As we head into the Holiday season, many of us worry that we’ll start packing on the pounds. Here are 5 very simple tips that have worked for me and countless others.
1. Drink an 8-ounce glass of water with a squeeze of lemon juice 15 minutes before every meal. It not only fills you up, but it dramatically helps with digestion, too.
2. If you are hungry, eat a handful of tree nuts. A recent study has shown that people who eat tree nuts are at lower risk for diabetes 2, and cardiovascular disease, and also have a lower BMI index. Nuts also fill you up, so if you are at a Holiday party, instead of snacking on unhealthy dips and sweets, pop a bag of raw tree nuts in your purse.
3. Increase your exercise: This might seem obvious, but in the winter, we tend to do less. Who doesn’t want to cozy up at home after a hard day’s work? However, this might be just the time that you need to dial up your exercise regime. This doesn’t need to take more of your time. Actually, rather than increasing the amount of time you spend on a treadmill, go to a higher level, or run on a higher incline. The key is to challenge yourself in shorter bursts so that you get your fast-twitch muscles working.
4.Put your fork down between each bite: This is such a simple tip, yet it really helps to slow you down when you are eating a large plate of food. Actually laying your fork down between each mouthful will remind you to chew thoroughly, too. Speedy, unconscious eating is usually why we overeat.
5. Don’t go on a diet! I’m against “diets” because, for the most part, they just don’t work. Do you know anyone who has been on a strict diet and managed to maintain a lower weight for a long period of time (like years,)? I don’t! As soon as we deny ourselves anything, we begin to crave that very food. Also, if we give our mind/body the message that we are going to deny it food, it holds onto everything it can. Instead, try to stick to eating 3 meals a day, and not having second helpings – that’s doable for almost everyone.
Oh, and one more thing: Get rid of your scales. I never know exactly how much I weight and that’s so much better. It’s how I feel that’s important. Too many women’s moods are governed by how many pounds they’ve gained or lost. Honestly, there’s more to life!
