Research shows that, during lockdowns and the prolonged periods of stress and boredom they cause, many of us turned to ‘comfort eating’ and indulged in fatty or sweet foods, or simply ate too much as a distraction from the negativity. Here’s your guide for getting your diet back on track:

1. Water, water everywhere
   Drinking 2 litres of fluid a day greatly reduces your chances of developing kidney stones and bladder cancer. Does it have to be water? No! drinking a mixture of water and other liquids–herbal tea, vegetable soup, fruit juice, even that glass of antioxidant-rich red wine–all count.
2. Eat more energy foods
   
   Increase your intake of high-fibre fruit and vegetables to stabilise blood sugar, lower cholesterol and improve bowel health. Choose the most nutritious protein sources: beans, lentils, peas, soy foods, nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs and very lean cuts of poultry and red meat, preferably organic.
3. Fight disease with your fork
   
   Soy foods, including tofu, tempeh and miso, are rich in minerals and trace elements, plus they contain plant oestrogens called isoflavones which have unique health-protective qualities. Enrich your diet with plant-based disease-fighting nutrients–lignans from flax seed, ellagic acid and anthocyanins from berries, cancer-fighting isothiocyanates from broccoli and cabbage, and prostate-protective lycopene from tomatoes.

Time to lose the lockdown love handles! Firstly, be realistic–set a goal of 0.5-1 kg per week for safe and lasting weight loss. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a treat every so often; you won’t stick to your plan if you feel deprived. Curb cravings for snacks with your mind–research shows the average craving only lasts 10 minutes, so distract yourself with a nice cup of herbal tea or a quick chore. Eat more often, but eat less, as light and frequent meals tend to boost energy, improve your mood and speed your metabolism, because even just digesting food burns kilojoules. Substitute smarter snacks–strawberries instead of chocolate, oven-baked natural corn chips, not fat-fried. Think positively: low self-esteem goes hand-in-hand with overeating. If all those tracksuit pants and PJs make you feel frumpy, bin them and buy clothes that fit. And if you need a little help getting over your weight-loss goal finish line, supplement with Amazonia Slim & Tone, formulated with a sprouted and fermented protein base, nourishing trace minerals, nutrient-dense herbs, spices and alkaline greens, it helps keep your hunger satisfied and reduces cravings.