6 Simple Diet Hacks To Live By

Life hacks...

If ever there were two words we loved more…  Now, we’re not about to condone you missing your next gym session or going on another yo-yo diet. We’re much more about a healthy approach to food and exercise. But, BUT we also know that sometimes time is of the essence and goals need to be met, so when push comes to shove, we want to do all that we can to ensure we fit into that Christmas day dress.  So we thought it was only natural to share 8 weird and wonderful ways you can lose weight without even trying… a lot!  

Make it warm

Instead of reaching for that cold diet Coke or glass or water, reach for a glass of lukewarm water instead. This is because warm water increases our body temperature and in turn increases our metabolic rate. This means more calories burnt throughout the day. Now when we say warm water we aren’t meaning a warm coffee either…  

Partner Up 

Remember that time you walked to the pantry and ate Nutella out of the jar? Now think, would you have done that if someone was watching. Studies have shown that people who eat on their own tend to eat three times as much as those who eat with a friend or in view of others. Go on be sociable and ask your work colleague out on a lunch date.  

Do #FoodPorn 

Sure we all get annoyed with THAT friend who photographs everything they eat but have you ever stopped to notice how healthy their options are becoming? Taking photos is an effective way to keep a food diary and to reflect on what you are consuming. Take photos of everything you eat and send them to your BFF. They won’t judge you for the 23 #foodporn hashtags per day.  

Create an Instant Restaurant 

Ok, so we’re not about to tell you to sign up for the next season of My Kitchen Rules. Our suggestion is slightly more practical. Make your dining environment an experience. Dim the lights, light a candle and play some relaxing tunes. Studies have shown that dimming the lights alone can ensure you eat 18% fewer calories. Whether for lack of seeing what’s in front of you or those romantic moods, why not.  

Make it chunky 

Make your veggies not your waist chunky but chopping your ingredients into larger pieces. Studies have consistently shown that the longer it takes to eat your meal the less likely you are to overeat as your brain will be able to process signals that you are full before you have gone through your second bowl of pasta.  

Keep notes not coins on hand 

How many times have you gone for your lunch break and come back to your desk with a packet of crisps (it's only 50 grams, it’s fine) a can of diet coke and a healthy bar (covered in chocolate)? Like online shopping, the principle of out of site and out of mind applies to our snacking and food spending. Ensure you keep larger notes in your wallet as opposed to coins. It will make you consider whether you want to break that $50 for a Twix bar and for diet’s sake, leave the ATM cards at home.       

Photo courtesy of vogue.com