[5kings]

Hi

I know this is really cheeky, but has anyone got any advice for the right sort of exercise to reduce waist size? (No spare money to join a gym sadly.)

I need to lose about an inch, hubby needs to lose about 7 inches from his waist:wah

I have just looked at the medical form, and from what I can gather if your BMI is under 35, and waist within the measurement you should be ok on the weight side of things is that correct?

Thanks in advance

Helen

[BkyMonster]

Not a trainer at all but simple carbohydrates go to your waist. Things like sugary drinks, potatoes, cookies and white bread. You'll want to get more of your carbs from whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.
That said, I think if your BMI is under 35, then even if your waist is over all you'll need is some extra blood tests. Carrying body fat around the waist can be an indication of tendencies toward health problems. I imagine that is why they test you for it.

[5kings]

Thanks,

We are swapping everything to wholegrain, and I will be getting him to cut down on the sugary treats too.
I understood the medical advice to mean you had to have a BMI under 35, AND a waist measurement below the limit too, so I agree.

I understand why NZ set these guidelines, and it's a good incentive to stick to healthier living!

Helen

[Carey]

My OH gave up wheat based products eg bread, biscuits and the weight absolutely fell off him, (he did it for bowel problems), but could be a relatively quick way if you take care to replace the 'filling' capacity of those foods with pulses, rice, fruit and veg.

Good luck! Think of it as a challenge to find new and interesting ways of eating, not about what you're missing, if you can?

[TheNaylors]

Hi Helen,

My hubby was talking to the owner of the gym we go to the other day and he was saying that a good brisk walk is not only more beneficial for your joints but would also burn as many calories as a run on the treadmill for the same length of time! I run on the treadmill when I go to the gym, but I think from now on, I'll be opting for the fresh air...much more enjoyable and I'd be less likely to press "stop" half way through a session :laugh:laugh. Try and get out for half an hour a day and remeber to use your arms too, also change your route regularly so you don't get bored of seeing the same things.

Ditto with what BkyMonster & Carey said too, regards the diet. Good rule of thumb to follow is to limit the portion size of your carbs to the size of your own fist and your OH's to the size of his fist, and substitute whenever possible with pulses, brown rice and wholegrain alternatives.

Hope this is of some help to you & best of luck :nice1

Julie

[Belmont Babes]

Hi Helen,
A Personal Trainer here.....now unfortunately you cannot spot reduce. You can only lose weight all over. The only way to do this is to eat less and exercise more. If weight loss is the primary aim then more calories have to be burned than consumed. I agree with the walk being better for joints but a walk for 30 minutes will not burn the same calories as a run for 30 minutes. Mile for mile the calories burned can be the same as long as the heart rate is working at 60-70% ie. the walk pace is fast, the stride big and the arms are moving. Also cycling is great especially with a few hills thrown in!
Good luck :)

[5kings]

Thanks for all the advice so far!

I have lost a dress size in a couple of months with all the extra fast walking I've been doing, just as part of my daily routine since I've been back to work. Wine is my downfall, cos I drink then I start to snack, so I will cut right back on that too.

My hubby isn't the biggest fan of walking, especially at my speed, but he does enjoy cycling, so maybe I can find little chores for him, such as biking to tesco for bits and bobs etc.

We are going to go for the wholegrain, reduced fat approach too. I am confident I can lose my weight, as it is already coming off, but hubby has more to lose but less willpower, so I'll have to really encourage him by making lovely healthy meals, and hiding his cash so he can't sneak to KFC when he's at work!! :D

Maybe if I can give up my wine, he'll be able to cut down his treats too. Got to lead by example I guess. :p

Off swimming this afternoon with the kids so that's a good start, and we've already had one walk. Just need to stick photos of NZ on the fridge!!

Thanks everyone,

Helen

[dilanium]

Be careful about reduced fat products: They often have Hydrogenated oils (at least in the US) which is worse for you than eating the full fat, they will also often have more sugar which is easier for you body to absorb and make into fat (with very little energy required to do so).

I try to eat more fruits/veg (especially raw, but well washed), lean meats (chicken, fish, etc), whole grains, and switch to using canola oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil when you used butter (and don't pour the whole bottle on).

Any extra steps you do will burn more calories, so park farther away from the buildings than you usually do, when you walk somewhere don't take as many short cuts. Do a couple jumping jacks if your waiting somewhere (and yes, people may think you weird, but who cares?).

Good luck!