How to Eat What You Want Without Gaining Weight
Ever wish you could enjoy your favourite foods (this may be a doughnut, or in my case crisps!) without worrying about the scale?
Good news: it’s totally possible! The secret lies in balance and making mindful choices.
Here’s how you can eat what you love while maintaining your weight.
1. Portion Control
You don’t have to give up your favorite treats! The key is moderation. By simply reducing your portion sizes, you can indulge in whatever you like without overloading on calories. Satisfy your cravings without going overboard.
2. Stay Active
Exercise is a powerful tool for maintaining your weight.
Even a daily walk, short workout, or dancing around your living room like an idiot (in my case) or a ballet dancer can help burn off extra calories.
Regularly working out (with weights that are heavy relatively to your technique and strength levels) and adding extra movement into your day adding extra movement throughout your day is a cheat code for getting leaner, healthier and allowing you to continue to eat what you want without the guilt.
3. Eat Mindfully
Mindful eating is all about being present with your food.
Slow down, savour each bite, and pay attention to your body’s hunger cues. This helps you avoid overeating and leaves you more satisfied with smaller amounts.
Avoiding mindlessly snacking while watching TV can make a big difference!
4. Prioritise Protein and Veggies
Filling up on protein-rich foods and vegetables keeps you full for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on high-calorie treats.
Balance your meals with lean meats, fish, or plant-based proteins alongside a variety of veggies.
If you do want to snack while watching TV why not snack on veggies! They’ll fill you up and are ridiculously good for you!
The gold standard for protein is 1 – 1.3 grams per lb of bodyweight. If you have a lot of weight that you’d like to lose you can also use your height in centimetres.
Having a protein rich breakfast and aiming for 40-60g of protein in both breakfast and dinner is a fantastic way to set you up for success!
5. Stay Hydrated
Believe it or not, thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
What we think is hunger is also regularly boredom, a quick drink of water will help! If you’re still hungry after
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and to curb unnecessary snacking.
Starting the day with about half a litre of water (particularly if it contains electrolytes) will set you up for the day!
Conclusion
Maintaining your weight, or even getting leaner, while eating what you enjoy doesn’t mean depriving yourself – it’s all about balance, moderation, and smart habits.
With these simple strategies, you can live your life, savour your favourite foods, and still reach your health goals!
