So you have made the decision to embark on a weight loss programme, now what?
First, stop thinking about it! Losing weight takes tenacity and if you keep obsessing over the little details, over every kg shed or gained, then you will most likely not be able to make it till the end. Focus on the big picture!
When it comes to slimming down, simple lifestyle changes can make a whole lot of difference. Refer to the glycemic index (G.I) and note down the types of food that have G.I. of 45 and below. Such foods include leafy vegetables and nuts. These are the kinds of food you can eat without guilt.
Cooking techniques can significantly increase the GI of the food. Being born and raised in Singapore means that for many of us, rice is a mainstay for all three meals. We love our porridges and congees but these dishes have a much higher GI than cooked rice.
Carrots are good for our health and to really enjoy the benefits you need to eat them raw as cooking them will raise the G.I. The same goes to fruits: eat them as they are instead of blending them into juices or peeling them. If you have a love for potatoes, be sure to choose jacket potatoes over potatoes sans the skin.
Another technique to lose weight is to raise your metabolic rate. You can do so by eating small meals instead of your three big meals every day. Have your small meals every 3 to 4 hours. This way you can keep yourself full throughout the day. Snack frequently in between your meals to keep your blood sugar level well-balanced —snacks such as fruits or nuts, not potato chips!
As you prepare your meals, also ready a cup of tea. Drinking different types of tea at different times of the day can help boost your body’s calorie burning process.
Morning: Oolong tea
Mid morning: Pu Erl
Afternoon: Green tea
Tea time (mid afternoon and dinner): Chickweed tea
Dinner: Bilberry tea
Keep to these habits and you will not only lose weight but also feel different —healthy and invigorated!
Dr Joe Luo
An internal Medicine specialist with over 11 years of experience and also an active researcher in the US, researching on positive health benefits that natural ingredients and lifestyle boast.
Dr. Joe’s biggest aspiration is to create a world where natural products will help patients alleviate their health problems as well as eliminate the side effects that are common with synthetic drugs. He also, founded Doctor Link International Pte Ltd, manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of health supplements that helps various ailments.
Visit www.drjoeherbal.com for more information.
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