24th June 2010

Sometimes, all we need to do is to make a few simple changes to get to a healthier weight or form healthy habits. Take a look at this list and see if any of these might be a weakness for you.  Little things can make a big difference!

At Home

• Avoid eating in front of the TV
• Do not read while eating
• Pre-portion food and put the box or package away
• Keep tempting foods out of the house
• Keep healthy foods, like cut up carrots, celery and capsicum, available and ready in the fridge
• Focus on activities other than eating
• Brush your te eth right after meals if feeling the desire to eat
• Use smaller plates and bowls
• Do not graze. Sit down to a real meal and stop when you are full

Grocery Store

• Do not go into the grocery store hungry
• Make a shopping list and stick to it
• Make most of your purchases from the perimeter of the store

At a Party

• Do not show up ravenous. Have a sna ck beforehand to tame your hunger.
• Do not eat standing up at parties or buffets
• Do not hang out at the food table at parties
• Offer to bring a healthy food item to a party

Every Day

• Park your car far away from the destination
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Keep a food and exercise diary
  

Energy Sustaining Snacks

Whether you are trying to lose weight or just keep your energy levels up throughout the day, healthy snacks are important. Try not to let more than four hours pass without eating something.

Snacks that contain carbo hydrate, fiber and protein will keep you fuller longer. Carbohydrate is the preferred energy source for your body and protein will help stabilize your blood sugar so that it won’t skyrocket and then quickly crash. Fiber delays the emptying of the food from your stomach. This translates into sustained energy for you.

Here are some examples of energy sustaining snacks that contain carbohydrate, fiber and/or protein.

• string cheese and an apple
• celery with peanut butter
• yogurt
• peach and soy nuts
• slice of whole wheat bread with peanut butter
• popcorn and string cheese
• cottage cheese and pineapple
• baby carrots and cucumbers with hummus dip
• whole wheat crackers and cheese
• smoothie made with fresh fruit and low fat milk

This article appears courtesy of Curves -

Curves’ fast, fun and effective 30-minute workout is embraced by women of all ages, making it the largest fitness franchise in the world with 10,200 clubs in 80  countries, including over 370  in Australia.  In just half an hour, women complete a circuit specially designed to provide a total body strengthening and cardiovascular workout which works every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories. The results are staggering – on average, they are losing 10-14 unwanted cm, and 1 to 2 kg a month, without even dieting! With trainers that both inspire and motivate, women get the support they need to tone their body, from top to bottom. Thirty minutes, 3 times a week is all it takes to experience the Curves difference and achieve amazing results.

To find your closest Curves visit www.curves.com.au or call 1-300-curves (287837).