Lose weight and increase health without trying

Ha! That headline sounds like a gimmic. But no, there are no "magic pills" here... just 4 small and easy things to do that can really add up over time…

1) Eat a salad for one meal a day. Swap out one of your regular lunches or dinners for a salad, and no, NOT a Chicken Caesar or any other fat-laden choice. Choose dark, leafy greens, and top with a variety of fresh veggies. Add a sprinkling of cheese, beans, chicken or fish for protein to keep you feeling fuller, and use light dressings, or healthy olive or flax- oil based dressings.

2) Keep water or tea on hand at all times. Often times our hunger mechanism gets confused and signals us to eat when we’re really just thirsty. Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps keep you hydrated consistently, and less likely to munch if you don’t need it. Keep a bottle on you at all times so you don’t have to go out of your way to sip. Adding a green tea bag (iced or hot) may add extra calorie-burning benefits, but this isn’t 100% clear. What is clear, are the antioxidants and other good stuff to boost health and prevent illness.

3) Trick your brain - use smaller plates. Studies show, it's all about perception. Put your dinner on a smaller plate at home, and you'll feel like you're eating much more and probably wind up eating quite a bit less. Every little bit adds up!

4) Stay parked. Not you, your car! Workouts are essential to optimal health, but what are you doing the other 164 hours of your week?? If you have a sedentary job, chances are – not much. The spring weather is here and it’s the perfect time to save money, gas, emissions, and burn some calories by walking as much as you can. Maybe it won’t replace a good workout 3-4 times a week, but burning even an extra 100 Calories a day adds up to 700 Calories a week, 3500 Calories (one pound!) in 5 weeks without doing much more than walking to pick up lunch rather than driving, or taking the stairs at work.

Try these 3 simple tips…your ticker and your skinny jeans will thank you!

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