Losing the post - baby weight

The concept of losing weight is easy…the lesser you eat and the more you exercise leads to weight loss. For me, this concept is definitely easy to understand but to put it into practise, is something most of us simply cannot do.

For me, earlier on, having to maintain my weight was so easy, mainly because I understood the need of having a petite physique. I always knew that I had to eat lesser than the taller girls whom I assumed had a faster metabolism than I am. So I eat with careful consideration of the amount I consume…portion eating became a norm, it became my lifestyle and I graced through my teen years to my late twenties with a desired size, then the baby happens…

I gave birth to my son two years ago and am still struggling to lose the 15 KG I had gained after giving birth which was due to lack of physical activities, giving in to tiredness and lack of sleep.

However, there are some things I would have done differently and I hope others would not make the same mistake.

Tips to maintaining a healthy weight and peace of mind after giving birth;

1. Breastfeed – breastfeeding your baby until he turns 1 can actually help you maintain a healthy weight. Some actually bounce back to their desired weight within 5 months after giving birth. The lucky ones I suppose.
2. Eat a diet with less carbs– soup is always the best option.
3. Take a walk every morning- I had found this hard to do because I was always exhausted but in order to be actually energetic to look after your child throughout the day, you need to look after yourself first. Your need to have some sort of exercise every morning.
4. Start your day with a glass of water – waking up and having a glass of water will make you feel full throughout the day.
5. Stock your fridge with good food – when I say good food, I meant … FRUITS AND VEGGIES
6. Have a “you” moment – at least an hour a day spend it reading your favourite magazine, listen to your favourite music, read your favourite book. This will help relax your mind and keep you occupied so that you don’t get bored at home.

The Fijian Sunday Lunch

Giving yourself a break on Sunday

How many of us, can honestly say that we're not aware of the Pacific tradition of "Sunday Lunch" ? I bet no one in the Pacific. The tradition has been widely observed since Christianity was introduced into the Pacific where an islander was required to donned their all white Sunday best and go to church on Sunday morning, and upon coming back, you return to a variety of home cooked meals to enjoy, a reward for going to church perhaps? The tradition is what everyone looked forward to. Not only because we feel that we need to partake in this food fiesta, but basically because, it is a chance to sit together with our family members, on a kitchen table enjoying what one doesn't from  Monday to Friday due to many reasons that only we know...but Sunday, it is always a "family meal" time for any family in the Pacific. Putting aside the no cab diet, Sunday is a good day to reward yourself with some soul food and family time, not at the bar or at the park, but right on your home kitchen table beside your loved ones.

The Buffet table : Tips to help you maintain a healthy diet

The Buffet and portion eating

I was recently part of a communications and public relations training at Holiday Inn in Suva and two of the thing that I enjoyed about being part of a workshop or an event at Holiday Inn, is their hospitality and of course the buffet lunch. For those that have eaten here, you would agree with me that their variety of dishes which has been blended perfectly with local produce are to die for...yes to die for which explains the intention to over eat.
so here are some tips that will ensure that you do not over eat during workshops;
 

• Have a good breakfast from home 
• During the morning session, drink plenty of water. This will keep you hydrated and full 
• snack on fruits from the morning tea table during the later morning session
• Do not serve carbs on your lunch plate 
• serve more veggies and grilled meat. 
• choose to eat fruits for desert instead 

The Kitchen Maid : Juices that rejuvenates your Body

The Kitchen Maid : Juices that rejuvenates your Body: Having juice or smoothy in the morning has a lot of benefits. The following are some of the changes you will experience when you begin your ...