So Christmas maybe just 3 short weeks away but if you’re still hoping to shape up in time to look amazing in your party dress or simply want to detox before you re-tox, then panic not. Let us help you look and feel fabulous in just two weeks!
We all know that the combination of eating and exercise is key when it comes to getting in shape. Usually we give ourselves months to feel and see the difference, but what if we only have a few weeks? Ultimately the same applies, watching what you eat and increasing your daily exercise can have a significant impact on how you look and feel in just 14 days.
Where to start?
We’re not ones to recommend a fad diet or simply starving yourself! We are however realistic and appreciate that when time is of the essence you need something quick and effective. That’s why a 3 or 5 day juice cleanse is perfect. Made with only organic fresh fruit and vegetables you don’t compromise on nutrition, but give your body a break from digesting solid foods. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol and just drinking the juices with water and herbal teas is a great way to detox, boost your skin and hair and lose a few pounds. Juicing also has the added benefits of improved energy and sleep quality – both of which will come in handy over the festive season.
Clive Colman, founder of The Yummy Juice Company is confident their juices are just the kick start you need on your fast track to healthy; “Our juices will cut cravings, improve your nutrition, promote weight loss, detox your body, improve skin and put you on the road to clean, healthy eating. Cleansing is all about clearing the clutter inside your body and by doing so, will reset your body so you feel renewed and ready to go”.
When you’ve finished your juice cleanse you’ll have reset any bad eating habits, be much more aware of what you put in your mouth and eat smaller amounts. A great start to your two week plan.
Now how do you avoid piling on those extra pounds at all the Christmas parties!
Seed’s Nutritional Therapist, Evie Whitehead, shares her top tips on how to boost your health from the inside to help you to look and feel your best.
- The easiest way to get glowing skin/complexion is to support elimination of toxins. If toxins aren’t regularly eliminated, they form free radical within cells which damage cell DNA and lead to sluggish skin and ageing. Increasing your water intake is a really easy way to keep your cells in tip-top condition and achieve glowing skin. Aim for 1.5L water every day. I use a water tracker bottle to make sure I am well hydrated every day. Also, remember to try “thirst-first” you may just need a glass of water as our bodies often get confused between the feeling of hunger masquerading as dehydration.
- As the season for over indulgence descends upon us…have no fear! Take back some control and make some really simple swaps to cut back on unnecessary calories. Avoid the crisps and sauces/dips at the party/buffet. They are laden with calories and saturated fats, so just step aside and go for the vegetable crudités or a few olives if you need to snack, which are great for your skin health.
- If you want to lose a few pounds I recommend practicing portion control! Use your hand as a guide to monitor your intake at the dinner table. The fleshy part of your palm is around the correct serving size of protein i.e. turkey/nut roast. A clenched fist size serving of carbohydrates i.e. potatoes and your thumb tip is the appropriate serving of oils/butters. The good news is vegetables/salads are unlimited so fill up on those which are fantastic for your gut health, skin and energy levels.
- Excessive amounts of alcohol will increase your calorie count and leave you feeling sluggish and reaching for those starchy carbs the next day. During your two week plan try and drive to any events so you’re not tempted to drink or if you do want to have a drink swap out the sugary ones such as wine, prosecco and beer for those with fewer calories – gin & slime line tonic is a good option.
Ok, so we’ve covered the eating part, but what exercise should you be doing to maximise your results in just 2 weeks?
Running or CV based exercises will of course help you drop a few pounds but to really notice a change in the way your clothes fit, you need to be toning.
Attending a regular Pilates class is a great way to build core strength, flexibility and coordination. Some of the exercises can be repeated daily to help tone up specific areas of your body in a short space of time.
Seed’s Pilates teacher, Nimisha Campbell, gives her top toning tips:
“A 10 min power session to work the glutes, tummies and mobilise the spine is a very effective way to enhance your toning. I do this every morning, but you could do morning and night to maximise your results.
After a gentle warm up of some simple stretches I’d suggest getting the heart rate up and going into squats. This will fire up the gluts and focus on toning your bottom! Positioning is key to effectiveness, so keep knees above your feet, your back straight and push your bottom back and low. Now squat for 2 minutes!
You then get yourself down onto the mat and work the tummy, the Criss-Cross exercise is great to focus on your abs and pelvic floor. Lie on your back, lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor, draw the knees into your chest and release one leg – stretching it out to the floor in front of you. You then switch the legs ensuring to engage your tummy and not take the strain in your neck.
Finally shoulder bridge, a beautiful exercise to mobilise the spine and work the hip flexors. You lie on your back, feet flat on the floor in front of your bottom and tilt the pelvis peeling the spine off the mat, lifting the hips up towards the ceiling. Ensure your hips are higher than your lower rib! Lower yourself down in reverse and repeat!
Warm Up Stretches – 2mins
Squats – 2mins
Criss-Cross – 2mins
Shoulder Bridge – 2mins
Cool Down Stretches – 2 mins!
Do this twice a day for two weeks and I promise you’ll see a difference in your body shape.”
So It’s definitely still possible to shape up before Christmas – what are you waiting for? Go rock that party outfit!
You can find out more about anything mentioned in this blog by contacting our therapists & teachers:
Evie Whitehead, Nutritional Therapist – evie@seedwellness.co.uk
Evie is offering a Christmas discount of 25% on all gift vouchers purchased by the 14th December 2018 – 1 hour consultation for just £65 & 3 x 1 hour consultations £160. Treat your loved one to the ongoing gift of optimal health this Christmas!
Nimisha Campbell, Pilates – nimisha@seedwellness.co.uk
Nimisha runs Pilates classes every Tuesday and Thursday in Beaconsfield and Coleshill, for more details please click here
The Yummy Juice Company – tyjc@seedwellness.co.uk
The Yummy Juice Company are offering £50 & £100 gift vouchers this Christmas – Give the gift of wellness and help somebody to start the new year on the right track.
