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Archive for November, 2008

Holiday Hunger Tips

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

1: Eat Breakfast

Most people tend to skip the morning meal(s) on big holidays, which is more likely to make you overeat later. Even if it is your family’s tradition to eat Thanksgiving dinner at noon, try to get in a bowl of cereal with skim milk or a bowl of oatmeal. Your schedule is packed tight, but be sure to make time to maintain your muscle growth by eating a combination of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. This ensures that you will keep your metabolism pumped!

2: Training Days

Right after a workout is the best time to indulge your desire to cheat. This is simply because after you’ve been training your hungry muscles will take up all of the protein and carbohydrates and your rate of fat burning is already boosted. In other words, hitting the gym for a quick workout or taking a brisk walk shortly before heading to the office party is an excellent way to give your body a little extra cushion for those calories so you can squeeze in a small dessert.

3: Power of Protein:

Adding extra protein to your diet is a good way to help curb your appetite. Skinless turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein and it is an easy one to find at most holiday events. Fueling your body with protein will help you maintain and build lean muscle that will in turn help boost your fat burning powers. Also, loading up on turkey has another plus, it will leave less room for all of the other temptations on the table.

4: Gain Control

During the holiday season portion size can also become a problem for most of us. Set limits on how much you are prepared to eat. Have a little bit of everything that appeals to you rather than depriving yourself entirely. It will make things much easier for you.

5: Skip Dessert

Choose to give yourself a little room to indulge and you will be more likely to stick to eating a balanced, healthy meal. While it is next to impossible to totally avoid all of the treats that fill the holiday season, try to make good decisions. This means if you’re not able to resist the sweet potato soufflé, topped with marshmallows, than pass on the pumpkin pie!

(Sneak Peek: Starting December 1st, keep track of your progress in weight, bodyfat, body measurements and more).

For more tips and articles about exercise and nutrition, check out the Articles section of MyBodySite.com.

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Tips For Eating Out Guilt Free

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

For those of you who are trying to lose weight or even just hold steady and not gain pounds, eating out can seem like breaking one of the 10 commandments. If you follow these tips for eating out you no longer have to feel guilty about treating yourself to a meal away from home. You don’t have to break the calorie bank when you eat out. These 7 strategies will help.

TIP 1: READ THE WHOLE MENU

The number one rule on a multiple choice test is to read all of the answers before choosing one. The same rule should apply when eating out. Don’t get fixated on the first dish you spot. Lay out all your options and estimate the calories before making a decision on what to order.

TIP 2: ORDER FIRST

Even those of us with great self control can sometimes lose it when the rest of the table is ordering cheeseburgers and fries. Don’t be afraid to be the first to order and normally the rest of the group won’t sway your decision. In fact, you may just inspire them to eat a bit healthier.

TIP 3: START WITH A SALAD

It can be easy to want to satisfy that rumbling tummy of yours with a convenient piece of bread that many restaurants place in front of you while you are reading your menu. But, if you can hold out, order a small green salad or broth based soup rather than indulging in high calorie appetizers.

TIP 4: COSIDER A LA CARTE

Restaurants these days give you portions enough for 4 people. Rather than ordering one of those and being tempted to finish the whole thing, try ordering a few side dishes and/or healthy appetizers instead. Many dining facilities will offer some type of sampler with a few menu items that are often portioned at just the right size.

TIP 5: DO A SPLIT

If an entrée sounds like too much food ask someone to split it with you. Or, as soon as it arrives at the table ask your server to wrap half up for you. Not only have you cut your calories in half you have solved the problem of what to eat for lunch tomorrow.

TIP 6: CAN I HAVE THAT ON THE SIDE?

Restaurants many times can have a heavy hand with dressings and toppings. Getting them on the side lets you determine how much you put on your meal.

TIP 7: GET EDUCATED ABOUT THE FOOD

Special requests are okay when they are with in reason. Don’t be afraid to ask what your meal is made with (ex: butter, cream, oil, etc.) and, if it can be made with little or none at all. Asking for a side salad or vegetables instead of fries is okay and will make a difference in how you feel after your meal.

(Sneak Peek: Starting December 1st, keep track of your progress in weight,bodyfat, body measurements and more).

For more tips and articles about exercise and nutrition, check out the Articles section of MyBodySite.com.

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Posted in Training