How to Eat Creatively to Lose Weight Now
By Sandy Schroeder
Knowing how, why, what, and when you eat may make a huge difference in how much you weigh. If you have been down the gain/loss road before, like so many of us, you may understand how your choices affect the game. So why not make every choice a plus? That’s the point of a recent Newsmax story.
Before you grab an espresso and a bagel as you race off to work, understand what’s going on and change everything. See what you think of these tips.
Make It Easy to Eat Healthy
Most of us feel better mentally and physically when we eat healthy and we are more likely to do so if we are surrounded by excellent choices. Do the homework and stock the kitchen with first class choices. Fill platters with fresh fruit. Put out bowls of nuts and line the fridge with healthy sugar-free teas, waters and juices, plus crisp veggies and low-fat Greek yogurt. At the same time, pitch the cake, cookies, chips and sugar-loaded sodas.
Focus Your Choices
Keep it simple. Provide good protein, fiber and lots of healthy vitamins and nutrients in fruits and veggies that you like. When they get boring, bring in a whole new set of equally great choices.
Keep a Few Favorites
Stamping out all of your favorite treats may make you feel deprived. Instead, buy one single serving of chips, or go out for dessert with a friend. Those simple treats can be a release valve to keep you on track the rest of the time.
Never Make Food a Reward
When you have worked long and hard, it’s all too easy to make food the end reward. Choose other ways to celebrate. Buy new shoes or a new hat. Or treat yourself and a friend to a movie.
Structure Your Menus
Put some thought into healthy whole grains and key vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, yams and the many bean choices such as green, black, lima, and white beans.
Build a Big Recipe File
Many memorable meals may come out of those inspired recipes for black bean or shrimp tacos, veggie omelets, spinach quiche, or a sweet potato soufflé. You just have to find the recipes that fit you and your family. Try sites like Epicurious.com.
Substitute Flavor for Fat
As you become smarter about how and when you eat, expand your list of seasonings with more herbs, spices and vinegars. Lose the salt shaker and enjoy cracked black pepper along with basil, thyme, cumin, oregano, and garlic. If you like spicy, expand your range of peppers, but be careful of super hot ones like Ghost peppers.
Eating creatively may be the best thing you can do for your body today. Enjoy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wellington, Fla.