Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
By Sara, Contributing Writer
I hate diets; the idea of a diet never appealed to me. Once you go off them your body readjusts and you’re back to where you started. Although I know how beneficial exercise is and how it makes me feel better when I do it regularly, I still hate it with a passion!
The only thing that seems logical to me is to change my habits, my way of living–permanently. Incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into my daily routine. So here a few of the things I am doing to curb my appetite that don’t make life too unbearable.
1. Drink More Water
Starting your day off with a glass of water can kick start your metabolism. Getting adequate hydration allows your body to more efficiently filter toxins out of your body. Drinking water instead of high calorie, sugary drinks is an easy way to cut back on what you have to work off later.
2. Eat breakfast
This gets your body going. If you have not been eating breakfast you’ve trained your body to store energy. Breakfast can increase your metabolism up to 10% throughout the day.
Carbs, fruit, protein and fat are what you should be eating — not a bowl of processed cereal. Oatmeal and eggs with real butter or coconut oil and fruit is an example of a great breakfast.
3. Use a Smaller Plate
Simple. Start taking smaller portions. And think twice before a second helping. Ask yourself, are you really still hungry?
Personally my portion size went up greatly after having my first child. I know to some degree this is a result of breastfeeding, but I also started eating much faster. ‘Cause sometimes it is hard to get a hot meal being a mom.
Image by escehatom
4. Keep the Junk out of the House
If it isn’t there you won’t eat it. Don’t buy what you don’t need. If you have those forbidden things in the house inevitably you will probably succumb to them.
My husband is still not totally on board with the real food transitions we are making. But we have come to an understanding and respect. He has been gracious enough to either keep stuff at work or hidden from the kids and I.
5. Brush Your Teeth
I am sure you are saying “What in the world does this have to do with my weight?” Think about what your evening will look like if you join your children when they brush their teeth soon after dinner. (By the way I’ve heard you should wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush — eating softens the enamel on your teeth, so it is best to allow it to re-harden before attacking it with paste and a brush.)
I am sure you’ve heard it isn’t good to eat just before bed. Not only does it not allow you to rest well, it means that potential energy doesn’t get used and turns into fat. If I brush at 7 p.m. then it is harder to give into those evening cravings. Instead I have a glass of water and in some cases end up going to bed earlier.
Image by kadrip55
These are just a few simple, non-active ways to change your routine. Other than waking up a little earlier to eat, none of these should be impacting your busy day.
What are some ways you have permanently changed you lifestyle in order to change your body’s health?
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Week 6 Mini Challenge: Drink a glass of water when you wake up each morning!
Kanelstrand
Great tips, I have implemented all of them at some stage of my life. One thing I do is eat a fruit when I crave sweet. If it’s not enough, eat more! Also, eat a lot of salads and Greek yogurt.
Sara Shay
Pink Lady and Honey Crisp apples are my favorite go to sweet right now!
Stephanie Crane
Great tips. Quick question. What is the brown thing with circles in the first pic? It’s also atop your mason jar. I’m so curious!
Sara Shay
Just shared this on FB:
“Yes, I love them! I use them for our kefir juice, homemade almond milk and dressing – as well as my water
I actually did a giveaway for them a while back. And they are on amazon now, with a few different options. They also carrier the wide mouth size as well, which I really want to get. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AYPU4UM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AYPU4UM&linkCode=as2&tag=yourthrifami-20 (that is an affiliate link)”
stephanie
Those are perfect; just what I was looking for. I’m double fermenting some kombucha and was just pondering the idea of finding non-metal lids for my mason jars. Off to buy some. Thanks!
Amanda
Brushing my teeth and drinking water really help me to curb my appetite! Speaking of appetite though, i hear my kids calling for food! lol.
Sara Shay
That is my 3 1/2yo ALL the time right now. Feels like all I am doing is feeding him!
Elsie
I love this post! Great, simple habit changes that aren’t difficult to remember.
Erin Marie Sills
Great suggestions here! I love the tip to brush teeth. That is how I avoid late night eating. Here are some ways I make sure to drink my water: http://www.healthhappensathome.com/blog/2015/8/5/hydration-for-health-6-reasons-to-drink-water-and-strategies-to-help-you-hydrate?rq=water