7 Exercises That Will Transform Your Body
A new diet or exercise program may be easy to initiate, thanks to your enthusiasm about making positive changes. Over time, however — and particularly when you’re faced with stress or adversity – your enthusiasm may waver, causing you to fall back into your former, unhealthy habits.
Staying on track with diet and exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Instead, it can be a testament to your willingness to learn new habits, feel healthier and see the fruits of your hard work.
Tip 1: Drink plenty of water or other calorie-free beverages
Before you tear open that bag of chips, drink a glass of water first. People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger, so you can end up eating extra calories, when an ice-cold glass of water is really all you needed. If plain water doesn’t do the job, try drinking flavoured sparkling water or have a cup of fruit-infused herbal tea.
Tip 2: Be choosy about nighttime snacks
Mindless eating occurs most frequently after dinner, when you finally sit down and relax. Snacking in front of the TV is one of the easiest ways to throw your diet off course. Either close down the kitchen after a certain hour, or allow yourself a low-calorie snack, like a 100-calorie pack of cookies or a half-cup scoop of low-fat ice cream.
Tip 3: Enjoy your favorite foods
Instead of cutting out your favorite foods altogether, be a slim shopper. Buy one fresh bakery cookie instead of a box, or a small portion of candy from the bulk bins instead of a whole bag. You can still enjoy your favorite foods — the key is moderation.
Tip 4: Stock your kitchen with healthy, convenient foods
Having ready-to-eat snacks and meals-in-minutes on hand sets you up for success. You’ll be less likely to hit the drive-through or order a pizza if you can throw together a healthy meal in five or 10 minutes. Here are some essentials to keep on hand: frozen vegetables, whole-grain pasta, reduced-fat cheese, canned tomatoes, canned beans, pre-cooked grilled chicken breast, whole grain tortillas or pitas, and bags of salad greens.
Tip 5: Swap a cup of pasta for a cup of vegetables
Simply by eating less pasta or bread and more veggies, you could lose a dress or pants size in a year. “You can save from 100-200 calories if you reduce the portion of starch on your plate and increase the amount of vegetables,” says Palmero.
Tip 6: Lose weight slowly
If you’re losing weight but not as fast as you’d like, don’t get discouraged. Dropping pounds takes time, just like gaining them did. Experts suggest setting a realistic weight loss goal of about one to two pounds a week. If you set your expectations too high, you may give up when you don’t lose weight fast enough. Remember, you start seeing health benefits when you’ve lost just 5%-10% of your body weight.
Tip 7: Weigh yourself once a week
People who weigh themselves regularly tend to have more weight loss success. But most experts suggest weighing yourself only once a week, so you’re not derailed by daily fluctuations. When you weigh yourself, follow these tips: Weigh yourself at the same time of day, on the same day of the week, on the same scale, and in the same clothes. | Source
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