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Beat the heat: 14 expert tips for keeping cool in hot weather

Beat the heat: 14 expert tips for keeping cool in hot weather

The Guardian19-06-2025
Heatwaves used to be marked by years, recalled misty-eyed by those who remembered them with fondness, like the heatwave of '76. Now, in the era of global heating, heatwaves are a warning sign, not a pleasure – and as we enter a UK summer, it's a case of when, not if, the temperature will become unbearable.
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Always take care when it heats up – the NHS recommends staying in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunscreen and hats, and avoiding exercise. It also advises taking showers, eating cold food and drinks, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
And there are other things that can help. As temperatures soar, we've asked experts in hotspots around the world – from Australia to Dubai – about how to cope with the heat. Here's their advice for everything from waking and dressing to sleeping (yes, it is possible in this heat, we promise).
Recycled stainless steel water bottle
£35 at Ryman£35 at Ocean Bottle
Insulated leak-proof water bottle
From £30 at John Lewis£32 at Chilly's
Glass coffee cup and straw
£27 at Anthropologie£26.95 at Amazon
The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water a day – the aim being that your pee remains a light straw colour. In a heatwave, you'll likely need more water, and ideally it'll be cold to help cool you down.
Ocean Bottles are double-wall insulated, made from 65% recycled materials, and the brand collects 11.4kg of plastic from oceans with the sale of each bottle.
Chilly's water bottles claim to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours – and everyone in your co-working space will thank you for the rubber base that doesn't 'CLANG' every time you take a sip.
The NHS technically advises against caffeine in extreme heat, but if it does feel necessary, you can at least go iced with this clear Keep Cup.
Lékué ice cube tray
£15.75 at John Lewis£19.99 at Lakeland
Monster ice lolly mould
£12.99 at John Lewis£12.99 at Lakeland
What better way to keep cool than with frozen water? A dedicated ice box lets you build up a stockpile for hot days – no more wasteful plastic bags of ice from the supermarket. Get the kids involved too with this ice lolly mould, letting them create some inventive flavours and reap the rewards after a few hours in the freezer.
Wind-up tilt parasol
£53.99 at Robert Dyas£84.99 at John Lewis
Recycled polyester cream carousel parasol
£70 at Dunelm
Portable beach tent
£95.20 at Holloways of Ludlow£119 at Amazon
Whether you've got an unforgiving, shadeless south-facing patio or are planning a day in the park or at the beach, you'll need shade in a heatwave. From a cheerful, adjustable yellow parasol and an all-singing, tilting garden shade to a portable beach canopy, this lot has you covered.
Reiss linen midi dress
£198 at John Lewis£198 at Reiss
Airism dress
£24.90 at Uniqlo
Men's pure linen shirt
£45 at M&S
Men's Airism white T-shirt
£14.90 at Uniqlo
Round mini shoulder bag
£14.90 at Uniqlo
Plan International Denmark tote bag
£5.24 at Søstrene Grene
As recommended in our Mother's Day gift guide. A percentage of the sale of this floral tote goes to Plan International, which helps support girls' and young women's rights.
Working in an office in the heat and looking even remotely professional can feel impossible – something Elle Australia editor Jessica Bailey knows all too well. Opt for linen, she says. A sleeveless linen dress or a loose-fitting shirt will be your saviour: the lightweight material is known for its breathable properties – the baggier the better for circulation and non-clinginess.
Darker colours will help disguise sweat marks – if you're particularly worried about this, go for polyester or nylon over cotton. Or try a sweat-wicking fabric, such as Uniqlo's Airism.
If you carry a heavy leather handbag, it's worth swapping for a lightweight cross-body bag or cotton tote. These have longer handles, allowing air to circulate rather than being stickily clamped to your side.
Lace trim cami top
£20 at Next
Mini slip dress
£78 at Free People
Seersucker stripe boxers
£28 for three at John Lewis
'The Australian summer can be humid and unforgiving – as such, we learn how to dress for the heat from a young age,' says Elle Australia's fashion editor, Jordan Boorman. 'I lean into vintage-style lingerie silhouettes, wispy camisoles, lace slip dresses and skirts.' Men: feeling brave? Make like Paul Mescal and wear boxers as shorts, as recommended by Peter Bevan in his men's summer wardrobe updates. Just don't forget to wear your underwear beneath to avoid any embarrassing mishaps.
