This was originally posted on Jan. 5, but somehow it got burried in the October folder. So, I'm reposting it so that it's easier to find.
One of the most important ways to keep slim is to "save your
calories". Being very frugal with the calories you spend allows you to save up
for extra nice splurges. Over the course of a day or week, these savings can
really add up. If you are in weight loss mode, this is crucial to your
success. If you are in weight loss mode, you really shouldn't have too many
splurges. Splurges can set you back, but be carefull not to be to strict
with yourself. You run the risk of becoming frustrated or feeling deprived
which can lead to a binge or worse, giving up all together. It's a thin line,
walk carefully.
Some ways to save
your calories:
Don't drink your
calories. Wine, fruit juice, sweetened coffee, tea & soda are all
ways to get extra calories throughout the day. Water should be your main
beverage. After that, unsweetened (and fat free) tea/coffee is a good choice.
A few times a week I enjoy a glass of wine while I cook dinner. It's ok because
I have saved enough calories throughout the day to allow myself this indulgence,
guilt free.
No bread or crackers. "bread's for chumps"
That is a little saying I tell myself when I have the urge to grab a hunk of
bread. There is no benefit to eating white bread. I agree, it tastes delicious,
and on occation I will indulge. However, as a rule, I do not eat bread. It
takes up room in your stomach that could be filled with other, healthier, more
satiating foods. If you are in weight loss mode, just stay
away.
Keep your dairy No/Low fat. Animal fat is not a
healthy food choice. I agree, fat tastes better, but it's not good for you and
it will add pounds.
Skip the Mayo. Be mindfull of
salads that contain mayonaise such as cole slaw and potato salad. It's
extremely fattening and you need to keep this to a minimum or skip it all
together. If you are making something at home that includes mayo in the recipe,
check the web for some low fat alternatives. I sub fat free greek yogurt in
lots of recipes and it works out great. On sandwiches, try a splash of olive
oil based dressing or spicy mustard instead of mayo.
Keep snacks
put away. It's really not that hard to open the cabinet door and grab
a snack. However, if your snacks are left out on the counter in full view, you
are much more likely to grab one as you walk by. I know I am. So, I put them
away, and at the right time, I'll enjoy my cookie guilt free because I haven't
already had 6 this morning.
Smaller dinner portions.
This sounds pretty basic but I've eaten with people who "just can't lose weight"
and it's no wonder. If you pile food on your plate and then go for seconds,
your will not lose weight. That being said, I love seconds. So, to trick
myself and give me the satisfaction of getting "more", I will have a modest
plate of food and for my seconds I'll just get a few bites more. I am not in
weight loss mode. If you are, skip the extra bites.
Don't
finish your kid's meal. This really adds up fast. I know how hard it
is to throw away good food. So, give your kids smaller portions. They can
always get more if they're still hungry. If your tempted to finish up the
kiddos dinner for him, just imagine all of those kid germs that are hiding in
there. That will spoil your appetite.
Sit down and
eat! Sit down, take a deep breath and enjoy your food. I never stood
up to eat until I had kids. I know how easy it is, but trust me. You will be
more satisfied and eat less if you make a plate of food and sit down to eat it
instead of stuffing your face at the counter straight out of the
bowl.
Drink your water. Do you have a big cup that you
keep filled with water? Is it handy to grab all day long? You will be less
tempted to snack if you're well hydrated.
No cream
sauce. You would have to run a marathon to work off the calories in
bowl of fettucini alfredo. Do you run marathons? I don't. So I save the
creamy sauces for every now and then. I'm talking 3-4 times a year, tops. This
is not something you can afford to indulge in and stay slim.
Eat
5 a day. If you are snacking on fruits and veggies throughout the day
and including them in your meals, you will not have too much room left over for
less healthy choices.
