Recent Posts:
The Five Best Tips for Getting Bikini Ready
Posted by Alison Gardiner on June 19, 2012
1. Eat throughout the day.
Research has shown that eating lots of small meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism working faster, which burns more calories, and also keeps your blood sugar levels in check. It’s important to regulate blood sugar in order to prevent fatigue, mood swings and mental fogginess that turn on the urge to reach for a candy bar, soda and coffee. These sugar-laden foods provide a brief surge of energy, but this only lasts momentarily. When you crash, your body craves more and you reach for more empty calories, leading to an ongoing cycle that sabotages your efforts at weight loss.
2. Eat breakfast.
Do not skip breakfast; this will backfire and slow down your metabolism. Eating as early as possible in the AM will give your metabolism a boost, give you energy you need and keep you from choosing bad food choices while waiting to eat lunch. Choose meals that offer a good balance of protein, fiber and carbohydrates. Some good choices are scrambled egg whites, some nutrient-rich whole-grain toast and an apple. If you can’t handle food in the morning, make a smoothie of vanilla yogurt, low-fat milk, protein powder and psyllium for added fiber.
3. Eat water-rich foods.
There are many benefits to eating foods rich in water. A lot of the time, thirst will mask itself as hunger. So, when you feel that hunger pang, reach for some water instead or water-rich foods. Grab a slice of watermelon or an orange. You’ll get a healthy dose of water and some fiber too, all with very little calories. The best part is you will actually feel full. When you eat water-rich foods, you can prevent overeating at your next meal also.
4. Drink lots of water.
Not only should you consume water-rich foods, but also remember to properly hydrate yourself throughout the day, which aids in digestion and keeps your metabolism, liver and kidneys working at optimal levels. When you drink enough water, foods will be broken down more quickly and nutrients will be directed to the proper places. Your will have more energy and help get rid of toxins and extra fat with your digestive system working at full force.
5. Sleep more and reduce stress.
Studies report that people who get less than eight hours of sleep per day have more fat around their belly than those who sleep the recommended eight or more hours. The brain perceives sleep deprivation as a stress attack and releases cortisol into your bloodstream. Cortisol is a stress hormone that protects us from danger, starvation and other real or perceived risks. More specifically, cortisol directs the storage of belly fat against the threat of starvation.
Even moderate amounts of stress will increase the amount of cortisol released into the body, according to studies. To curb this side effect, sleep enough and also try to reserve at least 15 minutes per day doing yoga, stretching, or meditating.