10 Easy Ways to Lose Weight and Feel Good

 I am all about shortcuts and easy ways to do anything.  All my adult life I have struggled with food. I love food and love to eat it.  I love ice cream, hamburgers and movie theatre popcorn but I have learned to eat them in moderation.  I am not the most thin person but I am not overweight.  I am not a marathon runner but I can keep up with the kids on a bike.  Through trial and error, mostly error, I have concocted a way of eating that works for me.  I don't need to give up what I love and I feel great!

This list is a great start.  Follow all of my ideas at once or pick one a week for the next 10 weeks.  Work the list, modify it how you like and I promise you will lose weight and feel great.

Also, this is not a quick way to lose weight.  You may not see weight lose for over a month.  But the pounds will come off.  In the mean time enjoy the extra energy you will feel everyday.

1. Drink More Water

I found this to be the key to eating less and feeling good.  Water helps your body process food and run its organs in a more efficient manner.  This is every organ, from your heart to your skin. 

Water also helps you to eat less.  Drink 8 oz before you eat and you will be full faster.  Also drink water while you eat, this helps you to eat slower (see #4) and fill up faster.

I carry a cup of water with a lid and straw with me everywhere I go.  And, bonus, I am never thristy!

2. Eat Half of Your Favorite Foods

What I mean by favorite foods are usually the "bad" ones like french fries and fried chicken not carrots and apples.  You know how much you usually eat of  your favorite ice cream, well, cut that in half.  I LOVE Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and can easily eat a pint of it in one sitting. With my plan I eat half of it and save it for the next week.

3. Replace Fatty Foods with Lean

Stick with grilled and broiled and not fried or sauteed. Replace butter and cream for pepper and chives.  Sneak in your own popcorn to the movies, I do.  Watch for foods that are covered with stuff like bread crumbs or sauce; make it a habit to be able to see your food in its original cooked form without a mask. If you crave chocolate (I have to have it everyday) eat dark chocolate but keep it to a piece no larger than your powder compact.

I could go on but you get the picture. 

4. Stop When You Feel Full

 Actually, this is a very hard tip to follow because many people don't recognize when you feel full.  The key is to eat slower and recognize when you no longer feel hungry.  Look at your plate, eat half of what's on it.  Now stop.  Do you feel full? Are you still hungry?  At this point eat slower and smaller bites.  Become aware of your body and when it starts to feel the pressure of feeling full.  Then stop.

5. Eat Veggies at Every Meal

And with snacks too. They fill space and are so good for you. I know this is hard because, frankly, veggies don't taste that great especially if they are not covered with great fat like butter.  I sneak in some V8 in the morning, while I make lunch I snack on some raw carrots and brocolli and then for dinner I steam some veggies and top with a little season or garlic salt.

By the way, potatoes and many root veggies do not count.  They are high in carbs.  Stick with lettuce, carrots, brocolli, cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers etc.

6. Order Fat on the Side

This one I learned a few years back and I think my food tastes better. When I order a salad I ask for the ranch dressing on the side. Yes, it's fattening ranch, whatever. I dip my fork in it and then grab the veggies. I love having control of how much dressing is on my salad. This can also be great way to eat baked potatoes, hamburger (mayo on the side) or pasta with alfredo on the side. (Try to choose tomato sauce, it's healthier.)

Fats on the side:
mayo
creamy salad dressings
butter
sour cream
cream cheese


7. Make Your Own Food

This is the healthiest way you can eat if you cook low calorie and low fat.  You have the control over every aspect of your meal and chances are you will add less fat, less sugar and less salt than any restaurant or fast food joint.  And it will probably taste better too.

8. Get a Hobby

You heard me. No, don't watch TV as your hobby. Scrapbook, crochet, run, drag race. Get your mind off of food. Do something to busy your hands or feet and your mind.  This is not only good for your body but your brain also.  Studies have shown that people who challenge their minds are less likely to get alzheimers.  Look it up.

Idle hands and mind make for more snacking.

9. Ok, Splurge

Pick your favorite food, pick a day of the week and eat it. For example, like I said I love B&J Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream.  I save it for Friday nights when I can sit, watch a movie and enjoy my favorite snack.  I look forward to the evening all week and it keeps me motivated to stay on track with my meal plan and exercise.

And you know what else? if you splurge every so often you are less likely to cheat during the week. It's true.  It is like rewarding yourself for good behavior.

10. Move

Did you think I would forget about exercise? Work in some movement, at least 30 minutes a day.  I personally exclude housework unless it is heavy work like cutting down a tree or digging holes.  I rarely, I mean rarely, do that. So I get out in the mornings and walk or ride my bike.  I have worked in the gym where I workout a little harder.  You can even cut your moving into segments of 10 minutes 3 times a day but I would recommend the 30 all at once to get your heartrate up for a longer period of time. Just move. You will see a difference in your body and stamina over a couple of weeks.

As you get into the groove try new things like Zumba class or roller blading. And workout longer on some days.

Conclusion

This list is by no means all inclusive, you will find out more tricks to eating better and feeling great as you research. Also, you can pick and choose which ones to follow. I would do all but if you think you can only do one a week that is great also. Start out slow or full force, it is up to you.

And agian. If you are looking to lose weight quickly these tips are not for you. With these tips you may lose 1-2 pounds a month. But they are easy to follow for the rest of your life and your body will get to a great healthy weight in no time.

Great Refences:
 What Does a Healthy Diet Look Like?
Benefits of Exercise


More tips:
Don't beat yourself up when you fall off your plan. The very next meal or snack go back to following your plan.
Don't smoke. I don't even have to tell you this, right?
Don't drink exessively. Alcoholic beverages are just empty calories. Treat them like sugary snacks and have them rarely. (That glass of wine at night is a different story but that is another hub.)
Don't skip meals. This actually slows your metabolism down. If you are in a hurry grab and apple and cheese.
Limit sugar.


What do you do to be healthy?

 What tips can you leave for everyone to enjoy?