Everyone knows the key to losing weight is to eat less and exercise more. Sounds simple enough, but in the context of real life and its demands, it can be anything but simple.
So how do successful losers do it?
To find out, check out the tips below.
People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. So you can end up eating extra calories when an ice-cold glass of water is what you really need.
If you do not like plain water, try adding citrus or a splash of juice, or brew infused teas like mango or peach, which have lots of flavour but no calories.
Start by focusing on getting the recommended five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
It sounds like a lot, but it is well worth it, because at the same time you are meeting your fibre goals and feeling more satisfied from the volume of food.
You are also less likely to overeat because fruits and vegetables displace fat in the diet. And that is not to mention the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.
Whenever you feel like eating, look for physical signs of hunger. Hunger is your body’s way of telling you that you need fuel, so when a craving does not come from hunger, eating will never satisfy it.
When you are done eating, you should feel better, not stuffed, bloated or tired.
Mindless eating occurs most frequently after dinner, when you finally sit down and relax. Either close down the kitchen after a certain hour, or allow yourself a low-calorie snack, like a 100 calorie pack of cookies or a half-cup scoop of low-fat ice cream. Once you find that you are usually satisfied with the low-calorie snack, try a cup of zero-calorie tea.
Instead of cutting out your favourite foods altogether, be a slim shopper. Buy one fresh bakery cookie instead of a box, or a small portion of candy instead of a whole bag.
Protein is more satisfying than carbohydrates or fats and thus may be the new secret weapon in weight control. Getting enough protein helps preserve muscle mass and encourages fat burning while keeping you feeling full. So be sure to include healthy protein sources, like yoghurt, cheese, nuts, or beans, at meals and snacks.
Add spices or chillies to your food for a flavour boost that can help you feel satisfied. Food that is loaded with flavour will stimulate your taste buds and be more satisfying so you will not eat as much.
When you need something sweet, suck on a red-hot fireball candy for a long-lasting burst of sweetness with just a few calories.