Women's ONA Streetworks go-to flat
£63 at SorelFrom £53.60 at Amazon
As recommended in our roundup of stylish summer sandals
Women's cut-out strap sandals
£28 at River Island
Jess Cartner-Morley calls these the perfect holiday dinner sandals in her June style essentials
Men's Summit leather sandals
£31.99 at Schuh£45 at Next
As recommended by menswear expert Peter Bevan in his men's summer wardrobe updates
Men's Fracap leather sandals
£175 at Toast
First up: you need a pair of sandals that you can walk in comfortably. Hot, sweaty feet equals rubbing and blisters and, as Chloe Mac Donnell wrote in her guide to sandals, no one wants carry a pair of trainers to swap into when they need to walk anywhere farther than the office tea point.
This year, as last, sandals are fusing function and comfort with fashion. And for men, slip-on gladiator-style designs with thicker leather straps are everywhere.
Vichy spa water
£9.50 at Look Fantastic£9.50 at Amazon
Vichy SPF spray
£16.13 at Look Fantastic£13.70 at Amazon
A face mist can give instant relief in the heat. Dr Raj Arora is a GP and founder of aesthetics clinic The Face Bible, and she recommends Vichy face mist. 'I have used this myself when on holiday or during a heatwave,' she says. 'Not only does it cool the skin down but it's also infused with minerals and antioxidants to soothe the skin and protect the skin's barrier during hot weather.'
Of course, the main thing you need on your skin in a heatwave is a good SPF – Sali Hughes's roundup of the best sunscreens has something for everyone. For lightness in the heat, consider Vichy's Capital Soleil SPF 50 spray with hyaluronic acid from her list.
Dreo Cruiser tower fan
£109.99 with wifi voice control at B&Q£89.99 at Amazon
Morphy Richards portable USB fan
£39.99 at B&Q£39.99 at Morphy Richards
As recommended in our roundup of the best fans to keep you cool
Jisulife handheld mini fan£18.99 at Amazon
Scalloped-edge fan£6.99 at H&M
An electric fan – either for your desk or room – can help with hot and bothered home working and sweaty, sleepless nights. There are even electric/battery hybrids for when you're on the go, all put to the test in our guide to the best fans.
And while heatwaves may hit once or twice a year, but women dealing with menopause can be left battling hot flushes for years. After trying many handheld fans, Tracey McAlpine, founder of Fighting Fifty, recommends the Jisulife mini fan above. And if you fancy a flutter, try H&M's elegant scalloped-edged fan.
Women's anti-chafing shorts
£18 for two at M&S
Women's black high-waisted shorts
£25 at End£48 at Skims
Men's green shorts with built-in cycling shorts
£75 at Vuori
As recommended in our roundup of the best shorts for summer
Megababe anti-chafe stick£9.60 at Boots£8 at Cult Beauty
Baby powder£1.75 at Boots£1.75 at Superdrug
Heatwaves are uncomfortable enough before you add chafing into the mix. Not only is it painful, but the irritation makes the skin hot too – not what you need. There are several ways to combat this, and many women fall back on wearing shorts under skirts and dresses: try these M&S slimming shorts, which stay up all day and are so thin and cool that you forget they're there.
For other parts of the body, or if shorts don't work for you, body image speaker and writer Laura Adlington recommends Megababe Thigh Rescue. 'It glides on like a balm and keeps your thighs happy all day. Otherwise, try good old-fashioned baby powder – it's cheap as chips and does the trick.'
Women's zebra-print bucket hat£19.99 at Mango
Women's wide-brim sun hat
£45 at John Lewis
Women's oversized summer hat
£37 at Asos£37 at & Other Stories
Men's broad-brim hat
£25 at M&S
Unisex Original Pirate Material cap£45 at Scrt
This pop culture cap gets Peter Bevan's seal of approval in his men's summer wardrobe updates
A good hat is your ally in keeping a cool head. We asked the team at the oldest hat shop in the world, London's Lock & Co Hatters, for their advice. Look for breathable materials such as straw, they said, and wide brims that protect your face and neck from the sun.
This M&S packable broad-rim hat is another great option for men looking for something to take on holiday (or not brave enough to wear it on the commute), as it folds down easily. And don't forget caps.
Wide brims are everywhere on the high street this year – the John Lewis hat above has a simple silhouette that will pair with anything, and the black canvas offering from & Other Stories is a much chicer take on last year's bucket hat trend.
Unisex hydration bag with 1L pouch£24.99 at Decathlon
The North Face Summit Run 5L vest
£134.99 at SportsShoes£135 at the North Face
As recommended by Kieran Alger in his guide to trail running essentials
