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©Holly
Stiel 2001
Tips
I’ve discovered to help you lose weight,
eat delicious food and not feel deprived.
I've
been a dieting diva all my life, from the grapefruit diet in
my teens to Dr. Atkins and everything in between. Finally, at
age 51 years young, I'm getting a grip on my relationship with
my body and food. No more diets. Like many of you, I love to
eat. Yet I want a fit and trim body because I love clothes and
I love the way I feel about myself when I'm fit and trim. To
my delight, these goals can be compatible. I've learned new
ways to eat, found foods and drinks that taste great and satisfy
my hunger. I am delighted to share some of my discoveries.
HERBAL TEAS
Herbal teas are tasty and satisfying, hot or cold, and have
zero calories (that is, if you don't add cream or sugar!). Experiment
with different flavors and see what appeals to you. I love English
Toffee Tea by Celestial Seasons. This aromatic tea tastes delicious
and smells divine. As an after dinner treat, it ís sweet
and sensual. I also indulge in it and other delicious herbal
teas between meals to satisfy sweet cravings and to keep me
hydrated. Other great flavors are Honey Chamomile, Hazelnut,
and Bengal Spice.
VEGETABLE JUICES
V8 and similar vegetable-based juices provide appetite satisfaction
along with an energy pick-me-up. When I'm at a bar and choosing
to spare the alcohol calories, I order a spicy Virgin Mary.
There is some truth to the old advertising phrase I could have
had a V8!
GRILL VEGETABLES AND CARRY THEM WITH YOU
Spray Pam (or other not-fat cooking spray) on zucchini spears,
portabello mushrooms, asparagus spears, red and yellow peppers
and grill them. Keep them around as delicious low calorie snacks,
or pop them in a whole wheat wrap. Take them along with you
in a sealable bag. They are a great alternative to carrot and
celery sticks. I also steam broccoli and keep it on hand for
cold snacks and to add to salads.
SALAD DRESSING TIPS
For salad dressing, use balsamic vinegar and hold the oil, or
use just a smidge. Hate non-fat salad dressings? Here ís
an idea I've tried successfully. Mix some balsamic vinegar with
a tablespoon of Annies non-fat yogurt dill dressing. It is delicious!
Again, experiment, you might try a ginger viniagrette. Another
trick is to mix a good Caesar Salad dressing like Girardís
with water, half and half. You get the flavor, half the calories
and fat. If youíre in a restaurant or attending a banquet,
ask for the dressing on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing
and pick up a piece of salad. Repeat the process for each bite.
You will be getting the benefit of the flavor of the higher
fat dressing without the calories of a full portion.
DESSERT DUMPING
If you are at a banquet and that tempting dessert is sitting
right on the table in front of you, calling your name, pour
sweet and low or salt and pepper over it. That should take care
of the temptation as the meal wears on. I also do this with
large room service portions of rice and potatoes. I take half
and destroy the other half. Forget that your mother told you
as a child that children were starving. They were not getting
this portion anyway. Another dessert trick is to taste it, and
if it isnt the best you've ever had, stop there, and save the
indulgence for the best you've ever had. After all, this is
about living with food, not denying it.
SWEET TOUTH SOLUTION
Two great dessert alternatives are sorbet or sorbet bars. They
are very low in fat and calories, come in a variety of yummy
flavors including chocolate, and satisfy the ice cream craving.
I know for you purists, that this is not ice cream but it is
a very good alternative. If you do eat ice cream, start with
a small portion and savor every lick or spoonful.
HIGH FIBER CRACKERS
These are a good source of fiber, very low in fat and very satisfying.
I bring them with me to restaurants, and place them in the bread
basket. That way I'm not tempted by the restaurant bread or
crackers and can participate in that aspect of the meal without
feeling deprived. Good brands to look for are Ryvita, Wasa,
Kavli, Akmak and Finn Crisps.
EAT YOUR BERRIES
Berries are a wonderful source of fiber, and are packed with
good nutrition. Put raspberries in a crystal bowl, and eat them
one at a time as if they were precious jewels. Think of blueberries
as sapphires, raspberries as rubies etc. Blueberries are consistently
named on anti-aging food lists.
EAT EVERY 2.5 TO 3 HOURS AND NOT HUGE MEALS
This isn't for everybody but for many of us, eating small portions
regularly keeps our metabolism up and we lose weight faster.
Include some fat, carbohydrates and protein in every meal and
snack. It's like a miracle, you eat all day and still lose weight.
Remember to watch your portions.
FREEZE GRAPES AS A GREAT TREAT
These treats are a great alternative to chips, pretzels or candy.
MAKE A DECISION, AND HONOR YOUR WORD
I decided I didn't want to be known as the fat girl with the
pretty face so the choices I make reflect that decision. Deciding
this in advance helps you to choose in the moment.
FIND AN EXERCISE YOU LIKE TO DO
If you don't like to exercise, the chances are you won't stick
to it. A great way to discover an exercise you would stick to,
is to ask yourself this question, "What did I do as a child
to play?" Chances are if you liked it as a child, you will
like it as an adult.
LOVE YOURSELF EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE
The best way to lose weight and get in shape is to begin where
you are. Start by appreciating your body the way it is today.
Then put into place steps to have an even better body tomorrow.
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