25 Little Tips for Big Weight Loss

I managed to lose about 5kgs throughout the fasting month yet gained another 1.5kgs or so throughout Syawal (the raya month) and am trying hard to lose those extra kilos (and maybe more!) now. I found these useful tips on WeightWatcher's site which, hopefully, can get me (and you) back on track. So what's the best way to get started?

1. Good things come in small packages

Here's a trick for staying satisfied without consuming large portions: Chop high-calorie foods like cheese and chocolate into smaller pieces. It will seem like you're getting more than you actually are. (say no to snacking unless it's fruits or yoghurts!! seems to work for me.. anyways, I try to eat smaller portion of rice now sebab tak makan langsung is a big no-no)

2. Get "water-wise"

Make a habit of reaching for a glass of water instead of a high-fat snack. It will help your overall health as well as your waistline. So drink up! Add some zest to your six to eight glasses a day with a twist of lemon or lime. (people say water diet is the fastest and easiest way to lose weight.. plus it makes us feel full too.. apa tunggu lagi?)

3. Herb it up

Stock up your spice rack, and start growing a small herb garden in your kitchen window. Spices and herbs add fantastic flavor to foods without adding fat or calories. (I love using all sorts of spices in my cooking!)

4. Slim down your soup

Make a big batch of soup and refrigerate it before you eat it. As it cools, the fat will rise to the top and can be skimmed off the surface. (mine and hubby's favourite!)

5. Doggie-bag that dinner

At restaurants that you know serve large portions, ask the waiter to put half of your main course in a take-home box before bringing it to your table. Putting the food away before you start your meal will help you practice portion control. (I tend to eat less now so I rarely order big meal portion when eating out)

6. Listen to your cravings

If you're craving something sweet, eat something sweet — just opt for a healthier nosh (like fruit) instead of a high-calorie one like ice cream. The same goes for crunchy cravings — for example, try air-popped popcorn instead of high-fat chips. It's just smart substitution! (nothing or nobody can stop you whenever you have those cravings.. but remember.. be moderate!)

7. Ease your way into produce

If you're new to eating lots of fruits and vegetables, start slowly. Just add them to the foods you already enjoy. Pile salad veggies into your sandwiches, or add fruit to your cereal. (I now substitute our veggie meal with fresh salad and veggies)

8. Look for high-fat hints

Want an easy way to identify high-calorie meals? Keep an eye out for these words: au gratin, parmigiana, tempura, alfredo, creamy and carbonara, and enjoy them in moderation. (sekali-sekala takpe kan?)

9. Don't multi-task while you eat

If you're working, reading or watching TV while you eat, you won't be paying attention to what's going into your mouth — and you won't be enjoying every bite. Today, every time you have a meal, sit down. Chew slowly and pay attention to flavors and textures. You'll enjoy your food more and eat less. (okay! will try to break the habits of reading or playing my phone while eating!)

10. Taste something new

Broaden your food repertoire — you may find you like more healthy foods than you knew. Try a new fruit or vegetable (ever had plantain, bak choy, starfruit or papaya?). (will definitely try this)

11. Leave something on your plate at every meal

One bite of bagel, half your sandwich, the bun from your burger. See if you still feel satisfied eating just a bit less. (membazir! tak elok! will try my best to put less food on my plate and use smaller plate instead)

12. Get to know your portion sizes

It's easy to underestimate how much you're eating. Today, don't just estimate things — make sure. Ask how much is in a serving, read the fine print on labels, measure your food. And learn portion equivalents: One serving of pasta, for instance, should be around the size of a tennis ball. (still reducing the portion of food I take daily, especially after the fasting month)

13. Don't give up dips

If you love creamy dips and sauces, don't cut them out of your food plan completely. Just use low-fat soft cheese and mayo instead of the full fat stuff. (hardly eat them but will keep this in mind)

14. Make a healthy substitution

Learn to swap healthier foods for their less-healthy counterparts. Today, find a substitution that works for you: Use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk; try whole-wheat bread instead of white. (still trying..)

15. Bring lunch to work tomorrow

Packing lunch will help you control your portion sizes. It also provides a good alternative to restaurants and takeaways, where making healthy choices every day can be challenging (not to mention expensive). (I try to cook extra food at night so I get to bring some to work on the following morning)

16. Have some dessert

You don't have to deny yourself all the time. Have a treat that brings you pleasure, but this time enjoy it guilt-free be — sure you're practising portion control, and compensate for your indulgence by exercising a little more or by skipping your afternoon snack. (my kind of dessert nowadays includes froyo and green apples)

17. Ask for what you need

Tell your mother-in-law you don't want seconds. Ask your other half to stop bringing you chocolates. Speak up for the place with great salads when your co-workers are picking a restaurant for lunch. Whatever you need to do to succeed at weight loss, ask for it — make yourself a priority and assert yourself. (yup, yup.. sometimes we have to be a bit selfish when it comes to taking care of ourselves)

18. Improve your treadmill technique

When walking on a treadmill, don't grip the rails. It's fine to touch them for balance, but you shouldn't have to hold on. If you do, that might be a signal you should lower the intensity level. (I hate running on the treadmill.. but I don't mind running on the cross trainer)

19. Simon says... get fit

Here's an easy way to fit in exercise with your kids: Buy a set of 1 lb weights and play a round of Simon Says — you do it with the weights, they do it without. They'll love it! (no kids yet so one day, maybe)

20. Make the most of your walks

If your walking routine has become too easy, increase your effort by finding hills. Just be sure to tackle them at the beginning of your walk, when you have energy to spare. (will try to do this)

21. Shop 'til you drop...pounds!

Add a workout to your shopping sessions by walking around the mall before your start spending. And try walking up the escalator — getting to your destination faster will be an added bonus. (who can ever say no to shopping??)

22. Walk an extra 100 steps at work

Adding even a little extra exercise to your daily routine can boost your weight loss. Today, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or stroll down the hall to talk to a co-worker instead of sending an email or calling. (this is not a prob since I walk a lot at work)

23. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack 

This will be a signal to your mouth — and your mind — that it's time to stop eating. Brushing will also give your mouth a nice fresh taste that you'll be disinclined to ruin with a random chip. At work, keep a toothbrush with a cover and toothpaste in your desk drawer. (this works wonders at night haha)

24. Clean your closet

First, it's great exercise. Second, it's an important step in changing your attitude. Get rid of all the clothes that make you look or feel bad. Throw out anything that's too big — don't give yourself the option of ever fitting into those clothes again. Move the smaller clothes up to the front to help motivate you. Soon, you'll be fitting into those too-tight jeans you couldn't bear to part with. (might as well give them up for charity)

25. Take your measurements

You might not like your stats now, but you'll be glad you wrote them down when you see how many inches you've lost. It's also another way to measure your success, instead of just looking at the scale. Sometimes even when the numbers on the scale aren't going down, the measurements on your body are. (will do! just weigh myself every day for the time being)

Longgg before raya

Ehemm.. heheh

These might seem overwhelming for most of us but do experiment and see what works for you. Remember that little things go a long way!