How To Drop A Dress Size For New Year Bash

Submitted by Nick on January 3, 2012

If like many others, you’re starting to panic about fitting into your New Year’s outfit, this article is for you. Very few people are able to stick to their diets in the buildup to the holiday season and the result is a few extra pounds. You can still lose weight safely and quickly; and the good news is that the process may even be enjoyable. You don’t need to starve yourself, double your workout time or pop those diet pills. All of these can alter your body’s natural routine and damage your health.

Instead, use the following tips to burn that extra fat.

Start in the kitchen – If you need to lose weight quickly, the first step is to avoid processed foods including canned foods, frozen foods and deli foods. These contain large amounts of salt which can cause water retention in your body. This water adds to your weight and makes you look bulkier.

Some amount of sodium is good for you, but processed foods contain far too much of it to be considered healthy.
Coax excess water out of your body – Over-the-counter diet pills serve as chemical diuretics which increase the rate of urination and get rid of extra water and salt from the body. However since they contain chemicals, they may be too harsh on your body. Opt for natural diuretics instead such as green tea, cranberry juice and lemon water.

Foods like tomatoes, melon, cucumber and asparagus also help to prevent water retention.
Use a smaller plate – Studies have found that those who eat from larger plates tend to consume more food. In fact, those who used large bowls took 53 percent more food than those who used smaller bowls.
Sleep well – Sleeping for less than six hours at night causes your body to crave carbohydrate and sugar-rich foods so that it can replenish its energy levels. Researchers found that people who slept less, had larger appetites.

It is, therefore, important to get an adequate amount of sleep every night.
Get some exercise – The manner in which you exercise is more important that the type of exercise you choose. The simplest form of exercise is walking which helps to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. You can also opt for high-impact exercises such as jogging, bicycling or running. Remember to stretch for a few minutes to prevent injury.
Opt for skinless chicken – The most calories are found in the skin of chicken. About 30 percent of the chicken skin is fat. There are also more calories in chicken which is cooked in its own liquid.
Don’t abandon your favorite foods – A diet becomes more effective when there are rewards. So instead of depriving yourself, keep a day aside when you can reward yourself with your favorite foods. Eating these foods in sensible amounts is not likely to affect your progress.
Reduce your stress – Stress can cause you to eat more. Hence it is important to identify the source of stress and reduce them or remove them completely from your life.
Eat fruits – It is advisable to eat fruits instead of drinking fruit juices. The process of juicing, removes the skin of the fruit and this reduces its nutritional value. The skin is also a valuable source of fiber which is good for your digestive system and also keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time. Fruits such as blueberries, apples, plums and figs are filled with nutrients.

So don’t worry too much about squeezing into that special dress. The important thing is that you have taken that first step towards a healthier lifestyle.