Summer’s breezy vibe may tempt you to give your diet a vacation, but wait! Here are some easy ways to keep your weight in check while still enjoying yourself:
Beat Sweet Cravings
Feel an ice cream binge coming on? Nip a sweet craving by eating something sour. Bite into a pickle or sip some lemony water or tea.
Eat More Fiber
At the salad bar, fill your plate with fiber first, and save the fatty indulgences for your last stop. Build your plate by piling on the leafy greens first, then vegetables and finish with just a tasting portion or two of fatty meats or creamy salads.
Stay Hydrated
Drink a tall glass of water before a meal, and you’ll be satisfied eating less food. The same holds if you’re grabbing a snack at a vending machine or convenience store. On steamy days coconut water is refreshingly low-calorie choice that helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
Savor Every Bite
Slow down and think about the food you eat - what you enjoy about it, its freshness or interesting flavors. People who eat at a slower pace feel satisfied eating less, while those who eat quickly tend to overeat by cleaning their plate or going for second helpings.
Snack Smart
Have a healthy snack around mid-afternoon and you won’t be ravenously hungry come dinner time. The secret to a tasty snack that’s light and filling is to pair some fiber-rich carbs and lean protein. Good choices include crispy high-fiber crackers with a wedge of low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt topped with crunchy high fiber cereal or mixed with fresh berries, and sliced fruit spread with almond butter.