Foods with fiber include whole wheat bread, apples, broccoli, and many cereals as well as foods fortified with fiber, like granola bars. ”When we eat food with fiber, it tends to cause us to pull more water into our stomach,” says Bonci. “The benefit of that is we actually feel fuller longer, so if we’re full, we’re not likely to be gorging ourselves quite as much.” Bonci says overall, it’s not about giving up everything you love to eat, it’s about making a few trade-offs everyday.
04: Lean Protein
03: Sweet Flavorings
Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla & almond essence “Because they do have an element of sweetness, they take the edge off,” adds Bonci. “You don’t need to be using as much sugar or honey when you use these items, and second of all, there’s no calories in them.” By replacing sugar in your coffee alone, you can save a couple hundred calories a week, enough to shed two to three pounds a year.
01: Spice It Up
Add some hot flavors to your food. “The active ingredient in all these things, Capsaicin, may have a role to play, although it’s a temporary one, for a half an hour it can actually boost the metabolism,” says Bonci. How about jalapeños in your eggs, hot peppers in your stir fry or just a dash of cayenne with Mexican, and if it’s really hot, you won’t be able to eat any more.
02: Drink Lots Of Water
“When you drink a glass of water, this actually fills the stomach; although, it’s for a very short time,” says Bonci. “You feel a little fuller; so in that instant, you may be eating a little less.” Bonci says at least four glasses of water a day also helps the body burn fat instead of muscle, and of course, it’s zero calories. And if plain water is too boring, add fresh lemon or try sparkling water.