If weight-loss is your goal, here are some simple tips to get there!
- Eat low-fat plant foods. Eating beans, lentils, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables revs up your after-meal calorie burn. So even sitting on the couch, you’ll burn more calories than if you’d swung by the drive-through.
- Protect your sleep. Studies show that sleep-deprived people eat, on average, an extra 385 calories per day. Turn off electronics at least one hour before bed, and keep your room cool and dark for optimal shut-eye. Avoid caffeine later in the day.
- Eat more non-starchy vegetables. Not only are vegetables like lettuce, kale, collards, cucumbers, broccoli, snow peas, and peppers packed with cancer fighting phytochemicals, they are also high in filling fiber to keep you satisfied longer.
- Keep your trigger foods out of the house. Can’t resist chips? Keep them out of your space! No one has iron willpower 24/7. If they are in your house, they are in you mouth!
- Skip sugary drinks. Sodas are calorie bombs that won’t fill you up. And mind your coffee, too—one 16-ounce pumpkin spice latte packs 390 calories! Stick to water and unsweetened teas instead. Water boosts metabolism and helps with digestion.
- Pass on alcohol. There are more than 100 empty calories per serving in liquor, wine, and beer. Studies have shown it increases certain types of cancer including breast cancer.
- Cook at home more. The cook at your favorite eatery is always “cooking for company,” which means restaurant food is often sky-high in fat, sodium, and calories. You are almost guaranteed to eat healthier if you eat at home. You can find healthy recipes at Healthy Texas Vegan Recipes. No time to cook? Try a healthy meal delivery service like MamaSezz or Purple Carrot. Find even more delivery options at VegMealDelivery.
- Keep healthy food handy. When hunger hits, you will eat what’s easy. Prep your foods after you get your groceries, so they’re ready to go when you need them. Stock your fridge with cut veggies and hummus, colorful fresh fruit, frozen grapes, or baked sweet potatoes.
- Eat at the table. People eat more when they’re distracted—and TV is extremely distracting! Try sitting down to a meal with your family, or put on some music and enjoy your food.
- Move More – Try incorporating some type of movement or exercise in your day 3-4 days a week. It can be as simple as working in your garden or taking a 30 minute brisk walk. Exercise is also great for your mental state.
When you eat plant based, exercise, and avoid alcohol, weight loss tends to follow naturally. Your body will thank you too!