If a heatwave persists unbroken but you want to continue your exercise streak, Esther Newman, editor of Women's Running magazine and co-host of the Women's Running Podcast, says it is possible, with some adjustment.
'If you're running for longer than 30 minutes, carry water with you – usually twice as much as you would do in the winter,' she says. 'Decathlon's hydration packs do the job for a good price, and enable you to run hands-free.'
Lululemon Wundermost Nulu high-waist thong
£25 at Lululemon
Uniqlo Airism boxer briefs£12.90 at Uniqlo
When you're hot and sweaty, moisture-wicking base layers can really help. Fitness trainer Rosie Stockley recommended this high-waist thong in our guide to the best moisture-wicking underwear, socks and base layers; while personal trainer Michael Baah picked these briefs, which are made from moisture-wicking polyester.
Body Glide anti-chafe balm £11.99 at Runners Need£13.99 at Amazon
Silicone lubricant £14.99 at Love Honey£8.99 at Amazon
Make sure you lube yourself up, says Newman: common annoying areas are underneath your the band of your running bra, between thighs and toes, around the neck, under your arms and between your butt cheeks. 'Experiment with Body Glide, which works like a stick deodorant, or try the less expensive secret weapon: silicone lube – with the latter, always go for silicone rather than water-based, which you'll just sweat off.'
Moisture bomb sheet mask£3.49 at Superdrug£3.49 at Boots
Stainless steel face roller£11.99 at Look Fantastic£11.87 at Amazon
Sometimes you need a moment of reset to try to take your body temperature down when you return home. Aimee Jakes is digital editor at Time Out Dubai and is coping with the heat thanks to one hack: 'I swear by a fridge-chilled sheet mask. Garnier's Moisture Bomb sheet masks are juicy, cooling and add glugs of hydration into my sun-weathered pores. Pro tip: after the sheet mask 'juice' has been absorbed into the skin, finish off with some icy face roller action.'
Mattress cooling system£390 at Sleepa
Find your perfect mattress with our expert's pick of the best mattresses
Bamboo bedding set
From £110 at Panda
For more breathable bedding, check out our guide to buying bedding
Women's modal short pyjama set£85 at Stripe & Stare£85 at The Dressing Room
Men's modal short pyjama set£100 at David Gandy Wellwear
It's one thing to cope with the heat in the day, but when the mercury doesn't drop at night-time, it can feel unbearable and cause sleepless nights. Sleep expert James Wilson (AKA The Sleep Geek) says there are things that can help. 'I have clients who swear by the Chilipad topper – it allows you to set the temperature on your side of the bed,' he says. When it comes to fabrics, he says bamboo bedding will help; and for pyjamas, try modal. 'Steer clear of all foams – it's an insulator so will make you feel hotter, even if it claims to keep you cool all night – as well as down and feather, as they'll make you really hot.'
Digital room thermometer£21.99 at John Lewis£25 at Argos
Organic cotton sleeping bag£34.50 at Natural Baby Shower£24.99 at Amazon
Portable blackout blinds£22.45 at John LewisFrom £24.99 at Tommee Tippee
If the baby's not sleeping, then no one else is. Hot babies struggle to sleep, but high temperatures are also a health hazard for young children. 'Keeping babies cool during a heatwave can feel like an uphill battle, especially when their sleep environment heats up,' says Rosey Davidson, sleep consultant and founder and CEO of Just Chill Baby Sleep. 'My top tips are to keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to block out direct sunlight, and dress babies in just a nappy or a super-light layer. The NHS recommends your child's room be between 16 and 20C – and offers lots of tips on keeping children cool throughout the day.
'The GroEgg room thermometer glows different colours to show temperature ranges – ideal for making quick, safe sleepwear decisions at bedtime. A cool muslin sleeping bag is lightweight and breathable, helping babies to sleep safely without the risk of overheating – Aden + Anais does a 1 tog range. And blackout blinds with suction cups, like this Tommee Tippee version, keep nurseries dark and cool by blocking out sunlight – they're especially helpful for early bedtime routines.'
Rhiannon Evans is a journalist and editor who's covered everything from news and entertainment to lifestyle and parenting for some of the UK's best titles (and some others too). She's rarely out of leopard print, and can usually be found attempting to wrangle her kids, garden or copy into some kind of order
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I helped my friend through cancer - then mine came back
I helped my friend through cancer - then mine came back

