12.07.2012

Tips and Tricks

A few weeks ago I was over on my friend Taras blog sharing some of my tips and tricks that worked for me when I was trying to loose weight and some that I continue to use now to maintain. Today I wanna share some more so lets get to it...

EAT BREAKFAST



Seriously EVERY day you need NEED to start your day with fuel. Just like your car needs fuel to go so do you. I would suggest getting something in your system within 45 minutes of waking up. Shoot for something with fiber and protein to keep you full and running!


ASK YOURSELF IF YOUR HUNGRY, BORED, OR THIRSTY



You would be surprised how much you are eating because you are simply bored or thirsty. Sometimes you *think* you are hungry but in reality you are really thirsty. I would suggest sipping some water and if you are still hungry then reach for some fruit or raw veggies. 

BROWN BAG YOUR LUNCH



You would be surprised how much this will save you money AND calories! Seriously I bring my lunch just about everyday. One because I think the prices in the cafe at work are high but also when I bring my lunch I know EXACTLY what I am eating. There is no mystery meat or wondering how something is made. It's really simple to bring your lunch too. At night when you are making dinner make a little more and there ya have it left overs for lunch! SIMPLE!

FRUIT AND VEGGIES



These two things should be your go to snack. I personally reach for apples, bananas, grapes, carrots, raw bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli you name it I snack on it.

FOOD JOURNAL



Have you ever wondered why you cant loose any weight even though you think you are eating healthy? Well here's a little trick for you. For one week write down EVERY SINGLE THING you put in your mouth even if it is just a bite of something. EVERY SINGLE THING. At the end of the week take a look at it and there in black in white or what ever color you write in will be your proof. You can then go from there and figure out what you need to cut out and what you need to add.

PORTION CONTROL



Americans have no concept of portion control. Ya ever go out to dinner and get a HUGE plate of food. What do you do? Most people will clear their plate. Ya know what? If you do that you most likely just ate enough for you and up to 2 others. Crazy right? Wanna see what your portions SHOULD be? This site is a good visual aid. Check it out! 

SLEEP



Fact when you sleep less you tend to eat more to try to keep yourself awake. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night. 

STEP AWAY FROM THE SODA



This kind of is a no brainier right? I mean how much SUGAR and crap is in soda? I stopped drinking soda years ago and honestly I have never felt better! I don't even drink diet soda anymore.

BRUSH YOUR TEETH



I brush my teeth like the rest of America first thing in the morning. But I also brush mid day and at night. I find that it helps keep the "cravings" at bad.

GROCERY SHOP ON A FULL STOMACH



Have you ever shopped while you are hungry? You wind up buyin so much CRAP. Make sure you eat something before you go. A handful of almonds a piece of fruit. SOMETHING.

HAVE A CHEAT DAY



I cheat EVERY Sunday with in reason. If I am feeling like I want a snack sized piece of candy I have it. If I want a cupcake I have it. I never say to myself no you cant have that because that will make you binge and eat way more than you should have. You have to treat yourself from time to time.

EAT EVERY 3 TO 4 HOURS



I can not stress this one enough! You need to keep your metabolism up and eating often will do that. I aim to eat 5 mini meals a day. Or I will eat 3 regular meals and have some snacks along the way.

ADD WEIGHT TRAINING TO YOUR REGIMEN 




I have touched on this before. Weights should not scare you. You will not bulk up unless you are pushing some crazy weight and are aiming to do that and taking extra supplements to enhance your results. Don't be afraid to add some weights it will help tone your body.

CRAVING STRIKES 
call a friend, go for a walk, meditate, have sex, go on Facebook or Pinterest, paint your nails.

Remember...



10 comments:

Angela LeMoine said...

I love all these tips!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!

Lisa said...

great tips!!!
thanks again

Jenn said...

I have this bookmarked to STUDY this week- along with our email exchange!

I just think you are phenomenal! Thanks for being such a great support to the healthy side of the blogging world :)

Happy Friday, friend!!

SEL said...

I totally agree with every single thing you wrote.

The cheat days are really important. If you don't give in to temptation at least once in a while, I feel like people then tend to go overboard, and that's when setbacks happen.

Sleep. OMG so important. I don't think people realize how important sleep is to a.) losing weight b.) having a healthy metabolism and c.)eating healthy. People tend to eat more when tired.

Great list!

Jenna said...

Love your shares and tips!! Couldn't agree more! I don't know how ppl function wo breakfast and not staying hydrated. Going a day wo fruits and veggies would be so sad too!! Have a great day! Spa <3

J and A said...

Such good reminders and tips!! I need to do the brushing teeth thing. I always forget! Happy weekend!!!

Angie said...

Seriously, words to live by!! This is great and you freaking ROCK! Happy Friday! LOVE YOUR FACE!

Shanny said...

These are awesome! they should be no-brainers but a reminder every once in a while is always needed.. at least for me lol

Chelsea said...

great tips! I'm using these!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love these tips!!