It’s exactly three weeks to Christmas today…
The LBD is hanging on the wardrobe ready to be worn, but some of you may be losing hope as to whether you can really look and feel your best this Christmas.
Lost all hope for losing some pounds before the festive party season? Think again…
The DASH diet is the latest weight-loss craze to make it across the pond, but unlike many of its healthy eating regime predecessors, it’s actually considered to be healthy.
The handy side effect? It promises to help you drop a dress size before Christmas.
DASH has won the coveted ‘healthiest diet’ accolade in the US for two years running and the eating plan, which stands for ‘Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension’, was initially created to help people tackle high blood pressure with what they eat.
Similar to the Atkins diet, DASH focuses on increasing how much protein you eat, but advocates unlimited intake of vegetables (though not fruit, which is high in natural sugars). And after the first two-week kick-start period, DASH (unlike Atkins) allows grains and starchy vegetables such as potatoes.
The DASH diet may be focused on improving health, but users realised that a handy side effect was noticed in their waistlines.
There are two phases to the diet, but it’s not as complicated as the Dukan diet.
Marla Heller, the nutritionist behind the DASH diet, recommends eating lean proteins and healthy fats during phase one to keep you full, and to initially cut out on carbs, before reintroducing them in part two of the diet.
The diet is quick to remind us that it isn’t about advocating drastic changes, it’s about reminding us how to eat healthily to keep us feeling full and energetic during the day.
Phase One: Kick Start… The First 14 Days
Initially the plan is to cut out carbs and reduce your portion sizes, while still eating regular, healthy meals. Pick foods that are high in protein, lean meats such as chicken, fish, low fat cheeses, beans and eggs and accompany them with good fats such as avocados and olive oil. This should help keep you feeling satisfied without needing the carb hit.
Foods such as bread and pasta are out, as are fruits, which are full of sugar. Healthy snacks are allowed, a small portion of nuts or as much as you like of sugar-free jelly for when you need a pick-me-up.
Phase Two: Forever
The diet is designed to be a way of life, so after this kick-start phase, dieters are encouraged to look at their activity levels and match their food intake for phase two. This is where you reintroduce carbs, though only three portions a day, and fruit makes a comeback (only two portions a day).
This reintroduction of foods, in sensible portions and still with the emphasis on protein and healthy fats, is designed to make the diet easy to follow forever.
