of a flat stomach. This rule works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper and snacks so feel free to enjoy all the fruit and veg you want guilt free!

6. Remember To Eat - 

Cutting calories is great for losing weight and achieving a flat, toned stomach but that doesn’t mean you can live off of just a few hundred a day. Women are recommended to eat 2000 calories per day to stay the same weight and it’s recommended you don’t eat less than 1200 even when trying to cut down on body fat. The reason? Your body needs food to fuel it. Not getting enough food will cause your metabolism to drop, making it harder to shift those extra pounds, and your body will go into starvation mode meaning whatever food you do eat will be stored as fat.

7. Don’t Focus Just On Your Stomach - 

You may have the most sculpted legs or toned arms in the world but that doesn’t mean you can simply forget about them and focus on your stomach alone. There is no one exercise or food that promises to isolate your stomach fat and rid you of it, losing weight and shaping up is an all or nothing deal. You have to eat clean, train hard and don’t be disheartened if one week you lose an inch off your thigh and not your waist, it’s just the way exercise works.

8. Take Up Non Weight Bearing Exercise - 

Attempting to lose stomach fat fast (or even slowly) and tone your waist doesn’t mean you’re stuck with doing sit-ups and crunches and nothing else. Besides being of little use, your exercise regime would be tedious and you’d likely get bored and stop following it within the week. As I mentioned in point seven, you can’t just focus on your stomach when exercising. Throwing some different exercises into your routine like running or swimming will help you cut down on belly fat in no time and will add a bit of variety to your workout.

9. Hydrate Before You Eat - 

I mentioned before how vital water is not just to a healthy diet but also a healthy lifestyle. It’s true and drinking it constantly is a great way to help slim down your waist but if you drink at specific times you can expect even speedier results. Drinking a glass of cool water just a few minutes before you eat a meal is proven to help you lose weight. Why? Well, not only is it a fact that we eat more when we’re thirsty but it also fills us up slightly so we eat less.

10. Eat Slowly - 

It’s a scientific fact that it takes your stomach a few minutes (20 minutes to be exact) to realise it’s full, therefore it’s important that you eat slowly so that your body has a chance to tell you when you’re about to overeat. Take small bites and eat slowly – you’ll be surprised how much less you actually want to eat.

11. Take A Look At Your Clothes -

Okay, so this tip isn’t really a tip to lose belly fat but more of a helping hand to make you realise how much you actually need to lose. Are you looking at an unsightly muffin top while wearing super skinny jeans or trousers that chafe when you move? If so, you may not need to slim down as much as you thought, perhaps you just need to up the size of your clothes.

12. Cardio Rules -

When you’re trying to lose any kind of weight at all, it’s essential you add some cardio exercise into your diet. It doesn’t have to be much, just 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week will do the trick. Don’t panic if running isn’t your thing either, cardio is anything that makes your heart pound – dancing, trampolining, star jumps – so you have plenty of choice in what you do. Cardio is key to helping you lose belly fit and get a trim waistline so get some tunes on and get your heart pounding.

13. There Is No Miracle Cure -

If something sounds too good to be true then that’s because it probably is. I’m sorry to have to tell you, ladies, but there is no miracle cure when it comes to losing belly fat fast and shaping up. There is no miracle pill, diet or exercise you can use to help you, the key to losing belly fat fast is simply changing your diet for the better and working out.

14. Remember, Scales Lie! - 

When we’re trying to lose weight and shape up the scales can be our worst enemy. Standing on them every day can cause us to lose motivation, become obsessed and can even be misleading. As it happens, how much you weight isn’t everything when it comes to shaping up and losing belly fat. As you work out, your fat slowly changes into muscle and muscle weights more than fat. It’s entirely possible to tone up and lose belly fat while still remaining the same or gaining in weight.

15. Watch Your Portions -

As hard as it may be to believe, most of us are constantly eating double the portions we should be at mealtimes. When preparing a meal, take a moment to read the side of the packet and find out just how much of that food you should be eating and stick to it. You’ll likely be surprised by how much you’re overeating and how quickly belly fat disappears once you correct that. If you’re going to eat out, bear in mind that most restaurants provide you with 2-3 times bigger portions than recommended so remember you are allowed to ask for a doggy bag.

16. Swim To Be Slim -

I know I keep going on about exercise but it’s because it’s so vital to losing weight. One of the greatest exercises to banish that excess stomach fat is swimming. It’s great cardio and an amazing low-impact exercise so it’s not sore on your joints. The water provides resistance which is great for toning up and slimming down. Swim regularly and you’ll have a flat stomach in no time at all!

17. Read Every Label -

I mentioned before about reading the labels to check what each portion size should be but it’s worth taking a moment to check if the food has any nasty chemicals, additives or hidden sugars or fats in it too. You’re best to do this even with diet foods too as even they may not be as healthy as they claim to be. Being aware of exactly what is in your food is a great way to help you keep track of your diet and achieve the flat stomach you’re aiming for.

18. Stand Up Straight -

This is perhaps the best trick to not only make it look like you’ve lost more inches than you actually have but to help you lose that pesky stomach fat too. Maintaining a good, straight posture stretches you out so you look slimmer and forces you to tighten your abdominal muscles which tones them over time. Win, win!

19. Ask The Experts - 

Before starting any exercise or diet program it’s recommended that you see your doctor. This is especially true if you have any pre-existing health conditions. They’ll be able to advise you on if this course of action is good for you and if it is indeed healthy. Once you’ve begun your diet, a personal trainer will be able to give you plenty of pro tips and tricks to help battle the bulge and lose belly fat fast. With the combined help of these experts you’ll have a flat stomach and be on your way to a healthier you in no time. Remember, experts are experts for a reason so don’t be too fast to shun their advice if you don’t like it either.

20. Work That Push Up - 

Push ups may just be the perfect exercise. They’re amazing for strengthening your core and aiding good posture as well as working all your major muscle groups. Plus, if you do enough of them together, they can also be classed as cardio. They take a bit of practice but once you get that hang of them you’ll soon see the benefits. There are few things that will shape and define your abs as well as a push up so drop and give me twenty, girl!

21. Challenge A Friend -

There may not be a scientific reason for it but it’s a well known fact that working out and dieting is easier when you do it with a friend. Hitting the gym together, swapping healthy recipes and exchanging results will help the two of you stay motivated and you’ll be able to inspire each other. Whether you’re just trying to lose a bit of belly fat, shape up or change your lifestyle entirely it’s much easier with a friend by your side.

22. Focus On Your Core - 

Doing exercises that focus on strengthening your core is a great way to lose belly fat and get a flat stomach fast. Not only will they help on working and toning your muscles in that area but having a stronger core will help you achieve a great posture, something we already mentioned was great when it comes to getting a flat stomach.

