After the holidays, as people ponder a workout routine to shed holiday pounds, some simple tasks can cut major calories and take off the weight.
Several weight loss techniques may seem counter-intuitive, but drinking more water, eating more and "splurging" should all be on your task list, according to a report in Reader's Digest.
Most people know that water helps clear the body of toxins and keeps you feeling full, two important functions that help weight loss. Drinking water before and while eating also helps you stave off the need to go for seconds by making you feel fuller.
But maybe what you didn't know is that it's been proven that the leaner people eat five times a day or more, studies have shown. We're not talking about meal-size portions, which, by the way, should be no larger than the size of your fist. Researchers suggest small snacks like vegetables or proteins in small doses.
For every 21 meals consumed, make two of them meals that you really want. That way, you won't feel restricted and quit your regimen altogether.
Count to 10 when you get a craving, and by the time you reach 10, the craving will have disappeared. But as cravings have proven to be connected to food addiction, experts suggest tackling the bigger picture. Get more sunlight, at least one hour of exercise per day and sleep more.
Cut back on alcohol; It has unneeded calories. A fancy mixed drink can have hundreds of calories. So, if you must have an alcoholic beverage, stick to wine or beer, which has about 100 calories a glass.
Use spices. Not salt. Spices can help take the boring part out of calorie counting. If you use salsa in place of mayonnaise or ketchup, you'll be cutting out unnecessary fat and calories.
Cut your stress and you could cut out binge eating responsible for your weight gain. Researchers have connected stress and increased weight. It's not your imagination. The increased food intake when stress abounds goes back to the caveman and cavewoman days, and proved as a defense mechanism when fighting an encroaching foe or going into battle.
