Weight-loss and Nutrition Myths
Diet tricks that help with weight loss
We already know about exercising and eating right but there are some other tricks you can use to get a helping hand in the weight loss department, BMI Calculator
Diet tricks that help with weight loss
1. Chew your food slowly
How many times do you just chew food once or twice before swallowing it? We're better more than a few times. Aim to chew your food at least 10 times to help with satiety. Studies have shown that taking your time and eating slowly means you end up consuming 10 per cent less calories. Why? It usually takes the brain at least 20 minutes to signal to your stomach that it’s full. If you wolf down your food like you’re trying to break a world record you’re less likely to notice those cues.
2. Drink water before a meal
Don’t save drinking water for during a meal, have it beforehand instead. If you drink at least a few cups of flat water before eating it naturally results in consuming less calories as you’re more likely to feel slightly full. Feeling full earlier = less food consumed. Also drinking half a litre of water with a meal can up metabolic rate by 30 per cent within 10 minutes. Sometimes hunger can also be confused for thirst, so staying hydrated means you know when you’re truly hungry.
3. Leave the food evidence
Have you ever noticed that it’s quite easy to polish off a plate of chicken wings but if you see remnants of how much you’ve consumed (eg the bones) than you’re likely to be more conscious of how much you’ve actually eaten? This is because your brain needs visual reminders of how much food has been had so it knows when to stop. If it sees empty bones it thinks it’s reached the conclusion of the meal. So where possible leave food evidence. So for example the next time you eat chocolate have a small bar as opposed to breaking off pieces from a block - the empty wrapper is a reminder of how much you've actually had.
4. Surround yourself with the colour blue
Did you know the colour blue acts as an appetite suppressant? Researchers have found that eating in a blue room reduced food intake by 33 per cent. Apparently blue lighting makes food look less appetising. We know not all of us can eat in a blue room so instead try eating from a blue plate and using a blue tablecloth.BMI Calculator For Teens
5. Have soup before a meal
A study found that having a low-calorie soup (a clear thin broth as opposed to a creamy option) before lunch can help reduce your calorie intake by 20 per cent as compared to not having soup.
6. Change your environment
A study from Cornell University found that changing your environment to suit your weight loss goals is more effective than trying to change eating habits or food choices. This might involve eating from a smaller plate or keeping your home a temptation-free zone. This was found to be much more effective than simply trying to eat less or resisting the lure of the cake that’s in the fridge.