23. Eat More Often -

Yes, you did read that right. To lose belly fat (or any other kind of fat!), you should focus on eating 5 small meals per day opposed to 3 regular meals per day. This will help to keep  your metabolism high as your body is constantly digesting food, thus burning fat as it does. Perhaps have breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, dinner and supper. Eating more often will also help to curb your appetite so you’re less likely to binge too. Don’t get too excited though, I did say 5 small meals so it’s vital that you still watch your portion sizes.

24. Curb Your Sweet Tooth - 

Some of us have a terrible sweet tooth, something which can stifle our attempts at gaining a flat stomach before we even begin. Sweets are full of sugar, preservatives and all kinds of other unhealthy additives so it’s vital we stay away from them. That doesn’t mean we can’t still satisfy our sweet cravings however. Instead of eating sweets, substitute them for fresh fruit, frozen fruit juice and even dried fruits without a sugar coating. They taste just as good and are so much better for you. Who said snacks were bad for your diet?

25. NEVER Skip Breakfast -

Eating fewer calories is the key to dieting, right? Right, but that doesn’t mean we can start skipping meals – especially breakfast. Eating breakfast is vital for achieving a flat stomach and losing weight. Skipping it means your body goes into what’s called starvation mode which means you metabolism slows in an attempt to hold onto calories and fat so your body can function. A healthy, often hefty, breakfast is the best way to start off your day and kick start your body into diet mode. When it comes to losing belly fat and getting a flat stomach, there are few things you body will thank you for more than eating breakfast.

26. Make Exercise Effective -

If you’re going to exercise (and I highly advise you do) then you might as well make sure you’re doing it properly and it’s effective in your battle to lose weight. Make sure you keep your a good posture and form throughout to get the best results – halfhearted moves may as well not be done seeing as they have so little effect. When you exercise can be important too. Doing a bit of cardio right after you wake up and before breakfast is more likely to burn fat as your body will be using the fat already on you opposed to what you just ate to fuel you.

27. Make Small Changes - 

There are plenty of simply, everyday changes you can make to help increase your metabolism and get your body moving. If you’re out in the car, park in the furthest space from where you need to be, if you have the option always go for the stairs instead of the elevator. Simple changes like these can have a big impact on your health and by following them you’ll find yourself with a flat stomach and losing inches sooner than you’d believe!

28. Step Away From The Salt -

As tasty as it may be, salt is incredibly bad for us. It causes our bodies to hold onto water which makes us appear bloated. If you’ve been reading the labels on your food properly, you’ll notice it’s completely possible to get all the salt you need from eating foods so there’s no need to add more to your meals too.

29. Get Those Zzzs! -

You’ll be pleased to know that studies have shown that people who get 7-8 hours of sleep per night have higher metabolisms and have plenty of energy to eat well and train hard, all essential elements when it comes to losing belly fat fast. Make sure you frequently get enough sleep to get the best results possible – it’s a great excuse for a long lie in too!

30. Cut Down On Alcohol -

If you’re serious about losing weight and getting a flat stomach then cutting out or at very least cutting down on your alcohol consumption is essential. It has adverse effects on your liver which slows down the body’s natural fat burning process, thus making it harder to lose weight. The occasional drink won’t damage all of your hard work but it’s still best to steer clear. If you do fancy a drink, your best option is a glass of red wine. It’s low on carbs and it has other mild health benefits despite the adverse ones. All in all, moderation is key.

31. Don’t Stress - 

Being stressed not only causes us to comfort eat but also causes our bodies to release different hormones which can cause a change in our metabolisms. A fluctuating or low metabolism is a flat stomach’s worst enemy so take some time to de-stress and, if possible, avoid getting stressed in the first place. Work, relationships, social lives and even diets can cause us to get stressed so make sure you get plenty of you time to relax and get you back to you. It doesn’t matter how you do it, whether you visit the beach, a spa or simply chill with a book, just so long as you do.

32. Be Accountable - 

We’re all going to slip up now and again and it’s okay so long as that little slip up doesn’t ruin all our effort. If you’re going to give in and have a treat then make sure you stick to just having one instead of a handful and if you’re going to miss a workout for a day make sure it doesn’t turn into you missing your workouts all week. Once you go off course it’s often incredibly hard to steer yourself back on track. Keeping a food and exercise diary will make it much easier for you to keep track of your hard work and will keep you accountable for your actions.

33. Control Your Food -

If we’re living with our parents, our partner or just a friend it’s tempting to let them make our dinner if they offer but trust me when I say this won’t help you to lose weight. Always make your own meals so you can control what you eat and the portion sizes too. I mentioned before about reading the labels on products to see just what you’re eating and how much you should have and it’s completely true. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste because someone else puts too much food on your plate, adds salt to your food or serves you up a plate of processed junk food.

34. Mix It Up - 

Eating the same foods and doing the same workout say in and day out is guaranteed to cause you to reach a plateau. Soon enough your mind and body will get complacent and you’ll stop losing weight and your goal of a flat stomach will be easily lost. At this point, it’s easy just to give up and give in but that’s not the way forward. Mixing up your diet and exercise regime is the perfect way to stop your mind from getting bored and your body from getting complacent meaning you’ll continue to see great results.

35. Get Plenty Of Sunshine - 

That’s right, just a quick spell in the sun each day is a great way to help shed that extra fat and get a flat stomach. It doesn’t matter whether you work out, go for a walk or run, spend time in your sun longer to take a stroll along the beach, just so long as your skin is soaking up those sunny rays. Sunshine is full of Vitamin D, also known as the happiness vitamin, which is great for helping you de-stress, something we already said was great for helping you lose weight. If you’re out in the sun, just remember to stay safe and use sunblock when necessary though.

36. Challenge Yourself - 

If your workout isn’t challenging you then you might as well not be doing it. You need to feel the burn to see results so if, after your workout, your muscles don’t ache and your not covered in a layer of sweat then you’re doing something wrong. This links into point 34. Mix It Up, you need to constantly change what you’re doing and push yourself so your body doesn’t get complacent and so your weight loss doesn’t stop. As well as having benefits for your body, challenging yourself will also keep your brain from getting bored so you won’t lose motivation.

37. Keep It Up -

Speaking of motivation, you need to stay motivated throughout your whole journey to a flat stomach. Focus on your ultimate goal or goals and remember why you’re pushing yourself and why it’s important you don’t give into your cravings. After a point, it’s easy to lose focus and go back to your old habits but they won’t get you results. You need to live for the body you want, not the body you have so keep that in mind the entire time. Every time you lose motivation, look at yourself in the mirror, read the nutrition information on that sweet, look at a picture of how you’d like to look – now, do you really want to eat that or skip your workout today?

