SensibleSlimming

Here in the UK we are gripped by snow which is making life very difficult and is very unusual for November.  I had to have my two grandaughters for the day today as their school was closed and their mum had to struggle in to work for a few hours.  I was planning lots of work today, but instead I got to play out in the snow.  I am pretty exhausted now after pulling them round on the sledge, making a snowman and having a snowball fight – but we had good fun and I’m sure I’ve burnt off lots of calories and toned up some muscles that I didn’t know I had!!

I decided to make some warming winter soup to keep out the chill – it is really delicious and really warms you from the inside.  Soup is a really good weight loss food as it is normally low in calories, full of healthy nutrients and fills you up, so you are not tempted to snack on high calorie foods.  I thought I would share it with you as it is pretty simple to make and very tasty. (more…)

I usually give you lots of good advice on what are good foods to eat and how to make healthy choices, but what are the bad foods?

Check out this video and discover what are the top 10 worst foods which should be avoided if you are serious about losing weight and making healthy choices.

Quite a lot of people enjoyed the pilates video the other day, but some of you weren’t familiar with the basic techniques and principles of pilates, so I have included a beginners pilates workout video which should ensure that you are in the right position to get the most from the exercises. (more…)

It’s important to try and fit in some form of exercise every day if you can.  I know how hard this is if you work or have kids to sort out, but it can be done.  You don’t necessarily have to go to the gym or a formal exercise class to get your work-out, but you can incorporate more activity into your daily life quite easily if you put a little effort and thought into what you do. (more…)

There are some great easy pilates exercises to tone your abs as well as keeping your whole body in shape. I love pilates and go to a class regularly myself to keep toned up.  It is also brilliant for improving posture, particularly for the likes of me who spend a lot of time in front of the PC.  I also find it relaxing, so it is great for stress relief.  You really do see results if you practice the exercises regularly.

Check out this video which gives some simple exercises you can easily do at home to tone your abs with pilates:

Eating out and socialising with friends is one of life’s great pleasures, but can be difficult if you are trying to lose weight.  Knowing how to make healthy choices when eating out  is the key to not sabotaging your weight loss efforts, so follow my guidelines and you will not go far wrong: (more…)

If you have been out at work all day, the last thing you want to be doing is slaving over a hot stove when you get home.  This is often where problems arise when you are trying to lose weight, it is so easy to pop in to the supermarket on the way home and buy a ready-meal, or worse still get a very high-fat takeaway meal, such as a pizza, kebab or Chinese meal.

I have found this really tasty recipe for a low-fat supper which has only 320 calories per portion and 12.5g of fat per portion, it is very quick and easy to make, and is ideal for a winters evening.

Creamy Pork with Peppers – Serves 2

250g Pork fillet (cut into strips)
1 large red pepper (deseeded and thinly sliced)
2 small shallots (finely chopped)
100g small mushrooms
1 clove garlic (crushed)
1tspn sweet paprika + a little extra
1tspn cornflour
25ml chicken stock
100ml dry white wine
salt and pepper
75ml Greek yoghurt
1/2 tbspn groundnut oil

Method

1. Heat half the oil in a non-stick frying pan and cook the meat over a high heat until browned on all sides.  Remove and reserve.

2. Add the pepper and shallots to the pan with the rest of the oil, reduce heat and stir-fry for 4- 5 mins (until softened & just turning golden).  Add the garlic and paprika for the last minute of cooking, add a little water if ncessary.

3. Add the flour and a little splash of stock, stir for about 20 secs, then add the mushrooms, wine and the rest of the stock and seasoning.  Stir well.

4. Return the meat to the pan and bring to a simmer.  Cook gently for 5 mins, stir in the yoghurt to warm through without boiling.
Sprinkle with the extra paprika and serve.

Serve with basmati rice or noodles and a green salad.

When I made this the other night, it only took me about 30 minutes from start to finish, so there is no excuse.  Give it a try, it is really tasty.

Losing weight is never easy – but good news – there are lots of simple things you can do to cut calories at home and you will barely notice any difference.

Here are 10 Simple ways to cut calories at home: (more…)

 Many women carry excess fat around their bottom and very often it proves very difficult to shift. Inches can disappear from other parts of the body when following a healthy eating and exercise program, but sometimes it will not shift from the bottom area. 

 The good news is there are some simple ways that you can help yourself to tone up your bottom and get the gorgeous bum you desire. (more…)