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Friday, December 19, 2008

Simple Inexpensive Ways to Curb your Appetite

There are several natural ways to suppress your appetite during the holidays that is safe for your body, one of them is exercise and drinking lots of water, but here are 10 ways to beat the holiday urge to binge.

#1 Peppermint Oil added to some water

#2 Apples

Most experts agree that apple comes first on the list of suppressants. You may have noticed that apples take longer to chew especially if you do not cut them into little pieces. Chewing longer will give your brain the time it needs to register that you are full. This will in turn reduce your chances of overeating. Apples are also fiber-rich. Fiber can make you feel fuller longer because it does not digest quickly.

#3 Tea

Aside from being an anti suppressant, green tea in particular is known for its ability to help burn fat. This is why it is popular among people who wish to lose weight. The beverage however can also stimulate the release of hormones that can control or limit food cravings.

#4 Chocolate

Some kinds of chocolates should be avoided. Some brands and types carry a lot of calories and are sugar rich which makes them major weight contributors. Very small portions of dark chocolate however may be good for you. The bittersweet taste of pure dark chocolate can leave you feeling satisfied.

#5 Oatmeal

Another suppressant is the oatmeal. That?s why it should be in your breakfast menu more often. Oatmeal contains carbohydrates that do not quickly run out as you use it for energy, hence making you feel less like eating more. It is also fiber rich.

#6 Flaxseeds or Flax Oil

Looking for another rich in fiber? Flaxseeds are yet again rich in fiber. They are however, best consumed when raw. If you want more flavor with your flaxseeds, you can mix them with your early morning bowl of oatmeal.

#7 Water

Hydration is another important thing. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day can keep you hydrated. It can also limit your appetite especially if you drink a glass before a meal.

#8 Salad http://www.cksinfo.com/food/salads/index.html

Eat salad. It makes a lot of sense to serve salads before the main meal. This is because salads are rich in fiber. Some salad greens also contain water. This makes them perfect suppressants.

#9 Coffee

Coffee can also help you cut your appetite. You do have to take it moderately though. Drink only one or two cups a day and make sure that your creamer is non-fat. If you are able to take unsweetened coffee then that would be a better idea.

#10 Soup

There’s a reason why soups are served before the main course. Like salads, soup too is often served before the main course. Since soup contains water, it can naturally make you feel full even before you take your first bite. Do make sure though that you do not take soup that is creamy because this can be fattening

#11 Almonds

At the behest of those who have read this in my other thread, Mommies Who Love Fitness, I have added this tasty treat to eat a little bit before you eat. I can see how the proteins and enzymes would trick your belly into fullness... It also has a lot of healthy fats as well, just stick with the low or no salt ones.

#12 Be Mindful and Thankful of your Food

Being mindful, expressing gratitude over how the food got to your plate, and chewing to enjoy your food are all great ways to fill up quickly.

5 Fun Free Ways to Burn Calories

Dancing Around the Christmas Tree Art PrintMerry Christmas, Children Dancing by Fire Art Print

1- DANCE TO HOLIDAY MUSIC!

Are you too busy with holiday cooking and shopping to find time to workout?

Well, you don't have to make time for the gym to burn off extra calories. A fun way to get some exercise in and still keep up with your holiday preparations, is to dance around the house to your favorite Christmas music.

Sound silly?

Yes. But it is fun, and it does work.

Listening to Christmas music is already a tradition for many families. Just make dancing to the music part of your tradition and have a healthy holiday.

Be spontaneous; your kids will think you're crazy, but a) you'll be creating lasting memories and b) your kids will warm up to the idea and appreciate your craziness, even though they won't show it.

Christmas Carolers Christmas Images

2- GO CAROLING THIS YEAR.

Make a decision to go with your local church, even though you may not go to church regularly. Churches generally have a standing route they take every year, and although it's tradition for them it would be new and exciting for you and yours!

Or, if you feel especially spunky, call up all your friends, tell them you are going, and invite/lure them with your hot cocoa.

This is a great way to burn calories, as you'll be out with friends and family, sipping low-fat cocoa, and not wanting to leave because you'll be spreading holiday joy and having fun!

3 - LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FOOT.


rather than in the car....

This way, you'll be doing something as a family, there will be some moderate enjoyment involved, and after all the "Aw, MOM's and "Oh, geez" 's, your kids will have something to look back on that's positive. It's also FREE!!

4 - VOLUNTEER AT A SOUP KITCHEN.

Not only would you and your family be making your community a better place by placing random acts of kindness, but being surrounded by all that food would probably keep you away from cravings of turkey, ham, and other yummy holiday foods.

5 - KEEP TRACK WITH THIS HANDY DANDY CALORIE COUNTER

The holidays are full of hustling and bustling. Ever wonder how many calories per hour you expend with all this added activity? Look no further, we've figured it out for you... *


Being Festive
Decking the halls (& the Christmas tree) 178
Christmas caroling 107
Playing Christmas carols on the piano 178
Dancing the night away 321
Mingling and socializing 143
Making yourself gorgeous & dressing up 178
Kissing under the mistletoe 71
Chatting on the phone with family and friends 107
Christmas shopping 164
Wrapping presents 107

Entertaining
Cleaning house in preparation for guests 250
Grocery shopping for the feast 250
Packing the groceries upstairs 571
Baking Christmas goodies 179
Clearing the table and washing dishes 164

Keeping Safe and Warm
Chopping & splitting wood 428
Carrying & stacking wood 357
Removing snow with a snow blower 321
Removing snow with a shovel 428

Playing around
Sitting & playing cards 107
Having a snowball fight 321
Building a snowman 285
Making snow angels 214
Ice skating 500
Snowshoeing 571
Snowmobiling 250

Check out the Activity Calorie Calculator to learn how many calories you'd burn doing 158 different activities! Source: Compendium of Physical Activities, ACSM
* Based on 150 lb person