1. Drink Water - and Lots of It
Boring I know - but the reason
this tip stays around year after year is because it works. Adequate
water intake keeps your metabolism humming along at a maximum rate and
staves off hunger cravings as well.
In fact many people mistake
thirst for hunger and end up eating to quench their thirst. This results
in more calories than you body needs and - you guessed it - excess
pounds.
Models and celebrities all know about the powerful
slimming effects of drinking water which is why you often see them
holding a bottle of water in their hands as they dash through airports
or stand around at fashion shows.
2. Increase Your ExerciseYou don't have to double your exercise time or sweat till you fall off
your treadmill. Just increase your exercise time a bit every day, maybe
ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there. It all adds up.
3. Cut Back Where You Can At Other Meals
Did you know that the average number of calories consumed by one
person during a typical Thanksgiving dinner is 7,100! That's about 2
pounds strictly in terms of calories alone.
But not to worry.
All you have to do is make small calorie cutbacks at other meals the
week before and you'll easily make up for the extra calories.
4. Eat What You Like - But Only A Few Bites
If you absolutely
cannot imagine giving up any of your favorite treats this holiday
season, give yourself permission to have a bite of everything - but only
a bite!
I read somewhere that Jessica Simpson never denies
herself any of her favorite foods - but she only allows herself one or
two bites. And let's face it the first couple of bites are the best
tasting anyways!
5. Don't Eat After 7:00 pm
Experts tell us that the earlier in
the day food is eaten, the more likely it is to be burned off. However
when you eat late at night, this food is more likely to be stored as
fat.
Celebrities like Oprah use this knowledge to their advantage and refuse to eat after a certain time like 7:00 p.m.
So
if you know you absolutely must have a sweet indulgence during the day,
try to have it before noon. Then towards the end of the day, snack on
healthy, lower carb foods like salads, vegetable broth, fruits or lean
protein. This keeps your metabolism elevated but won't pack on the pounds.
