Diet Tips
Fresh Ideas
Weight loss is all about calories in vs. calories out. But sometimes it’s not that easy, and we can use a few tips to push us along. The tips in this section were submitted by readers, and include a few of our own favorites. Check back often for new and fresh ideas to jumpstart your diet, or help you get through those little hurdles along the way. Have a tip to share? Send it to us!
Distract your Taste Buds
Research from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, shows that the more vivid your mental image of a particular food, the more likely you are to crave it. They suggest distracting yourself with something that uses your eyes and your mind, such as randomly flicking through images on a computer screen. Try exploring Flickr for a start. If you want distraction and inspiration, browse the before and after photos in our member Goal forum!
Go ahead and Snack
A fad diet recently made the rounds that promoted no Sugar, no Seconds, and no Snacking. The first two are up to you, but we recommend Snacking! Eating 3 meals and 2 snacks daily keeps your energy levels up and helps ensure you won’t overeat at your next meal. Snack, and snack wisely.
To Mars and Back
The next time you get a craving for a Mars or other candy bar, keep in mind that it will take an hour of power-walking to burn off the calories. Is it still worth it?
Prepare for the Worst
Plan at least 3 back-up meals that can be frozen or prepared from the pantry that are healthy and on track. If your regularly scheduled meal goes bust, you can fall back on your stash without the temptation of ordering take-out.
Sneaking in vegetables
Include grated raw vegetables or dried fruit to batters and doughs for quick breads, muffins and cookies.
Reduce fat when baking
Replace the oil in baked goods with thick fruit purees such as applesauce, mashed bananas or prunes.
Better snack
Freeze fresh grapes and enjoy them instead of sugary iced treats.
Milk fat
Got milk? Make sure it is skim milk. Low-fat milk (1%) has 2.5 grams of fat per cup. If you drink the recommended 4 glasses per day, you have consumed a whopping 10 grams of fat, just in your milk! 2% milk is even worse, with 5 grams of fat per cup!!
International Night
Have “International Night” and introduce your family to foods from other nationalities. Choose only foods and recipes that are low-fat and your family won’t know the difference. The variety will entice them to try healthy foods they normally would have passed on.
