Less is More

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Now that summer is over, and the cold weather is approaching, the battle between cuddling up with your favorite comfort food and staying in shape begins. This winter try eating less food more often while balancing it with exercising regularly. By sticking to a 1500 calorie a day diet, your body will feel full without being bloated. Having five, 300 calorie meals a day will help to speed up your metabolism while causing your body to look forward to the next meal and staying full between meals. Planning ahead is key in staying healthy. A good way to include all your meals is to write down a list and figure out what times you will be able to eat based on your schedule. Depending on your lifestyle an easy schedule to follow is by having a meal at 8 a.m., 11 a.m.,2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., which averages out to be every three hours. Although this may seem strict, it does not mean you have to give up eating out in order to stay in shape.

If all your friends are going out to eat at your favorite restaurant, go! Most restaurants are now required to have a menu with a calorie count for each meal listed, so ask for it in order to help you order. If you have been craving a juicy cheeseburger, then get it, but only eat 300 calories worth. Allowing yourself to splurge every once in a while is fine, as long as it doesn’t become a habit. If you want chips eat 300 calories worth of chips, but keep in mind how you will feel after consuming those calories. If you will still be hungry, then save your calories for something tasty and filling.

Most importantly, pay attention to labels. Before you purchase something check to see the serving size and how many calories are in each serving. This will help you to choose food that is good for you and will give you the largest serving size with the least amount of calories. Keep in mind less is more!