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Seven Simple Diet Solutions by Theresa Burden

Seven Simple Diet Solutions     

We have all experienced the extra weight put on after the holidays; but at some point, we need the motivation and patience to lose the pounds we put on so quickly.  There are some simply diet solutions that will make the process easier and a bit less painless.  After all, we love our bodies and want to treat them well.

After we wake up, it’s helpful to give our body a boost to kick start the day.  We’re tired.  Just don’t have the energy yet.  I try consuming a hot cup of water accompanied with freshly squeezed lemon.  This helps the body cleanse.  Then I continue with simply stretches or yoga for a few more minutes.  Stretching helps wake the body up.  The deep breathing helps to distress and relax the body and mind.

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For breakfast, I enjoy some oatmeal or a bowl of cereal with low-fat milk with coffee.  Being mindful of sugar, I usually do not add sugar to breakfast.  Instead, I add banana for sweetness to the cereal or chopped apple to the oatmeal.  Not only does the added fruit add the sweetness; but, it adds the added nutrients my body needs.

As difficult as it may seem, I find periods of time to deep breathe and relax while at work.  This can be done in the chair, at your work station, with little drama.  Just take the time to be mindful, be comfortable and breathe, using your lower abdomen.  The benefits of deep breathing are lowering stress and tension.

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By mid-morning reach for a snack filled with power and health benefits.  I tend to eat an apple as my mid-morning snack and accompany the snack with a glass of water, or water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted within.  I have found many benefits of the apple combined with apple cider vinegar water beyond weight loss.  Some benefits include glowing skin, a fine complexion, shinier hair, and a boost of energy.

Lunch varies from day-to-day; however, it is the portion that is the key.  Up until lunch I have maintained my stamina and remained somewhat relaxed and stress-free.  Now the challenge is to continue down the road of success.  Again, enjoying something healthy for lunch such as a salad, or half-sandwich; but, being mindful of the portion has helped me achieve my weight loss goals.  Remember to keep the lunch portion about the size of the palm of a hand.  Allow yourself to eat something that makes you feel rewarded for your hard efforts, while at the same time taking into consideration the health benefits of your lunch choice.

While the sun is out, step away from the desk and go outside for a brief walk.  Taking a walk mid-day contributes to your exercise routine and has its added benefits as well.  Just ten minutes in the sun, even on chilly day, allows your body to synthesize Vitamin D.  This vitamin enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium, phosphate, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Mid- afternoon calls for another mid-day snack.  Reach for something healthy such as a yogurt, a grapefruit, or my personal favorite – raw vegetables such as carrot or celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas.  Too many to name and all sound yummy.  I call these snacks free foods because they are packed with vitamins for a miniscule amount of calories.  Munch away.

Finally, to end the day dinner and a cocktail.  Not!  Well, with dinner keep in mind the same formula for lunch a2 + b2 = the perfect portion; one that fits in the size of the hand.  This can be several ounces of fish, poultry, or beef and a side.  It may be time to finally eat the brussell sprouts we’ve covered up on our plate in the past.  As far as the cocktail goes.  You may want to prepare this the evening before: prepare a pitcher with water and thinly sliced cucumber.  Refrigerate overnight.  You’ll have the most amazing cucumber water to drink with supper. 

Now that you’ve had a successful, healthy day, it’s time to do one more relaxation technique before bed.  Repeat several stretches while deep breathing through the stretch.  Take cleansing breaths in and exhale.  Rest is another essential ingredient in achieving weight loss.  You’ll soon be on your way to your ideal weight with these tips!





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