Here are some ideas and tips I use to help maintain my weight.
1. Never eat past 7pm. If I had a nice a filling dinner then I know I got what I needed. I don't snack after 7. I will however grab a small glass of milk. It helps me to sleep and feel full.
2. If I know I just ate and a little later I feel hungry I will grab a water. A lot of the time our brain can't tell the difference between hunger cravings and drink cravings. Usually the water satisfies the craving.
3. I cut out all sodas except for a treat once in a while. Even diet soda can be just as bad.
4. I also cut out fast food. BUT...occasionally I will treat myself. I'll get a kids meal though instead of a full blown meal. Because after all it's just the taste I'm after right? Sure as heck not the nutritional value.
5. Water, water, water, water. I drink lots of it. Drink a glass before you eat and it will make you feel fuller faster.
6. I quit buying chips, and cookies, and sweets. If It's not in my home I can't eat it right?
7. I snack on fruits and raw veggies in between meals if I absolutely need to snack.
8. If I eat cereal I eat Special Protein or some of the other Special K brands. No kids cereal for me.
9. Never starve yourself. You will only pay for it later by overeating!
10. I write down my goals or tell people my goals. If I tell someone I'm held more accountable for keeping them.
11. Snack on healthy things while you're cooking, instead of picking. I bet you don't even count those calories, but they add up!
12. Eat your carbs earlier in the day, so you know you're going to burn them off. No cookies after dinner! Your body will store them as fat.
13. Watch those portions!! I shall refer you to this page: Healthy portion plate!
14. Wait 15 from the time you think you're hungry to actually eat; this will help you determine whether this is a genuine hunger or a habitual/superficial hunger.
15. If you're having a craving, drink some water and then do some type of physical activity like jumping jacks, stretching, jogging, walking, etc. Basically, just to get your mind off of the craving.
