This is not a "diet," because you will not be hungry and you can
do it anywhere.
This is a positive, lifelong change. It's compiled from my own years of fitness instructing
and personal experience.
With exercise, you will look as good as any vegetarian or marathon runner, without going
to extremes.
Control portion sizes. Eat half of what you normally would, and check to see if you can put off eating
the rest for another hour or so.
Spread out meals. Eat up to 6 meals a day--small,
healthy ones. Eat enough to get something in your stomach, but never stuff yourself. Once you adjust to this strategy, you
won't crave bad foods, because you never let yourself get really hungry. At the very first hint of hunger, grab something
healthy from the fridge or from my grocery list below.
If you are out, you don't have to avoid
restaurants, but when you get there identify the three healthiest small-portion items on the menu and choose one. You'll be surprised how good it tastes, how full you feel, and you'll be guilt-free.
Get
5-7 servings of fruits or veggies each day. This diet change will be the single biggest change you can make, and it will do
wonders for your body.
Milk your diet. Get 3 servings of calcium per day. Yogurt is great for digestion.
Milk can be a snack that stops you from getting that tank on empty an making a bad food choice.
Do
not cut out carbs, but buy whole wheat. Do not eat bread or pasta unless it is whole wheat or bran. Muffins are
not health food; they are glorified cupcakes.
Water. Drink a full glass each morning
when you wake up. Carry a water bottle at all times, along with a healthy snack for emergencies.
Never
drink soda, it is not worth the calories. Even diet soda has chemicals, prevents you from drinking something healthy,
and has no nutrition. Save your indulgences for the carrot cake you've been craving, but have just a little.
Protein. Fish like salmon and tuna have omega 3s which are healty for your insides and your skin.
Most other fish and chicken are great ways to fill up for a long time without fat. I love hard boiled eggs for snacks. Almonds
and walnuts are great nuts that also keep you healthy inside and out. If you fill up on brightly colored fruits
and veggies, milk, lean protein and whole wheat carbs, you will be too full for junk food!
Fiber. Cereals high in fiber (I like Fiber One) can be eaten in a bowl with non-fat milk and fruit, or sprinkled
on yogurt and salads, as well as eaten as a snack by the handful.
