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We’re talking weight loss, of course. Shubhra Krishan has some sensible tips on how to lose weight the smart way!

Why wait till the world figures out what kind of diet or pill works best? Why spend thousands of hard-earned bucks on dubious diet programmes? Chalk out your own fail-proof strategies for shedding those stubborn kilos. Some smart tips to help you along:


Start With The Right Reason
Success begins with a sensible goal. Don’t go on a diet if:
You’re doing it for someone else: Like anything else that requires full commitment, dieting works best if you are doing it for yourself.
You’re going through a chaotic time: A question of commitment again. How can you possibly make time for a balanced meal if things aren’t exactly balanced in life right now? Wait until the crisis subsides.
You’re desperate to shed a few kilos for an important event: Doing this comes with a guarantee of failure. You’ll find yourself bingeing with a vengeance once the important event is over.
You’re unhappy with yourself: Don’t say, “I look awful so I’m going to lose weight.” Say, “I want to look wonderful, so I’m going to shed weight.” It will make all the difference.
You’re commitment-phobic: Dieting is not about not eating. It’s about eating right. And that’s a commitment you should be ready to make for life.

Five Reasons To Re-think Your Diet...
Fight diseases: To combat heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes and many other killer ailments — especially if they run in your family. Food high in red meat and fat increases your chances of getting these diseases.
To age healthier: It is safer to grow older lighter on the scales. Your bones, and your back in particular, will thank you for it. Besides, you simply must keep up with metabolic meltdown; it’s a fact that the older you get, the harder it is to lose weight.
To feel lighter: If you are huffing and puffing up the stairs, finding it difficult to touch your toes and carry packages, your body is pleading with you to reduce the burden on it.
To perform at 100 per cent of your potential: When you’re slim and trim, you’re also energetic, confident and creative.
To escape a life sentence: Chocolate, cakes and cookies can take control of your life, destroying your sense of self-worth.

Five Sentences That Spell Failure
“Just one teeny-tiny slice of cake... can’t be that bad.”
“I’ve had a lousy day... what I need is a comforting cheese pizza.”
“What? ‘Dal makhani’ without the butter? You must be kidding!”
“I’m not baking this cake for myself — it’s for him and the kids.”
“I can’t refuse dessert. My hostess will mind.”

Five Sentences That Shout ‘Success’
“Hey, cake, you’re not for me — you’re going straight down to my hips.”
“This pizza won’t solve my problem. It will only make me fat.”
“Dal makhani, simmered with garlic, ginger, green chillies, salt and just a teaspoon of light cream... is divine!”
“He doesn’t need this cake. My kids don’t need it. I can always serve them fresh chopped fruit.”
“I’m going to say a polite ‘No’ to my hostess — and make it up to her by raving about the salad.”

Five Ways To Get The Most From Your Meal
Remove all distractions. Turn off the television, put aside the newspaper. Try eating at least one meal a week in silence.
Go on a fast every day! But start after 8 o’clock in the night. Make it a rule not to eat anything after that time — your body will feel lighter. If you cannot combat the midnight snack attack, go to bed early.
Take only what you need. Do not fill your plate. Satisfy your body, not your mind.
Chew well. Really taste the sweet peas in your curry, revel in the cool, moist feel of yoghurt as it melts in your mouth... Put down your fork between bites.
Learn to tell the difference between feeling satisfied and stuffed. Remember — the brain takes 20 minutes to register that your stomach is full, so say ‘No’ to that second helping.

Five No-Cooking, Low-Calorie Bites To Keep You Going
Fill mushroom caps with tomato chutney.
Dab cucumber slices with whipped low fat cheese spread and top with strips of peppers.
Dip cauliflower florets in low-calorie mayonnaise. Add curry powder and chopped nuts.
Slice ripe, red tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and enjoy every juicy bite.
Spear bite-sized fruit on picks and dip in honey for a luscious, good-looking treat.

Make sure your fridge is always stocked with at least some of the ingredients you’ll need to make your own low-cal recipes.

Five Fashion Tips To Remember, While You Get Fit
Hide hips with an oversize blouse over comfortable hip-hugging pants while you exercise, to balance that wide-hipped look by showing up your upper torso.
Wear vertical stripes: They’ll make you look taller, and hence, slimmer.
Keep accessories simple and functional — a terry band at the most. Dangling bracelets, gold chains and watches add visual clutter to an already bulky look.
Wear the smartest, most comfortable walking shoes. Shoes with fit, comfort and proper design will keep you light on your feet, give your gait an athletic bounce and facilitate injury-free exercise.
Rule of thumb: Dark colours make you look slimmer than light ones.

Commit to your smart diet and enjoy the results!

Got any comments or questions? E-mail us at femina@timesgroup.com with ‘how to — Be a successful Loser ’ in the subject line