Cold weather can make you feel like eating all the time. You actually are burning more calories keeping warm The problem is getting calories that won’t make you put on warming layers of fat. Soup always is a great choice. But it can be full of hidden calories and carbs. This is where chicken noodle soup without noodles comes in. A handy container of chicken broth is a fast, easy snack. Pop a cup in the microwave and enjoy a satisfying snack. By simmering some veggies you make a substantial meal. I also really like matzo ball soup. But of course the matzo is full of carbs. But I’ve found that by just cooking celery in the broth you have a really close replica.
So stock up with stock and when spring comes you’ll be less stocky.
TODAY: ADD SOME STOCK TO YOUR PANTRY.
Are you drinking the amount of water you should drink every day? Probably not since studies indicate that 75% of Americans are actually chronically dehydrated. That’s amazing since there seem to be water bottles everywhere. The problem with being overweight may be part of this because the thirst mechanism tricks you into thinking you’re hungry.
Here are some other facts to remember:
- Not drinking enough water slows down your metabolism.
- Almost 100% of the dieters in a University of Washington study found that a glass of water will shut down evening hunger pangs.
- Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
- Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
- A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
- Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.
Nothing special is needed to meet your daily water needs. We’re fortunate in the United States to have plenty of clean, clear water right from the tap. So sit a glass by the sink and take a few swigs whenever you pass by.
TODAY: MAKE A REAL EFFORT TO DRINK MORE WATER.
An idle mind is the diet’s playground. Boredom often leads you to food. Sitting, mindlessly stuffing snacks in your face doesn’t really satisfy your needs. You may even end up feeling guilty later and that will depress you and you’ll eat some more to feel better. Get busy! I’m sure you’ve had those days when you simply forget to eat, or grab something quick. Make sure when that happens that you eat high quality protein. It will recharge your brain and boost your metabolism. Evenings? Take up a hobby, clean the house, even search the internet. It will keep your hands doing something besides reaching in a bag of calories.
TODAY: KEEP BUSY MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.
Today is Super Bowl Sunday. As amazing as it sounds, it’s the second biggest eating day in the US behind Thanksgiving. So temptations will be abundant today. Go ahead and indulge… A LITTLE. You should find that just a little of the forbidden foods will be very satisfying. Denying yourself entirely will just make you agonize over it. Over-doing it will make you guilt ridden and mad about dieting. That could kick you off of it. I’ve noticed that when I’ve hit a plateau a day of a different diet can jump start my metabolism and weight loss.
Don’t eat mindlessly in front of the TV. Pay attention to what you eat so you can enjoy the treat. Don’t just shove snacks in your face. Remember that protein like chicken wings and nuts will make you more full. The low carb beers taste just as good as the others. Eat well not a lot. Eat high quality, not high quantity. Then get back down to business tomorrow with a bit of extra exercise along with a return to your diet so you can reach your own goal.
TODAY: PLAN TO ENJOY THE SUPER BOWL IN MODERATION.
Okay, let’s say you’re being good all day. You watch how much you eat, keep the calories and carbs low, drink lots of water and even… wait for it… EXERCISE! But then it gets to be evening time and you get hungry and blow it. Well, maybe it has to do with when you eat dinner. Those early-bird specials are great but… they’re EARLY. If you stay up till the late news you have a third of your day to go. Even if you eat right after work, there is a lot of time till bed. That’s why you get hungry. So shift your dinner a bit later and you’ll be less tempted. Of course, don’t get too hungry before dinner. Have a hand-full of almonds or macadamias and a big glass of water. It will take the edge off and keep you from wanting bigger portions later. So eat late but don’t over eat.
TODAY: EAT DINNER A LITTLE LATER.
You’re going to be tempted by all the grocery sales leading up to Sunday. Take this time to step back, evaluate what’s in the pantry and tackle changing the way you eat. Do you still have treats left over from Christmas? I bet if you even look closely you’ll find some candy corn and Easter eggs in the stash. It’s time to purge the high calorie stuff. I know, I know, it’s painful. But think of the pain in your knees and start replacing things in your diet that have lead you to putting on the pounds. You don’t have to give up things entirely. Just enjoy less of it. Don’t let snacks be a meal. Fill up on protein and raw veggies, then give yourself a much smaller treat that you can enjoy without guilt or remorse. With just a few changes you will be able take your diet all.. the… way!
TODAY: CLEAR YOUR PANTRY OF LEFTOVER SNACKS.
One of the ways to avoid being hungry at night is to eat more during the day. Of course you don’t over eat. You eat a balanced number of reasonable meals throughout the day. You have probably heard that eating a small amount of high protein food every three hours is a good way to curb cravings and keep your metabolism revved up. If you haven’t… you have now. If you have… do it.
TODAY: EAT LESS… MORE OFTEN.
Daily Nag, Food Choices, Healthy Recipes | Diet Nag | 
February 9, 2011 6:20 am | 
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