Have you ever felt like throwing your scale against the wall, off a cliff or breaking it with a hammer? We’ve felt the same way, far too many times. Here’s five insights that we found helpful.
Scale Obsession. Somehow we all believe if we weigh ourselves more frequently it will have a magical effect and speed up our weight loss. Instead of stepping on the scale before and after every meal and throughout the day, weigh in every other week. Grab that pair of jeans you’ve been wanting to fit into and use them as your means to measure weight loss success.
Diet Soda. If the idea of a calorie free beverage seems too good to be true – it is. Diet sodas do nothing to nourish your body, calm your thirst and hydrate you. As a matter of fact diet sodas leach minerals from your bones and dehydrate your cells. Instead look to green tea, a low octane refreshing energy source that hydrates and boosts your metabolism.
Zero Carb and Fat-free. Our bodies need healthy carbs and healthy fats to function properly. Carbohydrates and fats are easily brushed aside when it comes time to cut calories. Don’t be in a hurry to ditch all of the carbs and fats. Fruits, veggies and whole grains are the carbohydrates of choice. Depriving yourself of whole food groups leaves your body wanting for the vital nutrients that come with whole foods. Eat a well balanced diet.
Post Workout Reload. It’s easy to overestimate how many calories we burn during a workout. Our perceived effort often clouds our post-workout choices. We can easily mistake hunger for thirst. Try drinking 12 ounces of water after your workout in place of sports drinks or protein drinks. Your body may think it needs to quickly replace the calories you burned during your workout but don’t give in, allow your body time to continue burning calories after your workout!
Liquid Calories. Calories from juices, sodas, coffees, energy drinks and sports drinks can easily offset the calories you’re trying to burn through exercise. Liquid calories digest faster than solid foods and leave you feeling less satisfied. Drink water and save your calories for solid food.
Calm your thirst and treat your taste buds with green tea. With few calories and natural caffeine, it will give you the energy you need, while hydrating your body.
Green tea has so many weight loss and weight control benefits due to EGCG, the antioxidant found only in green tea.