Weight Loss & My Bank Account ??

I Love the idea of thinking of Calories as a Bank account, it totally makes sense to me. Make a deposit.... withdraw it out! :) I've tried counting calories in the past, but I know I should really give it a better go.  My Fitness Pal is a great app.  I've tried it before but never seem to stick with entering everything in there.  So, Maybe I'll try it again.

 

 In order to lose weight, it is important that you are burning more calories than you are consuming each day. Think of your calories as a bank account. If you make even small deposits in the bank and never withdrawal any calories, you will gain weight over time. The idea is to have a slightly negative balance (up to 500 calories) each day. This does not necessarily mean that you need to cut 500 calories from your diet. You could also burn an extra 500 calories through exercise or a little bit of both.

You know what I would really love?

The BodyBugg! Tracks calories in vs. calories out!

(There is so much running gear and little gadgets I want right now....I need to settle down ;))

But Anyway-

Some eating strategies that may help you to lose weight are the following:

1. Eat breakfast. When cutting calories you do not want to cut out entire meals. Breakfast is a very important meal to rev your metabolism which will cause you to burn more calories throughout the day.

2. Drink plenty of water. Sometimes you feel hungry and really you are just dehydrated.

3. Consume high fiber foods such as whole grains and fruits/vegetables. Fiber contributes no calories but does add bulk to your food leading to earlier satiety. You will stay full longer on the same amount of calories.

4. Use a smaller plate. Plate sizes have grown 25% since the 1970s to over 12 inches in diameter. Use a smaller plate (10 inches or less) and you will serve yourself 22% less calories. This could add up to a 2 lb weight loss per month.

5. Eat lower calorie foods first. Fill up on salad or vegetables or fruit at the beginning of your meal. This will cause you to eat less of the higher calorie side dishes.

6. Eat 5-6 smaller meals per day. This will help you to maintain a higher metabolism. Aim to eat every 3-4 hours.

7.  I love smoothies, but smoothies can be high in calories, but they are packed with all good calories, like low fat greek yogurt, fruit...maybe spinach.  Protein, carbs and fiber.  All good things.  So, if you are going to have a smoothie like that it should probably be your meal replacement not just a snack if you are watching your calories.

  Now another way I've been helping my bank account is that I've been putting $1 in Savings for every time I exercise each month.  I track my workouts using daily mile and at the end of each month I count how many I had and I add that amount to my savings account.  It's been a great idea for me.  I can't wait to see how much extra I have saved by the end of the year.  Maybe with what I have saved I could give myself a little gift as a reward along the way and get a cool gadget of some sort.

 Since January 2012 up to the end of February I have put an extra $64 in my savings. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it's something at least.

Don't save up those calories today....this is your only chance to burn through your savings :) Waste, waste & burn those saved up calories! :) Weekends almost here! Have a great day!