Identify the problem - It's important to differentiate between proper weight gain, caused by excessive caloric consumption, from just feeling bloated, which can be caused by fluid retention. Water retention symptoms include: a distended belly, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, as well as swollen eyelids, lips, and hands.

2 / 30 Fotos

Start a new diet - To begin with, eliminate salty foods as these contribute to fluid retention, and drink plenty of water.

3 / 30 Fotos

Be realistic about it - Sticking to a new diet can be hard, especially if you have unrealistic expectations about how much weight you can lose and how fast. You must be realistic and not expect immediate results.

4 / 30 Fotos

Commit to it - Really commit to it. You need to be determined to lose weight. Set out daily goals to motivate you.

5 / 30 Fotos

Weekly planning - Plan your meals for the weeks ahead. Make a list of all your main meals on a weekly basis.

6 / 30 Fotos

Grocery shopping - Buy foods that need to be cooked or need some sort of preparation. Do not buy ready-to-eat processed food.

7 / 30 Fotos

Meal timing - Set a specific time for each meal.

8 / 30 Fotos

Dining area - Eat your meals at the same place every day.

9 / 30 Fotos

Plate - Serve a portion of food on a plate, do not put your pots and pans on the table.

10 / 30 Fotos

Get rid of Christmas leftovers - You can freeze all those leftover cakes, give it to friends and family or share them with your neighbors.

11 / 30 Fotos

Work out - You will have to exercise. This is very important if you want to lose weight.

12 / 30 Fotos

Water - Eliminate all calorie-filled drinks from your diet. Avoid sodas, alcohol, and any other drinks that contain calories. Stick to water and tea.

13 / 30 Fotos

Wait 10 minutes - Apparently cravings for specific foods can disappear after 10 minutes. So avoid rushing to buy chocolate. Just wait 10 minutes and the craving should go away.

14 / 30 Fotos

Eat fruit - Do you have a sweet tooth? Eat fruit. This will help you keep your sugar craving at bay.

15 / 30 Fotos

Meal frequency - Try eating between five and six small meals a day instead of just three.

16 / 30 Fotos

Motivational quotes - Stick post-it notes on your fridge with messages such as "You are worth it" or "remember that dress you want to wear." Self-motivation is essential to losing weight.

17 / 30 Fotos

Breakfast - Eat breakfast. The first meal of the day will give you energy and boost your metabolism.

18 / 30 Fotos

Avoid refined carbs - Avoid refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, and cereal.

19 / 30 Fotos

Fiber and protein - Eat foods rich in fiber, such as rice, wholegrain pasta, fresh fruit, legumes, and nuts. These are healthy and make you feel fuller for longer. Equally important is protein. Eat meat, white fish, egg whites, skimmed milk, seafood, and/or plant-based proteins like tofu. Protein is essential to preserving and developing muscle mass.

20 / 30 Fotos

Pause - For every 21 meals, pause your diet and eat whatever you want. This will motivate you to stick to the diet as you will still be able eat what you love the most. And most importantly, it won't really affect your weight loss.

21 / 30 Fotos

More greens - Replace rice and potatoes with vegetables. You can eat them in many different ways, including grilled, sautéed, and steamed.

22 / 30 Fotos

Detox diet - A detox diet can be great for those looking to shed weight a bit faster.

23 / 30 Fotos

Light meals - Eat light foods such as vegetables, legumes, and salads. Opt for grilled white meats.

24 / 30 Fotos

Fruit juices - Hydrate yourself with water and low-calorie natural juices. Good options include melon, lemon, pineapple, and passion fruit.

25 / 30 Fotos

Wholegrain - Include rice, wholemeal bread, pasta, oats, and muesli in your diet. These are rich in fiber and other nutrients, including vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

26 / 30 Fotos

Eliminate sugary foods - Avoid sugary foods. Swap traditional desserts for fruit.

27 / 30 Fotos

Snacks - Fruit, low-fat yogurt, white cheese, or low-calorie cereal bars are great snacks to eat between meals.

28 / 30 Fotos

Good fats - Eat foods rich in unsaturated fats such as salmon, avocado, and nuts. These can be beneficial for your health and won't affect weight loss, if eaten in moderation.

29 / 30 Fotos

Focus -

Focus on your goal: a healthier lifestyle, more energy, self-confidence, and better quality of life.

A guide to post-Christmas weight loss

Shed those extra pounds to look and feel better!

25/12/20 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Detox

It happens every Christmas. We have a great time celebrating the holidays, eating and drinking. But the day comes when we step on the scale and realize we've done it again - we've put on weight. But losing that extra weight doesn't have to be a nightmare. Browse through the gallery and learn how to lose those extra pounds, quickly and safely.