Everybody wants to lose weight and get healthy, without going on a diet. Most everyone has been on some sort of diet, only to go off the diet a couple of days / weeks later. This is because people get bored or they smell the cookies baking.
There are ten commandments of food that you should have a look at, if you are interested in healthy way of life:
1) Don’t buy the bad stuff
When you do the weekly or monthly shopping, don’t go down the chocolate or sweet aisle. Don’t go down the biscuit, cookie or bakery aisle, either! You know that by the time you get to the checkout, the majority of your trolley will be filled with snacks. Use that money for something healthier.
2) Eliminate the liquid calories.
Don’t even try it. And lay off the diet soft drinks, too. The bubbles make you feel bloated, and you probably don’t need the caffeine. Alcohol contains loads of calories and can screw with your liver and stomach and all sorts of nasty things.
3) Look at the carbohydrates you’re eating
Your body needs carbs, but the low GI variety. Check the packaging for low GI, which keep your sugar count regulated. Choose whole grain or whole wheat instead of white.
4) Plan your meals
Plan what you want to eat for the week / month. If you buy only what is on the list, you won’t be tempted to use too much. Going to the store every day puts temptation in your way. Order online if you can.
5) Have sensible meals
Mama’s meals weren’t actually such a bad idea. For instance, chicken with potatoes and vegetables give you that protein, starch and vitamins that you need. Having a slice of whole grain bread on the side gives you the roughage and carbs.
6) Snack between meals
If you get hungry between your three main meals, choose a healthy alternative, like Nuts and fruits. Just don’t have peanuts, especially the roasted, salted variety. If you really feel like having something that tastes like a ‘baddie’ then have popcorn, but make it without butter or oil and with a tiny bit of salt.
7) Learn to say no
You will be tempted to go off the path by many well-meaning people, but try to stay away from temptation, once again. Once you put that chocolate in your mouth, you know what they say? ‘A moment on the lips, a lifetime on your hips.’
8) Eat foods in their natural states
Try to eat raw foods, including fruits and vegetables. You will find that anything that has to be cooked, like potatoes, pasta and grains are not good for your health. Cooking also takes away most of the beneficial vitamins and minerals in food.
9) Get some Omega 3 fat each day
Good for your heart, these healthy fats are found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts.
10) Get some exercise
Of course you have to build those muscles, because muscles burn fat, and the more muscular you are, the more fat you will burn. Walk to the shop instead of driving, walk to fetch the kids, walk to the park and play on the jungle gym with your kids.
That said, if you want to snack every now and then, go for it. Just don’t do it all the freakin’ time.
David Owen Nunes
David is many faceted, fascinating, fastidious, fair, fabulous and the other F word. He works in the Pensions Industry, plays occasional golf, and dreams of being able to write full time.
