You don't have to go on a crazy weight loss diet to shed those last few pounds -- try these depravation-free methods instead
April 14, 2011
| by
Kristen Oldham Giordani | 81 COMMENTS
Use chopsticks Eat with chopsticks -- even when you're eating grilled fish and vegetables instead of chicken chow fun. "People who use chopsticks tend to eat way less and get fuller faster because chopsticks slow you down," says Borden. This is one of the biggest rules of thumb when it comes to eating right. If you eat too fast, your body can't register that it's full, so you'll keep eating unnecessary calories.
I recently cut pop/soda (again) and have replaced that with water with sliced cucumbers, lemons and mint leaves. This is a wonderful drink as not only does it detox and help you lose weight but it also helps clear your complexion. 2 birds one stone.
bad article! not all agave is boiled down high fructose corn syrup. you need to find a reputable brand. and don't believe everything you read, research for yourselves
Agave is from the pineapple looking core or "pina" of the blue agave plant in Mexico. It is not corn syrup. It is a sweetener, and like anything else it has its pros and cons. Whoever fact checked this article missed this statement.
Agave is not a scam. It's a sweetener. It is used primarily by people who want to avoid animal products, not because it is not sugar. Don't be so reactionary and do YOUR research.
No. 1
Limit your liquids to herbal tea and water only. Drinking even light juices or diet coke will still pack on pounds over time, says Borden. If you need a fruity fix, eat and peel your fruit, don't drink it, you'll get more fiber and less sugar that way.
No. 2
Eat with chopsticks. "People who use chopsticks tend to eat way less and get fuller quicker because it takes longer to eat -- they slow you down," says Borden. This is one of the biggest rules of thumb when it comes to eating right. If you eat too fast your body doesn't register that it's full, so you'll keep eating unnecessary calories.
No. 3
Take your workout to work. No time to exercise before or after work? Burn a few calories at work instead. Borden likes the virtual jump rope for this purpose (try Airope Original). It's easy to tote (you won't whip any colleagues), and two simple minutes of jumping will get you off your bum, burn calories and likely prevent your back from hunching and hurting, she says
No. 4
Avoid low fat diets. "Fat is your friend, it will help you burn calories because it satiates you … and it quells sugar and white flour cravings," says Borden. Find good-for-you fats in avocado, olive oil and fish.
No. 5
Do an activity that "involves your lymphatic system," says Borden. Try running, jump rope, rebounding (jumping on a mini trampoline). These activities are a "good way to boost your metabolism and get rid of toxins and waste," she says. Add them to your regular workout for a calorie-burning boost.
No. 6
Sprinkle on the cinnamon. Flavoring your oatmeal, cereal, coffee -- you name it -- with cinnamon may actually control the insulin spikes that often occur post meal, according to a US Department of Agriculture finding. These spikes often make you feel hungry, which isn't ideal if you're trying to cut calories.
No. 7
Avoid creamy foods. Example: Dairy or creamy dressings like ranch have more unhealthy fats and are harder to digest than olive oil fats found in vinaigrette-like dressings.
No. 8
Add more weight to your weight-training workout. It's a myth that women "shouldn't lift over three pounds," says Borden. "The more muscle you have the higher your metabolism will be," she adds. So, don't be afraid to add weight to your workout -- contrary to popular belief, it's actually hard to add bulky weight. If you can do 15 reps of an exercise easily, add more weight until your last rep is an effort, she says.
No. 9
If you must sweeten your foods or beverages, use only Stevia, says Borden. It is not a chemical and won't cause your insulin levels to spike. And, don't be fooled by agave -- it's "boiled down high fructose corn syrup," she says.
No. 10
Get rolling. If you don't own a foam roller, now's the time to invest in one (try PB Elite Soft Molded Foam Rollers). Simply rolling out your back, neck and leg muscles will open them up, relax them and help get your blood flowing. The more blood you have flowing though your body, the "faster your metabolism will be," says Borden. Not sure how the heck to "roll out" your body? Download this body rolling tutorial.
No. 11
Stay away from partially hydrogenated oils or fats. You have to read labels to insure your foods don't contain these. "It is fake and processed and put in food so it lasts longer on the shelves, but it will also stay in your body a long time," says Borden.
Does it annoy anyone else to not have a list of these? It drives me crazy to click next for everything and not be able to see the whole list. Is there a list format?
How is agave boiled down high fructose corn syrup??? That is a bold faced lie. Agave is a succulent plant grown in Mexico. Anything other than what the label says is illegal, so the writer here is full of it. I would like to see proof of that statement please!!!!
I only read the first two. These are not simple, they are major changes. Drink only water? I would never have thought of that. Duh. Carry chopsticks in my pocket and take them out at restaurants? Or maybe I'll use them in the car.
I don't really know any guys that would apply self tanner. I think it's safe to say that I'll be getting my tan the old fashioned way from the sun (With sunblock on of course) while I wash my car, mow the lawn and exercise outside. I love to cycle!
Weight training is great. Women have the misconception that it'll make them bulky--I love weight training and haven't added any bulk at all! It helps me look lean and toned.