The countdown has begun and this time it is bigger than ever. All sights are set firmly on New Year’s Eve right now and while everyone’s busy planning parties, drawing up guest lists and finalising a menu, the race to get that perfect figure is on. Many celebs have taken to special diets till the end of the year that will help them get fit.
According to fitness experts, such occasion-oriented diets and fitness plans are a rage right now. “The truth is that these are more short term and one has a specific vision in mind while working towards this goal. As a result, one is more determined there are less chances for a distraction or cheating,” says Mrinalini Vaze, a certified fitness training consultant. Fitness trainers and dieticians say that one doesn’t need to take any extreme steps in such goal-oriented diets since the date/ occasion is fixed much in advance, one can follow a step-by-step plan which makes the goal more achievable. “Don’t wait to start a NYE diet, there are over two weeks to go, the time is now. Gradual weight loss is healthy, a sudden one spells danger,” she adds.
“No fad diets. No potions and definitely, no starving. What one needs to formulate is a balanced, healthy and nutritious diet. I tell all my clients to follow one simple rule – never eat anything that comes out of a box or bottle. All these have preservatives and hamper the body’s nutrition content. What one needs is a balanced combination of exercise and diet,” says nutrition consultant Sona K., who works for a leading fitness chain.
Variety and innovation is one thing that holds the key. “These days everyone gets bored really fast. Introduce variety in your workout – if running on the treadmill bores you then sign up for a salsa class thrice a week or better still go swimming. This is the only activity that provides all-round exercise for the body. In fact, play any game or sport or even do yoga,” opines Mrinalini.
Throwing light on how one can introduce variety in a diet, Dr Tara Mohan, a nutritionist, says, “Think smart. Pack your lunch to work the previous night so that you don’t hurry in the morning and skip lunch all together. Always carry something healthy – like nuts – to snack on. If you’re afraid of carbs use them only in your breakfast. And try your hand at cooking, that way you know what goes into your food and it is also a calorie-burning activity.”