Keep Calories at Bay

The Christmas Season has come and gone, but now with the arrival of a New Year many may still be overindulging before kicking their resolutions into gear.  So what can you do to keep your diet plan on track for 2009 and feel more full without stuffing yourself like a Thanksgiving turkey?

Choose foods that contain more whole-grains.  If you are a cereal type of person, choose cereals with very little sugar and more fibre.  Try Kashi GoLean, Cheerios, Total Honey Clusters, Shredded Wheat... just to list a few, then add a handful of blueberries, some sliced strawberries, slivered almonds or dried mixed fruit.  When baking, replace regular flour with a whole-wheat flour (like oat flour).  Use brown rice instead of white rice and throw in some steamed broccoli, mustard greens, spinach or other veggies to make it more hearty.  Just sneak in more dietary fibre.  Blending a smoothie?  Add a teaspoon of psyllium seed husk, or a few tablespoons of chia or flax seeds.  Have a nice big apple with some natural peanut butter.  In fact, have an apple or orange after your meals to keep you satisfied longer.  Enjoy a walnut and raisin snack;  eat more nutrient dense foods.

Once again, drink plenty of water throughout the day!  Not only does water keep us full, it also helps regulate digestion and can also contribute to keeping us "regular."

Jot down what you eat!  That's right, log what you've eaten for the day to keep a track of where you may be going wrong.  Sometimes people think they are eating healthy only to find out they are off track or not even eating enough.  It doesn't take much to keep a food diary, which in the end will help you maintain or lose weight more effectively.  Remember you need to eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  For those who are more active, you will also need to include at least 2 small snacks in between.

So feel full with fewer calories and notice a difference with your body.

Helki S. Weber - GNC Health/Nutrition Consultant

Written by :

Helki S.Weber

 

Health & Fitness - Diet and Nutrition