Often times losing weight, getting in shape, eating healthy, etc. can be a challenge. Throughout my years of fitness and weight loss I have tried and learned many tips and tricks that have certainly helped me along the way. I have compiled 21 of my favorite in which I am confident will aid you if you trying to lose weight, get in shape and/or finding in hard to eat healthy.
1. Always add Water
Always have a glass of water if you arent drinking just water.
Drink the water when you are actually thirsty. Drink the other beverage only when you want something other than water, a different taste, etc. You are actually quenching your thirst with the water and are less likely to drink too much of the other beverage.
2. Got a sweet tooth?
Drink a glass of water, brush your teeth or pop in a Listerine strip. Bye-Bye sweet tooth.
3. Eat the healthy foods off of your plate first,
You will get full faster and less likely to overeat the less healthy foods.
4. Make your own flavored water.
Fill a container ¾ way with ice and water. Add freshly cut fruit, vegetables, herbs in any desired combinations. Also experiment with combinations such as cucumber and mint, strawberry and basil, cantaloupe and lime, or blueberry and lavender. Place in the fridge and let the water infuse for at least 2 up to 12 hours.
5. Eat more of the Good Fats
Avocados, Nuts, Eggs, Olive Oil, Fatty Fish
6. Most Satisfying Foods
Popcorn, Oatmeal, Beans, Fruit, Baked Potato.
These foods will provide more satisfaction when you are hungry and keep you feeling full longer.
7. Bright Colors
Hot colors including red, orange and yellow stimulate your mood and appetite. i.e. McDonalds yellow arches. Make sure that the dishes you use are white, pastel or soft toned colors as well as your dining area.
9. Do Ice Cream Differently
Peel and freeze bananas, put them in a food processor, put fruit or whatever else you would like in and blend. Viola, you have guilt free, homemade ice cream. Frozen bananas have the same consistency as ice cream and taste amazing. Add protein powder for an extra boost of protein that you won't even taste.
10. Replace Croutons with Almonds
Almonds have 2x the protein, 3x the fiber and ⅓ of the carbs of croutons
11. Keep a Food Journal
As much as you dont want to or think you dont have time to. Keeping a journal at least on a temporary basis, is definitely a part of weight loss and healthy eating success. You are more mindful of your food choices, you learn what you can/cannot eat, portion sizes, etc. You really think about what you are putting in your mouth when you keep track of it.
12. Curve your appetite in between meals
By chewing gum or eat a peppermint
13. If you find yourself eating too fast
Switch and use your non-dominant hand,this will slow down your eating pace and help you feel full before you eat too much.
14. Make Black Bean Brownies
This may not sound great but they are good! Substituting black bean puree for flour in brownies will help balance blood sugar spikes as well as add protein and fiber to your treats. And it won't change the flavor, so no one has to know about your secret ingredient. This will also make for a gluten-free dessert option.
15. Make your own Popcorn
You can actually make your own homemade microwave popcorn in minutes without the hassle of an air-popping machine or the mess of the stovetop method. Pour a quarter cup of kernels into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate, and zap for 2:45. If there are still unpopped kernels, just run them through again. Feel free to add healthy options such as cinnamon, honey, dark chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
16. Eat before you Eat
If you know you’re going to a party, a buffet, or a big dinner and don’t want to totally bust your diet, eat one to two cups of raw veggies before hand to give your stomach a bit of a head start so that you dont overindulge.
17. Dont Eat From the Box
Dont eat snacks straight from the box, instead get some snack-sized ziploc bags, divide them and place them where you normally put the box. These also make great on the go snacks to carry with you.
18. Cheat
Allow yourself a meal once a week. It gives you something to look forward to, keeps you from going crazy when dieting, it will not sabotage your diet and the bump in calories will help keep your metabolism up.
19. Make healthy substitutes with Yogurt
20. Skinny Baking
Replace half of the oil or fat(Crisco or Butter) in your baking recipes with applesauce. It will make it more moist and less calories.
21. Always have a Healthy Snack on Fleek!
This is my favorite and ultimate #1 when it comes to eating healthy. You cannot predict what is going to happen when you leave your house. In the event that you need a snack, your blood sugar gets low, you skipped breakfast, whatever be prepared with snacks. Check out my 10 Healthy Snacks to Throw in your Bag post for some ideas.
If you need any help or have any questions, please feel free to Contact Me (to your right).
Thanks for Reading!!
