The problem however is that for most, this extra weight isn’t lost over the remainder of the year. A slow rise in body fat as years go by is often blamed on aging or other uncontrollable factors, but the truth is, we can do much to maintain a healthy weight by making smarter diet and exercise choices.
Luckily there are some very simple tips that can shave hundred of calories from your diet, and help keep you moving.
• We tend to underestimate calorie intake by as much as 25 percent, while overestimating the amount burned with exercise, so track carefully. Take a good look at all choices, calculate how much you are really eating and compare to the amount of exercise needed to burn it off.
• Remember to include calories from beverages. Better yet, forget counting calories from drinks altogether by drinking water. This may sound bland, but water drinkers will tell you that its a matter of getting into the habit. Water is healthier, fills you up so you eat less and enjoy weight loss much more effortlessly.
• If you’re going to a holiday party, a little pre-planning goes a long way. Rule 1: Avoid heading out on an empty stomach. Have a small salad, a light yogurt or munch on raw veggies, and have water beforehand. Rule 2: Help keep portions under control! We all know that super-sizing it has become the norm, so it will be up to you to put the brakes on when tempted to overindulge.
• Calories consumed for reasons other than hunger are the ones that get us into trouble. Mindless eating happens when we are least active, watching television, sitting in front of the computer or relaxing after a long day at work. Knowing your triggers allows you to take charge and make necessary changes.
• To increase activity levels, if you have stairs at home or work, utilize them as part of a daily workout. Take a minute to do some pushups, squats or crunches, walk on a regular basis, start looking for opportunities to be more active. Walking costs nothing, can be done anywhere and is one of the safest and easiest ways to burn extra calories. Its is also an ideal way to relieve stress and one of the best ways to get into the habit of exercising if you aren’t already doing so. Tip: While you walk, pump your arms, bent to about 90 degrees, to burn additional calories with each step.
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