Spring 2014 Weight Loss Tips
RULE #1. DRINK LOTS OF WATER
We often confuse thirst with hunger, leading to loading our body with unnecessary calories, when what we really need is a glass of water. If you prefer, drink tea with fruit flavour but no sugar. It is a simple and healthy trick that will help you a lot in your weight loss efforts. Recommended Daily allowance is roughly 2 litres depending on the amount of activity you do, 2.5 litres in the summer.
RULE #2. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR DIET, NOT WHAT TO REMOVE
Try and consume the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This will ensure that your body consumes the necessary fibre, while fighting hunger. Not forgetting the many benefits of vegetables for your health and disease prevention.
A good way to eat more vegetables is to mix them with other food. For example, you can boil vegetables in with your pasta, rice or soups, this way you can remove half the pasta or rice you would normally have. This is better than eating them on the side.
It’s obvious, I know, but, eating more vegetables is an extremely healthy habit. Once you get used to it, you will not realize that you are doing it. Most people tend to consume too many carbs, this is a very good way to reduce the number of carbs we eat.
RULE #3. LEARN WHAT YOUR BODY IS CRAVING
Only eat when you are hungry and try to learn what your body is craving?
Many times, our desire for food, leads us to eat unnecessary carbs, but still leaves us unsatisfied. This is because, hunger is the message from our body to tell us that we need a particular fuel, ie, protein, water, vitamins, minerals or carbs. So, if the body feels hungry due to lack of Protein, eating carbs will not make us feel better. We will actually feel worse because we will have consumed unnecessary calories and the body will still crave for the nutrients it needs, leading you to eat more empty calories.
Try to be aware of this and eat a balanced diet. This will stop cravings and unnecessary eating!!
RULE #4. PORTION CONTROL
Try to reduce the portions of your meals and increase their frequency. Notice after each meal if you feel bloated or tired. This is a good indicator of over eating. Try to leave 30% space in the stomach after a meal.
Author: Lloyd Tilney B.ost Hons