Researchers have never studied the weight-loss effects of tapping your foot or jiggling your leg, but it can't do any harm to try. In fact, Dr. Donald Hensrud, writing at the Mayo Clinic, advises that the best weight-loss plan is one that suits you and your lifestyle. As long as your plan isn't too extreme and continues to meet basic nutritional guidelines, have some fun while striving to lose weight and develop a healthy lifestyle.
Make Very Small Changes
You've no doubt already reduced the size of your dinner plates and remove the skin from poultry when cooking or eating out, but there are many other small things you can do to keep your weight-loss goal a priority. According to The American Dietetic Association, small changes are easier to stay with than larger, drastic lifestyle changes. The Dietetic Association recommendations include leaving food on your plate, tricking your eye by using a tall, thin glass which holds less liquid than a short, wide glass and switching to non-fat milk in your coffee. Adding stevia instead of sugar will save you even more calories.
Writers at Fitness Magazine believe in small changes as well. Tracy Teare, author of Diet Strategies, suggests skipping the cheese in sandwiches and omelets, eating light ice-cream instead of premium, never eating a cream soup when a clear soup is available and having vodka and soda instead of a margarita.
Adhere to "Food Rules"
Michael Pollan, author of "Food Rules," lists unconventional, but memorable ways to think about what you eat. His overall guidelines are that you should "Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much," and he has numerous explanations for these basic guidelines. Pollan suggests that you avoid foods you see advertised on TV, since over two-thirds of advertised foods are processed and high in fat. He also advises against eating breakfast cereals "that change the color of the milk." His other rules include avoiding food that didn't exist two generations ago, eating only foods that "will eventually rot" and not eating anything that arrives "through the window of your car."
Follow an Unconventional Food Pyramid
Noted food writer Dr. Andrew Weil recommends an anti-inflammatory food pyramid that is sure to please, but is also healthy and emphasizes low-fat foods. He places red wine and "healthy sweets," such as dark chocolate, dried fruit and fruit sorbet, at the top of the pyramid. Dr. Weil advises that these foods be eaten sparingly for their ability to enhance antioxidant responses in the body. Cooked Asian mushrooms, which he says aid immune functioning, also rank high, as do dietary supplements, teas and healthy herbs and spices.
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