Hi!

So you’re training hard and consistently – getting a really good sweat on, but the fat just won’t budge. Training, DIET and level of hormones are 3 important points to take on for a successful amount of body fat loss.

Check my tips for fat loss here.

Nothing is worse than the feeling of exercising to the best of your ability for weeks, only to discover you haven’t lost an inch of body fat! Carbohydrates may be your own worse enemy. Although carbohydrates aren’t as bad as we make out to seem, it’s important to understand the use of carbohydrates and our daily intake.

Ask yourself the following: “How much carbohydrates do I consume a day and WHEN?” Carbohydrates are particularly effective and most likely to be broken down and used for muscle growth and repair within an hour after your workout, if left too long… it’ll be stored as body fat.

It is critical to understand that you shouldn’t just cut out the carbohydrates completely  – your body still needs them and there are also many health benefits, however, if fat loss is your main goal then minimizing your carbohydrate intake is a must!

It’s not going to be easy to reduce the amount of carbohydrates – especially if you’re a big fan of the odd bread, pasta/rice, and potato! But there are other carb alternatives that will do much more good than bad – VEG!

Vegetables are a good source of carbohydrates, full of nutrients and minerals! I suggest that you add AT LEAST one veg from the list given below to your diet every week, slowly adding more everyday until it becomes regular and part of your day to day diet.

• Broccoli – Broccoli is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins A, B, C and E, cancer-fighting phytochemicals, folic acid, iron, potassium and riboflavin.

• Lettuce – Lettuce is high in folic acid, potassium, Vitamins A, B6 and C.
• Cabbage – Contains vitamins C and E, cancer-fighting phytochemicals, beta-caroten, iron, potassium. It’s a powerful antioxidant, cleanser, immune builder, anti-bacterial, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
• Mushrooms – High in Vitamin D, Vitamin B2, good source of potassium, Copper, Selenium. Check my recipe Vegan Stuffed mushrooms

• Green beans – High in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Manganese, rich in fibre and Folates. Prevent infections, controls cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure.
• Onions – Good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A and C, Vitamin B6, Folate and Potassium. Known as anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, antioxidant and digestive stimulant.
• Asparagus – High in vitamin A, C and E, potassium, niacin, iron, phosphorous, riboflavin and folic acid.
• Cucumber – Folic acid, calcium, chlorine, Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6, iron, potassium, beta-carotene. Highly diuretic, cleansing and great for hair, skin and nails. Also may help to reduce cholesterol.

• Spinach – Beta-carotene, iron, Vitamin A, C and E.
• Courgettes – Good source of Vitamin A and C, magnesium, potassium. Beneficial for immune system and controlling blood pressure.
• Cauliflower – Vitamin C, potassium, protein and iron. Know for its anti-cancer and antioxidant benefits. Check my recipe Oven roasted Cauliflower.
• Any peppers – Beta-carotene, folic acid, Vitamin C, calcium. Peppers cleanse system and they are great for hair, nails and skin.

Hopefully this has given you all a great insight into why your fat just won’t go away! The magic is all in the VEG!