Day Seven

You have probably started eating healthier and exercising more already. So what else is there that you can do?



-Chew on ice when you get hungry. In terms of digesting ice, your body recognizes it as water, but when you munch on ice, it gives your body the feeling that you're eating something, but you won't have the negative effects of extra calories since it's calorie-free.



-Tap your feet and drum your fingers when you're bored. You don't feel like you're working out, but you're burning extra calories. This is a good idea for any of you who work at a desk, a cubicle, or are sitting in a classroom all day - you'll burn calories throughout the day without putting in a lot of effort.


-For those of you who eat when you're emotional ( like sad, angry, depressed, or worried), keep a journal to write you're feelings in. I know, I know, it sounds corny, but it really does help you eat less overall because you'll have something to do to vent your feelings without gaining any unneccessary weight.


-When you eat, fill up on foods with less calories first. That way, if you get full before you finish eating, you will have eaten less calories than you would have if you had eaten the more fattening foods with a higher calorie content first.


-Since most of the readers here are teenagers and kids, this tip is for them. Stretch in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed. Over time, you will most likely grow taller, and your weight will distribute more evenly and you'll have less weight to lose. This will only work until you're about 20 - that's usually when the growth plates close and you can't grow any taller.


-I don't know if I mentioned this before, but drink lots of water when you exercise so you don't get dehydrated. Make sure you drink at least 8 8oz glasses of water every day so your body will be healthier overall.


-When you eat salad, go for salads with more dark, leafy greens. Don't ever get a salad from a fast food restaraunt - they're usually loaded with extra calories. Also - if you're making your own salad (which is what you should do), and you want to add dressing, make sure the dressing is low-cal or fat free, and don't use too much dressing. Just lightly dab some dressing onto your salad, don't coat your salad with a thick layer.


-For all of the vegetarians here - make sure you're getting enough protien. Eggs, nuts, and soy are all good to have on a diet. Vegan Boca burgers have 70 calories by themselves (I think), so their a good option for protien. If you don't like nuts (or are allergic), you might want to try eggs, and if you're a vegan, you should take supplements to make sure you're getting enough protein.