You can lose weight while eating your favorite food. Yes, you can. And before you skeptically roll your eyes or think about the possibility of binge eating while looking like a supermodel, stop for second and make sure your goals are properly set.
Got it? Does your goal sound even remotely like this?
“I want to lose weight and I’m willing to be a moderate eater; I’ll even exercise! But I want to feel happy and full.”
Sounds familiar? Continue reading. It’s time to get those long-term results you are after!
What to do when you feel the munchies?
First of all, make sure you haven’t skipped a meal. If you did, feel free to enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner – not a snack.
Now it’s time to change your focus form the cravings to your emotions. How are you feeling today? Are you angry, bored, or lonely? We usually confuse those emotions with hunger and that’s why it’s important to take a step back and think.
Try taking a walk, a shower or play some music that makes you feel good. If you still feel like eating a box of ice-cream, go ahead and raise your spoon – but remember to be as moderate as you possibly can.
While digging dipper into the ice cream box, concentrate on the flavors, textures, and colors so you’ll know when you’re full. Avoid eating in front of the TV or while driving.
There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure
Food is a source of nutrients and calories; it’s as simple as that. Try not to attach the feelings of guilt and judgment to it.
Depriving yourself of the treats might sound like a good short-term method but in the long-run, it will most likely result in self-sabotage. Your favorite meals are not your weaknesses and you shouldn’t restrain them mainly because allowing yourself moderate portions of your favorite foods will make you feel less deprived.
There’s also a little trick that includes eating what you love but preparing your food for the healthier ingredients. It tastes almost exactly the same but it makes you feel closer to your goal – and it’s not just a subjective feeling; others will notice too.
What should I eat to lose weight?
Now that we have a strong mindset, it’s time to get practical and figure out the messy part.
Don’t count calories and don’t skip meals. Eat the foods you enjoy but try to include these in your diet:
1) Grains
2) Dairy (low fat, or nonfat)
3) Produce
4) Meat (salmon is the king of super-foods – try to eat fish twice a week)
You can eat sweets, just try to be moderate, if you decide that you really want them to go for it, but after a while, you’ll probably notice you don’t have those cravings anymore.
Bring a bottle of water wherever you go
It might sound funny but it’s really easy to confuse thirst for hunger. It’s hypothalamus’ fault because this part of our brain regulates both hunger and thirst and sometimes, he just gets overwhelmed and confused.
But you can help your friend hypothalamus and reach for a glass of water every now and then. Wait for 15 minutes and if you no longer feel hungry then you were likely just dehydrated.
This is a must
Set a workout goal and stick to it. But make sure it’s realistic and suited for you; there’s nothing worse than feeling like you are underachieving.
You are now eating well and you feel much better. You’re feeling stronger and that stamina and high energy are motivating, right? Use it in order to reach your body goals.
What really makes a winner in this battle is patience. You are not on a strict diet and there will be no yo-yo effect but the results will not come overnight. Be proud of your healthy approach – the approach that is sustainable in the long-term and that makes you look and feel great!
If you need help with a workout plan or nutritional advice, we are there for you. Feel free to chat with us about your goals. Let’s do this together!
