Monday, January 5, 2009

Nine Tricks to Staying Slim in 2009

By Dorthy Weatherbush

Nobody wants to hear the word 'diet'. It brings to mind many unhappy feelings and emotions and memories. It is really hard to hear the word diet around the holiday season when it is so hard to do so.

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 tricks to staying slim in 2009.

1. Water Many people do not drink water at all, and yet it is the best way to naturally clean out your body and simultaneously shed pounds. Drinking enough water is so easy. Just drink a glass of water before every meal and snack and you will feel rehydrated and fuller so you will be less tempted to over-eat at mealtimes.

2. Fiber Fiber is a brilliant weight-loss secret that can help you lose weight at the same time as making you feel full. You can actually reduce your hunger pangs by eating enough fiber in your diet. Simple foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and beans will increase your fiber intake, make you feel full faster and help you lose weight quicker.

3. Snacks Staying slim does not require starving yourself. You should definitely snack throughout the day in between meals. Your metabolism will increase by snacking, helping your weight loss. Be careful however of what snacks you choose to eat; remember they should be healthy snacks. It's definitely okay to eat nuts, fruit, and even a snack size tub of yogurt or baked rice crispies. Moreover, just be smart about your snack choices.

4. Walk Take every opportunity to walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further away from the store and walk the rest of the way. Stroll around the block with your dog or with a friend. Switch on your stereo and just wiggle to the music.

5. Grill it up Switch from frying foods to grilling them, order grilled when you go out to eat. Grilling is easier than and just as tasty as frying. It's healthier and has fewer calories than fried foods.

6. Side Dishes We as a society are conditioned to believe that a meal is not complete without a side of French fries. Try replacing fries with a salad or with steamed vegetables for a healthier option.

7. Processed Foods Pre-packaged ham or chicken slices are quick and convenient to have in the fridge, but they contain high levels of salt. Salt helps your body to retain fluid and makes it harder for you to shed those pounds. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods wherever you can and replace with fresh options.

8. Keep It Lean You can still eat red meat or poultry, just be sure to buy the leanest cuts you can find. Trim off any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken and then grill your meat to keep the goodness in and the fat levels down.

9. Meal Replacement Meal replacement diets can be a very handy way to shed pounds quickly. Simply replace your normal lunches with a great replacement shake so you're still getting all the nutrients you need without all the calories to go with it.

Remember these simple rules and you will be slimmer and happier in 2009. - 16955

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