Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

During the year, Flair put the spotlight on persons who work out at their company gyms. Like Shelley Knight who works out in the Red Stripe Gym, you too can make use of your workplace gym to get rid of the extra pounds you packed on during the Christmas holidays. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Aggggh! So you woke up this morning and suddenly you realise you have packed on some pounds after chomping down some Christmas cake, ham, chicken, sorrel and other holiday goodies because your once fitted skirt can't pass your hips.

Mhmm ... And as you search your closet for an outfit you had discarded because it was too loose fitting for your once fabulous figure, your New Year's resolution is to lose all the extra pounds gained after eating those delicious dishes.

But of course you don't want to go on a drastic diet or spend hours in the gym.

Is that bulge in your lower abdomen sending you signals?

Well, losing the weight and getting fit does not have to be a chore.

According to food and nutrition consultant Dr. Heather Little-White, one of the first steps to losing the holiday weight gain is to cleanse the system. This can be done by using an over-the-counter product or you can visit a professional to get advice as to the best method to use.

Processed foods

You also need to cut back on processed foods such as flour, white rice and white sugar and introduce more wholewheat foods.

But as Dr. Little-White explains, some foods are a no-no. "The first thing is to cut back on fats, sugars and salty foods ... have leaner cuts of meat and avoid fried foods as much as possible and reduce carbohydrates. Use cooking methods such as steaming, baking and stewing more," she advised.

Additionally, one should increase their intake of dark leafy vegetables.

Here are some more tips:

Exercise. This doesn't mean going to a gym. You can work out by playing tennis, badminton, swimming, walking, dancing or participating in your favourite sport. Do stretches and sit ups at home and walk briskly. Working with a partner makes exercise easier.

Decrease the portions of food you would normally consume. Eat less, more often.

Introduce more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.

Drink lots of water. Eight glasses per day is ideal. Never substitute juice for water.

Cut out snacking on sugary foods. Low fat yoghurt, fresh fruits and dried fruits are healthier.