Tuesday, December 30, 2008

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 So many people avoid drinking simple water, yet it's one of nature's best ways to clean out your body at the same time as helping to shed those pounds. Drinking enough water doesn't have to be difficult. Simply drink a glass of water before each meal or snack and you'll suddenly find you're rehydrated, feeling less bloated and you're suddenly less tempted to reach for the sugary snacks.

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 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 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 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 quick and easy, and can keep you slim. All you have to do is eat a pre-prepared meal in place of you breakfast, lunch or dinner. These meals are available through a variety of companies and take the guess work out of diet planning.

Remember these simple rules and you will be slimmer and happier in 2009. - 15255

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