Tips to lose a little weight before Christmas

What wouldn't you do to fit into that adorable little satin dress or those chic pants you bought for the holidays? Here are some tips and tricks to lose a few pounds, just in time for the big day.

For the first week

Avoid all white starchy foods (pasta, bread, rice, potatoes) and desserts. Replace white grains with whole grains, preferably in the morning or at lunch. Drink plenty of water.

Choose organic fruits and vegetables, omitting bananas, dates, and corn. Carrots and beets should be eaten in moderation, even if they contain natural sugar. Raw fruit should be eaten 30 minutes before a meal or two hours after; cooked fruit can be served as a dessert (but in small quantities).

For protein, eggs, lean meats, fish, and tofu are the best choices. For a snack, a small pot of plain yogurt with a little honey and cinnamon or a handful of natural (unsalted) almonds will satisfy you.

Exercise: 20 minutes of brisk walking per day.

For the second week

Pretty much the same, except you can add ½ banana occasionally, a potato, applesauce with the yogurt (snack). Drink plenty of water.

Exercise: 30 minutes of alternating walking (fast then slow movement, alternating) with deep breathing or swimming in a pool.

With this diet, you should have lost – after these two weeks – between 3.5 and 6 kilos without suffering too much.