Research indicates that chugging H2O curbs appetites. In fact, in one study by the American Chemical Society, dieters who drank water three times a day before meals over 12 weeks shed about 5 pounds more than those who did not boost their water intake. Water’s benefits don’t stop there: Agua also keeps you energized, so you’ll have the vigor needed to burn additional calories in the gym, on the tennis court, or wherever the day takes you. And soda fiends out there can chop more than 200 calories from their diets by replacing a 20-ounce bottle of nondiet cola with some refreshing H2O.
Say No to a Side of Fries or Potato Chips
A 4-year study on the effect of lifestyle on weight gain revealed potatoes and potato chips were closely linked to packing on pounds, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, a medium order of french fries is loaded with 380 calories, and a 1-ounce serving of potato chips adds 150 calories. Replace these greasy sides with fresh veggies to save yourself hundreds of calories in a week.
Cut Down on Added Sugars
Eliminating added sugars could save you thousands of calories in a week. Other offenders included cookies, cakes, doughnuts, and dairy desserts. To trim hundreds of empty calories from your daily diet, check nutrition labels. “Look for anything that ends in the letters "ose,” the biochemical ending for sugars, such as sucrose, dextrose, fructose, and maltose, and the word syrup,” Johnson says. If it’s sweetened, skip it.
Beware of Hidden Calories
We’ve got to give credit where it’s due: Following reports about their high-calorie eats, many restaurant chains have begun to disclose calorie information on their menus. Learn appropriate portions for common foods and skip calorie-laden condiments and dressings.
Move More
Not all calories are lost at the kitchen table. Daily physical activity chips away at unwanted pounds.
To burn…
More than 100 calories, try:
Walking for an hour at 2 miles per hour (183)
Cooking for an hour (176)
More than 200 calories, try:
Raking the lawn for an hour (281)
Cleaning the house for an hour (246)
Bowling for an hour (219)
Leisurely bicycling (less than 10 mph) for an hour (292)
More than 300 calories, try:
Golfing for an hour while carrying your clubs (329)
Mowing the lawn for an hour (387)
Dancing for an hour (317)
Playing baseball or softball for an hour (365)
More than 400 calories, try:
Doing high-impact aerobics for an hour (493)
Hiking for an hour (438)
Stationary bicycling or rowing for an hour (493)
More than 500 calories, try:
Playing basketball for an hour (584)
Jogging at 5 miles per hour (584)
Using a stair treadmill for an hour (657)
Swimming laps for an hour (511)
(Article courtesy of Yahoo Shine)
