Latest news with #healthyhabits
Grazia USA
16 hours ago
- Health
- Grazia USA
How to Lose Weight Fast: 5 Effective Habits
With summer and warm weather approaching, it's normal to wonder: How can I lose weight fast without giving up flavor or my social life? The good news is: yes, it's possible. But it requires balance. And above all: no extreme shortcuts or crash diets with just 800 calories a day. To lose weight quickly but healthily, you need a method, consistency, and a few small strategies to integrate into your daily routine. Nothing impossible but, also nothing magical. To help you in this challenge, here are five concrete tips that are sustainable, sensible, and truly effective. For visible results in a short time, without harming your health (or mood). The first step to losing weight fast is always the same: cut back on simple sugars. But don't worry, we're not talking about a joyless life. Eliminating the most obvious sources like soft drinks, snack cakes, processed sweets is already a huge improvement. But it's also crucial to watch out for hidden sugars in flavored yogurts, packaged juices, sandwich bread, and breakfast cereals. The tip? Choose more carefully, without giving up pleasure. A square of dark chocolate or a fruit salad with lemon and cinnamon are your allies, not enemies. It's the excessive and constant consumption that blocks progress not the occasional treat. 2. Increase Protein Especially at Breakfast Breakfast is a real battleground for metabolism. A protein-rich breakfast helps control hunger, improves focus, and reduces cravings in the afternoon. Eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies with animal or plant proteins: all excellent, easy-to-integrate options and tasty too. Adding a source of protein to every main meal is also essential. Proteins maintain muscle mass, increase satiety, and help the body burn more calories at rest. 3. Move Your Body But Don't Punish It If you want to lose weight fast, remember this: exercise should be consistent, not extreme. Working out shouldn't feel like punishment. Even a 30-minute walk a day has measurable benefits. Prefer exercising at home? Just 20 minutes of functional circuits (or even 10, done right) can do the trick. The key? Do it most days, no excuses, no waiting for the 'perfect moment.' Need motivation? Try this trick: work out while listening to a podcast, audiobook, or curated playlist. Your brain stays engaged, your body moves, and your mood will thank you. 4. Hydrate—Really (Not Just with Coffee) Drinking more water is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to lose weight fast and one of the most overlooked. Water boosts metabolism, reduces bloating, improves digestion, and surprise, often helps with what feels like hunger but is actually thirst. Aim for 1.5–2 liters of water a day. This can also include unsweetened herbal teas, vegetable broths, or naturally flavored water with lemon, cucumber, or ginger. Carrying a fun or marked water bottle can also keep you motivated. 5. Sleep Well to Slim Down Better Sleep is one of the most underestimated tools for weight loss. One of the most essential, especially if you want to slim down fast without stressing your body. Lack of sleep disrupts hormones that regulate hunger, like leptin and ghrelin, increasing cravings for high-calorie foods and making it harder to regulate meals. Quality sleep also boosts your mood, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and helps your body recover from workouts. Just 7–8 hours can make a real difference. Try turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed and create a relaxing nighttime routine. Secret to Losing Weight Diet and Nutrition Tips Does Oatmeal Help With Weight Loss? This article first appeared on topics: weight loss, Diet, health and wellness
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
How ‘Britain's most generous loyalty scheme' came unstuck
When Nick Thomas and his wife took out a health and life insurance policy with Vitality four years ago, like millions of others they were drawn to the generous rewards scheme. Unlike a traditional rewards programme where repeated spending eventually leads to a perk, Vitality rewarded members for having healthy lifestyle habits. Walking 7,000 steps a day, going to the gym or completing a Parkrun all earned points offering lucrative rewards for Thomas and his family such as free cinema tickets, an Amazon Prime membership and bags of Caffe Nero coffee. The scheme was a success on both sides. For Vitality, healthier customers claimed less while members benefited from better health and significant savings in the form of numerous perks. Thomas, like countless other members The Telegraph has spoken to, has nothing but praise for Vitality. 'It's been brilliant. I've encouraged other people to sign up because I've been so impressed with it all.' But all of that changed last month when Vitality decided to 'level up' its reward programme. Rather than earning rewards solely for healthy lifestyle choices, the insurance provider introduced a game whereby members would have to find a cartoon dachshund called 'Stanley' hidden behind 16 bushes. The monthly rewards they now earn are dependent on how many 'Stanleys' they find. The disapproval among Vitality's 1.9 million members has been swift. Online message boards reveal an avalanche of complaints about the 'silly game'. Facebook groups show members venting their frustrations and trying to share tips about how to find the hidden dogs. Criticisms range from members saying they feel infantilised to more serious accusations that the game amounts to a form of gambling, and is at odds with the company's aim to reward 'being active, eating healthily and maintaining good mental health'. Vitality strongly disputes the allegation that it amounts to gambling, as members do not stake money while playing. Martyn James, a consumer expert, says while it is not a form of gambling, it is part of a growing trend of 'gamification' – the process of using gameplay to make tasks more attractive and encourage engagement. He says: 'Unless Vitality can demonstrate that the odds show that people are getting the same amount of rewards then it's a smokescreen to hide the fact that benefits have been removed. 'That's before you consider the juvenile factor. It's fine if you are younger and don't mind hunting for a cartoon dog but as a grown adult, I find that quite patronising. I don't mind spinning a wheel every now and then, but you have to question what purpose does this serve?'
