Weight loss can seem like an overwhelming and daunting feat. To compound the confusion, there are seemingly thousands of diets that give contradicting and confusing advice. The reality is that for most, making a few small changes can yield amazing results. Here are just a few:
Curb the Carbs
Most people consume many more carbohydrates (carbs) than needed each day, which equals more calories, which results in weight gain. Carbs are an essential part of your diet, but choose wisely. Understand which carbs are good for you and which are… not so good. Some kinds of bread, pasta, and rice (to name a few) provide little nutritional value and do not stay with you for long. Healthy carbs have more fiber and even some protein. An additional tip: do not eat high carbohydrate foods after lunch. Dinner should focus on lots of vegetables with some lean protein, such as chicken or fish.
Dessert
If you are trying to lose weight, dessert is not such a good idea. If you have a sweet tooth that cannot be contained, look at dessert alternatives. Fruit would be one alternative and adding some cool-whip can make it even more satisfying. Try to cut back to enjoying dessert just a few nights per week, instead of every night. If you have a sweets craving, try drinking some water or low calorie juice to see if that helps curb the craving.
Egg Whites
If you like to eat eggs, try switching to egg whites. Egg whites have the nutritional benefits with two-thirds the calories and fat of regular eggs. If the consistency of egg whites makes you squeamish, try using half whole eggs and half egg whites.
Lean protein
Who doesn't like a good steak every once in awhile? Keep in mind that red meat is packed with fat and calories. Try switching to lean protein for most meals, reserving red meat for special occasions. If you enjoy recipes with ground beef, consider ground turkey as an alternative. Lean meats such as chicken and fish have fewer calories and fat, and have far more health benefits.
Soda and Juice
You've heard this one before: drinking soda is a sure way to derail your diet. Stop drinking it. Soda has tons of sugar and calories and no nutritional benefit. Many juices have some nutritional value, with lots of calories. Instead of drinking high calorie fruit juice, try eating the real thing. To quench your thirst, try good old fashioned water, or flavored water with zero or few calories.
Bring Your Lunch
One final piece of advice: Try to limit eating out at lunch. You will save on calories and save money in doing so. Bring your lunch from home and include lots of healthy, fresh choices. If you must get away from your desk at lunch time, find a friend who will eat lunch away from the office with you. Start a lunch club - make it a social thing. If you don't have time to make your lunch at home, make a trip to the grocery store on your lunch break and pick up enough groceries to last you through the week. This way, you will have healthy options at your fingertips at all times.
