Sunday, January 4, 2009

Nine Tricks to Staying Slim in 2009

By Dorthy Weatherbush

Everybody hates the word 'diet'. It makes you think of pain and misery. It is definitely hard to keep your will power to stay on a diet during the holidays.

But it's not all horrible. There are numerous ways to lose pounds speedily without it being painful and it is a lot easier than one might think - if you know what you're doing.

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 Like water, fiber makes you feel fuller and at the same time helps you to lose weight. Adding fiber to your diet will actually cause you to not have hunger pangs, making the dieting process easier. Simple foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and beans will up your fiber intake and make you fuller and slimmer.

3. Snacks Staying slim does not require starving yourself. You should definitely snack throughout the day in between meals. Your metabolism will increase by snacking, helping your weight loss. Be careful however of what snacks you choose to eat; remember they should be healthy snacks. It's definitely okay to eat nuts, fruit, and even a snack size tub of yogurt or baked rice crispies. Moreover, just be smart about your snack choices.

4. Walk Take every opportunity to walk. Take the stairs at work instead of using the elevator. Park in the back of the parking lot at the store and walk the long distance. Stroll around the neighborhood with your dog, or with a friend. You can also switch on your stereo at home and walk around your house!

5. Grill it up Switch from frying foods to grilling them, order grilled when you go out to eat. Grilling is easier than and just as tasty as frying. It's healthier and has fewer calories than fried foods.

6. Side Dishes We have been groomed to believe that meals are not complete without fries on the side. Instead of eating fries, eat a simple and healthy salad or steamed veggies.

7. Processed Foods Pre-packaged chicken and ham slices may be convenient and easy, but they are hardly healthy. That is because these options have high levels of salt. Salt makes your body retain fluid and makes it harder for you to stay slim. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods, and instead by fresh options whenever you can.

8. Keep It Lean You can still eat red meat or poultry, just be sure to buy the leanest cuts you can find. Trim off any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken and then grill your meat to keep the goodness in and the fat levels down.

9. Meal Replacement Meal replacement diets can be a very handy way to shed pounds quickly. Simply replace your normal lunches with a great replacement shake so you're still getting all the nutrients you need without all the calories to go with it.

Keep up with these simple tips and you'll be surprised how easy it is to lose weight quickly. - 16004

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