Perhaps your new year includes health and weight-loss goals and you've already started on a workout program. But your overall plan also includes eating healthier, smarter and wiser. Unfortunately, too many people turn to the latest fad diets and end up disappointed and/or feeling deprived.
Instead, why not change your approach to eating and set yourself up for success? The following dietitian-approved tips will help you set the foundation for a healthy 2016.
1. Don't Skip Meals
Skipping meals may sound like an instant weight-loss tactic but the negative effect it has on your body is well-documented. It messes with your blood-sugar levels, for one, and sugar is the fuel your body runs on. Instead, choose meals and snacks every three to four hours that leave you satisfied.
2. Kick-Start Your Day With Breakfast
Speaking of skipping meals, by starting your day without breakfast, you're basically leaving the gate with no fuel in your tank. Eat a protein- and fiber-rich breakfast (hard boiled eggs, fruit, oatmeal, etc.) to set the tone for the rest of the day.
3. Pile Up The Plants
Fill your food with plants, i.e., vegetables and fruits. You'll feel fuller and be less prone to over-eat.
4. Do Your Meal Prep
Have your vegetables and fruits ready to eat by pre-slicing them and keeping them in containers you can always see in the refrigerator. You can also buy them already sliced.
5. Pack Healthy Snacks
Bring nutritious snacks with you to work, such as almonds or Greek yogurt. Another great tip: have a snack ready to eat 30 minutes before you arrive home. This will curb that late-in-the-day hunger.
6. Slow Down!
Don't eat so fast. Be mindful of your food, how it smells, tastes, its texture, etc. Chew it carefully.
7. Don't Deprive Yourself
Depriving yourself when you're hungry can be a set-up for failure because it can put you into binge mode. Treat yourself a couple of times each week without feeling guilty.
8. One Goal At A Time
Setting small, reasonable goals prevents you from setting too big of a goal you can't reach. Choose one goal, meet it, then set another.
9. Think About It
Pay attention to your body and ask yourself if you're really hungry. Being aware is a key to weight loss.
10. Keep A Food Journal
When you write down what you eat and when, you might be surprised you're consuming more than you thought you were. This can help deter mindless/emotional eating.
The Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo is a full-service facility that can help you reach all of your fitness and weight-loss goals. Call today to find out about our many programs.
Instead, why not change your approach to eating and set yourself up for success? The following dietitian-approved tips will help you set the foundation for a healthy 2016.
1. Don't Skip Meals
Skipping meals may sound like an instant weight-loss tactic but the negative effect it has on your body is well-documented. It messes with your blood-sugar levels, for one, and sugar is the fuel your body runs on. Instead, choose meals and snacks every three to four hours that leave you satisfied.
2. Kick-Start Your Day With Breakfast
Speaking of skipping meals, by starting your day without breakfast, you're basically leaving the gate with no fuel in your tank. Eat a protein- and fiber-rich breakfast (hard boiled eggs, fruit, oatmeal, etc.) to set the tone for the rest of the day.
3. Pile Up The Plants
Fill your food with plants, i.e., vegetables and fruits. You'll feel fuller and be less prone to over-eat.
4. Do Your Meal Prep
Have your vegetables and fruits ready to eat by pre-slicing them and keeping them in containers you can always see in the refrigerator. You can also buy them already sliced.
5. Pack Healthy Snacks
Bring nutritious snacks with you to work, such as almonds or Greek yogurt. Another great tip: have a snack ready to eat 30 minutes before you arrive home. This will curb that late-in-the-day hunger.
6. Slow Down!
Don't eat so fast. Be mindful of your food, how it smells, tastes, its texture, etc. Chew it carefully.
7. Don't Deprive Yourself
Depriving yourself when you're hungry can be a set-up for failure because it can put you into binge mode. Treat yourself a couple of times each week without feeling guilty.
8. One Goal At A Time
Setting small, reasonable goals prevents you from setting too big of a goal you can't reach. Choose one goal, meet it, then set another.
9. Think About It
Pay attention to your body and ask yourself if you're really hungry. Being aware is a key to weight loss.
10. Keep A Food Journal
When you write down what you eat and when, you might be surprised you're consuming more than you thought you were. This can help deter mindless/emotional eating.
The Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo is a full-service facility that can help you reach all of your fitness and weight-loss goals. Call today to find out about our many programs.
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