This plan doesn’t just help you drop a dress size – it makes you look younger, too. Win-win!
F irm skin is something we all associate with youth, but while you might be working up a sweat in the gym, your diet can make a big difference, too. How? Choosing the right foods not only helps you to lose weight and feel good, but it can also help to keep skin supple, taut and moisturised in the process. Here’s everything that you need to know.
3steps to a firmer figure
1 BURN FAT
The diet plan is low in calories, but not so low that your metabolism will slow down and go into ‘starvation mode’. Plus, it’s filling, with plenty of low-GI (glycaemic index) foods like wholegrains, fruit and veg.
2 GET LEAN
Firm, toned muscles act like a built-in pair of ‘magic knickers’ to hold you in. Plus, resistance exercises help to boost your metabolic rate so that you burn more calories even when you’re resting.
3 BEAT CELLULITE
You’ll be filling up with vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, which help produce collagen, your skin’s natural firming agent, to minimise the appearance of orange-peel skin.
DITCH THE DIMPLES
✣ Get moving: Exercise stimulates circulation, reducing cellulite’s appearance.
✣ Drink up: Hydrated skin helps to conceal fat underneath.
✣ Cut down on salt intake:
It makes your body cling to excess fluid and can cause puffiness.
The rules
Eat as much salad and veg (except potatoes) as you like – just don’t add fat to it.
✣ Salad dressings must be fat-free – we recommend adding balsamic vinegar to it instead.
✣ Stay hydrated with plenty of water. ‘Diet’ soft drinks and squash are allowed, but keep them to a minimum. Add just a splash of skimmed milk to tea and coffee.
BREAKFASTS
Choose one each day
✣ Weetabix with 150ml skimmed milk and a chopped pear; a glass of pure fruit juice.
✣ A banana-and-berry smoothie made with ½ banana, a handful of berries, 150ml skimmed milk and 3tbsp low-fat natural yogurt; 1 orange.
✣ A slice of wholemeal toast with a little low-fat olive spread and 1 scrambled egg; 1 fat-free fruit yogurt.
✣ 40g wholegrain cereal (All-Bran, Bran Flakes, etc) with 150ml skimmed milk; a pot of fruit in juice.
LUNCHES
Choose one each day
✣ Slimmer’s ploughman’s: 4 rye crispbreads, 2 light mini Babybel cheese, celery, pepper,
