The Word on Weightloss

Are you tired of counting calories, calculating points, reading labels, adding up grams of fat, performing a mathematical operation every time you eat anything? Looking for a way to lose weight without dieting? Without counting and calculating the value of every bite you eat?

Here are a few nutrition tips to help you lose weight without dieting:

1. Get Moving.

Exercise is essential to losing weight. Incorporating a regular exercise regime into your weekly schedule is very helpful. But don’t depend on scheduled periods of exercise.

• Enjoy an occasional walk around your neighborhood.
• Park at the far end of the parking lot and get a little walk in on your way to work.
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Plant a garden and use it as an excuse to walk and dig and lift a few things.

Exercise doesn’t just consist of a few hours a week in the gym or on the track.

2. Clean Out the Pantry.

Look at what type of foods you keep on hand. If there’s a bunch of junk food sitting around, chances are that you’ll eat it. You don’t need to count your calories or fat intake. But eliminate the foods from your pantry that you know are bad for you.

• Replace high-sugar sodas with mineral water.
• Throw out the candy bars and get some nuts instead.
• Switch out the super-sugar-coated breakfast cereals for some healthier options.

Try making a batch of this Cranberry-Almond Granola and keeping some of it on hand for snacks and breakfasts.

3. Change Your Fats

Eliminating all fat from meals is not such a good idea. However, if you want to lose weight without dieting, you’ll need to make wise choices when it comes to fats.

• Replace margarine and butter with olive oil or canola oil.

4. Go Whole Grain.

If you’re buying pasta or making bread, try whole wheat. If you don’t like 100% whole wheat flour, use a 50-50 mix, or try white whole wheat flour. The flavor is lighter.

Also give brown rice a try. It takes a little longer to cook, but not any longer to prepare. And the flavor is amazing. After a few months of eating brown rice most people don’t want to switch back to white.

5. Snack on Veggies and Fruits.

• Keep celery, carrots, cucumber sticks, apples, or berries on hand for a quick, healthy snack.
• Add some nuts or whole wheat crackers to the snack if you need a little extra something.
• Avoid snacking on junk food.

If you want to lose weight without dieting, it’s possible. You’ll have to make a few changes, but there’s no need to do math at every meal.