Don't Sweat It: Simple Diet Tips and Tricks
In case you are intent on shedding some pounds, you would like to get every help there is. I know for a fact that we like to do as little as possible to achieve the desired result and some of the following tips and tricks are rather easy to do and don't rely on exercise programs.
- Decrease your food intake.
Cut down your portions by 25%. You can use smaller plates and taller cups or glasses, so it appears like the portion of food and drinks is larger then it actually is. Keep this up and you will loose weight in no time.
- Take breaks.
If you sit a lot during the day, try taking a break every 15 minutes. Get up, stretch out, walk around some and do a few simple exercises. Take care of a few simple things in or around your home or office, like rearranging your desk, or watering plants. This will burn some calories and eventually pay off.
- Get enough sleep.
A study has shown that people who sleep less then 5 hours per night have the tendency to weigh more. Besides tiredness, lack of sleep also causes clumsiness, slows down your metabolism and increases your appetite. If you can, try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
- Procrastinate.
When you feel a craving of the munchies coming on, try to delay satisfying the urge by diverting your mind. Drink a glass of water, make a phone call, or simply commit to wait at least 10 minutes.
- Change your beverage.
Soft drinks often contain lots of calories. Choose less or sugar free beverages, or replace them by plain water. Drinking two cups of water before a meal will fill your stomach and make you eat less and by putting a few ice cubes in it, you will burn even more calories. It is a quick and easy way cutting back calories and saves you some money as well.
- Eat more fiber.
Try eating fiber-rich foods like a salad or soup with high fiber veggies, before the main course of the meal. It fills you up quicker and helps your digestive system. Spinach, kale, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, tangerine slices, dried cranberries, or a handful of almonds are all high in fiber and will do the trick.
- Boost your energy.
More energy means more activity which is very helpful in loosing weight.
You can increase your energy by eating magnesium and potassium rich foods like nuts, legumes, whole grains, green vegetables, bananas, potatoes, dried apricots, carrots, peppers and Brussels sprouts.
- Include calcium.
In order to keep the lost weight off, drink at least 1/3 cup of nonfat milk daily. The extra calcium is good for your nerve system and muscle function which are essential for keeping you on track. Add some extra vitamin D to that by eating more fatty fish, mushrooms, eggs and meat, and the potential of loosing weight is even greater.
- Give yourself a pep-talk.
When the temptation for unhealthy foods arise, focus on the positive side of loosing weight and repeat it to yourself. It can help overcoming the urge to eat.
Another good tip in beating temptation is picking up the Bible and filling yourself up with God's word. It is excellent, healthy food for mind, body and soul!
John 6:27
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
- Decrease your food intake.
Cut down your portions by 25%. You can use smaller plates and taller cups or glasses, so it appears like the portion of food and drinks is larger then it actually is. Keep this up and you will loose weight in no time.
- Take breaks.
If you sit a lot during the day, try taking a break every 15 minutes. Get up, stretch out, walk around some and do a few simple exercises. Take care of a few simple things in or around your home or office, like rearranging your desk, or watering plants. This will burn some calories and eventually pay off.
- Get enough sleep.
A study has shown that people who sleep less then 5 hours per night have the tendency to weigh more. Besides tiredness, lack of sleep also causes clumsiness, slows down your metabolism and increases your appetite. If you can, try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
- Procrastinate.
When you feel a craving of the munchies coming on, try to delay satisfying the urge by diverting your mind. Drink a glass of water, make a phone call, or simply commit to wait at least 10 minutes.
- Change your beverage.
Soft drinks often contain lots of calories. Choose less or sugar free beverages, or replace them by plain water. Drinking two cups of water before a meal will fill your stomach and make you eat less and by putting a few ice cubes in it, you will burn even more calories. It is a quick and easy way cutting back calories and saves you some money as well.
- Eat more fiber.
Try eating fiber-rich foods like a salad or soup with high fiber veggies, before the main course of the meal. It fills you up quicker and helps your digestive system. Spinach, kale, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, tangerine slices, dried cranberries, or a handful of almonds are all high in fiber and will do the trick.
- Boost your energy.
More energy means more activity which is very helpful in loosing weight.
You can increase your energy by eating magnesium and potassium rich foods like nuts, legumes, whole grains, green vegetables, bananas, potatoes, dried apricots, carrots, peppers and Brussels sprouts.
- Include calcium.
In order to keep the lost weight off, drink at least 1/3 cup of nonfat milk daily. The extra calcium is good for your nerve system and muscle function which are essential for keeping you on track. Add some extra vitamin D to that by eating more fatty fish, mushrooms, eggs and meat, and the potential of loosing weight is even greater.
- Give yourself a pep-talk.
When the temptation for unhealthy foods arise, focus on the positive side of loosing weight and repeat it to yourself. It can help overcoming the urge to eat.
Another good tip in beating temptation is picking up the Bible and filling yourself up with God's word. It is excellent, healthy food for mind, body and soul!
John 6:27
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
2 Comments:
This is my HaHa! topic =) Slimming down...
Audrey,
I know, that's why I posted it. Grin.
Just kidding. :-)
God's Grace.
Post a Comment