10 Tips for Weight Loss

Dear Friends,

Do you ever feel this way?

Why is it so difficult for me to lose weight? Nothing ever works! Just the other night I was so proud of myself and then…we go off to that party and wham! Everything looked so tempting and everybody around me pushing me “just this one, go on, eat, eat… I feel like such a failure…

No more diets!

Don’t think of DIET but think of lifestyle changes. It’s so easy to “go on a diet” and then “go off the diet” after your special party or event. A lifestyle change is gradual and more challenging but the end results are more gratifying – you usually maintain your weight off for a longer period of time.

Less is More

You might be craving your favorite chocolate bar right at this moment. Maybe even dreaming about biting into that luscious pastrami sandwich. The more you delay feeling satisfied with your cravings, the worst it gets. Use the word moderation instead. You can enjoy a piece of chocolate (less) without having to eat the huge bar of it (more). Our taste buds get satisfied quickly if we can really enjoy and pay attention to what we’re eating. Mindfulness is the joy of being in the present moment with our delicious handful of chips or sweets yet enjoying them one by one – slowly.

Why are you eating?

Think about the reasons behind your munching habits. Is it really hunger or just boredom? Or anger? Or frustration? Or even happiness? Keep a food log with quantities and the reason you ate that meal. The more you understand the reasoning behind those extra calories, the better choices you can make.

Hydration my friends!

Choose water over food for that calming sensation that can fill you up with no extra calories. Adding slices of lime or lemon helps soothe your digestive system. How about a hot broth or a caffeine free herb drink? Fluids can fill us up and make our cravings go away.

Divide your meals throughout the day

Research shows that those who consume smaller meals – such as four to six small meals, are more satisfied. Not eating all day tends to drive up that urge for those salty or sweets which are low in nutrients but high in calories. Burn fuel slowly and you’ll be more satisfied.

Have only healthy options at home!

It’s so easy to be tempted when our kitchen cabinets are packed with chocolates, sweets and bags of chips. If you had a special party with guests, give away the leftover pies and cookies. Have ready sliced apples or fruit salad in your fridge. Make yourself a fruit smoothie with low fat yogurt as a snack.