38. Breathe -

It seems obvious, but to lose weight and be healthy we need to breath. Focussed breathing can help us relieve stress, ignore cravings and get a deeper, more effective workout. Deep breathing clears the mind and focusses us, helping us physically and mentally in countless ways. If you’re not in tune with your breathing or want some tips on how to make it aid your weight loss, try visiting a yoga or Pilates class where breathing is key.

39. Have A Healthy Diet -

By this, I don’t just mean cut out the sweets and eat plenty of fruit and veg. A heathy diet is more than that. To remain healthy we need to eat a particular amount from each of the five main food groups opposed to eating too much of one and not enough of another. If we neglect this, we neglect ourselves which has adverse effects on our bodies and can make it harder to achieve a flat stomach. Take some time to learn how much of each food group you should be eating per day and try to achieve it.

40. Eat Less Bread - 

Bread is tasty and one of the most common foods out there but it’s notorious for not helping weight loss, bloating you and making your flat stomach nothing more than a dream. It forces you to retain water, bloating you which isn’t good for obvious reasons. If you must give in to a sandwich or a slice of toast, opt for brown, multi-grain bread. It’s high in fibre, lower in calories and is all round better for you. Still, whenever possible simply cut bread out of your diet altogether.

41. Eat Plenty Of Fibre -

Eating plenty of fibre is essential when trying to lose weight. It’s key for making your digestive system run smoother and helps your body to naturally detox as well as increasing your metabolism. Oatmeal is a great source of fibre so replacing your usual bowl of choco snaps with this for breakfast will help you get a flat stomach in no time.

42. Understand Your Habits - 

Understanding your eating habits is key to helping you lose weight and getting a flat stomach. Some of us are comfort eaters, others turn to cake to relive stress and some binge when they’re worried. Recognising these or any similar traits in yourself is vital to helping you control your habits and eat your way to a healthier you. That way, the next time you reach for a sweet you’ll be able to ask yourself why you want it. If the answer is just because you’re depressed or something similar then this realisation will help you stay on track.

43. Take A Break - 

If you’re stuck sitting at a desk all day long then this does nothing for your metabolism. Whenever possible get up and have a brusque walk around to keep your metabolism up and your body burning fat. When it comes to your break, don’t spend the whole time sitting the the canteen either. Once you’ve finished your food go for a walk – it may not sound like much but the extra calories you burn will soon add up and your dream of a flat stomach will be real in no time at all.

44. Fidget - 

Similar to moving around at work, remember to fidget constantly. Again, it may not sound like much but you’ll burn loads more calories by wriggling your fingers or tapping your toes than you would otherwise. Every calorie you burn counts so don’t think it’s pointless. Like I said before, you can’t target just one area of your body to lose weight from so even if it’s just your toes you move it’s still helping towards you overall weight loss and a flat stomach.

45. Enjoy Your Workout - 

Working out is no fun if you aren’t enjoying it, even if the end results choose to be fabulous. Chances are, if you’re following a routine you aren’t enjoying you’ll soon lose interest and quit. When you’re choosing a workout to help you achieve that flat stomach, lose weight and tone up make sure it’s something you enjoy. Working out doesn’t have to just mean running or hitting the gym, what about dancing, iceskating, Zumba, martial arts or cycling? Your workout can comprise of anything, just so long as you workout so you might as well enjoy it while seeing great results.

46. Avoid Distractions When Eating - 

Many of us like to enjoy mealtimes while watching our favourite TV shows or listening to the radio but ultimately this is standing in the way of us reaching our flat stomach. If you eat while there is something to distract you from your plate you’re likely to find yourself eating more than you would otherwise and less likely to notice when you feel full. Distractions cause us to overeat, thus upping our calorie intake and defeating our weight loss goals.

47. Have Reasons Behind Your Goals -

Making a list of reasons why you want to lose weight, get toned and have a flat stomach is an incredibly effective way to help you stay focussed and reach your goals. Have it pinned above your desk, on your fridge or even write it on your phone so you’ll see it when you feel down and it can help keep you on track. The reasons can be anything you want, just so long as they’re personal to you, and can range from ‘to look great in a bikini’ to ‘looking great for my wedding’.

48. Plank Your Stomach Slim -

You can’t force weight loss on one particular area but one of the best exercises to tone up your midsection and get a flat stomach is the plank. It’s fantastic for strengthening your core, improving your posture and slimming down your stomach. Plank for one minute morning and night and you’ll see a flat stomach emerging in no time at all.

49. Keep Busy - 

Boredom is your worst enemy when it comes to losing weight. It’s one of the main reasons we snack and overeat so it’s something to be avoided at all costs. Keep busy to fight off a restless mind and stop you from thinking about food. You can do anything – read a book, go for a jog, clean the house – just so long as you’re not sitting idle.

50. Before And After Pictures Matter -

Take a before and after picture of yourself to remind yourself why you’re doing this. When you’re in the middle of your journey, looking at your before picture and seeing how far you’ve come and what you don’t want to look like will be a real motivator. At the end you’ll feel so proud to be able to compare the two photos it will ensure you don’t begin to go backwards and gain weight or let your stomach soften up. To see what I mean, take a look at other people’s before and after pictures online – that too is a real motivator and will give you a sense of wanting to be like them.

Once you reach your goal of having a flat stomach, I’m sorry to say your journey isn’t over. Being healthy and being slim is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Once you reach your goal you can be more relaxed with what you eat and how often you workout, just don’t slip back into old habits and undo all the hard work you’ve done. Good luck!

(all images sourced via pinterest.com)

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of diets out there and virtually all of them claim to be a miracle cure to weight loss. Not all of them are all that they seem however. There are countless fad diets and also outright dangers diets being advertised making dieting risky business if you’re not careful. It can be hard knowing which diets will work, what one’s will suit your lifestyle and of course which one’s will work for you (not all diets work for everyone!) making the whole endeavor a bit of a minefield. Don’t let that put you off beginning you’re new venture however. There are plenty of diets out there that are safe to do, have a high success rate and are easy to stick to.

Being a yo-yo dieter myself, this is a very interesting topic for me. I’m always looking for a new diet, giving up due to my love of fatty foods and starting over again. With that in mind, I’ve selected the following 10 diets based on personal experience as well as scientific facts. That’s not to say I’ve tried all the diets on this list (though I have tried a few and plan on trying a few more to reach my goal!), it just means as a dieter I’m taking into account how achievable and realistic I think they are.

