Eliminate Artificial Sweeteners
The first step is to eliminate all sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet. If you are exercising to help your body burn fat, consuming sugar will not be beneficial. An average can of soda contains 8 teaspoons of sugar, about 72 calories. To burn off an 8-ounce can of soda, you would need to take 1,440 steps (half a mile). Artificial sweeteners are not any better for you. In fact, there is plenty of evidence to show that consuming artificial sweeteners actually makes you gain weight.
Replace Sweeteners with Fruit
Fruit has many benefits – vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. It often comes in a single serving and helps you feel full. Fruit juice is not a good substitute because it often has added sweeteners and lacks fiber. Going back to the 1920s, the grapefruit diet was quite popular and research showed that obese people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal lost an average of 3 ½ pounds in 12 weeks.
Eat Soup
Eating soup based on broth makes you feel fuller and eat fewer calories. Avoid high-calorie cream soups. If you choose a pre-made soup, try a low-sodium version. Salt is important, but most Americans get too much salt in their diet, so limit salt intake just like sugar.
Add Protein
To lose weight, consume high-quality protein. Your body uses protein to build and maintain muscles, organs, skin, and other tissues, as well as produce hormones, enzymes, and even neurotransmitters. Protein keeps you feeling full longer than any other type of food. For both men and women, increasing lean protein intake reduces snacking and helps with weight loss. Lean protein includes beef, chicken, pork, salmon, and even eggs. Vegetarians have some great options for protein. Quinoa, chia seeds, seitan, and of course, beans are excellent plant-based protein sources. Plant protein is just as healthy as meat protein.
Eat Vegetables
Raw, steamed, or cooked vegetables are all great for you. Vegetables are packed with fiber, and fiber helps you feel full longer. They also contain a wide array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other important nutrients. Try to eat a variety of vegetables in every meal to maximize the nutritional value. A delicious salad can give you energy and help you lose weight.
Avoid Bread
White bread is harmful to your waistline. Eating two slices of white bread daily is associated with a 40% higher risk of obesity. To lose weight, skip white bread, pastries, cakes, and all bread-based items. Try to eat whole grain bread. But it’s best not to eat too much bread.
Indulge in Dessert
Meals will be more enjoyable when we finish with a little sweetness. Fruit is a great dessert option. If you like chocolate, try a piece of dark chocolate. A small serving of dark chocolate satisfies the sweet tooth.
Drink Wisely
Choose water, unsweetened tea, green tea, and black coffee. Limit alcohol and beer. Alcohol will not help you lose weight and is not part of a “diet.”