Chandi Schwab
I really don't like the word dieting, but I put it in the title so that it would make more sense. I prefer "continually striving for a healthy lifestyle" because to me, diets are temporary, and lifestyle changes are forever. No matter what we call it, we are all trying to eat what makes us feel good and look good, and here are some tips to help. Good Luck!
1. Eat more filling foods: Load up your diet with foods that keep you satisfied longer. Add eggs, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, lean meats, seafood, and low fat dairy because these foods fill you up and help tame your appetite. Plan out healthy snacks to eat throughout the day, so that you don't go for long periods without eating.
2. Enjoy with all your senses: When you do indulge, serve it on a pretty plate with a colorful fruit, so you can appreciate it more. Eat your indulgences slowly by taking small bites so you can enjoy the taste and have a satisfying and mindful meal experience. Being more aware of what is on your plate and eating it slowly can help you get more satisfaction from your food.
3. Have a plan: If you happen to be a dessert lover and eat out, ask to see the dessert menu first. This way, you can arrange your calories for what matters most to you. Plan ahead what is worth cutting out, switch your beverage for water or skip the creamy clam chowder or deep-fried cheese sticks.
4. Eat only what you love: If it's bad for your diet, it better taste dang good. So instead of grabbing a treat just because it's there, make sure you really want it. I am not a big fan of pastries or muffins, but sometimes I eat them just because. Instead I should set my sites for something worth savoring, like a small, perfect wedge of creamy White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake.
5. Make it yourself: Maybe you are craving a muffin? Mix up your own batch, slipping in dense nutrients with oats, nuts, and whole-grain wheat flour. Love piping hot pizza? Try making it yourself, using intensely flavored vegetables and fresh herbs. You won't even miss the pepperoni.
6. Get away from it all: How many times have you eaten lunch in front of the TV, and then realized you didn't taste a bite? Our society doesn't embrace eating and enjoying our food because we are always on the go or engaged in other things. That's why it's so important to savor your splurge without distractions. And if you do so away from the kitchen, you are less likely to get seconds.
7. Eat what you love, in small portions:You can have it all, just not all in one day. No food is off-limits as long as you keep your portions reasonable. Often times, I satisfy my sweet tooth with a couple of bites of dark chocolate that I keep in the freezer so it melts slowly and satisfies my sweet craving.
8. Make small changes: Passionate about a nightly dessert? Try making a fruit smoothie with banana to make it sweet and creamy. Addicted to a pizza slice and a soda for your daily lunch? Relish every bite, but maybe save it for just a couple days a week instead of five. Small steps can add up to big results, so find the changes that work best for you. A huge one for me is replacing every liquid with water. Or maybe just one beverage other than water a day.
9. Don't let a little slip set you back: It is almost impossible to be an "A" student when it comes to your diet. Everyone slips up, and that is fine as long as you don't let one slip turn into giving up on a healthy lifestyle. Whenever you slip up, take note of it, try to learn from it so you can anticipate it in the future, and get right back on track.10. Fill up on the good stuff first: When you sit down to eat at a restaurant or at a friends for dinner, keep your eye out for the good stuff, as in the healthy foods. Drink your glass of water first, then fill your plate with salad, vegetables, and lean meats first. Then you will be more likely to take smaller portions of the others, but still be able to feel like you indulged.
No comments:
Post a Comment