By Crystelle Coulon; Photography by Unsplash
We love a legit weight-loss short cut!
Little changes can make a big difference. Think: firing up your metabolism, crushing cravings and slimming you right down without having to deprive yourself. Try these smart food ideas on for size…
1. Add spice to your life
A study by the Human Nutrition Research Centre found that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels, which can curb your appetite.
2. Learn to love lemon
Squeeze lemon juice or grate zest over vegetables instead of using oil, butter or salt.
3. Sharpen your knives
“Cutting with sharp knives makes cooking more of a pleasure; you’ll be more likely to chop lots of veg,” says chef Cat Cora.
READ MORE: 10 Metabolism Boosters, Ranked According To Effectiveness
4. Be prepared with grains
Make batches of oats, brown rice and quinoa on the weekend and store them in the fridge. When you need them during the week, just heat ’em up.
5. Eat like it’s Monday
“Think of each meal as a clean slate, an individual opportunity to eat well,” says Keri Glassman, author of The Snack Factor Diet.
6. Leave a little room
“Stop before you’re full and while you want to eat more,” says nutritionist Ellie Krieger.
READ MORE: 5 Basic Rules You Need To Follow To Erase Belly Fat
7. Swallow fat fighters
Slash fat cells: eat onions, chia seeds and olive leaf extract and drink green tea, says a study by the University of Southern Queensland.
8. Rise and dine
Eat breakfast that contains fibre and protein and a little fat – it kick-starts your metabolism and fills you up until lunch.
9. Make your own dressing
Many pre-made dressings are full of sugar. Make your own using oil, mustard and balsamic vinegar – three parts oil to one part vinegar and mustard to taste.
Looking for a way to stay motivated? Sign up for the Women’s Health 12-week Lean Body Blitz exercise and nutrition plan – the best way to tone up and slim down fast!
