
Everyone seems to be on a diet these
days, each following a different strategy with their own tips and recommendations,
adding to the confusion of which is the best plan to follow, what foods you
should eat and what you need to avoid.
But
the fact still remains that a balanced, high fibre, moderately low calorie, low
fat diet is the best way to lose weight healthily.
So to sort out myth from scientific fact, here are a few general
healthy eating tips for a healthy weight loss:
1. Eat
your meals regularly and do not skip any meals, especially breakfast, since
skipping meals will slow down your metabolism and make you overeat on the next
meal.
2. Avoid
eating on the go or in a hurry because it takes 20 minutes for your brain to
determine if you’re full.
3. Keep
a large bottle of water by your side to drink during the day.
4. Exercise
for 60 minutes every day.
5.
Go for variety! A well-balanced meal should include foods from all the
essential food groups (bread and grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy
products, meat and legumes, and a small quantity of healthy fats).
6. Avoid
foods that contain a lot of sugars and fat, since they are normally high in
calories and low in nutrients.
7. Always
start a meal with salad, vegetables of your choice or a bowl of soup. This will
make you feel full sooner, reducing the chances of you overeating.
8. Have
up to 3 fruits a day.
9. Make
healthy food choices:
o Have
broiled, grilled, roasted or steamed dishes, instead of fried food.
o Use lean
meat like lean beef/veal, skinless chicken breast and fish fillets.
o Use
non-fat or low-fat dairy products such as fat-free milk, low-fat yogurt or labneh.
o Choose
white cheeses with not more than 25% fat. These include Akkawi, Double-crème,
Hilwi, Baladi, Diet Halloum, Philadelphia light, and Singles fat-free cheese.
10. Go
brown! Switch to whole wheat bread, toast, cereals or brown pasta and rice. They
are higher in vitamins, minerals and fibre than their white counterparts.
11. Use
oil sparingly, instead of butter or margarine.
12. Add
more taste to your meals with calorie-free ingredients such as spices, herbs,
vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and onions.
13. Eat
at least 2 hours before you sleep.
For
clarifications and personalized diets, it is best you consult a dietician who
is more aware of your food habits and lifestyle to provide you with a plan that
fits your unique needs.
Good to Remember:
Don’t
be discouraged when you slip up and eat something out of your diet plan.
Instead, return to your regimen and exercise a little more to burn the extra
calories you’ve consumed!