Some things to get you started

Now that the holidays are behind us, a lot of us have made some New Year Resolutions and we’re past the holidays and festivities, rest, and a lot of food all around. It’s inevitable that we participated in family meals and social events that revolve around food and lots and lots of delicious, yet unnecessary, fat, salt, and sugar. Now is the time to turn to return to a nutritious routine

Here are some things to try help you get back on track:

1. Start right nowProcrastination only increases the damage because it’s too easy to justify another “I’m starting a diet tomorrow”.

2. Conceal the snacksGive up or cut way back on the snacks and extras that don’t contribute much by way of nutrients. These can be obvious like potato chips, or sneaky like salad dressing. We have a tendency to avoid counting them, but they’re actually a significant player in the weight gain arena.

3. Reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened and alcoholic beveragesSugar-sweetened beverages like juice or soda have significant caloric value, and don’t really contribute much to quenching thirst in the long run: so you just drink more and don’t realize it is like munching candy. Drink plenty of water and herbal or green tea,you’ll not only feel better on the spot, you’ll have no regrets later.

4. No cold turkeys

Don’t start the change all at once and in an extreme way. Remind yourself that you didn’t gain the weight all at once, so it’s reasonable to believe that it will take some time to lose it. It is difficult to almost impossible to maintain an extreme diet regimen for long, and rebound weight gain and related health problems are virtually a sure result.

5. Better fiberPrefer products rich in nutritional fibers like sprouted whole grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, and legumes/pulses. Nutritional fibers can also be found in vegetables and in some fruit peels – but not in processed fruit juice or fruit “drinks”. Nutritional fibers improve the body’s metabolism and the energy output on food digestion. In addition, they balance the blood’s sugar level and provide a feeling of fullness.

6. Tread carefully in high-density areasBe aware of which foods are the most energy dense or “rich,” and keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Foods like nuts can be a highly nutritious part of a diet, and especially important for vegans as a source of protein, but chewing on them mindlessly and virtually without limits – as you might a lighter snack like popcorn – can translate to trouble for your weight goals.

7. ExerciseIt is recommended to take advantage of the vacation time to exercise. If the weather allows it, go for a walk outside, and if not, you can always exercise indoors. 

8. Eat in an orderly fashionHave small meals every 3-4 hours. The stomach is a muscle that has expanded throughout the years, especially after “explosive” holiday meals. The idea is to make the stomach feel like its capacity has shrunk – so the feeling of fullness will arrive even after eating smaller amounts of food.

Dont think about it just start!!!!!