So many people ask me how I lost weight, and I am more than happy to tell them about my journey… but few ask how I keep it off. I think the hardest part about losing weight is making sure it doesn’t find you! I have compiled my ultimate strategies for staying thin. This is not a health plan or diet regimen that I believe everyone can follow, but it is mine and I strongly advise you to do research on your own body type, before pursing any diet/fitness program.
1. Eat a low calorie breakfest
Yes, you need breakfest and no you do not need to break the calorie bank to eat it. I have a few favorites I keep in the fridge.
I suggest Thomas 100 calorie english muffins- which are also great for lunch packers.
I often put a smidge of spicy cream cheese on them, or when I’m completely unoccupied I might cook some egg whites. These are the ultimate way to get a traditional breakfest while still staying skinny- forget about Special K.
2. Eat off a smaller plate.
I heard this many years ago from my grandfather I was so skeptical, but this might be my best tip. Eating is very psychological and we have a tendency to clear our plates (as if we are afraid we will never see food again) When we fill up a smaller plate and we clear it we are most likely going to feel satisfied so ditch those big old dinner plates and opt for a salad plate instead.
3. Yes, you should count calories.
While many a thin person may tell you they don’t count calories… it does not matter, you should. What is food- food is energy (I feel like a ska band singing that) food is necessity. What is fat, its excess calories. 3500 calories makes a pound. So how do we lose weight, we cut excess calories and burn them when we can. I suggest using an app like MyFitnessPal to help you log what you have been munching on, this will allow you to evaluate your dietary decisions and plan ahead. Oh and the app is free.
4. You can have seconds but…
So you are at a family dinner and you have a smorgasbord of delicious but mostly unhealthy foods to choose from, here’s how you don’t ruin your healthy eating plan. Fill half of your plate with salad/veggies/ fruit, one quarter with protein and one quarter with starch. Then when everyone gets seconds only refill your plate with the salad, veggies, or fruit. It works, I promise. And you will not feel deprived.
More please…
5. Savour it slowly.
Eating quickly is your worst enemy, trust me. I make it a habit to not devour my food, I take small bites and I do a little playing with my food. I eat my food so that I can taste it, I sometimes even kind of dissect it to narrow down the flavors. If I am having pizza I cut it up and use a fork, so that when everyone is on slice 4, I am just starting in on my second slice. I feel fuller and I feel leaner than my gluttonous counterparts.
6. Don’t sip your calories.
Okay. I used to drink juice like it was going out of fashion. Little did I know that it was a major source of empty calories and sugar. If you really must have juice, use a small glass (no bigger than 6 oz)
7. Pre portion your snacks.
I am a huge fan of chips, yes I know chips are not healthful by most definitions but who does not love em?
One thing I know about myself is if I sit in front of the TV with a bag of chips I might just finish them all before the first commercial break. So I by my bag of chips (usually pop chips or at least a baked variety) and I count them into portion sized sandwich baggies. So when I really must much on something I have a limit I cannot go over.
8. Move
Okay so not every person has the time of resources to go to a gym, but we all so have household tasks to accomplish and those burn calories too. Set aside 45 minutes of your day to clean, this will give you peace of mind and a spectacular looking dwelling as well as a totally awesome work out.
Clean closets, firm booty!!
9. Blog about it, pinterest it, join a facebook group.
Connecting your cyber life and your tea life goals has never been easier. If you don’t have a skinny ally at home then you certainly have one on the internet (me) and other people with similar goals are aweosme to talk to. Sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration to kick start a workout or remind you, you really can skip that Big Mac and fries. I love pinning recipies
and tips and tricks and it puts me in a great mental state for living well.
10. Don’t forget dessert
I saved my best tip for last. A desert under 200 calories each day is just the right amount of indulgence. When you eat that mini ice cream sandwich you are tricking your body into thinking it is getting a really good cheat treat. So hey grab a kit Kat, it is not the candy that makes you gain weight, it is your overall calorie intake that does. Don’t forget to have fun.
Yum!