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
How Britain's most generous rewards scheme fell apart
When Nick Thomas and his wife took out a health and life insurance policy with Vitality four years ago, like millions of others they were drawn to the generous rewards scheme. Unlike a traditional rewards programme where repeated spending eventually leads to a perk, Vitality rewarded members for having healthy lifestyle habits. Walking 7,000 steps a day, going to the gym or completing a Parkrun all earned points offering lucrative rewards for Thomas and his family such as free cinema tickets, an Amazon Prime membership and bags of Caffe Nero coffee. The scheme was a success on both sides. For Vitality, healthier customers claimed less while members benefited from better health and significant savings in the form of numerous perks. Thomas, like countless other members The Telegraph has spoken to, has nothing but praise for Vitality. 'It's been brilliant. I've encouraged other people to sign up because I've been so impressed with it all.' But all of that changed last month when Vitality decided to 'level up' its reward programme. Rather than earning rewards solely for healthy lifestyle choices, the insurance provider introduced a game whereby members would have to find a cartoon dachshund called 'Stanley' hidden behind 16 bushes. The monthly rewards they now earn are dependent on how many 'Stanleys' they find. The disapproval among Vitality's 1.9 million members has been swift. Online message boards reveal an avalanche of complaints about the 'silly game'. Facebook groups show members venting their frustrations and trying to share tips about how to find the hidden dogs. Criticisms range from members saying they feel infantilised to more serious accusations that the game amounts to a form of gambling, and is at odds with the company's aim to reward 'being active, eating healthily and maintaining good mental health'. Vitality strongly disputes the allegation that it amounts to gambling, as members do not stake money while playing. Martyn James, a consumer expert, says while it is not a form of gambling, it is part of a growing trend of 'gamification' – the process of using gameplay to make tasks more attractive and encourage engagement. He says: 'Unless Vitality can demonstrate that the odds show that people are getting the same amount of rewards then it's a smokescreen to hide the fact that benefits have been removed. 'That's before you consider the juvenile factor. It's fine if you are younger and don't mind hunting for a cartoon dog but as a grown adult, I find that quite patronising. I don't mind spinning a wheel every now and then, but you have to question what purpose does this serve?' The Telegraph is aware of numerous members who have written to Vitality to complain, but so far the company has shown no signs of reverting the changes in responses to these letters. Thomas is one such member who has flagged his concerns with Vitality. 'I wondered if it was just me who was getting annoyed but looking online, I thought thank goodness it's not just me. 'My wife and I joined after we sat down with a financial adviser and we were drawn in by a policy that rewarded healthy living. That's why a lot of people join it. 'But with this they have created a childish game which is completely based on luck. There is an unfairness to it all. I can earn 160 points in a month [the maximum] and end up with fewer rewards than someone who has earned 48 points. 'I'd love for them to be transparent. If they need to cut costs and therefore reduce the number of benefits, just be open about that. Equally, if they need to increase costs because of the level of benefits, it's best to be open and transparent with members rather than doing [this] which annoys people.' The changes to the reward programme are complex. Previously, members were able to earn up to 160 points in a month with weekly and monthly rewards available. For example, if members earned 12 points a week, which could be achieved by walking more than 7,000 steps for four days, they could redeem a drink of their choice at Caffe Nero. For 12 points, they could also enjoy a weekly film rental from Rakuten. Earning 48 points in a month unlocked a free cinema ticket at Odeon or Vue, and until January 2024, reaching 160 points every month gave you a free Amazon Prime membership. Under the new system, some health-based points rewards remain. Earning 12 points in a week can be transferred for either a free Caffe Nero drink and 25pc off Itsu food or 50pc off a cinema ticket. But rather than incentivising members to earn as close to the maximum number of points as possible in a month to reach the best rewards, these are all now linked to playing a computer game where luck determines what prizes you earn. As long as a member earns 12 points each week out of a maximum of 40, they are entered into the game where they are shown 16 square tiles known as 'bushes' – behind four of which is a dog. When members open the game, the first bush shakes to reveal where the first dog is hidden. It then leaves members with three chances to find three dogs hidden behind 15 bushes. At the end of the month, if a member finds four dogs, they earn one reward, if they find eight dogs, they earn two prizes and if they find 10 dogs, they earn the maximum of three prizes. David Rowe, a programme manager from Hertfordshire, has reluctantly played the game each week. However, both last month and this month, he has found seven dogs, leaving him one short of collecting two prizes. Márton