Cape Town - As the first blasts of cold air swoop in, your clothes lose some wiggle room and your pants require a bit more muscle-power to close.
Blame the tumbledryer all you want, but there’s just something about Old Man Winter that makes us sluggish, constantly hungry (for all the wrong things), a little pudgier - and in need of some diet tips that work.
1. Slurp away your voracious appetite: Not only does it warm the soul, but a steaming bowl of soup is also one nutritionist’s secret to calorie-control. It’s a therapeutic, low-cal way to curb appetite - and research has shown that eating soup before a meal can slash the overall number of calories you consume.”
2. Get your grill on: When it’s cold outside, my husband and I use our indoor grill to make chicken, veggie burgers, and grilled vegetables like eggplant. Instead of frying or using a lot of oil, we marinate the protein or vegetables in fresh herbs and just a small amount of olive oil; then we coat the cooking surface with nonstick spray, and grill. It’s so easy and you get that delicious charred flavour without the fat of other cooking methods.”
3. Practice two-bite baking: Who can resist baking in the winter? That beautiful aroma which makes our homes feel all cozy and warm. After baking and before packing away your biscuits, take the equivalent of two bites. Those first two bites taste the best and satisfy your cravings without a lot of calories; after those first couple bites, you don’t get the same rush anymore.
4. Give winter produce a workout: Don’t avoid the fresh produce aisle during winter. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and fibre and the real waistline magic comes from their high water content, which makes you feel full.
5. Grab a Breakfast Blaster: have a 200- to 300-calorie breakfast that includes whole grains and lean protein, such as natural peanut butter on a whole grain English muffin or oatmeal with slivered almonds. High quality carbs, as opposed to refined white starch, can prevent swings in your blood sugar that may leave you tired and cranky. These carbs also trigger the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that enhances calmness and can reduce feelings of depression. The protein helps steady blood sugar and causes the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, which can improve alertness during winter.
6. Get creative with comfort foods: Work low-fat cottage cheese into pasta casseroles, such as lasagna and stuffed shells. Pump up protein and decrease the fat in some hearty dishes and desserts with a non-fat Greek yogurt. Instead of sour cream, put a dollop of the Greek yoghurt over chilli or mix into mashed potatoes instead of milk.
7. Don’t slack on the sipping: We’re not always thinking of hydrating during winter, however, indoor heaters and cold weather activities can leave us parched. When your body is crying out for fluids, you can also mistakenly interpret the message as hunger and end up eating too many calories instead.
WomanOnline