Older Generation Choose Drinking Over Waist Lines Shrinking

LONDON, January 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Only a third of 55-64 year olds would sacrifice booze in order to lose weight

Research conducted by Slim.Fast, one of the UK's best-loved weight-loss brands, suggests only a third of 55-64 year olds (34%) would be willing to give up drinking alcohol in order to lose weight, despite this being one of the easiest ways to start to slim down. Surprisingly, this older audience is much less keen to give up booze than the UK's youngsters, with almost twice as many (64%) 18-24 year olds claiming they are happy to ditch the drink to lose weight, counter to reports of a so-called irresponsible generation.

The research was conducted as part of a wider exploration of New Year's Resolutions, which shows that weight loss is still the most popular New Year's Resolutions for all ages. The top 5 New Year's Resolutions for 2013 are:

1. To lose weight
2. To do more exercise
3. To spend less money
4. To travel more
5. To not stress over money

Despite 34% of us making resolutions to kick-start our New Year positively, we may actually be embarking on a guilt-ridden 2013 by setting ourselves up to fail. Out of those choosing to lose weight next year, only 5% believe this goal is 'easy' to achieve. In fact over half of us (57%) give up by February anyway, shunning exercise and gorging on comfort food instead.

Albane Jeanbin, brand manager for Slim.Fast, believes the brand has the ideal solution and says 'if you are looking to lose weight then joining Slim.Fast - for free - will ensure you have all the necessary tools at your fingertips, as well as like-minded people to talk to when you feel like giving up. If you sign up to our free diet programme via our website (http://www.slimfast.co.uk) you'll get access to our fantastic calorie counter, meal planner and members forum. You will also find information on Slim.Fast products available to help you achieve your weight-loss goals in a healthy and balanced way.'

Other interesting facts highlighted in the research include:

• 56% of respondents are making even more drastic decisions to change careers or change their partners (36%) because they are looking at their futures and want to achieve something amazing in 2013
• Twice as many women (40%) think that sticking to a New Year's Resolution of losing weight is 'hard' in comparison with 20% of men
• Spending time with family was seen as the easiest New Year's Resolution to stick to (32% easy and 20% really easy) but this only came in at No.7 in our top ten New Year's Resolutions for 2013
• Women are more affected by a lack of willpower (66%) in comparison to men (47%) when failing to stick to a New Year's Resolution of losing weight

Slim.Fast nutritionist, Fiona Hunter, says; 'No matter what your New Year's Resolution is, it's important to give yourself the best chance of success by having a structured plan and people around you that can offer advice and support when you really need it.

'Losing weight shouldn't be hard work and it certainly shouldn't be boring - if it is, you're much more likely to give up after just a few weeks.

'List all the benefits you can think of if you manage to stick to your resolution, for example better health, more confidence etc. Stick the list somewhere you will see it every day to help keep yourself motivated.'

Fiona Hunter has also offered the following tips to help you embark on a healthy new you in 2013.

Here are my top tips for keeping those cravings at bay!

· Cravings are often caused by low blood sugar levels so to keep your sugar levels stable you should eat regularly and refrain from skipping meals.

· Aim for 3 small meals with a couple of healthy snacks in between.

· Be aware that cravings pass. When you get a craving wait for 5-10 minutes before you act upon it as there's a good chance it will go away. 

· It's easy to confuse thirst with hunger so if you think you're feeling hungry try drinking a large glass of water first.

· Cravings are often stimulated by visual or sensory cues, so avoid keeping sweet stuff and foods that you know are going to tempt you on display. In fact researchers from the University of Illinois found that people who kept sweets and biscuits on display were much more likely to eat them than people who hid them away in their desk or cupboard.

· Finally, the moment you feel a craving for something sweet try brushing your teeth or gargle with mouth wash. A fresh minty taste in your mouth is often enough to crush a craving. 

Here are some of my top tips for a quick health fix!

· Always wear comfortable shoes - if you're at work and you're planning to go for a walk in your lunch hour then don't forget to pack your trainers.

· Persuade a friend or family member to go for a walk with you - it's an opportunity to catch up and if you make a commitment to a friend you're less likely to back out.

· Invest in a pedometer so you can monitor your progress.

· Vow never to take public transport or drive for journeys less than a mile.

· If you take the bus get off one stop early and walk the rest of the journey.

· Don't dawdle! You should walk at a pace that's brisk enough to make you feel slightly out of breath but still be able to hold a conversation.

· Vary your walking route to prevent you from getting bored.  

Motivation tips to keep you going!

· Believe in yourself. A recent study found that people who believed they could lose weight and keep it off were more likely to succeed. Try to visualise the new and slimmer you and keep that image in your mind.

· Don't feel that one bad day will ruin the whole diet. Life is full of ups and downs, so if you've had a bad day then just be a little stricter with yourself tomorrow.

· Write a list of all the benefits of losing weight. For example better health, more confidence etc. and what it means to you. Stick the list somewhere you will see it every day.

· Make sure your family and friends know you're on a diet. Ask them to help and support you.

SOURCE Slim Fast