Eat and Slim Down

April is here! Before you know it, it will be Memorial weekend, aka the official start of summer. The time is now to get on track with your healthy eating! A diet rich in quality ingredients such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and whole grains and moderate exercise will help! I know losing 10lbs quick is tempting but don’t fall prey to fad diets. I talk about Fad Diets in my podcast, FUNKY FITNESS NOW. Here’s an episode about  Weird Weight Loss Rip Offs.

Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to weight loss. That means 1-2 pounds per week; it has been shown to be the most effective for keeping weight down for the long term.

Here are 4 VERY simple things you can do.

• Fruits and veggies are the STAR – These guys should get top billing when it comes to your meal. They are not only low in calories but highly filling foods and should make up approximately half of your plates. If you want to lose some lbs these foods are a MUST for your meals.   
• Find healthy swaps – I totally “get it” and understand everyone has favorite not-so-good for us foods. Mine is caramel.  Here are some ideas for getting in some healthy foods:   Try swapping popcorn for potato chips, frozen yogurt for ice cream, dark chocolate for milk chocolate, a single lean turkey burger instead of a beefy double cheeseburger.
• Check your self. – Why do you need a giant plate or to have 3 or 4 helpings of a meal? A little extra here, a little extra there adds up. Portions sizes have gotten out of control and we as a society haven’t even noticed! You don’t need 3 helpings of dinner.   
• Honesty is the best policy – Don’t lie to yourself. In the end the only one you are hurting is you. Be honest about your motivation, your time and how you’re achieving your goals.  Write it down and make a note of EVERYTHING you put in your mouth, the bites and snacks you grab in between those meals count. Writing it down will help you notice when you grab for unhealthy foods so then you can correct your behavior.

If you want to feel your best in your summer clothes make sure you start with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Do this all year and not just in the spring and you will find you can achieve your weight loss beyond the warmth of summer.