How can I lose weight by Christmas and fit in that party dress?

All you then need for your dream dress body is to follow the toning exercises, right – they can be done at home – at least every other day.

Retrain your brain to boost weight loss

“Working out your trigger points for overeating, snacking or for avoiding exercise can help you take control of your health,” says Christianne.

Trigger points can be anything that makes you eat without actually being hungry or that puts you off exercise – and naturally Christmas is packed with them! See which ones apply to you below…

I eat when I’m…

Stressed, lonely, hungover, depressed, nervous, tired, bored

I avoid exercise when I’m…

Too tired, feeling down, too busy, under pressure to do something else

Fix it: Once you realise your trigger points you can tune into them. When you feel like tucking into party nibbles or festive leftovers you can ask yourself: ‘Am I actually hungry, or just responding to a trigger?’ If you know your trigger point you can confront the root cause and come up with strategies to deal with it. For instance, if your trigger is boredom, go for a walk instead – or find a good book. If you’re stressed, a hot bath or soothing music can help.

Understanding what causes you to ditch the diet or dodge exercise – and having tools to counter them – is incredibly empowering. A little bit of self awareness puts you in control.

TUMMY FLATTENERS

These exercises will target your abs to help trim a big tum.

1 Lean back and twist Sit with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Take your arms out in front of you and lean back about 10 inches, then twist your arms and your whole torso to the right on the exhale. Then breathe in to the front and sit up straight again. Repeat to the other side. (Two sets of 8).

2Superman Go on all fours, pull your stomach in, stretch your spine, raise your right arm and your left leg to hip height. Reach as far you as can, then lower both limbs back down again, together. Breathe out on the raise and breathe in when you lower, trying to keep the hips still. (Repeat x 20).

3Reverse curls Lie on your back. Lift your legs in the air. Raise your bottom and lower back off the floor for a moment. Don’t place your hands on the floor to help you, and don’t push back placing strain your head. Lower your torso down as gently as you can. (Repeat x 50).

BINGO WING BLASTER

The downward dog press up perfect for toning the shoulders, back and triceps.

From standing bend until hands are close to the floor. Walk feet back so you create a triangle, bottom in the air and hands and feet on the floor. Unlocking elbows to the side, press down towards the floor, feeling the movement in your shoulders. Push off to straighten arms again, making sure your head isn’t looking up. (Two sets of 12).

BUM TRIMMER

The curtsey lunge great for toning the buttocks.

Take your right foot behind left leg and bend knees down towards the floor. Move hands towards your left foot, leaning down to the floor. Straighten up, taking arms and right knee into the air, hold, then bend to get back to starting position, this time with left foot behind right leg and hands on the right foot. Repeat on right side. (Two sets of 12).

THIGH SLIMMER

Prisoner squat good for toning the inner thighs.

Stand with feet wide apart and toes turned out. Bend knees, keeping feet flat on the ground. Place hands behind head, elbows to side, go as low as you can then push back up to starting position, back straight and heels on the floor. (Two sets of 20).

? Adapted from The Body Rescue Plan by Christianne Wolff, from bodyrescue.net How can I lose weight by Christmas and fit in that party dress?