Spring Bank Holiday Weekend

The Spring Bank holiday signifies the beginning of summer and it is also half-term so lots of parents will have taken the week off to stay at home with their children.

After watching TV last night there is no doubt that the DIY stores are hoping you will be flocking to scoop up their ‘50% off sale bargains, plus another 20% off everything’!

These days we cram so much into every day that when a few days’ holiday arrive we have such great plans to achieve so much. Whether it be laying the patio, redecorating the bedroom or fitting a new kitchen, it is, unfortunately, not going to be completed this weekend. But it may get started and that’s good. Taking the first steps is the most important to getting a task completed.

Planning a major DIY project is a bit like planning a DIY get-slim-and-fit programme to get you in shape for your summer holidays. On Day 1 you have such good intentions. You walk for an hour, achieve well over your 10.000 steps on your pedometer, weigh out your cereal for breakfast, eat a healthy sandwich for lunch and have tuna and salad for dinner and no pudding! And you drank Diet Coke instead of beer or wine. You feel like a saint and tell yourself how easy this is going to be. This is the DIY equivalent of having decided on your kitchen, bought it, ripped out the old one and opened the first flat-pack. What could possibly go wrong?

Whether you are trying to lose weight or install a new kitchen your success will be determined by appreciating your strengths and acknowledging your weaknesses. Some of us are better at attacking projects with others, whilst some prefer to go it alone. Just as you need a qualified plumber to install your kitchen, so you also need a qualified exercise teacher to help you get the most out of your exercises. Whether it is with the help of someone remotely, such as following a fitness DVD, or attending a class, exercising with a professional will enable you to achieve the maximum benefit in the minimum amount of time. And that is what we are all after - a quick but satisfactory result. Check out our website for details of professional help: www.rosemaryconley.com

If you want to lose a few pounds this weekend, do these five simple things. 1) Plan ahead what you are going to eat at mealtimes and then don’t over-shop. 2) Avoid snacking between meals - this is important – though you could eat a Satsuma or kiwi fruit just to keep you going if you feel really hungry. 3) Cut your portion size by 20% and buy foods with 5% or less fat and prepare and cook everything without adding fat such as oil or butter. 4) Drink plenty of low calorie fluids – water, diet drinks, tea, - as staying hydrated can stave off hunger pangs. 5) Be as active as you can, and try to sit down as little as possible!

Have a good weekend!