1. The 5:2 Diet

The 5:2 diet is based on the principal known as intermittent fasting. The idea behind the diet is that you will eat normally and healthily for five days of the week and then fast for the other two days. Studies suggest that this will dramatically reduce your insulin levels, make you less likely to suffer from chronic diseased such as type 2 diabetes and may help lower the risk of certain obesity related cancers such a breast cancer. As well as this, fans and supporters of the diet also claim that as well as losing weight you will likely increase your life span, improve your brain function and reduce your risk of succumbing to diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Pros:

• Dieting for two days a week is more achievable than dieting seven days a week, therefore you are more likely to stick to the diet and preserve your new way of eating thus successfully losing weight.
• Following a restricted diet for two days a week can lead to reductions in body fat, greater insulin resistance and can help reduce the likely hood of you getting a chronic disease.

Cons:

• During the five non-restricted days you still need to be strict about your calorie consumption and make healthy choices. This does not mean you can partake in unlimited feasting.
• You still need to be physically active for the diet to work.
• Skipping or restricting meals could make you feel dizzy, light headed, irritable and/or could cause you to have headaches and interfere with your sleeping pattern.

2. The Scarsdale Medical Diet

If counting calories isn’t for you and you’re main reason for hating diets is that you always feel hungry during them then perhaps you might consider trying out the Scarsdale Medical Diet. It’s a great way to lose weight using a strict regime without having to count calories, weigh foods or measure portions. The diet shouldn’t be followed for more than two weeks in a row however the creators and advocates of the Scarsdale diet claim you could lose up to 7-15 pounds during that time.

The diet involves eating lean protein and low carbohydrate foods such as vegetables, fruits, salads and lean meat. You can find the diet plan in it’s entirety online. The first 14 days of the diet allow you to eat 850-100 calories per day and then the Scarsdale Diet moves into the Keep Trim phase where you’re allowed 1000-1200 calories per day.

Pros:

- If the diet is followed correctly, you can have amazing results in just two weeks.

• You can keep repeating the diet and Keep Trim cycle until desired results are achieved.
• You don’t have to count calories, weigh foods or monitor portion sizes.

Cons:

• You cannot stray from the diet plan at all.
• You must avoid using oil, mayonnaise and other rich dressings in the salads the diet requires you to eat.
• Alcohol is strictly forbidden while on the Scarsdale Diet.

3. The Three Day Diet

The Three Day Die is also often refereed to as the Cardiac Diet and is meant for achieving rapid weight loss. It’s often used in hospitals for cardiac patients who must lose large about of weight before undergoing heart surgery. The reason the diet is only to be followed over three days is that it allows people very few calories which can be very unhealthy if followed over a longer period. After the three days are up you should begin following your normal diet again (or a healthier version) before repeating the Three Day Diet.

The diet consists of portions of lean meat, grapefruit, tuna, eggs, toast and vegetables and the only seasonings allowed are salt, pepper and ketchup. There is no sugar at all allowed in the diet. Yes, it sounds bland however it’s claimed you can drop 10 pounds in three days using the Three Day Diet and that if the diet is repeated over a month you can lose up to 40 pounds. On top of the strict food regime, dieters are encourages to drink 8 glasses of water per day.

Pros:

• You can lose up to 10 pounds in 3 days or 40 pounds in a month.
• The diet can be repeated after a five day interval.
• It’s excellent for rapid weight loss provided it’s done correctly.

Cons:

• The diet can leave you hungry over the three days.
• The Three Day Diet is extremely strict and requires a lot of will power.
• The foods can be considered bland and may leave you craving other foods.
• No sugar at all is allowed.

4. The Cabbage Soup Diet

While the Cabbage Soup Diet is often considered to be a fad diet, it certainly works fast and has a proven track record. The diet lasts for only one week and is extremely high in fibre and low in calories, a perfect mix for losing weight. Advocates of the diet claim they can lose up to 10 pounds in one week when following the Cabbage Soup Diet and that no exercise at all is required – bonus!

The diet is simple. Every day you eat cabbage soup for your lunch and tea and on various days you can add an addition of the following foods:

Day One – You can consume all fruits, with the exception of bananas.

Day Two – You can eat any raw or cooked vegetables of your choice.

Day Three – You can eat as many fruits and vegetables as you desire, with the exclusion of potatoes and bananas.

Day Four – You can eat up to eight bananas.

Day Five – You can eat beef and tomatoes.

Day Six – You can include beef and vegetables in your diet with the exception of potatoes.

Day Seven – On the final day of your diet you can have rice, fruit juices and vegetables.

Pros:

• You can lose weight fast, up to 10 pounds in one week.
• The diet is simple to follow.
• You get plenty of nutrients from the diet.
• Cabbage soup could potentially be replaced with a soup equally as low in calories.
• No exercise required.

Cons:

• The diet isn’t to everyone’s tastes.
• It’s too restricting for some people.

5. The Atkins Diet

No doubt we’ve all heard of the Atkins Diet – it’s extremely famous and one of the most popular diets going. It’s a very low-carb, high-protein weight loss program that is designed to help you lose up to 15 pounds in two weeks. The diet comes in phases, each lasting a pre-determined length of time depending on your weigh loss goals.

Pros:

• You can lose up to 15 pounds in two weeks during Phase One. This can be extremely motivating.
• It encourages you to cut out processed carbs.
• It allows you to eat foods such as red meat, butter, cream, mayonnaise and cream so it’s not too restricting.
• It allows you to eat fats.

Cons:

• Due to cutting out carbs and fibre, initial side effects can include bad breath, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, constipation and a dry mouth.
• The high intake of saturated fats may increase your rise of hear disease.
• There is a lack of fruit, veg and dairy products on the menu for the Atkins Diet.

6. The Paleo Diet

You may have heard of the Paleo Diet as it’s becoming ever more popular – it was Google’s most searched weight loss method in 2013. It’s also known as the caveman diet as it consists of foods that can be hunted or fished (e.g meat and seafood) and foods that can be gathered (e.g fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs herbs and spices). As you may have guessed, it’s based on the eating habits of our hunter-gatherer ancestors from 10,000 years ago. With that said, it means dairy, refined sugar, potatoes, salt, wheat and any other processed foods are off the menu with no exceptions. There is however no official Paleo Diet – it’s just generally seen as a low carb, high protein diet. Advocates say the healthy eating plan, if followed long term, can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer among other health problems.

Pros:

• The Paleo Diet encourages you to eat less processed food and replace it with more fruit and vegetables.
• The diet is simple to follow.
• There is no calorie counting.
• It’s a very flexible diet making it easier to stick to.

Cons:

• Many versions of the diet ban dairy products and whole grains which form part of a healthy, balanced diet.
• It’s impossible to follow if you’re vegetarian as it requires you to eat meat, seafood and eggs.
• It can be expensive depending on the meat cuts you’re using.

7. The South Beach Diet

The South Beach diet is split into three phases, each of which allows you to eat a different variation of foods. It’s claimed by advocates and professionals alike that you can lose between 8 to 13 pounds in the first two weeks of the South Beach diet and then can continue dropping 1 to 2 pounds per week after that. Of course, like with any diet the amount of pounds you lose depends on your starting weight.

