manchester

healthy options

general health

Ten unusual tips to get trim

EVERYONE can do something! Getting out of the house can not only boost your metabolism it can also boost your mood. Go for a walk and get in the swing!
Ban the lift. ALWAYS use the stairs, even when you don't need to. Try using the loo on the next floor! And don't send the kids to get something from upstairs, get it yourself.
Drink more - but only water. Gradually increase the amount of water you drink to two litres a day. You don't need to buy expensive bottled water just keep a bottle of tap water in the fridge and another at your desk to check you are drinking enough.
Stay in bed longer. Before you get up lie on your back and stretch. Point each foot in turn, tighten your stomach muscles, reach your hands above you stretching out your fingers. This isn't going to turn you into a god or goddess but it will make you conscious of your body rather than just what an unearthly hour it is.
Wear something revealing. Don't hide under baggy jumpers. Wear something body hugging, no matter what shape your body is, it will make you more aware of your posture and ensure you pull in those stomach muscles.
Eat more often. But still eat less. Grazing is what got the boys in the Arsenal team in trim and eating little and often is now thought best for the body as it keeps the metabolism high. And remember it takes the brain 20 minutes to realise your stomach is full. Enough time to have the pudding you don't really need!
Tie a piece of string around your waist. Pull in your stomach muscles and put a piece of string around your waist. Make a loop at one end, thread the other end through, pull it taught and mark the string. Periodically through the day wear the string ''belt'' for about five minutes so you are forced to pull in your stomach muscles - or suffer!
Go shopping. In your lunch-hour visit a shop right at the other end of town thus ensuring you have to walk there and back quickly or be late back and risk the wrath of the boss! Failing that go and try something on BEFORE you eat lunch, you'd be surprised how your choice of food will change after a tussle with a zip in a changing room.
Play in the park. Don't just sit on a bench and watch the kids romp around, push them on the swings (great for flabby arms) or even better get on one yourself (good for arms, legs and bums!)
Buy some new shoes. If you can hardly walk you are unlikely to want to move around more. So buy a new pair of comfy shoes you can wear every day. The latest in the shops have soles like car tyres that will take you anywhere!