7 Slim Down Secrets for the New Year
Many Americans gain up to 11 pounds during the holiday season. That is a lot of weight to tackle come January 1. It is going to take a little time and dedication, but you got this!
Drink More Water – There are a number of reasons drinking plenty of water is essential to weight loss. It helps flush toxins from the body. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Dehydration can also slow down your metabolism. Not sure how much water you should be drinking? Divide your weight in half then divide by 16 (the number of ounces in a typical water bottle today). Refill your water bottle throughout the day to reach that number.
Keep a Food Journal – Hey, we all go a little “off the books” during the holiday feasting season. Now it is time to get back on track. Smartphone apps like Calorie Counter by MyFitness Pal will help keep you accountable, even on the go. I have been using this one again for the past two weeks and have already seen a change in my eating habits.
Eat a Protein-Packed Breakfast – Research shows that those that skip or skimp on breakfast eat more throughout the rest of the day. Start things off right with an egg white omelette or a low calorie parfait. Here are my go-to breakfasts;
Breakfast One (approx. 240 calories depending on yogurt choice)
One cup Greek yogurt (flavor of your choice)
1/4 c. [easyazon_link asin=”B003E3UHJ4″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”beautyboxreview-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Udi’s Gluten Free Granola[/easyazon_link]
Breakfast Two (approx. 300 calories)
Once cup 100-calorie Greek yogurt
1 mashed banana
1 T. [easyazon_link asin=”B00BTTHUF4″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”beautyboxreview-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter[/easyazon_link]
Avoid the carbs as they can cause a blood sugar spike and consequently more snacking.
Plan Ahead – If you know you will be spending a lot of time on the road or at your desk, make sure you have healthy snacks or meals packed. Throw an apple in your purse. Pack a healthy wrap for lunch. Even a 100-calorie granola bar is better than a late afternoon Snickers.
Reward or Encourage Yourself – We love our subscription boxes here at My Beauty Box Review, and there are several that cater to a healthy lifestyle. Reward yourself with some new workout gear at Fabletics or discover some new healthy food items with a subscription to Bulu Box or Bestowed.
Don’t Clean Your Plate – The “Clean Plate Club” membership is no longer as coveted as it once was. I’m guilty of overeating to not be wasteful. Either start off with a smaller portion or get into the habit of saving your leftovers if you also have this sabotaging mentality. Better yet, do both!
Get on the “Weekends Still Count” Plan – It doesn’t matter if it is the holiday season or not, I sometimes get into the weekend binging cycle. You know. Where you convince yourself that everything you eat Friday evening through Monday morning is calorie-free? Apparently that is not the case! Who knew? Be conscious of everything you put into your mouth (another reason for that food journal). Get a to-go box from your favorite Friday night hangout and enjoy that meal twice rather than trying to stuff it all in at once.
A little change in thinking and routine along with some willpower and dedication is all you need to get back to pre-holiday weight.
What are your favorite tips for slimming down quick?