Tips for eating and enjoying it—but not gaining weight.
I have learned some tips that have helped me through the years. I have been a long time Weight Watcher member and have tried to find ways to eat in whatever situation I am in…and make it work. I don’t beat myself up if I am not perfect. I just get up and start over the next day.
Growing up, my mom was a great cook. Bacon (and the grease) was used in almost every vegetable for seasoning. Sure it is great—but not healthy or low calorie. Instead of using bacon or lots of butter when cooking my veggies, I have learned to use chicken broth—or even just bouillon cubes. My green beans cooked this way are great. I use one bouillon cube per pound of fresh green beans. Try sautéing a chopped onion in just a dab of olive oil first and that will also add extra flavor.
Eat your food as close to the natural state as possible—avoid heavy sauces, loads of cheese and toppings like bacon and French Fried onion rings.
Salads are great and filling, but watch what you put in the salad and on top of it!! Too much dressing can destroy this healthy option. Use cheese, croutons, and other toppings in moderation. Try half the amount of dressing you would normally use—or purchase a lower fat one. For years, I have been ordering boxes of the restaurant sized packets of No Fat Italian Dressing. I carry those packets in my purse and car….and panic if I run out of them.
Fill up on healthy veggies, fruits and salads. The add other things in smaller amounts—like meats, higher calorie veggies ( potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn) and desserts. Remember—you do not have to be hungry—fill up on the good, lower calorie foods. If you are at a function where there is a buffet, don’t go back for seconds immediately. Wait at least 10 minutes—give your brain time to register if your stomach is full!
And here is my final tip. If you snack at night, try making a pan of Knox Blox. It will take you 5 minutes to prepare and a few hours to refrigerate. Mix 4 envelopes of Knox Gelatin with 3 packages of Jello (I use the sugar free varieties). Add 4 cups boiling water and mix well. Pout into a 13 x 9 dish and refrigerate until set. Cut into squares and indulge whenever you need to have a snack—and don’t feel guilty!!
Confessions of a Serial Dieter:
Yes, I do indulge in a Snickers occasionally, BUT I eat it slowly—very slowly. I eat the chocolate off a very small section—then the nougat letting it melt in my mouth. Finally the caramel….and then I start on my next little section. I have been known to take an hour to eat one Snickers!!
When I get a small back of chips (baked) with my sandwich, I immediately smash them. It takes longer to eat the little pieces!!
I try my best to recognize when I am full—and stop eating right then. I find if the remainder of food on my plate sits there, I continue eating. So I have learned to either get the remainder boxed immediately—or ruin what is left…..put a bunch of salt on it—smash my napkin into it, etc.
Do whatever works for you. Don’t worry what others think. You are the only one who has to put on your jeans tomorrow! And if you need some extra help with controlling your diet, check out our great products at http://ultalife.com/UltaSlim.html.
