Dieting can seem like a struggle, especially when there are so many sugary and fatty snacks tempting you to take a bite out of them. A key thing to remember is that dieting isn’t about starving or punishing your body, it’s a lifestyle change that’s all about eating healthier, keeping track of what you consume and finding a balance when it comes to indulging in your favourite snacks. To make life easier here are 10 diet tips to get you through your diet and help you lose weight effectively.
It’s easy to confuse thirst with hunger and a lot of the time people end up consuming extra calories when all they needed was a glass of water. Drinking more fluids helps you feel full, so make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and to lessen the temptation to go and grab a snack.
Eating at a regular time every day helps you burn calories at a faster rate. Eating at set times creates a routine and also reduces the temptation to snack between meals.
Fruit and vegetables are low in fat and calories and rich in fibre. These factors are essential in making sure you lose weight successfully. Another plus is that they contain lots of vitamins and minerals and go towards your 5-a-day.
Rather than having one doughnut worth 300 calories, have a high-fibre meal that will actually fill you up and leave you satisfied, with fewer or the same calories. Foods that are rich in fibre, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, brown rice and pasta, are great for making you feel full, making you less likely to reach for a snack between meals.
Eating on a smaller plate is a classic psychological trick. Your brain thinks you’re eating more than you really are which can make you feel full despite eating a smaller portion. By using a smaller plate, your body can gradually get used to eating smaller serving sizes.
It takes 20 minutes for the stomach to let the brain know that it’s full. If you keep speeding through your meals you may end up eating more than you actually need. Take your time while eating so that your body can let you know when it’s had enough.
Reading the labels on food packaging helps you to understand what’s inside the food you’re consuming and how many calories there are. You’ll also learn what the right serving sizes are, helping you to eat food in responsible portions. Eating according to the recommendations will make it a lot easier to lose weight.
Planning your meals for the entire week makes it a lot easier to eat healthily and to make sure that you stay within your daily calorie goals. Preparing your food in advance means you’re less likely to opt for take-out food and oven or ready meals which are often more fattening and unhealthier than a home prepped dinner.
Avoid stocking junk food like sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks at home. If you don’t have any unhealthy snacks readily available then you’ll be less tempted to have them. If you’re the kind of person that enjoys having snacks throughout the day then go for fruits, vegetables and juice.
Avoid banning certain foods like chocolate or ice cream. Setting a ban will only make you crave those foods more as they’ll be on your mind. You can still enjoy the occasional treat and indulge every now and again as long as you try to keep it within your daily calorie allowance. You can also plan ahead, such as having a slice of cake after a week of healthy eating – it’s all about finding a balance.
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