After indulging in peanut butter balls, sugar cookies, candy canes, and hershey kisses, it’s easy to pack on a few extra pounds during the holiday season. But now it’s the new year, and it’s time to start feeling great about ourselves! It doesn’t have to be extremely hard either. There are simple lifestyle changes that can actually make a big difference. Here are 10 tips and tricks to lose 10 pounds:
1. Portion Control. Most people eat portions that are way bigger than they should be eating. A serving of meat should be the size of a deck of cards, and a cup of vegetables, fruits, or grains should be the size of a baseball. Also, instead of eating three large meals, try 5 lighter ones. Start with a light breakfast, midmorning snack, a light lunch, an afternoon snack, then finish with a balanced dinner.
2. Drink a lot of water! Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the day. Not only will it keep you hydrated for a workout, but it will also keep you fuller, which will make you less likely to drink sugary drinks like soda. Green Tea is also a good choice because it neutralizes the effects of fatty foods.
3. Eat slowly. It takes a few minutes for your stomach to know that it’s full, so take your time and enjoy your tasty food instead of wolfing it down.
4. Good posture. Having good posture keeps your abs engaged throughout the day. So roll your shoulders back and hold your head up high. Not only will it help you get rocking abs, but it will help you feel confident too.
5. Get lots of sleep! When you get 7-8 hours of sleep you will you have enough energy to accomplish a killer workout, but people sleep less have slower metabolism.
6. Set goals and deadlines. When you have something tangible and specific to work toward, you’re more likely to accomplish it. Instead of saying you’re going to workout more, set a goal such as running for 20 minutes three times a week. Also, get a workout buddy. You’re more likely to stick to your plan if you have a friend there to keep you motivated.
7. Monitor what you put into your body. Try to eat power foods like brown rice, skim milk, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, egg whites, and lean poultry or meat. Try to cut down on your consumption of salt as well because it makes the body retain water, which makes the abdomen appear bloated.
8. However, if you have a sweet tooth (I’m guilty of this too), try to feed your cravings by eating fruit, which are naturally sweetened. But don’t starve yourself of what is great in the world– it is okay to have a small portion of your favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry’s every now and again to help curb your cravings.
9. Drink a glass of grape fruit juice twice a day. Grape fruit has a fat-burning enzyme and helps absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body. It’s a negative calorie fruit and is high in fiber. It’s a very overlooked weight-loss weapon.
10. Mix up your workout. Do something you love to do so you’ll stick with it. Take a dance, zumba, or kickboxing class, which are so fun you won’t even realize that you’re working out. Go for a run if you enjoy that too! Make simple changes in your daily routine to add to your daily steps like taking the stairs, parking farther away than usual, or walking instead of driving if at all possible.
The most important thing is to remember that it’s not so much about the number on the scale, but how good you feel about yourself! Be confident and focus more on being healthy.