By DAVID ZINCZENKO - Men’s Health - Sept. 30, 2012 - via ABC.com
Today, I read this article that ran across an article feed that is also on my twitter feed (@LetsGetFitRick). It has 20 habits that skinny people live by (thus the title). I enjoyed it and just wanted to share with you the main points as well as my thoughts.
The main items (and the 20 items listed in the article) are listed below with my $0.02.
Habits Skinny People live by:
Eat an Early Dinner - Although I would have to agree with this for the most part, I have also seen recent research that stated that this may not really be the case. That being said, if you eat an early dinner and make sure to not continue eating until you take yourself to bed, you will ultimately be controlling your intake in a manner that will lead to desired weight loss.
Weigh Yourself Daily - I repeatedly tell people to avoid the scale at all costs! I can also see how it could be used as a motivational tool to keep yourself on track. In my opinion, this one could go either way.
Eat a Boring Diet - I wouldn’t recommend this for the majority of the population that seeks and needs constant variety in life and nutrition to avoid the boredom of repetition. This works for me though since I am pretty boring to begin with. I eat the same breakfast, snacks, and salad almost every day, but again, that’s just me.
Reward Yourself - This is one of those items that can be useful, but can also get out of hand. If you are going to be rewarding yourself, keep it to a minimum and once a day, at most.
Read Diet and Exercise Tips - Again, this can be very useful by offering you diet, nutrition, and exercise/workout advice that you can combine into your routine.
Eat Breakfast - This is probably the most important point of information in this list. I feel (as well as many others) that eating breakfast is key to getting your body ready for the day. Weather you are eating something large or small, this meal will prepare your body for the entire day.
Take Snack Breaks - This is a great opportunity to keep your metabolism going strong as well as using it as a bridge until your next large meal.
Drink Water - Another one of the items that I follow myself. I drink over one gallon of water every single day.
Order a la Carte - I think this is a really great idea. You can save a few calories as well as a few dollars.
Choose Whole Grains - Everywhere you look, someone is telling you to add whole grains to your diet. It seems that most of the foods high in whole grains are also much better for you anyway.
Eat Spicy Food - Interesting fact that I never heard before, although I add some Frank’s Hot Sauce to my favorite dishes like salmon and such.
Sleep for 6 to 8 Hours Each Night - Even though I still do not get the required 6 to 8 hours of sleep, I aim for it every night.
Manage Stress - Easier said than done (especially for me), but I understand the need to minimize stress in life.
Take the Stairs - A great tip, but sometimes hard to find in larger buildings!
Chew Thoroughly - Another tip that I am constantly reminding myself to do. We always seem to be in such a hurry (even while eating dinner).
Walk After Meals - I like the idea of moving your body (if even just doing the dishes) for a few minutes after eating.
Keep Healthy Food on Hand - This seems to be a no brainer because if there is not any healthy food around, how are you supposed to eat better.
Learn to Take a Joke - We could all learn to implement this one a little more. I like the Colbert reference too.
Eat Protein - I understand this item, but you must be sure that it is lean protein.
Avoid Dinner Distractions - We all need to slow down and enjoy the family dinner a little bit more often.
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