Slim Fast : Top 5 Ways to Feel Slim, Fast

Slim Fast

Are you tired of waking up feeling bloated? Then eating breakfast and feeling three months pregnant? Here's great news! You can remedy this problem easily.

Start today by doing the following five tips.

1. Cut portions in half.
Whatever amount you typically portion out for yourself, cut it in half. American portions are out of control. We often dish up more than we should at home and without a doubt we are served more than one serving in a restaurant. As you pare down your serving sizes, you will start to register being full with less food. Using a smaller plate will trick your mind into thinking you are getting your usual amount of food.

2. Plan and eat only 3 meals and 1 snack.
Yes, plan your meals. Pick the time you will eat and if your schedule is tight put it on your calendar so you can't overlook it. Skipping meals does not help with slimming down, it only helps to slow your metabolism. When planning your meals, think about where you will be and who you will be with at that time. Should you take your lunch to work to eat with coworkers instead of ordering take-out? Maybe you can view a menu online before going out to dinner and choose your meal ahead of time. Going to a family event? Then look back in your mind to past events and rehearse what you will say when Aunt Betty tries to push off the last little bit of her "famous" dish on you. It never hurts to be honest in these situations and say something like "No thank you, "I am trying to cut back on my portions" or "I am trying to watch what I eat these days to improve my health". It is also always a good idea to complement someone on their dish in the same breath so they don't feel like you dislike their contribution to the meal. Planning a snack is equally important. Your snack can be mid-morning, mid-afternoon, or in the evening. The time of day should reflect your schedule. Choose the time of day with the longest gap between meals. Snacks are supposed to help you curb your appetite until the next meal, not be a meal unto themselves. Approximately 150 calories is a good snack amount.

3. Stop eating after 8 pm.
This is not a magic trick. It simply allows your body the time needed to digest everything before going to sleep. And guess what? You're more likely to wake up ready for breakfast because you didn't go to bed full. You'll start the day fresh and with more energy. If you are an early to bed kind of gal, say 9pm, then stop eating by 7 pm at the latest. Give yourself at least two hours sans food before getting any shut eye.

4. Choose high fiber foods.
Simply put, choose foods with at least 3-4 grams of fiber per serving. Your total for the day should be 25-35 grams. Fiber is found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts primarily. Make every meal and snack count or you will come up short at the end of the day. A high fiber cereal, like Kashi, Fiber One, or oatmeal make a good breakfast. Whole grain bread for your sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables help you get your fiber in a simple lunch. Dinner may include a garden salad, a bean dish (or add beans to your salad) and maybe nuts as part of your snack. Piecing it all together doesn't have to be difficult, but it does take some planning.

5. Exercise in the morning.
Get it done early, no excuses. No matter what happens during the rest of the day, you will have gotten your exercise in. It will also give you an extra spring in your step. Who couldn't use a little more energy during the day? The extra calorie burn or "afterburn" from the increase in metabolism during the following couple of hours is not substantial, but can be considered a bonus for the early birds.

Five simple steps to feeling slim fast. You'll feel the difference right away!

Sandra Meyerowitz, Registered Dietitian and owner of Nutrition Works, a health promotion company specializing in weight loss, wellness and sports nutrition. Visit Nutrition Works at http://www.smartnutritionworks.com

Licensed provider for Real Living Nutrition Services®, an online nutrition coaching service for weight loss. Try the sensible approach to eating right. http://www.smartnutritionworks.com

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