Random Tips

oddyogi

I'm not sure if anyone has posted a thread like this before, but I figured I would share some random tips that I've learned from nutritionist, reading health books, reading articles, and my husband (who considers himself a health and fitness nazi [yay me]). Feel free to reply with your own tips that have helped you! I would love to learn even more ways to boost my metabolism!

I know some of these that I've listed might seem like they're common sense, but with so many "rules" or weight loss suggestions out there, sometimes it's good to get a refresher!

- Instead of eating three meals, eat 4-5 300-400 calorie meals through the day consisting of complex carbs (veggies, fruit, whole grains) and protein. If your daily calorie allowance is low (1200-1500), continue to eat three small-calorie meals per day, and add a morning and afternoon snack that's 100 calories or less (a piece of fruit, nuts, or something similar).

- Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

- This seems like a no brainer, but.. take a good daily vitamin! It will help keep all the good nutrients in your system for the days you don't eat balanced meals.

- Avoid starches after lunch. Starches = breads, pastas, rice, grains, potatoes, corn, etc. Starches are high glycemic carbs which raise insulin levels. The lower your insulin levels are while you're sleeping, the more calories (and fat) your body will burn. This is due to a hormone that is released, but I forgot what the hormone was called. It starts with a G I think? Anyway, the important part is to try and limit starch intake. :-)

Those are the best tips I have that I can think of...let's hear some more!

oddyogi

Another one I meant to add is CHEAT MEALS! It's okay to have cheat meals once a week, but try not to have an entire cheat day. On the day you want to treat yourself, plan your other meals around the cheat meal, and maybe exercise a little more that day.

For example, this Saturday, I plan on trying one of those Red Velvet Cheesecake Blasts from Sonic! It's about 850 calories, and seeing as my daily calorie allowance is 1200, I will probably run for about half an hour that day (burning about 350 calories), and eat a light breakfast and dinner. My total calories for that day will probably exceed 1200, but it won't be over 1500, so I will still be on track. :-)

Hope this helps. I always thought it was okay to have an entire cheat day, but my husband informed me it's very easy to ruin all of your hard work for the week in one day.

Simonscat

Cheers!

MontanaB

drink lots of water is one i learnt pretty quickly..

green tea is said to be good - something about water retention or something..i drink it religiously cause i like it but don't fully know the benefits!!

mix things up a bit in the gym so your body doesn't get too comfy and used to the same thing

don't starve yourself of your fave foods - smaller amounts can still be eaten - at least then when you have reached your goal weight you won't gain again when you decide foods are now allowed again

hope these are helpful

startover

Cheat meals are a great idea, especially if you use it at the end of the week to reward yourself for a job well done

khrys1

I try to plan out what I'll be eating for the next day- sometimes, I'll even enter it in MFP for the next day, and that way I feel like I'm committed! I also have workout buddies who keep me on track (we exercise after work 4 days a week). I've heard that scheduling your exercise in a datebook, like you would any other important item in your life, can also be helpful. Allow yourself to have a little bit of food you love, rather than totally avoiding it, or in the long run, you'll just give in and eat WAY too much. Write down compliments you recieve when people start to notice the new you!!!

ralevin

This is due to a hormone that is released, but I forgot what the hormone was called. It starts with a G I think? Anyway, the important part is to try and limit starch intake. :-)

Would that be Glycogen?

shanamalena

Yeah i would really like to know all the benefits making sure you drink atleast 8 glasses of water a day.....??? I tend to slack on the water consumption, so maybe if i know how important it really is then i will drink more..... :-) lol