People expect to work hard when they come to Targeted Nutrition Technologies in Auburn, WA. That doesn’t mean all things that help you shed those extra pounds have to be difficult or take time. In fact, there are some simple, sneaky ways to lose weight that you can add to your daily routine that will help melt the pounds away faster. For instance, did you know that if you drink a glass of water before a meal that you’ll eat less? That could cut some calories. Make it ice water and you’ll even burn a few extra calories that it takes to warm your insides.
Savor the experience
Have you ever noticed how everything is about quality, visual pleasure and tiny servings in a fancy restaurant? It’s all about pleasing every sense, including tactile, with varying textures. While you’ll have many different courses, including a few you might not expect, like the icy palate cleanser, you actually have smaller servings. If you hate going fancy because it takes so long for a meal, it may be one of the reasons you’re gaining weight. Slow down your meal, chew more, enjoy the taste and texture of every bite. Slowing your meal gives your brain a chance to interact with your stomach and signal when you’re full, so you don’t eat too much.
It’s all an optical illusion.
If savoring the experience and mindful eating just isn’t working out for you, try creating an optical illusion with smaller plates. One reason for the growing rate of obesity is that we’re supersizing our people while we supersize our meals. Make your meal look more appealing by increasing the number of colors from extra vegetables. Always focus on serving size.
Prepare meals ahead and have healthy snacks ready.
In today’s rising prices, meal prep not only can save calories, but it can also save money. Plan meals and snacks ahead and make a grocery list. Shop on another day—AFTER YOU’VE EATEN—so you’ll be more apt to stick with the list and not add extra junk food. Do all your cooking on your day or days off work and store it in the freezer or refrigerator to heat and eat later that week. You’ll have fewer leftovers and those leftovers are often planned for supplementing other meals.
- Increase your activity. If you’re standing in line pace a bit, move from side to side or even do squats if you’re bold enough to exercise. Take the stairs, walk to work and park furthest from the grocery store so you get in a few extra steps.
- Get adequate sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body makes more ghrelin—the hunger hormone, and less leptin—the one that makes you feel full. Getting more sleep gives you more energy and a smaller appetite.
- Avoid eating any food with added sugar and stick with more whole foods. If you read a label and it contains a ton of ingredients, it can mean extra calories. Stick with whole foods.
- Always eat your salad and vegetables first. They’re normally the lowest in calories and when you fill up on the salad, you’ll consume fewer calories. You’ll also be able to take home half the main dish for later.
For more information, contact us today at Targeted Nutrition Technologies
