Always make a shopping list before grocery day and stick to it.

Discuss Today's Diet Tip #12: Are you guilty of bringing home unwanted and impulse items? Are they junk foods? Do you shop sales or in season foods and stock up? Is there an aisle in the store best avoided by you?

Brush your teeth immediately after a meal and do not eat again until the next meal.

Discuss Today's Diet Tip # 11: I can attest this works for me and gives me the excuse to say a polite no to others who offer in between meals. Also have not had a cavity in about 6 years now.

Don't stand near the food table at parties.

Today's Diet Tip # 10

Discuss: Is it too much temptation to view the delightful assortment of morsels? Are you more comfortable chewing than chatting at parties?

Microwave or use a non stick skillet whenever you can. A steamer or brolier comes in handy too.

Discuss Today's Diet Tip #9

Discuss: Do you use pans, grill, modern cooking methods to limit fat? Were you raised on a deep fryer? Or do you just cook with convenience and speed in mind? Do you have any appliances that are favorites for limiting oils and fats?

Alcohol slows down your metabolism; limit it.

Discuss Today's Diet Tip #8

How much do you think is too much on a weekly basis? Do you count your alcohol as part of your diet caloric intake? Do you believe alcohol increases your appetite?

Never stand when you eat; sit instead.

Discuss Today's Diet Tip #7

Discuss: Ever so hurried that you eat on the run? Do you ever eat over the stove? Do you believe we are meant to sit and eat a meal? Is there a good reason you can think of for this practice?

Get calories from foods you chew, not beverages.

Today's Diet Tip # 6

Discuss: Typically 20%+ of our calories come from drinks. Do you drink water? What fluids do you drink that could be amputated from your diet? If you count calories or do WW points, do you remember to add your beverages for the day?

If the temptation is too much, drive a different route if you have to pass a fast food or donut shop.

Discuss Today's Diet Tip #5

Discuss: Has your car ever turned right into a McDonald's with barely your consent? Is it a real temptation to grab and go? Have you ever resisted this way?

Drink broth, bullion cube, or a full glass of water before a meal.

Discuss Today's Diet Tip #4:

How many want to get right to the chewing part of the meal? Do you mentally prepare for the meal before hunger has you in its grip? How many use this technique to help the brain signal full before they overeat?

Instead of whole milk, switch to skim or 1 percent.

Discuss # 3 quick, best diet tip:

Have you made the switch? Would you change to lessen calories or fat content? Would your family object? Do you get enough calcium in your diet?

Eat at least two servings of fruit or veggie at every meal.

Discuss # 2 quick, best diet tip:


Do you believe there is a correlation between health and nutrition? Do you believe in the USDA Pyramid guidelines and try to follow them? How many servings a day of fruit and vegetables do you get?

 (www.dietingfordummies.org, www.gracetoday.com, and coming soon www.inspirationeating.com)

Edited by author 12-08-2007 04:06 AM
Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate.

Discuss #1 quick, best diet tip:

Do you use large sized dinner plates? Could you really scale back on your portions if you used a salad plate instead? Do you follow the rule to leave a space you can see in between each food? Tell what tricks you use for portion control with cups, glasses, bowls and plates?

Boosting Your Metabolism!

To lose weight, you have to reduce calories taken in, increase calories expended, or do both. Metabolism is somewhat a function of genetics, but you can increase basal metabolism by building muscle. Aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate can raise metabolism while you're exercising. You can increase the thermic effect on metabolism by focusing on quality protein and high-fiber fruits and vegetables. Dehydration can contribute to an inefficient metabolism. Making sure you drink enough water will help to avoid this. Never dip down to lower than 1200 calories a day or your body will try to conserve calories. Do not skip meals for the same reason. Space them out 4-5 hours a piece and add a moderate snack in between if you so desire. Move as much as possible. The amount of calories you burn in the course of a day adds up. And last but not least, your metabolism naturally decreases with age, so determine to start losing weight now.

Have a blessed day!

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Think before you drink!

Be mindful of beverages loaded with caloric ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, fructose, milk, cream, syrup, special flavoring, and even fruit juice. If you're watching your weight, you are better off eating fruit versus drinking it. Did you know that flavored water, vitamin water and sports drinks all have added calories? When it comes to managing your weight, calorie-free water will always be your best bet. Pay careful attention to serving sizes also. Many bottled products are two or more servings, not one. Watch out for alcohol when dieting. Alcohol and nutrition are closely linked. Over consumption of alcohol can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weight gain, and chronic diseases such as liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary heart disease. If you drink alcoholic beverages do so in moderation. No more than one drink a day for women. No more than two drinks a day for men. Trim 500 liquid calories from your daily diet and you'll save 3,500 calories a week and lose a pound. Just 500 extra calories per day will add up to one pound per week potential weight gain.

Plan Ahead Each Shopping Trip!
 
Try this on for size. Weigh yourself before you go shopping. Yikes, isn't that a novel idea? If you weigh heavy, you will surely want to avoid buying exras. If you weigh light, you don't want to blow your week with extras. This scale technique can be a win/win situation. Always eat before you go food shopping and always prepare a shopping list. Only purchase food which relates to your weekly menu plan and don't be tempted to buy goodies. Don't walk down each and every aisle if you do not intend to purchase from that row. You will only find more items to tempt you. Do buy sale and in-season items that will compliment your diet. Saving money is almost as much fun as loosing weight. If you are in doubt of a food item, do read the nutritional label, including calories per serving. Many times this will deter you from a purchase you might regret before you arrive home. The labels are your friend and will keep you honest rather that a, "I didn't know" attitude. If shopping is a favorite weekly thing to do, try to shorten your time spent in the grocery store and increase your time spent browsing at Victoria's Secret where someday you will be able to purchase items to showcase your new figure. Now, isn't that much more rewarding?
 
Have a blessed day!
 
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