I have never tried a "diet" plan. I simply don't believe in it. I don't agree with cutting things out of my diet and don't think it's good for anyone else to do either. I think the best way to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet. Call me old fashioned but it's true.
Because I simply don't like to diet, I've learned a few other "tricks" that do not require cutting anything out of a healthy, balanced diet but just might help you stay a bit slimmer. These are things I think about and try to do regularly.
1. Brush your teeth. Hopefully you already do this every morning and night. But if you want to try to eliminate afternoon snacking for example, then try brushing your teeth after lunch. Or if you tend to snack all day long then try brushing immediately after every meal. Once your teeth are cleaned you will be less likely to "dirty" them up again if you come across an unhealthy snack when you are not really hungry.
2. Chew gum. If you are the type of person that likes to snack a lot chances are you like to keep your mouth "busy". Try keeping your mouth busy with gum instead. Less calories, and fresh breath. I will chew minty flavored gum to get the fresh clean teeth if I am not home to brush and I will chew something sweet and fruity if I have a sweet tooth but definitely don't need to consume any more treats.
3. Workout. This is obvious for the reason that you are burning calories and therefore are able to eat more calories through out the day. But have you ever noticed that when you are working out regularly, you tend to crave healthier foods? I do, for sure! That's not to say I never get a sweet tooth craving when I've worked out...I still like my treats. But for the most part I do not come home after a hard workout and sit down and think, "Man, I could really go for a donut right about now." Usually I will come home, drink a lot of water and then eat something healthy and nutritious because that is what my body craves after a workout. Amazing phenomenon!
4. Wear tight clothes. Ha ha! I can't believe I'm writing this because I pretty much wear pajamas or workout clothes all day every day. But seriously, on Thanksgiving day do you wear loose fitting, stretchy clothes so that you can eat more? Well, try doing the opposite...on a daily basis. Maybe if you are wearing more form fitting clothes then you will be more aware of when you are actually full and not over eat.
5. Drink water. It helps to drink a lot of water through out the day. It's been two years since I've given birth to a baby but I still drink out of my big water jug that I got from the hospital. I love that thing! It's good for you and sometimes you will think you are hungry but actually if you drink a glass of water you may find that is all your body really needed. Also, try drinking an entire glass of water before each meal.
6. Stay busy. Do you eat when you're bored? Well, don't get bored. Find another hobby besides eating. And that is all I mean, by stay busy. Because if you are too busy to make yourself a healthy meal then that's not good either.
7. Portion control. When you are full, stop eating. Listen to your body. If you are going to eat ice cream, eat a small portion and enjoy every single bite of it. Or, if you order a pork salad from Cafe Rio, share it with your husband. If your husband is like mine and laughs at the thought of sharing a meal, eat half and save the other half for later.
8. Sleep. Getting lots of sleep and rest is so important to staying fit and healthy. Our bodies need time to recover and we actually are burning calories while we sleep. So if you are up late with a sick or crying baby, don't wake up early to hit the gym. Never sacrifice sleep to workout. Sleep in, take the day off from working out and hit it hard later that day or even the next day.
9. Cleanse. I've never done any crazy cleanses where you don't eat for a week and drink a nasty mixture of things but I hear you lose weight pretty fast. I am definitely NOT recommending that you do that! Remember this is how to lose weight without cutting anything out of your diet. I do, however, recommend Zija. They have a tea cleanse that works like magic. Drink it at night and wake up the next morning and...well, you will be running to the bathroom! Gross, I know. But it works and feels great. You can do it as often as you like. I only do it once a week and I love it.
10. Make your kids eat healthy too. Have you ever made your kids a plate of chicken nuggets and mac n' cheese and then find yourself eating the very same thing along side them? I have, and then I feel disgusting after. So why do we feed our kids that? Feed your kids healthy foods. Don't even buy chicken nuggets and goldfish crackers and then you won't be tempted to eat them. I'm totally guilty of this. I have a picky eater so I still give in and buy crap food. Sometimes I make my kids something and then I'm too lazy to make something else so then I end up eating a whole bowl of mac n' cheese for lunch and it wasn't even good.
11. Listen to your cravings. Generally, if you have a craving it's because your body is lacking something that it needs. So eat what you crave. Now, if you are craving french fries, eat em' but not a large amount. Just stick to the small value menu size. Or think about what it is in the french fry that your body is actually craving then eat a healthier equivalent.
12. Take a daily vitamin. I still take Prenatal vitamins every day as my "daily vitamin". If your body is getting all of the daily nutrients and vitamins it needs then you are less likely to have crazy cravings. Your body has what it needs already.
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