1. Eat smaller
more frequent meals - not only is your metabolism boosted every time
you eat something, your body can more efficiently process smaller meals.
Instead of having 3 large meals in a day, try to break them up into 5 or
6 smaller meals.
2. Drink more
water - regular water intake helps to flush away waste products in
the body. Get at least six to eight 8 oz. glasses per day. An easy way
to do this is to keep a water bottle handy and drink from it frequently.
3. Be
inefficient - do you need to go to the kitchen to get a couple of
things? Break it up into two trips even if you can do it in one. Being
inefficient like this can easily double your activity level, burning
calories without even trying.
4. Eat more
protein - sources of protein include foods such as chicken, fish,
eggs, dairy, beans, lean red meats, etc. Your body burns more calories
processing protein than either carbohydrates or fats. Protein also helps
to support your muscle tissue, which burns calories all day long!
5. Take the
stairs instead of the elevator - any time you can add in a little
more physical activity, do it. This doesn't mean you need to slog up 20
flights of stairs. Even a flight or two done regularly will add up.
6. Don't let
yourself get hungry - when you get hungry you will have a much
greater tendency to overeat when you do finally get something to eat. As
well, because your body is starting to go into starvation mode, it will
be much more likely to hold onto whatever you give it.
7. Order small
portions at restaurants - it's tough to order small french fries
when "supersizing" your order is such a great "value." Take note,
however, your real savings will occur in the calories that don't end up
on your backside.
8. Eat more
fiber - fiber is very filling. By eating more fiber you will find
yourself full sooner. This feeling of fullness will last a long time as
well.
9. Wait 20
minutes between servings - your brain takes at least 20 minutes to
register that you're full. By waiting that long, you'll give your brain
a chance to realize that you don't really need any more food.
10. Cheat on
your diet - one thing I always make my clients promise is that they
will cheat on their diet. The only thing I ask that they do is to cheat
ONLY when they have planned to cheat. By planning when you are going to
eat the foods you crave, you take back control of your eating habits.
This way you no
longer "give in" to your cravings. You "reward yourself" for sticking to
proper nutritional habits. Do this once or twice a week and you will
feel far more in control of your eating.
In conclusion, if
you follow even a few of these 10 easy tips in the long term, you will
certainly notice a difference in your overall weight and health.
Nick Nilsson is
Vice-President of BetterU, Inc., an internet-based personal training
company. He has been training for more than 14 years and has been a
personal trainer for more than 8 years. He is the author of the training
eBooks "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of", "Gluteus to
the Maximus" and "Specialization Training" (click
here now for more information on these books