Friday, December 26, 2008

Nine Tricks to Staying Slim in 2009

By Dorthy Weatherbush

Nobody likes the word 'diet'. It brings to mind scrimping and going without all the things you love. It's especially difficult to reinforce your will power after the holiday season.

But it isn't all terrible. There are many ways to quickly lose unwanted weight without starving yourself and it really is quite easy - as long as you know how to do it. Start the New Year off right with great weight loss results by following these easy tips.

Here are the top nine tips to lose pounds in 2009.

1. Water Many people do not drink water at all, and yet it is the best way to naturally clean out your body and simultaneously shed pounds. Drinking enough water is so easy. Just drink a glass of water before every meal and snack and you will feel rehydrated and fuller so you will be less tempted to over-eat at mealtimes.

2. Fiber Fiber gives another opportunity to help you lose weight and make you feel full at the same time. By adding fiber to your diet, you can actually reduce and get rid of awful hunger pangs. Foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and beans will increase your intake of fiber, making you feel full faster and lose weight faster too!

3. Snacks Dieting does not mean going without food. You should feel free to snack whenever you are hungry. Your metabolism will increase just by eating more. Be careful however, of the types of snacks that you choose to eat. It's always okay to eat nuts and fruit; you can also add a snack size tub of yogurt or baked rice crispies. When it comes to snacking, just be careful about the snacks you choose to eat.

4. Walk Use every chance you get to walk. Instead of taking the elevator, use the stairs. Park in the back of the store parking lot and walk. Go for a walk in your neighborhood or at a local park with your dog, or with a friend. Or if you want to stay home, turn on your stereo and walk around your house.

5. Grilled not Fried Switch to grilling food instead of frying. Grilling is not only easier and less time consuming, it's healthier and contains far fewer calories.

6. Side Dishes We've been trained over the years to believe that meals aren't complete without fries on the side. Replace fries with a simple salad or with some steamed vegetables.

7. Processed Foods Pre-packaged ham or chicken slices are quick and convenient to have in the fridge, but they contain high levels of salt. Salt helps your body to retain fluid and makes it harder for you to shed those pounds. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods wherever you can and replace with fresh options.

8. Keep It Lean Red meat and poultry are not off limits; just remember to buy the leanest cuts available. Trim off excess fat and cut off the skin from chicken. Grill your meat to keep the goodness in and minimize the amounts of fat.

9. Meal Replacement Meal replacement diets are simple and easy, and can help you shed pounds quickly. All you have to do is replace your lunch or dinner with a already prepared meal available through a variety of companies. You get all the nutrients you need, with the fewest calories, without having to think about it.

Follow these simple tricks and you'll be surprised with the results.

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