Metro

time2 hours ago

  • Metro

I helped my friend through cancer - then mine came back

My appointment was late. I remember sitting in the waiting area thinking: If it's cancer, surely they wouldn't leave me hanging? Finally in the room, I expected the doctor to check my name, date of birth – but he didn't do that. Beside him were a couple of nurses, which seemed a bit overkill for my results to be nothing. That's when the doctor told me it was breast cancer. I had found a lump in my breast, close to my armpit, at the start of October half term in 2017. By December I had been scheduled for a lumpectomy. Subsequent scans and a biopsy showed the cancer hadn't spread to my lymph nodes; it was followed up with six rounds of chemotherapy, one every three weeks. I felt progressively worse as time went on. I lost my hair – it would just fall out of my head as I was walking down the hallway. I let the kids shave my head which, in the circumstances, was quite a nice way of doing it. My daughter Amelia, who was then six, plaited a piece, which she cut off and kept. I started being sick after the second session, and then the nausea started before I even got to the hospital because I knew what was coming. By session six, I ended up being admitted because I was vomiting non-stop. The next stage was radiotherapy, which I finished on August 10, 2018. It marked the end of my active treatment, and I was told I was clear of disease. The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. You should see a GP if you notice any of the following: a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples a lump or swelling in either of your armpits a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Via NHS. Afterwards, I thought: 'Right, time to move on; to start living our best lives'. I have a group of five school-mum friends, Debbie, Natalie, Sam and Steph and we would get together, eat pizza, drink Prosecco and occasionally plan some fundraising events for breast cancer charities – starting with a 1,000 mile bike ride in September 2018. We raised about £2,500 and it was really good for me to have something positive to focus on – I'm not very good at being still. Buoyed by the cycle, we took on muddy runs – not that all of us were thrilled about it. Some of my friends really like being clean and having their nails done, but they couldn't say no to the girl who had cancer. Reaching the five year mark after diagnosis really boosted my confidence; research suggests that five years clear of disease is a big step. Taking the cancer drug Tamoxifen was a daily reminder of what I'd been through but reaching that milestone was a bit of a sigh of relief. It was around this time I noticed Debbie was a little quiet; not her normal, chatty self. We had known each other for almost a decade, since our older two kids, now both 12, were in infant school, and our younger kids, Matthew and Libby, are both eight and thick as thieves. I was about to text her but before I could, my phone pinged with a message from her, telling she had found a lump. I was floored. Obviously, it took me back to getting my diagnosis but you just don't want anyone you know to have to go through cancer. I knew how it would impact her and her children: they were older than mine when I found out, and whereas I didn't even tell my then two-year-old son, her kids would understand everything. Debbie had a lump in her neck as well as her breast and the immediate worry was that it had already spread to other organs. Waiting for her results was agony. I didn't want to be that person pestering – but I've never checked my phone quite so much as I did that day. Mercifully, Debbie's cancer hadn't spread but she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Once Debbie got a treatment plan, I wanted to support her. Childcare was at the top of the list. There were some days, in the first week after each chemo session, that were really hard to drag myself to school. It was easy for me to collect Libby when I got Matthew and bring her back to ours for tea. When she started chemo, we worked out which days she tended to feel worse, and I took Libby to school, too. Discussing the importance of being breast aware, Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, wants women to know there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. 'It's about looking and feeling regularly so any changes can be spotted quickly,' she said. 'The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be. 'Whatever your age, being aware of all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial – it's not just a lump to look out for. Other changes could be a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin. 'While most symptoms won't mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you get it checked out by your GP. 'Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Now's nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit I still do that now every Friday – it's become our little ritual – because despite having completed treatment, Debbie has been badly impacted by the side effects. People often think that once you've finished chemo, you're done and out the other side. But I found the second lump in my armpit in the May half term last year (half terms aren't good for me!) and scans revealed that not only had my cancer returned, it had spread. It was in my lungs. I found out a few hours before the school fete. Debbie was in the midst of treatment, so Libby was coming with us. I remember walking around all these stalls, paying money for anything and everything but thinking, 'Oh, God…'. I spent a fortune on the Teddy Tombola for Libby – she must have gone home with about 20 of them – knowing that Debbie's husband, Andy, couldn't argue because I had cancer, again. Sarah and Debbie are fundraising for Breast Cancer Now and the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital. You can donate here I'm now having weekly chemo sessions. I have seen some reduction in size but treatment now is just to try and keep the cancer stable. The other week at chemo someone asked how many weeks I had left. I told her that my treatment is ongoing and she replied, 'But, it can't just go on forever?' I said 'No, you're right, it can't,' and she started crying on me. The plan is just to keep going. I like to think I lived my life to the fullest before cancer, but now, when my son Matthew climbs into bed and asks to read a bit more of his book I say yes. I don't want to miss out on stuff. In some respects, because I know what lies ahead, I get the chance to live my best life. Some people will never get that. This world can be awful but I think we can all just do our own little bit to make it a little bit better. Last year, Debbie and I hosted an afternoon tea to raise money for Breast Cancer Now; we raised £12,000. We've just done another one and increased our total to £10,000. Half is going to Breast Cancer Now and the other half to the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury Hospital, where Debbie and I both had treatment. More Trending Debbie checks in with me every Monday to ask how I'm doing. But it's hard for her. My secondary diagnosis is a reminder about the risk of reoccurrence. She is having scans every year and already walking on eggshells – having the stage 4 girl up the road can't be helpful. But it's helped massively to be in each other's lives. I'm glad I could be there to support her, and likewise. We are still there for each other. View More » As told to Rosy Edwards Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: My drink was spiked – then I got a life-changing diagnosis MORE: I had high hopes for adult summer camp – then I went MORE: I escaped my ex – now our 8-year-old son is the one being abused Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.

