1. Boost Your Metabolism With Dairy
The National Dairy Council has conducted studies that show that three servings of dairy products each day can help you lose weight faster than than if you use supplements to get your calcium. A leading theory is that the proteins in dairy foods help boost your metabolism. A 2004 study showed that obese people who ate a diet high in dairy lost more weight than those who did not consume as many servings of milk, yogurt and other dairy products. However, the Dairy Council stresses that dairy consumption alone will not result in significant weight loss, but must be augmented with an exercise program.
2. Make Smart Substitutes
Choose low-fat milk in your morning coffee over whole milk and half-and-half. You won't feel as deprived as a switch to black coffee would, and the calories in the low-fat milk can help keep you feel sated until lunch. The most important factor in losing weight isn't simply cutting out calories, it's making sure the calories you ingest are nutrient-rich. This way, you'll suffer fewer food cravings.
Instead of snacking on a serving of ice cream, choose a vanilla- or chocolate-flavored yogurt. The bacteria cultures in yogurt assist in digestion, which can also help you lose weight.
3. Maintain Your Calcium and Protein Levels
Many of us tend to eliminate nutrients as well as calories when embarking on a diet. This can negatively affect your body as well as your self-esteem, because it makes it harder to lose weight successfully--that is, keep it off. Gently reducing fat and calories in the diet while maintaining healthy nutrient levels can help you stick with a healthy eating plan.
A serving of low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese has the same amount of calcium as higher-fat counterparts. Therefore, you can cut out fat and calories without compromising your calcium intake. Dairy products also contain protein, which can help you keep the temptation at bay for eating binges.
Member Comments