The diet allows you to choose from a wide variety of food items and, for those of you that are put off by the mathematical side of dieting, it does not involve counting calories, carbs, fat grams or measuring your portion sizes. You’ll be well fed during the diet and will get three full meals a day, two snacks and that all important high protein dessert. The basic idea is that you’ll be replacing bad carbs with good carbs and bad fats with good fats – sounds sensible, doesn’t it? Eating the foods on the diet in moderation will not only help you to lose their weight but it will help you prevent gaining it back again.

Pros:

• You can lose 8 to 14 pounds in the first two weeks.
• The diet helps you lose the weight and keep it off.
• You still get plenty of eat each day so you won’t be left feeling hungry.

Cons:

• The results may vary and not be as promising depending on your starting weight.
• You have to be very strict with yourself and be satisfied with the snacks the South Beach Diet allows you.

8. The Flat Belly Diet

Unlike a lot of these fad diets, the flat belly diet promises to help you lose belly fat permanently. That’s right – forever! It’s focused on reducing the unhealthy fats which are located deep inside your abdomen and by doing so also promises to help you drop up to 15 pounds in 32 days.

The diet consists of eating monounsaturated fatty acids during each meal which in turn will eliminate belly fate, promote fullness and prevent overeating. These fatty acids are found in foods like nuts, dark chocolate, sunflower seeds, avocados and olives so you’ll still be eating plenty of tasty foods. The diet comes in two parts: a four day anti bloat period to jumpstart your diet and a four week eating plan.

The four day jumpstart period is designed to help you lose weight asap and does so by only allowing you 1200 calories a day and forbidding salt, processed foods, high carbohydrate foods and gas producing foods which will cause you to bloat. While you can still eat plenty, the Flat Belly Diet does not allow you doe drink tea, coffee, sugar alcohols or sugary drinks. These drinks are to be replaced by two liters of ‘sassy water’ (water with lemon, herbs, spices and cucumber added to it) per day.

The four week plan which follows is made up of four 400 calorie meals every four hours. During this phase, dieters will be provided with a list of 28 mix and match breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks along with guidelines to portion sizes and calories.

Pros:

• You can lose over a stone in a month.
• The four day phase really kickstarts your diet and you can begin losing weight almost immediately.
• There is plenty of choice in what you can eat.
• Permanently lose belly fat.
• It promotes fullness and prevents overeating.

Cons:

• The four day plan can be hard to stick to.
• Tea, coffee, sugary alcohol and carbonated drinks are not allowed what so ever.

9. The Grapefruit Diet

The grapefruit diet is a fantastic way to lose weight quick as it promises to help you lose 10 pounds in less than two weeks. The diet is low in calories and low in fat and requires you to cut out carbohydrates. Let me get the list of what you can’t eat out there as quick as possible, that way you knew exactly what you’re in for if you follow the grapefruit diet. You also aren’t allowed to eat sweet fruits, white onions, celery, potatoes, cereal, peas, corn, pasta, crisps, low fat salad dressing, jam, peanut butter or pretzels. That’s quite a lot, huh? Don’t panic though. The list of what you can eat is even longer and from my point of view even more appealing.

The goal of the diet is to play of food combinations in our battle to lose weight. This can help you burn off excess body fat quickly and with little effort. To achieve this however you should never eat between meals however eat until you are full and satisfied to help prevent you from feeling hungry later on in the day. As you may have guessed by the diet’s title, grapefruit or grapefruit juice is consumed at every meal. This is because it contains a fat burning enzyme that helps to turn fat into energy.

The diet can be followed for up to 12 days however if you wish to continue for longer you must wait for 2 days before starting again.

Pros:

• You are allowed to eat red onions, carrots, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, fish, lean meats, mayonnaise, cheese, coleslaw, squash, eggs, regular salad dressing, dried nuts, and much more while following the diet so it’s not restrictive.
• You can lose up to 10 pounds in two weeks.
• You can repeat the diet after a two day break.

Cons:

• It’s no good if you don’t like grapefruit.
• It cuts a lot of foods out of your diet.

10. The Volumetrics Diet

The problem with a lot of diets is that we don’t feel full or satisfied after we finish eating the restrictive meals they set out for us. This diet however focusses on your satisfaction as well as your goals. The diet is based on eating low density foods which are very low in calories but high in volume. They fill up your stomach and make you feel fuller quicker and also for a longer period of time.

Food is divided into four categories on the Volumetrics eating plan which are as follows:

• Category One – Mostly fibre and water rich foods such as fresh fruit, non starchy vegetables, non fat dairy products and broth based soups.
• Category Two – Starchy fruits and vegetables, grains, pasta, beans, breakfast cereal, rice, fish, legumes and low fat meat.
• Category Three – Cheese, pizza, meat, fries, salad dressing, bread, ice cream, pretzels and cake.
• Category Four – Chips, chocolate, cookies, nuts, butter, crackers and oil.

The diet works by selecting foods from each category. For the best weight loss results, stick mainly to the first two categories. You are allowed to eat reduced portion sized of things from category three however you should keep your intake of foods from category four at a minimum.

So there you have it, 10 great diets for women that really do work! Like I say I’ve tried a few of them an do recommend them and those that I haven’t tried I’m now lining up to attempt. They all help you lose weight quickly and safely, the perfect combination. If done right and if you look after yourself afterward you should also be able to keep the weight off (so long as you don’t indulge in chocolate and pasties like I have a habit of doing!). I wish you all the best of luck with your diets. I know how frustrating it can be trying to lose weight but rest assured you’re not alone in your struggle and never will be. Just keep thinking of your end goal and why you’re dieting so hard. I once got told ‘don’t give up what you want most for what you want now’ and whether it’s meant about diets or any other aspect of life it’s completely true.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.

(All images sourced via pinterest.com)

Ageing is an inevitable part of life, one which sadly comes with all the downsides of grey hair and those dreaded wrinkles. Just because ageing is inevitable doesn’t mean we can’t put it off for just a little while longer though. We don’t have to feel defeated when that first line begins to etch itself on our skin, there are ways to continue looking as radiant and youthful as we always have even when we should have been giving in to wrinkles for years.

No doubt one of the first things that springs to all our minds when it comes to ways to stay looking youthful is to go under the knife. We see celebrities do it every day. People go in one day looking old, haggard and with wrinkles sprinkled across their face and come out the next with the complexion of a twenty-something year old. No doubt we’ve all seen or read stories of this sort that make it seem like the surgeon has worked miracles, some women come out looking twenty or thirty years younger overnight. On the flip side of this however, I’ve no doubt we’ve all read a few horror stories on the subject too. Facelifts gone wrong, horrible scaring, pain, paralyzation of the face and much more. Personally, I’d rather deal with a few pesky wrinkles than risk suffering all of these consequences!

