Five easy rules that help you stay slim

Sometimes your simple daily habits can be the reason you are failing to lose weight. Actually, killing yourself on the treadmill and then going hungry for a few days won't solve your weight issues. Rather, a lifestyle that has a great balance of exercise and the right diet can crack it for you. Do not expect results overnight but follow these consistently and your healthy lifestyle will surely reflect on your weighing scales! Here are a few tips you need to keep in mind if you want to make sure that your weight loss programme is effective.

-Don't keep reaching out for food all day

Clinical nutritionist Pooja Makhija says, "Eating mini meals every two to three hours keeps up your metabolism and your body does not end up storing fat. You must avoid having finger foods, wafers, chips, chocolate biscuits etc in between these mini meals." Experts state that if you think you are feeling hungry even before the two hours are up, then you must distract yourself because this cannot be actual hunger.

-Choose only healthy food

Staying away from negative eating patterns is the key to losing weight the easy way. Avoid keeping unhealthy food, albeit yummy, at home. Stock up your refrigerator with vegetables, nuts and fruits instead. Also, be around close friends who are conscious about healthy eating and lead a healthy, clean lifestyle. Nutritionist Karishma Chawla says, "Sugar is something that you must avoid or indulge in only occasionally. It always stresses the body. Not more than 10 gms is advisable. Avoid sugar in any form, be it white table sugar, honey or fruit juice."

-Enjoy every morsel you put in your mouth

Wellness coach and motivational speaker Raageshwari Loomba Swaroop emphasises the importance of mindfulness. "Being mindful is essential all the time. When you are eating, you must see the colours on your plate, feel the texture of the food in your mouth, experience the taste and the flavours as you chew slowly." Experts say that this releases saliva and enzymes that help you in digesting all that you have eaten. While eating, reach for the next bite only after you have thoroughly chewed and eaten the first.

-Avoid over-processed foods

Do not give yourself the option to reach out to frozen, pickled and salt-laden pre-packaged or pre-cooked foods. Laced with empty calories and an excess of both salt, sugar and preservatives, these foods will never let you succeed on your 'mission weight-loss'. Attractively packaged fruit juices that claim to be natural and healthy could lead to unwanted calorie consumption. Real, organic and fresh should be the words that reign supreme in your lifestyle.

-Real hunger vs fake hunger

Learn to understand how much you actually need to eat. When you don't understand you put on weight. Experts say that one of the best ways to find out whether you have over-eaten is when you do not feel hungry in two to three hours after the meal. So, avoid stuffing yourself. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly ensures that you do not overeat.


Also read: Here's what you should actually be counting to lose that extra weight