6 ways to lose weight that have nothing to do with food
It's Blue Monday a.k.a. the most depressing day of the year. Well, I found last week and the week before that to be quite close as well, but today is it. Maybe it also plays a part that everyone really wants to shed those Christmas pounds after the New Year's parties. And no one feels like complicated diet recipes. But I have news. Good news. Because you can lose weight without counting calories and nibbling on unsalted nuts. Really. Just read on and you'll see that this Blue Monday actually becomes a Happy Monday.
Keep distance between yourself and the table
It may sound silly, but it works incredibly well. If there is literally more distance between you and the table, you take a bite more consciously and also consider whether you really want that bite. It really works. Also, when you're done eating, it's wise to push your chair back a bit. It prevents you from snacking on all the bread/cheese or whatever is on the table while you actually aren't hungry anymore.
Take a smaller plate
At Google in the cafeteria, they have two sizes of plates. Normal and smaller because it has been scientifically proven that you a smaller plate serve less (quite logical) but also feel full sooner. The people at Google obviously want fit employees, hence their plate strategy.
Eat with chopsticks
By eating with chopsticks, you take smaller bites and eat more consciously. This way, you take longer over your meal and your brain communicates better with your stomach. It takes a while for your stomach to tell your brain that enough food has gone in. If you eat slowly, your head knows by the time your plate is empty that it's been enough.
Don't drink while eating
Quite a little heard advice because you probably think it's very good to drink a lot while eating. The point is that if you drink a lot of water during your meal, the liquid quickly washes down your food. Especially if you want to lose a bit of weight, you need to give your body the chance to absorb the good nutrients. Try not to drink half an hour before dinner until half an hour after.
Mouth empty
Only take a bite when your mouth is really empty. Why? For the same reason as point 3. Moreover, it's a much nicer sight for your dining companions.
Always leave something on your plate
An old Weight Watchers tip. Always leave something on your plate. This way, you keep control over your plate and not the other way around. It works incredibly well.
