If your New Year’s resolution is to drop those extra holiday pounds, then you’ve come to the right place.
We all know New Year’s resolutions are much easier to make than they are to keep, but keeping them doesn’t have to be hard if you have a plan. So put the thought of another Christmas cookie or a mashed potato and gravy slathered plate aside and let’s get started with these easy tricks that will keep you on track.
The most important tip I can give you is to keep track of the foods you are eating. Either write them down in a notebook or use one of our easy to follow food journals. This will help you determine how many calories you’ve consumed.
Keep your portions small. Try serving food on smaller plates. If you choose to use a large plate, load it with vegetables instead of your usual side dish, they are filling and packed full of vitamins.
Always wait 10–20 minutes after a meal to know if you’ve had enough. If you’re still hungry, have more vegetables or treat yourself to some sweet fruit. Your thighs will thank you for it.
Carefully check the nutritional values on packaged foods (how many servings the package contains and the fat and calories per serving).
Add more fibre to your diet. Fibre will keep you fuller for longer so you won’t be as tempted to snack on sugary foods. A great way to incorporate more fibre into your diet is with whole grains. If a recipe calls for white rice, substitute brown. Use whole grain bread instead of white when making sandwiches and omit the butter and mayonnaise or use their lighter versions sparingly.
If you must snack, slice up some of your favourite fruits. If you’re craving chocolate, have a small piece and savour it; avoid eating a whole bar. Have one cookie instead of a handful.
Stick with lean meats like chicken and fish. Use ground chicken in your favourite recipes as a substitute for fattier meat.
Avoid fried foods. Bake or broil whenever possible. Frying foods will just add on fat and empty calories.
Try to achieve 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week. Walking is an inexpensive and easy way to work out. Get a well-fitting pair of shoes and a pedometer, your goal is 10,000 steps per day.
Drink plenty of water during the day and with your meals. Water will not only keep your appetite under control; it will keep you energized throughout the day.
Here are some healthy recipes from our web site that will help you on your way to trimming down.
Skillet Chicken with Balsamic Greens - http://chicken.ca/recipes/view/skillet-chicken-with-balsamic-greens/
Easy Chicken Stuffed Peppers - http://chicken.ca/recipes/view/easy-chicken-stuffed-peppers/
Thai-Style Chicken and Rice Soup - http://chicken.ca/recipes/view/thai-style-chicken-rice-soup-gluten-free/
Ground Chicken and Salsa Sloppy Joes - http://chicken.ca/recipes/view/ground-chicken--salsa-sloppy-joes/
For more low-fat recipes visit our site at www.chicken.ca.
Good luck!
