I am asked quite often what to do in order to keep one’s shape or to get and stay skinny and fit, and all that without dieting or other treatments. In reality, it is not really that hard if you follow a few basic rules and relearn how to nourish yourselves well and listen to your bodies.
Here are a couple of suggestions for you:
Take a 12-hour break
As far as possible, I try to take a 12-hour break in between the last meal at night and the first one in the morning. The body and digestion may completely recover and draw on their reserves, too.
Please be careful though, as it is also important which foods you consume during the other 12 hours of the day. If you only ingest processed foods, fast food, etc. you will quickly find yourself in an unhealthy cycle.
Thus, it is important for you to fall back on natural, colorful, and healthy nutrition, which will also help a lot to avoid big cravings.
Regular meals
Opinions differ if it is better to eat smaller meals more often or the typical 3 meals per day spaced out during a longer period.
Well, it certainly depends on how much you move throughout the day as well.
For myself, I have figured out the following: The more I succeed in keeping longer breaks between meals, the better I can enjoy the meal, as I am in fact hungry and my metabolism and digestions act better, too.
Avoid sugar
Sugar as well as unhealthy fats are part of all processed foods. Producers include them to induce a kind of dependency for the consumer. All hidden sugars burden the body, and one also likes to enjoy something sweet from time to time. Therefore, it is really better to eat only food prepared by yourself, in order to be in charge and not become a sugar addict. Have you ever tried to avoid everything containing sugar even for just 1 week? Just try it – it will open your eyes!
No seconds
If you would like to reduce your weight, try to stick to smaller portion sizes and avoid going for seconds. This way, you can shrink your stomach again somewhat, and you will feel fuller faster going forward. Listen to your body! You only should eat if you are in fact hungry and skip the sweets.
Always 1l water and an apple at hand
Liquids are extremely important for the body and best in the form of pure water; I always carry a water bottle with me. Supplying the body well with water leads to a better metabolism. Often times it happens that the brain sends a wrong signal if you are thirsty, as it sends a supply signal without distinguishing between eating and drinking in that case. In case of strong cravings, it might be the case that you are thirsty. Drink a glass of water and wait 10-20 minutes without eating. Often this might lead to even forgetting about the hunger. If not, an apple or a taste of a green smoothie always help.
Balanced, natural meals
This is certainly the most important thing. I think that it is only possible to stay fit & lean if you learn how to prepare something for yourself and deal with it, as unfortunately otherwise we are always tempted to grab processed foods and tons of grains, which leads to the acidification of the body and fat cells.
I eat green leaves every day (in the shape of smoothies and salads, fresh spinach, celery), pulses, nut milk products, a fruit, and proteins.
I avoid mayonnaise, hot dogs, ice cream, sweetened drinks, pastries, pralines, and cocktails as far as possible. However, I enjoy my aperitif and a glass of wine with my meal. Everything in moderation and with a goal in mind, and pleasure may not be forgotten either.
Learn how to prepare a balanced meal with fresh products, for example in the form of raw food – I offer regular workshops dealing with this topic (see my blog for events) – or with a steamer or wok: Sear a piece of lean meat and fresh veggies in olive oil and serve with quinoa or amaranth.
On August 8th we will launch our shop for natural nutrition called Wellville – there you will find many suggestions in the future. And in case you are curious, you can already visit the landing page and get some more information, as well as register as a first test user: www.wellville.eu
