Portion Control: One of the easiest methods of reducing caloric intake is to simply cut the amount of food that is consumed at a sitting. There are many ways to do this without feeling the pinch. For instance, try using smaller plates! The same amount of food looks like much more when it covers the plate. Use a measuring cup to dish out meals. If dining out, ask your server for a doggy bag to be delivered with the meal. Then simply portion half into your ‘to-go’ box and enjoy the rest. Many restaurants also offer half-orders or child-size portions. If you are eating out with someone else, try splitting an entrée. Make sure to order a salad with your meal, vinegar and oil dressing to be served on the side, and ask the server not to bring bread. Skipping the appetizer ensures that you’ll fill up on your salad and enjoy your entrée, instead of hitting the heavy carbs contained in most starters.
Archive for July, 2009
Portion Control – Eating The Right Way
Monday, July 27th, 2009Diet Tip of the Week – Don’t Buy Junk
Monday, July 20th, 2009Don’t Buy Junk: How much easier is it to avoid eating junk food when there isn’t any in the house? The answer is: much! Grab plenty of fresh fruit at the market for when you are craving a sweet. Carrots and celery sticks give you something to crunch if you find yourself wanting something with a little more bite to it. Many brands of microwave popcorn offer very low-fat versions of their best flavors, and some even package their servings into 100-calorie portion bags. If other members of your household insist on having their junk food, ask if they can be so kind as to hide it from you. The last thing you need is to open your cabinet while stressed and see an open bag of potato chips looking you in the face. By limiting your exposure to poor food choices, you will be much less likely to make poor food choices.
Diet Tip of the Week – Avoid the ‘Blahs’
Monday, July 13th, 2009Avoid the ‘Blahs’: How? By adding some unique and interesting flavors to your meals. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon on your morning oatmeal or a dash of cayenne in your black bean chili. Getting a little spice in your diet helps out in many ways. For instance, red pepper such as paprika and cayenne has been shown to help boost the metabolism. A non-alcoholic bloody mary in the mornings is a great way to wake up and kick-start your days, especially with the addition of some hot sauce and a stick of celery to crunch. An herbed chicken breast on the grill, basted with a little olive oil to seal in the juices, is a much more interesting entrée. Adding extra flavors lets you experiment in the kitchen, and you will be far more likely to adopt healthy and flavorful recipes that work with your preferred diet plan.
Diet Tip of the Week – Eat Your Meat
Monday, July 6th, 2009Eat Your Meat: Pick up a box of energy or meal-replacement bars. Check the nutrition facts – almost all of them have a relatively high protein count in common. Consuming some protein at every meal is a sure way to combat weight gain. Why? Because protein does not turn into sugar – which turns into fat – the way that excess carbohydrates do. Also, protein is what helps to build your muscles. Stronger, leaner muscles burn fuel more efficiently, in turn creating a cycle that has many positive effects. Protein will also help to keep you feeling full and satisfied longer than quick-burning sugars or carbs. Try to include protein in every single meal and snack. It isn’t as difficult as you might think, and the benefits are definitely worth it.