Are you tired of restrictive diet plans? Do you wonder if there is a weight loss plan that is pleasurable and successful? There is! Eat more of the right kinds of foods. A lot of people believe that they need to eat less in order to lose weight. That is only true to a certain extent.
An eating plan that excessively restricts calories only sets you up for failure. At some point cutting calories discourages weight loss. Our bodies will have to make a choice: lose body fat or lose muscle. If we force our body to choose, it will drop muscle rather than fat. This loss of muscle mass causes our metabolism to slow down.
When we eat fewer calories than our body needs, it adjusts by becoming really good at making the most of whatever food it does get. Our body holds onto fat stores and begins using muscle to provide the energy we are depriving it of by not eating. To add to the problem of losing muscle, restricting our food can make us irritable. This stress can cause a rise in cortisol, which stimulates the storage of fat cells in areas like the stomach.
The truth is that smart weight loss does not include starving yourself. Losing weight and keeping it off will only happen when you consistently make better food choices and make exercise a habit.
Fuel your metabolism and nourish your body with good-quality, nutrient-dense foods to be healthy. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start your day with a good breakfast. The worst breakfast is not leftover pizza! It is no breakfast at all! Breakfast eaters consume fewer calories during the day than breakfast skippers. When you wake up, your body is fuel deprived. If you don’t eat breakfast, then you end up eating more calories late in the day. Start the day with a well-balanced breakfast that includes a protein-rich food along with whole grains and veggies or fruit. Try CRAVE IT Hot Breakfast Cereals for a protein and fiber rich breakfast start. If on the go, bake up a batch of CRAVE IT Soft baked oatmeal squares and bake and take your breakfast with you.
- Eat Snacks. A well-timed snack will prevent late afternoon crashes and overeating at meal time. Keep healthy options accessible to avoid grabbing handy convenience foods. Munch on CRAVE IT Chickpeas for a crunch and munch satisfying snack packed with protein
- Eat it if it grows in nature. Include fruits and vegetables in every meal and most snacks. Consume as many leafy greens as you can. Aim to load half of your plate with vegetables and fruits at every meal.
- Include protein with every meal and snack: This is easy for me with meals, but with snacks I had to make a list to remind myself of protein choices. I often include hummus, Greek yogurt, almonds, string cheese, or peanut butter.
- Make healthy trades. Don’t just add healthy items to your usual intake. Make some trades on your plate for healthier options. Choose a baked sweet potato instead of a side of French fries. Choosing 3 cups of air-popped popcorn instead of 1 ounce of potato chips (about 15 chips) helps cut calories plus you get a lot more food to munch.
It can be challenging for some people to eat more, especially if they have been focusing on low calorie diets for a long time. Just remember, eating more of the right foods is how we nourish and nurture our bodies. It’s time to start eating again and create a good relationship with food. Slow and steady weight loss is the goal and is do-able by learning to include more healthy foods in your diet.
Eating is pleasurable. Food is fuel and nourishment. Go ahead and embrace eating!