The 7 things NHS says you should do to lose weight - and 4 things you definitely shouldn't

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The NHS offers advice on how to lose weight and reduce your risk of serious health problems.

People who are looking to lose weight can find a minefield of conflicting advice online, with an endless stream of new diets and so-called hacks. The NHS website recommends seven things you should do if trying to lose weight — and four things to avoid. The things you should do include aiming to lose around lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.

5 to 1kg, a week. When it comes to diet, the health service recommends aiming to eat five fruits or vegetables per day, with 80g of fresh, canned, or frozen produce counting as one potion. Slimmers should also read food labels and look out for products with more green colour coding than amber and red, which are often a healthier option.



Swapping sugary drinks for water is also recommended, with added slices of lemon or lime for flavour if necessary. And the NHS recommends cutting down on food that is high in sugar and fat, starting with swapping sugary cereals for wholegrain alternatives. For exercise , the NHS says you should aim to get active for 150 minutes per week, which can be broken into shorter sessions.

And experts suggest sharing your weight loss plan with someone you trust who can help to motivate you on tough days. The health service also shared four “don’ts” for those looking to lose weight, including trying to shed the pounds suddenly with diets. The NHS advises people avoid stocking unhealthy food by opting for healthier snacks such as popcorn, fruit and rice cakes.

And it says you should not skip meals as this may lead to more snacking when you feel hungry. Finally, the health service says you should not finish your plate if you feel full and should save leftover food for the next day. If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce your risk of many health conditions including heart disease and type 2 diabetes .

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