10 Simple Steps To A Thinner You

In this age of Big Macs, TV dinners, and Slurpees, people on the go are increasingly packing on the pounds and seeking ways to battle the bulge. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to not only shed the pounds but also increase your overall health and vitality:

1. Start the day with a hearty breakfast. Contrary to common belief, eating a good breakfast actually helps set your metabolic pace for the rest of the day, thereby causing your body to burn calories more efficiently. Whole grain cereal, toast, or pancakes with 2% milk, a piece of fruit, non-fat plain yogurt on a whole grain bagel, and other similar options are all excellent choices. (The word breakfast, when translated literally, means to break the fast that occurs during sleep and is a vital means of fueling our minds and bodies for the day ahead.)

2. Eat 6 times daily: 3 meals and 3 snacks. This will keep your blood sugar levels even, help you to feel satisfied, and prevent you from overeating at any one meal. Breakfast should be the largest meal, followed by lunch and a modest dinner. Almonds, a piece of fruit, a small iceberg lettuce salad, baby carrots, or a glass of orange or grapefruit juice make great lowfat, hastle-free snacks.

3. Only grocery shop when you're feeling relaxed, never hungry or rushed. Write out a detailed grocery list beforehand and stick to the outer edges of the store to avoid the temptation of unhealthy foods usually located in the center aisles.

4. Prepare meals as soon as you get home from the store. You don't have to cook all your meals for the week, but do try to slice fruits and veggies and bag up snacks and lunches for added convenience during the busy days.

5. Make smart decisions when dining out. While it's best to avoid eating out as much as possible, there will be times when this is not an option, such as family get togethers and company luncheons. If you must dine out, start with a lowfat soup or salad (minus dressing), eat slowly, drink water with your meal, and set aside half of your entree to take home and eat later. Order dishes that are baked, broiled, or boiled and steer clear of deep fried foods and decadent desserts.

6. Find ways to squeeze exercise into your work day. Whether it's taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away and walking the extra distance, or riding a bike to work instead of driving once or twice a week, it's the little stuff that counts. While not everyone has time to go to an aerobics class or gym, most everyone can do more to give their bodies quick workouts throughout the day.

7. Take your workout outdoors! There's nothing more monotonous than walking on a treadmill day in and day out, and boredom can be a big deterrent when it comes to exercising. On nice days, go for a nature walk, ride your bike through your favorite part of the city, go hiking, swim, or do yoga under the sun. Fresh air and sunlight are also proven anti-depressants, boosting our bodies' production of the feel-good neurochemical serotonin naturally, so GET OUT AND GET MOVING!

8. Work out with a buddy. It's been shown that people who have a workout partner are more likely to stick with it than those who don't. You can chat, catch up on gossip, laugh, and motivate each other when you're feeling like throwing in the towel.

9. Set your workout to music! Add a little spice to your routine by creating a playlist of high-octane music to sweat to. You can simply use your favorite songs, or create a soundtrack of all upbeat, motivational tunes to keep your body moving. You can even create different playlists for each type of workout, such as cardio, strength training and stretching exercises to help set the tempo.

10. Take 30 minutes out of your day, every day, to relax. It's well-known that stress leads to weight gain through both the production of the hormone cortisol and emotional overeating. Setting aside time to do a quiet, relaxing activity each day helps the body and mind unwind and can do wonders for your mental state. Whether it's reading, journaling, taking a hot oil bath, doing spiritual activities like prayer or meditation, or simply sitting in silence, your body will thank you. After all, you deserve it!