Still, growing old with grace is something we all desire yet few of us know how to achieve, especially since we’re all smart enough to know the risks of going under to knife (not to mention the cost!). None the less, it’s entirely achievable and can be done naturally, painlessly and non-surgically too. How, you ask? Read on to find out how you can stay looking as radiant and youthful as ever without having to subject yourself a surgeons knife and a hefty hospital bill.

Liquid Facelifts

The liquid facelift has become ever more common over the years yet you’re probably thinking ‘I’ve never heard of it!’. That’s because liquid facelifts are more commonly referred to as referred to as water facelifts or also Botox.

Liquid facelifts are better suited to preventing the aging process opposed to reversing it but, if done right, they can hold those wrinkles at bay for years to come. The process involves having a mixture or various anti-aging liquid substances injected into your face. Each mix of injectables tends to be different as it’s constructed by doctors to suit each individual – it’s a bit of a pick and mix depending on what your needs are.

While liquid facelifts can give phenomenal results, it is only a temporary fix. If you go down this road then you’ll need to have the procedure redone every few months as the liquid wears off to keep those wrinkles at bay. Make sure you go to a qualified professional for this treatment and ask to see their feedback from other clients and pictures of their work before you commit to letting them near your face too – you’re better safe than sorry.

Pellevé

Pellevé is a great new way to rejuvenate your skin by helping to tighten and firm it. It’s great as it can be used not only as a preventative measure but also as a way to seemingly turn back time on your face. The more work your face needs the more treatments you may require however but this varies from person to person.

Pellevé works by delivering radiofrequency into your skin. This arouses heat between your  layers of skin and fat, stimulating your collagen cells into action. This creates new collagen cells which in turn has an immediate tightening effect on your skin. While you can feel the effects immediately, this treatment does require a bit of patience as it will continue to work over time as new collagen cells are produced. The great thing about pellevé is it’s non invasive, painless and requires no downtime at all. The older and more work your skin is however the more treatments of it you’ll need to look youthful. Passed a certain point, you may require other methods to rejuvenate your skin as the production of collagen may no longer be enough to smooth out deep wrinkles.

ePrime

ePrime facial treatments produce dramatic results, some of which have been comparable to full on face lifts. The treatment can completely rejuvenate your skin and promises longer lasting effects.

It works by stimulating collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production in your skin, a combination which can create a radiant glow for your skin. A handheld device which sends micro needles into your skin helps stimulate these areas without being invasive. It’s worth mentioning that this treatment is done under a local anesthetic to numb any pain you may feel, something which may put some of you off.

Despite the amazing results it can produce, ePrime isn’t without it’s cons. First off, there’s the chance of pain I just mentioned, something which may well continue for a time post treatment. Treatment may also leave your skin swollen, bruised and bleeding for a time too so you’ll likely need some downtime to recover after it. On the bright side, it boasts fantastic results which keep on developing months after treatment – all without a knife in sight!

Sculptra

For those of you a little older with deeper set wrinkles, scluptra could be a miracle treatment for you. Once again it’s a type of injectable that focuses on the replenishment of collagen but unlike the other treatments I’ve mentioned it can last up to a couple of years. It helps to restore your complexion by filling out wrinkles, plumping up your skin and adding volume to your face, making for a smooth finish.

On the downside the results take time but if you have a little patience then after six weeks you’ll find yourself looking as youthful and radiant as ever with minimal work.

Laser Treatment

There are various types of laser treatments which can target a number of skin imperfections including stretch marks, scarring, sun damage and of course all those pesky things that come with ageing.

Laser treatment works by strategically targeting damaged areas of skin with light energy. As well as helping to eliminate damaged areas of skin it encourages the production of collagen which in turn fills out wrinkles.

Speak to your doctor about what type of laser treatments are available to you. For an all inclusive treatment that targets wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, spider veins and a few more common problems that come with age, it’s worth looking into Starluxe IPL treatment.

Go Natural!

If none of these options sound like they’re for you then it’s worth considering simply letting your skin age as it will. This isn’t to say you need to allow yourself to be covered in wrinkles – there are things you can do to promote a better complexion and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant for years to come. That’s right, you (not a doctor!) can help to slow down the aging process and keep yourself looking young and healthy. It’s best to start young if you’re going to attempt the natural solution to anti-aging but the effects will still be fantastic if you choose to chart even years after your wrinkles start appearing.

There are some simple every day things you can do to give your skin the love and care it needs to stay healthy for longer. First off, all health starts with a good diet. Eating healthy and including plenty of fruit and veg in your diet and cutting out or at least limiting junk food will give your skin just the glow you’re looking for. Make sure you drink plenty of water each day too, eight glasses a day is the recommended amount, as this will give your skin plenty of moisture.

Using sun block when you’re outside will also have great anti-aging effects. No matter the weather, no matter if it’s sleet, sun or snow, sun block always has great effects. Sun damage is the number one cause of skin aging ahead of time so make sure you protect yourself with a high factor.

Last but not least, moisturise! Dried out skin is sure to damage your youthful look so make moisturising part of your daily routine. It takes two minutes but has fantastic results no matter your age. A thin layer before you put on your makeup and before you go to bed will work wonders. This is especially true if you use powder foundation as it’s known to dry out your skin so you’re best to give your face a layer of protection.

As you can see there are plenty of solutions to keeping your skin looking youthful and radiant for years to come without all the hassle, pain and risks that come with surgical facelifts. You can receive results which are often equally as good and come at a cheaper cost to not only your wallet but your skin on a whole. The treatments outlined above are 100% non invasive and have no damaging effects on your skin. They create amazing results, the only downsides are some of them are better used as a prevention opposed to a cure and you may need repeat procedures either to create the effect you’re looking for or to make your new found radiance last longer. On a whole though, they come with fewer downsides than the surgical alternative. You and your skin deserves the best so these more natural alternatives are definitely work your consideration.

(All imaged sourced via pinterest.com)

We know that you are already panicking over how much weight you are putting on over the festive period this year. You might be stressed out to the max but sadly, it’s not making you lose weight. Instead you are eating every mince pie in sight, shoving fistfuls of party finger food in your mouth, and downing boozy alcoholic drinks at every opportunity. If this sounds about right, you should probably learn about the best after-Christmas diet… You might not want to start the full diet now but there is nothing to stop you putting some of the tricks you have learned into practice.

If you’ve massively overblown your calorie allowance, it’s time to get back on track. Those gourmet meals, holiday parties, work do’s, etc. have really taken a toll on your body. You might feel sluggish and bloated. You probably feel a bit stressed. If you want to feel better, you’ll need to try the post-Christmas diet.

