The secret to weight loss

Reading The Sunday Mail on the weekend I noticed an alarming trend. I counted at least 5 different advertisements for quick-fix weight loss products. One says that exercise won't make you thin, another claims if you drink it for a few weeks you'll look like a supermodel (I might exaggerate a little). The other one promises you'll lose weight if you drink their protein drink.

These ads really infuriate me. I might anger a few people with this post but to me, there is no quick way to lose weight. All those products and crazy diets out there are a load of rubbish and companies are practically stealing your money. I honestly can’t believe they’re allowed to sell some of the products they sell. They're just preying on people.

I’ll let you in on a little secret to losing weight… there is no secret! It’s hard work. Sure, take one of the ‘easy’ routes and you’ll most likely lose weight quickly but you can be pretty much assured that it will return and you’ll ingest a few horrible chemicals that will cause you damage in the long run. They might be reducing your waistline but they’re certainly not improving your health or your life.

Now I'm no expert but I do know that losing weight takes a commitment and big changes. I can’t say that I’ve ever been severely over weight but after an eating tour of Europe last year I came back determined and shed 8 kilograms (yes I ate that much in 5 weeks!). Having a food blog, cooking and writing about food all day means I really have to be aware of my waistline and stick to a few ‘rules.’

Here are my tips for weight loss and maintenance:

1. I exercise at least 5 times a week (including weights). Even if it’s just going for a walk, I always do something. It’s a matter of habit now. I try to do at least 3 hard sessions where I really work up a sweat.
2. I don’t eat too much (most of the time). I worked out my Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and stick to that many calories a day. I don't 'count' calories as such but am aware of what I'm eating most of the time.  BMR is the number of calories your body burns in a day. If you eat more than that you’ll put on weight. Eat less and you’ll lose weight.
3. I have treats in moderation. I don’t normally pass up a little piece of cake but I try to eat it slowly and really enjoy it. If it doesn’t taste fantastic, I don’t eat it. I’d rather use my calories on food that tastes good.
4. I try to eat as little processed food as possible. This is more a health than weight issue but I’m very anti chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Don’t get me wrong, I love chips, ice-cream, biscuits and lots of other packaged foods but I don’t eat them every day and I try to make things from scratch or as close to from scratch as I can (time-permitting). Not only is it better for me but it’s much better on the budget.
5. I don’t drink my calories. A can of coke has 155 calories. That’s 10% of what I’m allowed in a day. I’d much rather eat something tasty.
6. I never say the word diet. It's a sure-fire way to make me crave chocolate, chips and cake.

That’s pretty much it. I exercise every day and eat as much fresh food as possibly. I don’t eat more than my body can burn off in a day (most of the time), I don’t drink my calories and I have treats in moderation.

If you’re trying to lose weight don’t be fooled by all those expensive products out there. You don’t need anything but determination and a strong resolve and maybe a few Claire K Creations recipes in your arsenal.

Here are some of my recipes that won’t break the calorie bank:

•  Speedy Asian chicken parcels
• Green chicken curry
• Raspberry squares
• Lamb and sweet potato tagine
• Beef casserole
• Beef lasagna
• Mexican lasagne
• Chicken madras curry
• Spaghetti bolognese

What do you think? Would you or have you tried any of those ‘miracle’ diet pills? Do you have any tips to keep the kilos at bay?