I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with fat jabs, she swears by three very simple and straightforward things to slim down and tone up. 2 A savvy mum has shared the three healthy habits she followed which enabled her to lose seven stone Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 2 Instead of using Mounjaro, Lucy, who is from the UK, swears by eating right and exercising to tone up Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her weight loss, leaving many totally stunned. Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for weight loss surgery, this mother swears by eating right and exercising to get a body of dreams. And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her weight loss to three healthy habits - eating in a calorie deficit, walking and weight lifting. Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands on a mission to slim down and when it comes to her diet, rather than eating nothing but fruit and vegetables, she swears by a big focus on protein. She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the gym four times a week and does two glute focused sessions, one catered to full body exercises and another on her upper body. After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @lucy52915, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 844,000 views, 21,600 likes and 1,169 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's weight loss and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done TikTok user One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Mounjaro and excuses here! Well done for creating new habits and not cheating. This will set you up for life.' Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.' To this, Lucy wrote back and confirmed: 'Yep it's me.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club

I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up

A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with fat jabs, she swears by three very simple and straightforward things to slim down and tone up. 2 2 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her weight loss, leaving many totally stunned. Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for weight loss surgery, this mother swears by eating right and exercising to get a body of dreams. And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her weight loss to three healthy habits - eating in a calorie deficit, walking and weight lifting. Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands on a mission to slim down and when it comes to her diet, rather than eating nothing but fruit and vegetables, she swears by a big focus on protein. She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the gym four times a week and does two glute focused sessions, one catered to full body exercises and another on her upper body. After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ lucy52915, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 844,000 views, 21,600 likes and 1,169 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's weight loss and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Mounjaro and excuses here! Well done for creating new habits and not cheating. This will set you up for life.' Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.'

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