Water

Water is essential – you will more than likely be dehydrated because of all the booze you have been drinking. You’ve also eaten a LOT of junk for and need to flush it out your system as fast as you can. Water not only helps you to detox your body but also allows you to rehydrate your poor, tired body back to life.

If you don’t like water, throw some fruit juice into the mix. There are plenty of flavoured fruit juices you can make – as long as the base ingredient is water, you are on to a winner.

If you are drinking more booze than usual, you should definitely drink more water. Alcohol isn’t good for the body – water helps to undo some of the bad stuff.

Detox

The body has been filled with absolute garbage over the last few weeks and it’s time to give it a kick-start back to normal business. We don’t advise you go on a full detox diet, but there is nothing to stop you from using some of the tips of the most well known ones out there. It was Beyonce that madrone particular detox diet popular but it proved to be just as harmful as it was slimming. With the assistance of maple syrup, lemon juice and a rather odd Cayenne pepper, she reportedly lost around twenty pounds in order to get in shape for her role int he hit film Dreamgirls. It was a hit – the diet apparently wasn’t.

Extreme Dieting

We don’t like extreme dieting. Cutting your calories down won’t help you to lose weight. Yes it will probably help you to slim down for that big event but long term, you’ll probably end up fatter at the end of it. When you go back to “normal” eating once you are done with your extreme detox diet for the Christmas weight loss regime, you will put that weight you lost back on, and probably a bit more to boot.

Healthy Eating

For the most part, the healthier you eat, the better you will feel and the quicker you will lose that extra weight. The more healthy and fresh fruit and vegetables you will eat, the faster you will lose weight. If you like these foods – go crazy for them. Pile your plate with these nutritious foods rather than the leftover stodgy turkey curries and mince pies. You know what healthy eating is – it’s plastered all over the internet enough. It’s in all the newspapers and magazines. Most of us are just lazy and that’s why we can’t lose weight. The sooner you start to make the change, the healthier and happier you will be.

Why not check out some of the other healthy eating and weight loss articles on the website? Whether it’s the beach body you’re after, or just to shed a few Christmas pounds, we can help you… Are you ready to learn?

We all know that there’s only so many things that you can do with turkey after Christmas, right? There’s turkey curry, turkey soup, turkey stew, turkey sandwiches, turkey casserole…. Need we go on? It seems that there is a common misconception that this is all you can do with your Christmas day leftover’s. You would be surprised at exactly what you can achieve with the main ingredient of turkey!

We decided that it was time for Herinterest to take a closer look at imaginative and new ways to use turkey leftovers. We are sick of eating stodgy curries and dry sandwiches. We want something new and exciting and if we do, that means you do too!

We are determined to have a good Christmas this year without putting on too much weight so we are going to share with you the best recipes that we could find for healthy turkey leftover meals… Want to see what we found?

What about something like apricot, turkey and cranberry turnovers? It’ll take ten minutes to cook after ten minutes to prepare and will make 8 servings…

You’ll need a few ingredients, of course:

• Oil, salt, pepper, oregano, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 small onions, mayonnaise
• 500g of turkey – minced up
• An egg
• Dried breadcrumbs
• Sesame seeds
• 2 x 23cm shortcrust pastry in rolled sheets
• 100g of each: cranberries and apricots

The recipe is actually super simple to follow – you throw some oil into a pan along with oregano, onions, garlic and pepper and once they are pretty much done, you chuck them in a bowl. In this bowl you should then add the turkey mince, salt and pepper, 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise (lighter is better) plus the salt and pepper. Give it a couple of minutes and then pop in the breadcrumbs and egg to stiffen it all together. Once this has been achieved, throw in the cranberries and apricots and give it a good stir. You should have 8 evenly sized squares made out of your pastry sheets and you’ll need to spoon the mixture on to them before folding into a triangle shape and sealing the edges with egg. You basically use the egg as glue to make them stick together – isn’t that smart? Once they are triangular and sealed, brush some more egg on the top and sprinkle a few sesame seeds on – this adds a lovely crunch to them! You’ll need to pop some salt on and make a hole in the middle so all that hot air can get out and then you’ll need to pop them into a preheated oven – 190C or Gas Mark 5 for about 25-20 minutes. You’ll know when they are ready!

These are a really easy way to jazz up some leftover turkey and they aren’t too unhealthy either! There’s about 400 calories per portion with these so maybe have one as a replacement for the meat in the main meal. You can accompany them with a nice spinach salad for a real super-food boost!

For something a bit greasier for the hangover, why not cheat and have a turkey and apple burger? This is definitely less calorific than a Big Mac, and each burger will have around 400-500 calories, depending on how smart you are.

You’ll need some stuff to hand:

• 350g turkey – minced up
• 4 trimmed and chopped (finely) spring onions
• 1 cored, peeled and treated cooking apple
• 1 small orange – the rind only
• 25g pine kernels
• 75g breadcrumbs
• Fresh black pepper
• 1 beaten egg
• Sunflower oil
• 1 apple (whichever you prefer)
• Healthy homemade mango chutney (or chutney of your choice), apple wedges in the place of chips, and bread rolls. Obviously a healthy bread roll is a good idea here as well. 

Again, you have a very simple recipe to follow and you can even do them in the BBQ if you want an excuse to get it out… In a large bowl you are going to want to chuck your turkey mince, spring onions, orange rind, grated apple, breadcrumbs and pine kernels. You’ll want to throw in enough salt and pepper to suit your taste too. Mix it all together so it’s good and mixed, and then throw in the egg. Once again, the egg works as a glue and from here you can gran the mixture and make four equal sized burgers. You could make 6 smaller ones if you wanted to – this is all down to you. Ideally you are going to want to let this burgers sit in the fridge for half an hour or so so they set hard enough to then cook, which you can do on a BBQ, in the oven, in a pan or even on the lean mean grilling machines that we’ve all got in our kitchens. We guarantee that these are tasty enough to suit your Boxing Day hangover, easy enough to make to suit your limited abilities, and moreish enough that you might not want to share them. You serve them with the chutney of your choice, an apple ring, in the healthy buns. You could even swap the apple slices for a healthy salad, or even make your own potato chips in an air fryer or similar for a healthy yet guilty pleasure…

These are just two recipes that we found simple enough to make with your bloated, hungover selves on Boxing Day. Don’t you think you could give them a go? Make sure you come back and let us know if you do!

Happy Eating!

You could always take a look at some of the other delicious healthy eating ideas we’ve come up with. After all, nobody wants to get fat over Christmas!