Balázs, a probability professor at Bristol University, explains there is a good reason why members like Rowe keep falling short of earning two prizes. Balázs has calculated that assuming a member played the game four times in a month and they always find the first dog which the game prompts, they have only got a 13.4pc chance of finding eight dogs. To earn three rewards, equivalent to finding 10 dogs, the odds of winning are even smaller at 0.96pc – giving members a one in 103 chance of winning the maximum prize, although Vitality strongly refutes these calculations. Rowe added: 'I looked up the chances of finding all four dogs and you've got a one in 455 chance. You are almost five times more likely to match three numbers in the National Lottery than find all four dogs in a week on this game,' he says. Rowe, who has been a member for the past eight years and pays £600 annually for his policy, is considering leaving. 'My policy is up for renewal in September. I will investigate changing and see what else is out there. If I can get an insurance policy that is half the price of what I am paying now, I'd think, 'Why would I not do that because that money I'm saving I can just spend on cinema tickets or an Itsu meal instead?'.' Thomas and his wife are also considering the value of their £1,460 annual bill, but he is hopeful that Vitality might yet listen to the rising anger of members. 'I've never questioned leaving before but if things haven't changed by August or September, then I think we'll go elsewhere'. A Vitality spokesman said the scheme continued to offer 'significant value' to consumers. Nick Read, managing director, said: 'The update to the Vitality Programme ensures more customers are taking steps to improve their health, with over 53,000 additional members now more physically active than they previously were. 'The impact of this is transformational – many more people will live in better health for longer. It also continues to offer significant value, over and above the market-leading health and life insurance we provide.'
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rebel Wilson shares her diet tips as she enters the last week of her health challenge
Australian star Rebel Wilson has taken to social media to share her latest eating tip as she enters the last week of her 'health challenge'. The 45-year-old actress has been on a weight loss 'kick' since Easter, shedding 1kg over the last five weeks after cutting chocolate and ice cream from her diet. On Wednesday, the Bridesmaids star posted a selfie to show off a 'healthy' evening meal consisting of chicken breast and salad. She also detailed the last week of her challenge, encouraging followers to focus on trying out multiple healthy lifestyle habits. 'Ok, so you delete some things from your life that are unhealthy and pick up some healthy habits,' she explained. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She added, 'So not just focusing on but trying multiple healthy habits, which will be a struggle. 'I might have to write myself a little checklist on a post it note and make sure I'm trying to do each thing each day. 'But I tell you what, if you can get into a really good groove with all these healthy habits, it can be really great for your physical and mental health and that's really important.' Rebel offered to open up her DM's to followers so that they could update her on their progress. 'I just want you guys to be the healthiest versions of you that you can be,' the actress said as she signed off. 'Congrats to everyone that's been on the challenge. Let's go hard week week six. Let's do it.' It comes after the Pitch Perfect star first launched her health challenge after last month. The Sydney-born star, who dropped more than 36kg (80lb) back in 2021, announced that her latest attempt to change her eating habits resulted in further weight loss. 'My first few days were a bit rough giving up chocolate and ice cream - I wanted it so badly!' she wrote on Instagram in April. 'I didn't have it though! But I did have some moments of weakness and ate a few "unhealthy" things - like chips. 'But we can be perfect! And overall I was eating much healthier than the weeks prior - so I'm proud of myself for that.' The health kick has resulted in a small weight loss for the star. 'I did happen to lose 1kg (2.2lb) last week - which is not the point of the challenge - but it goes to show you how many Easter Eggs I was eating before I started!!' she explained. Rebel initially lost weight after a 'year of health' and some help from Ozempic, and has again cut out sweet treats in a new challenge to amend her eating habits. Six weeks again Rebel encouraged her 11 million followers to join her as she cuts out chocolate and ice cream. It comes after she opened up about her weight loss journey to People in May 2022. When she discussed fertility treatments with a doctor: 'He looked me up and down and said, 'You'd do much better if you were healthier.'' Rebel confessed: 'I was taken aback. I thought, "Oh God, this guy's so rude." He was right. I was carrying around a lot of excess weight.' She reflected at the time, 'It's almost like I didn't think of my own needs. I thought of a future child's needs that really inspired me to get healthier.' Rebel is now mother to two-year-old daughter Royce, who she welcomed via surrogate and co-parents with wife Ramona Agruma. In regards to how she achieved her weight loss, Wilson focused on becoming more active by walking and doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with her personal trainer.
