|
|
(Note: I am NOT a medical professional. The writings shared here on this site are of my own experiences as I journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Please seek advice from a medical professional before you attempt any change in your eating or exercising.)
- more information coming soon! -
Below is a listing of tips & tricks of things that have helped me eat healthier or lose weight. They are just my random thoughts, in no particular. If you see something new, you can always decide if it's worth trying yourself!
 Drink water even when you think you are hungry. I know, I know ... we're all sick of reading that we need to drink enough water, but it really is the most important part of keeping healthy. Most of us are in an constant state of dehydration because we don't drink enough. Our bodies signal hunger AND thirst in the same way - a growling tummy! If we drink water first, we are benefiting ourselves in two ways (1) we are working towards that minimum amount of water we are supposed to drink each day and (2) if we really were thirsty, then our bodies will be satisfied and will not signal hunger. You'll know within 20-30 minutes after drinking the water whether you are REALLY hungry.
Limit the sugar in your diet. That seems to be a commen sense bit of advice, but finding the ADDED sugar in foods requires reading the labels and we often don't take the time to read them. Remember, anything ending in '-ose' is a sugar. You don't need to be concerned about the sugar that is already in the food (i.e. lactose is already in milk, fructose is already in fruit, etc.). What you are looking for is ADDED sugar ... if sugar is one of the first FIVE things listed in the Ingredients list, then pass on that item!
Skip the white stuff! Eat whole wheat/grain bread, NOT white bread ... same for rice and flour. Starchy vegetables are also lighter in color (potatoes, corn) and sugar is white, too! The more color in your diet, the better nutrition you are receiving. Remember to eat your colors every day!
Remember ... EVERYTHING in moderation! Don't feel like you can't have your favorite treat, just watch your portion sizes. READ THE LABELS to check serving sizes!! If you want some ice cream, measure it out. Most servings are a HALF-CUP! That's not a lot, so put it in a small bowl and your mind will perceive it as more. If you like candy, buy the bags with the mini-bars and let yourself have one. Of course, if you are like me, you can eat the whole bag without thinking about it; I have my husband hide the bag somewhere and ask him for a piece when I'm craving my treat .. Just remember to count in the calories!
Speaking of calories, DO NOT starve yourself in an attempt to lose weight quickly. It doesn't take but a few days for your body to realize what you are doing and stall any further weight loss. You need to eat AT LEAST enough calories to feed your basal metabolic rate. That link goes to an online calculator, but a basic rule of thumb is to not eat less than 10 x's your weight. So, I weigh 152 and should then eat NO LESS than 1520 calories daily. When I did the calculator, it said 1469, so the "rule of thumb" is pretty close!
Don't eat after dinner or 7:00pm, whichever comes last. If you are a late eater and are wanting a dessert, then you need to make it part of your meal. Factor in the calories and portion sizes of the other items and go ahead and have your treat with your meal. Don't wait until 9 or 10pm to eat a last-minute snack. Now, I know that there are good reasons for some diabetics to NOT follow this rule, so check with your doctor first before trying this. I just know that if I finish my dinner and stay away from the snacking, I lose weight quicker. I usually have a tall glass of iced tea or a diet soda if I'm needing something else.
JUST SAY NO! The easiest way to fight the urge to eat something is just to NOT bring it in the house in the first place. It's much easier to say 'no' when it's not even available to you! I don't keep ice cream in the house because I love it ... and I don't want to take the time or spend the money (or gas!) to make a trip to Baskin & Robbins or TCBY to indulge my craving. I just eat a piece of fruit knowing the urge will pass.
... more tips coming soon! ...
It is my hope that you will find something useful here on my site!
I currently enjoy the privilege of being able to stay at home
to homeschool my children and I am always striving to be
the best caretaker for my precious family.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
~ Philippians 4:13 ~
Website owned and all Content Copyrighted by Kris Price.
All Rights Reserved. © 2006.
| |