 **Photos of the delicious food were found on Pinterest.com! 

If you are in the middle of a diet that is going alright for you right now, it can be retry frightening when you look and the up and coming festive period. You’ve already started to eat more junk food because you needed to go Christmas shopping after work and didn’t have time to cook dinner. You even grabbed a pretty unhealthy chicken, bacon and mayo sandwich from the local deli because you needed to pop to a shop to return a gift you have bought in the wrong size. It can seem almost impossible to continue with your diet over Christmas but we are here to show you that it doesn’t need to be!

For example, if you know you are going to a party tonight and there will be plenty of booze and finger food to enjoy, don’t pile your plate high at lunchtime. Have a healthy breakfast to set you up for the day, a light lunch, and a couple of healthy snacks in between. Count your calories throughout the day and figure out how many you have left for that day. This is how many you can spend on your boozy delights later on. You don’t have to miss out… It’s about being sensible and rather than thinking of it as a sacrifice, why not think of it as a compromise?

When you are trying to lose weight, you need to burn off 3,500 calories to burn off one pound of fat. Studies have suggested that the recommended amount of calories that you should be eating on a daily basis if you are trying to lose weight is around 1,400 calories per day. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and write down how many calories you’ve had already today. Even better than this – you can download an app for this on most smart phones. Some of them even scan the item to tell YOU the calorie content. It’s like the lazy way to calorie count! What more could you possibly want?

As we’ve already mentioned, Christmas diets should involve COMPROMISE and not SACRIFICE. We talk a lot more about this in some of the other articles regarding Christmas weight loss. Why not check out a few of these to learn more:

• Easy Christmas Food Swaps for a Healthier Christmas
• Top 10 Tips to Make it Through Christmas Without Getting Fat! 
• Prevent Piling on the Pounds at Christmas

You’ll be surprised at how the smallest of changes could make the greatest different. When you consider that you are on a calorie restricted diet that should include no more than 1,500 calories per day, that one extra roast potato could make all the difference. Depending on what sort of fat it has been cooked in, taking one less spud could save you up to 100 calories. That’s pretty impressive when you think about it! You could even save almost as many calories (80) when you add a few ice cubes to your glass before you pour the wine into it. The ice cubes will melt and dilute the wine, and you’ll fit less wine in your glass. What’s not to love about that when you are trying to diet at Christmas!?!

Of course, you should learn about what sort of foods you should be eating. Half of your evening dinner plate should be filled with vegetables. That might seem like a lot but if you consider that this could be cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, peas, carrots, sweetcorn, etc., making up half a plate doesn’t seem quite so hard to achieve, does it?

Out of the other 50% that’s left on your plate, two thirds of it should be the protein of your meal – turkey, chicken, etc. The remaining third is allowed to be the treat – roast spuds, stuffing, yorkshire puddings, etc. If you can fit a more protein and a smaller “treat” section on your plate, the healthier the meal will be!

Dieting over Christmas doesn’t need to be the scariest thing int he world and with a few smart tips (most of which you can learn from some of the other posts on the site) you could avoid the trap of piling on the pounds this Christmas!

We all overindulge at Christmas time; something we look at in greater detail in Prevent Piling on the Pounds at Christmas. This time, in our Christmas healthy eating series, we are going to look at the healthiest of food swaps that you can make to ensure that you don’t pile on the pounds and remain healthy through the festive period.

From start to finish, we’ll look at how you can make your Christmas dinner one that isn’t calorie-filled and we are about to show you how… Are you ready?

Turkey

We’ll start with the obvious – the turkey. You can’t have a Christmas day dinner without turkey, can you? The good news about turkey is that it is a pretty healthy meat anyway. There’s plenty of protein and if you remember to remove the skin, it’s pretty low in fat as well. There are lots of B vitamins packed in there, and this is great for the production of energy.

As long as you remove the skin, your Christmas dinner will be relatively healthy. Sadly the skin is often considered the best bit so it might take a bit of will power on your side to turn it down. Just by removing the skin, however, you have the option to save around 40 calories on every portion of turkey alone. If you normally have two helpings of this white meat with your Christmas dinner, that’s 80 calories saved straight away.

Swap the skin for just the white meat and that’s a potential saving of 80-100 calories straight away! It’s as easy as that.

Gravy

Gravy is well known to be high in salts and fat so if you want to make it into a healthy alternative, you should drain the fat and juices from the turkey, leave it to one side and wait for the fat to solidify on the top. Scrape this off (although it sounds pretty disgusting) and just use what is left. By doing this, you are removing the highest fat content and you can make the gravy much healthier to eat with your Christmas dinner. You should also try to avoid adding any more salt to the meal to ensure that you don’t consume too much on this festive day.

Roast Potatoes

Most of our team love our Mother’s roast potatoes, especially on Christmas day, and if you feel that you can’t live without them for this Christmas coming, have a couple but swap the rest for a jacket potato instead. 100g of potatoes that have been part boiled and roasted in olive oil will add an extra 150+ calories on your Christmas day dinner, and will also add around 5g of fat into the mix. The average baked potato has around 50-60 calories less, depending on whether you use butter or low-fat margarine. That’s one of the easiest swaps that you can make and most of us make more than one type of potato on Christmas day anyway, don’t we?

Vegetables

You can have a Christmas day dinner without a nice helping of vegetables and the good news is that these are actually very good for you… depending on how you cook and prepare them. We are all guilty of smother our vegetables with butter so try avoiding the butter altogether or swap for a low-fat spread instead. This swap alone could save you around 50-75 calories. If you don’t like the vegetables bland and without butter, why not try adding some spices or herbs to them as you are making them? You add flavour without calories when you do this and you will find that not only does your Christmas day dinner taste lovely, it’ll also be a bit healthier for you as well!

Why not add some Brussel’s sprouts to your meal? They may stink before and after you eat them (let’s not pretend they don’t make you smell…) but they are packed full of good stuff including B vitamins and vitamin C, and have anti-oxidant properties which can help you to protect yourself against things like cancers and other potentially fatal conditions.

Christmas Pudding

You can’t have a Christmas day dinner without the Christmas pudding and this is one of the most calorific parts of the dinner. Well, that’s if you put aside the snacks you are going to be munching down on throughout the day. The pudding itself will be pretty low in fat content whilst still being high in carb content. There are some good things in there though – lots of calcium and iron, potassium and B vitamins.

When it comes to the custard, there are a couple of swaps that you can make to ensure that your Christmas day dinner isn’t too calorie filled. Making it with low fat milk is a good start, or you could even get reduced fat/calorie custard ready-made in cans these days which basically does all the hard work for you. It will be healthier if you make it yourself, of course, but who really has time for that on top of everything else on Christmas day?

So there you have them – the easiest swaps that you can make to your Christmas day dinner to make it much healthier. By doing these simple tricks, you could lose up to 500 calories and even more in some cases!

We will continue to bring you the very best hints and tips on how to prevent yourself from getting fat at Christmas time. Why not keep your eyes peeled for more…?