When it comes to getting into shape, there are plenty of diet plans on the market. With so many to choose from, knowing the best one for you can be a tricky task. A fitness expert told Express.co.uk how sticking to a routine and eating high protein foods can kick-start the weight loss journey.
As the coronavirus lockdown continues, lots of slimmers have had to dramatically change their fitness routines.
Spending more time at home makes trips to the snack cupboard even more tempting but there are some ways to stay on track with diet goals.
Stefanie Williams, fitness expert and creator of fitness app Fit with Stef, shared the best diet tips that anyone can follow.
Get into an eating routine
Stefanie told Express.co.uk: “The best advice I give my app users on unhealthy snacking is to create and stick to a regular meal routine.
“Have breakfast within the first hour of you waking up, lunch between 12pm and 1pm, a healthy snack at 3pm and dinner between 5pm and 6pm.”
While sticking to a routine, it is also important to choose healthy snacks where possible.
The expert explained: “I’m never one to pass up on a snack, but I always keep it healthy and filling. I go for a handful of nuts, some veggie sticks or a piece of fruit.”
Get inspired with cooking
Trying out new recipes using healthy ingredients can make sticking to a diet plan more manageable.
“It’s a great time to get creative and try something new,” Stefanie said.
“There are so many amazing, nutritious and healthy recipes online, social media and in cook books.
“To keep active and healthy, you will want to ensure all your meals are a healthy balance of vegetables (30 percent), protein (40 percent) and a good belly-filling carbohydrates (30 percent). Build your meals and portions around this.”
Be prepared
Planning exactly what they are going to eat each day can stop slimmers from grabbing unhealthy snacks, the expert explained.
She continued: “Write out a list of recipes and meals you’re going to cook that week thinking about what you already have in your cupboards.
“This avoids waste and also gets you excited about cooking.”
Using fresh, canned and frozen
Some people may think that eating frozen and canned vegetables are not as good, but this is not always the case.
Stefanie explained: “Frozen items can be just as healthy as fresh options. Canned food like beans are healthy and have a long shelf life, so they are perfect for your pantry.
“Go for the options like ‘no added salt’, ‘low-salt’ or ‘reduced-salt’. If you buy canned fruit make sure it is in juice and no syrup.”
Choose healthy protein
“Healthy proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, chickpeas and seafood – depending on your diet – are an excellent source of omega-3s, which our bodies need but cannot produce.
“If you can’t get fresh fish, choose canned salmon or tuna in spring water.”
The’Fit with Stef’ app is available on the App Store and includes a variety of home workouts and healthy and delicious recipes.