CNA
26-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Raising healthy children, one habit at a time
Whenever Dr Nicholas Ng Beng Hui pulls out his phone at the dinner table for work, his children, aged two and five and a half, are quick to remind him to put it away. Dr Ng, a consultant in the division of paediatric endocrinology at the Khoo Teck Puat National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, welcomes the gentle nudge. After all, healthy habits – including managing screen use – start with parents, who are a child's first role models. To support parents in this role, Grow Well SG equips families with resources and tools across four key areas: Screen use, physical activity, nutrition and sleep. Launched in January, this national health initiative – jointly helmed by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development – is designed to create an environment where children can thrive by cultivating healthy habits. GROWING UP WELL 101 Dr Ng highlighted four key building blocks for a child's holistic development: Healthy, well-balanced nutrition; adequate physical activity; quality sleep and a positive learning environment. Nurturing these habits in age-appropriate ways supports the evolving physical, mental, cognitive and emotional needs of children from infancy to adulthood. But in today's fast-paced world, many parents are stretched thin. A 2022 survey by KK Women's and Children's Hospital found that more are turning to electronic devices to occupy their children – a quick fix that can come with a cost. Excessive screen use has been linked to reduced sleep, less physical activity and fewer chances for meaningful social interactions. As a father of two young children, Dr Ng has picked up valuable lessons from friends as well as parents of his patients: 'I've learned how important it is to be intentional with our time – especially when it comes to bonding with our children.' To reinforce that, he and his wife make it a point to disconnect from devices during family time, setting aside moments each week for shared meals, outdoor play and exercise. These occasions double as opportunities to instil healthy habits, making them part of their children's natural rhythm. 'Physical activity should match a child's stage of motor development,' Dr Ng explained. 'That could mean starting with regular tummy time (supervised time lying on their stomach) for babies, progressing to walks with parents and gradually building up as their coordination and confidence grow.' For the Ng family, weekday evenings and weekends are often spent outdoors at parks and nature areas. What began as stroller rides has naturally evolved into cycling and scooting sessions, with Dr Ng and his wife jogging alongside. He noted that healthy habits tend to stick when they're embedded into everyday family life. 'If parents expect their children to eat well and stay active but don't model these habits themselves, it's unlikely the behaviour will stick,' he stressed. When parents get involved, it not only reinforces healthy habits, but also deepens the parent-child bond. Creating a positive learning environment doesn't require fancy tools – simple toys, books or DIY crafts can become fun, meaningful ways to spend time together. 'Children learn best through play,' said Dr Ng. 'It's not just about keeping them engaged – it's also about how they build creativity, language skills and emotional intelligence. Through play, they learn to make choices, plan rules, share, take turns and explore new ideas.' Beyond play, routines around sleep, nutrition and movement are just as essential to a child's development. But in today's busy world, keeping them on track can be a real challenge. Research from the Centre for Holistic Initiatives for Learning and Development at the National University of Singapore reported that 65 per cent of school-aged children get less than the recommended nine to 11 hours of sleep on school nights, a pattern linked to higher risk of childhood obesity and other physical and mental health concerns. These findings underscore the importance of forming healthy habits early. Dr Ng encourages parents to begin by identifying specific challenges – whether it's inconsistent bedtimes or eating without awareness – and to draw on practical tools from platforms such as Grow Well SG. As part of Grow Well SG, personalised health plans will be progressively rolled out through the Health Promotion Board's annual school health screening programme, starting this year with Primary 1 to Primary 3 students. In addition to vaccination records, screening results and any necessary referrals, each child will receive a customised lifestyle plan – complete with tips and resources to support parents in building lasting healthy habits. Dr Ng believes tailored health plans work better because they reflect each child's health needs and family context. 'They also give parents a say in goal-setting and a stake in the outcome,' he added. Raising kids isn't easy but it's one of life's most rewarding journeys. 'Start healthy habits early, enjoy the ride and don't expect perfection,' said Dr Ng. 'Embrace the support available to you, including the resources and care offered by Grow Well SG.'
