The New Year is just around the corner, which means there’s no better time than now to make the decision to get healthy. More times than not, fad diets fail. While they may appear to start strong by shedding a few pounds, they lack in consistent weight loss. And get-thin-fast concepts like diet pills, are not good for your body. When it comes to effective weight loss, nothing compares to eating healthy and living an active lifestyle.
So, this year, take pride in yourself and your nutrition. Purchase foods that are organic and all natural. Upfront, organic foods will cost more, but in the long-run you will begin to eat less. Why? Because processed and refined foods like flour, rice, pasta, bread and sugar are less satisfying and tend to lead to overeating. Make it a New Year’s resolution to move the grocery bill up on your financial priority list. Then, incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
Here are five simple nutrition tips to help you lose weight and keep it off:
Avoid Overeating
Try to find a balance between hunger and fullness. When you are full, stop eating. It’s as simple as that. Know your body and how much food it takes to make you feel full. When possible, chew your food at least ten times before swallowing. Food for thought, if we chewed each mouthful about twenty times, our average caloric intake could be cut from 3000 to 2000 calories per day.
Think Basic
Food is merely energy to fuel your body—nothing more, nothing less. If you can train your mind to believe this, you will immediately start to eat less. Sugar is one of the worst things for your body. The body absorbs simple sugars quickly. The increase in blood sugar triggers the release of insulin, and in about an hour or two after eating, your body will be hungry again. Avoid sugars!
Eat Naturally
Eat foods that come from the ground rather than the factory. My best advice would be to stay away from grocery store isles and stick to the fresh produce, meat and diary sections. This will help you to avoid processed foods and sugar-packed snacks—all of which will kill your metabolism. Also, try to cut out potatoes and other starchy foods that will convert almost immediately to sugar.
No Chemical Toxins
Avoid artificial sweeteners like Splenda and Aspartame, which are most often found in diet sodas and other “sugar-free” products. Don’t consume them! They are toxins that slow down your body’s metabolism. Instead, try to drink plenty of water. The average person should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Control Your Portion Size
Portion control is a very important aspect of weight management. It consists of eating a healthy balance of different foods. In order to control your portion size, try using only small bowls and plates rather than larger ones. This will immediately cut back on your food intake. Portion control is not only good for your waistline but your wallet.
Follow these five basic nutrition tips and you will be well on your way to living a happier, healthier life!
[box_light]Jessica Clifford is a freelance writer and personal trainer. Jessica is an avid proponent of nutrition and wellness, and teaches her clients the benefits of eating right and living an active lifestyle.[/box_light]
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- 14 Little-Known Weight-Loss Tips (diabeticmediterraneandiet.com)
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