A Girl's Guide to Food
Food and drink can be tempting. It's easy to become so concerned about what you eat that it could get difficult to actually enjoy what you're eating! An effective diet consists of foods that are tasty, filling, and good for you. Fad diets are popular for a reason, and this is because they get results very quickly. But these diets might be so strict and so unsatisfying that you may find yourself gaining back even more than what you lost! So, as you can see, the right idea is to find the perfect balance between overindulging and being too hard on yourself. But that's easier said than done.
How can you find balance when it comes to what you eat? Here are some simple ways that allow you to feel great about yourself while enjoying and being mindful of the food you eat.
Eat only when you're hungry
Food is an inevitable part of any party, holiday, or even a meeting with friends. A strict diet will limit you at any of these events, and can deprive the body of food when it needs it the most, especially when alcohol. Always listen to your hunger pangs and really pay attention to what you eat. Having a few chicken wings or onion rings is fine! But, moderation is key. And the same goes for drinks. When you're out with the girls, trade in that gin and tonic for a gin and club soda with lime. It eliminates all of the sugar and calories that hide in tonic water. Also keep in mind that a glass of most wine is between 100 and 150 calories.
Prevent yo-yo dieting
A proper diet is a great way to lose weight, but if you lose track of your goals, it is possible to gain the weight lost back. Girls who are not consistent with their diet can gain more weight and fat deposits over a period of time.
Believe in yourself
Catherine Steiner-Adair, EdD, who studies eating disorders at Harvard Medical School, says that girls are often more concerned with how they look than other, more important things. It's common for women to second guess themselves if they are not in the physical shape they want to be in. In order to reach your goals and your full potential, understand and accept yourself! Feeling great about yourself is about much more than the number on the scale. So make sure you're enriching yourself in all other areas of life.
Hydrate properly
This might be the most important! Many people drink so many empty calories throughout their day without even realizing. Just one can of soda can provide over two days' worth of sugar, and 200 calories. If you drink a can of soda per day, you could eliminate 1,400 calories from your week by simply cutting this habit. That's almost a full day's worth of calories, just in soda!
But diet soda isn't the answer here. The way diet soda is sweetened will actually lead your brain to crave sugar and food. The only way to end a sweet-drink habit is to replace them with water and naturally flavored or sparkling water.
Keep a bottle of water every where you go. At work, on your nightstand, in the kitchen. Drink a full glass right when you wake up, and be sure to drink throughout the day. You will feel less bloated, and in general you will feel brighter with a more refreshed energy. Properly hydrating is a key element to staying healthy.
Take a media break
It's common for everyone, not just women, to subconsciously compare themselves to a celebrity or someone they see on TV. This can separate you from your goals, making you think they're unattainable.
When you're looking to live your best life, the only person you have to worry about is yourself!
