How many times have you said to yourself: “Why, even though I do what I’m told, can’t I lose weight? What is wrong with me?”
Well, if you are like most people, probably years of on-the-go meals, easy access to junk food and excessive stress have trained your brain to expect a shot of sugar, fat, or salt at certain times of the day.
Let’s face it, the older you get, the harder it is to shed those ugly pounds. Your muscle mass decreases, metabolism slows down and your body doesn’t burn extra calories as it once did.
If nothing has worked for you until now, what you really need is simply a new weight loss system that virtually works all by itself.
It’s no secret that the Mediterranean diet could help you lose up to 2 pounds of ugly fat a week and shrink your belly in a few short weeks.
That’s why you’ll absolutely love it. And why we are so happy to share the detox tricks below to help you avoid belly bloating and drop up to 10 pounds without deprivation…enjoy!
FORGET DIETING
When trying to lose weight, many people try one diet after another, without long-term success. The thing is, diets don’t work. They leave you feeling deprived, so they are difficult to stick with.
For lasting success, it’s important to look at food as fuel and learn to eat foods that provide real energy.
SPREAD IT OUT
Keep your body fueled all day long by spreading out your nutrition, especially your protein, through the day.
Spread your protein intake at each of three meals and snacks. Concentrating your protein can raise insulin levels and increase fat storage.
CHEAT
When you feel like certain foods are off-limits, cravings can become intense.
Let’s be honest, diet deprivation simply doesn’t work. It causes stress when you gain pounds and makes you feel guilty every time you enjoy your comfort foods.
Under stress, your body produces hormones that stimulate your cravings for fatty and sugary treats. Instead, allow yourself a couple of cheat days per month and don’t be stressed by your weight.
Allowing for the occasional cheat will help ease these cravings and help increase your motivation in between.
REDUCE STRESS
Anxiety can be a powerful weight loss obstacle.
Hint: According to a Swiss research, eating dark chocolate reduces stress. Meanwhile, almonds are rich in metabolism-boosting protein and healthy MUFAs (mono- unsaturated fats), which another study linked to less belly fat.
GO NUTS
Nuts are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats that can help ease hunger.
Mix a handful of nuts into yogurt or oatmeal, have a few with a piece of fruit, or sprinkle over salad.
DETOX DRINKS
Try starting your day with a cup of tea with a little milk, honey, ginger, and cardamom stirred in.
PLANT PROTEIN
Research shows that eating plenty of protein can help you lose weight, but too much animal protein can raise your bad cholesterol.
Plant protein, especially from nuts, flaxseed or beans, can help fill you up and help you live longer by stabilizing your blood sugar.
ENJOY YOUR FAVORITES
To stay healthy and lean, you need to eat mostly whole foods, but that doesn’t mean you need to eliminate all your favorites.
Being healthy and losing weight is great, but it’s not worth making yourself miserable.
