Often, when it comes to weight-loss, people usually manage to slim down fast by following a number of diet plans and exercises. But the tricky part begins with maintaining that physique you have worked so hard to get. For many, maintaining ones weight is way more difficult than losing it in the first place.
One major complaint from people who lose weight is that they can never go back to their merry ways because they would end up becoming bloated again. “How long are we supposed to suffer like this, with just diet food and exercises?” – is a common dilemma.
The first thing we need to keep in mind is that when we lose weight, we don’t simply subscribe to different diet and exercise plans, we change our lifestyle. This means that the process of weight-loss is more permanent than what we make of it. Yes, we love food; yes, junk food has a special place in our hearts and yes, delicacies like karahi, kebabs, chutneys, tikkas, biryanis and what-not give us great joy – but after weight-loss, one starts becoming mindful of what one eats.
However, there is no need to despair. To be very honest, you don’t need to kill your cravings, you don’t need to torture yourself and you don’t need to be depressed over not being able to eat delicious food. One can eat every delicacy one likes and still manage to be in shape. How? All you have to do is to follow these measures.
MORE BREAKFAST, LESSER DINNER
We skip breakfast, have a little meal in lunch and a really lavish dinner; am I right? I know I am because that’s the way we Paksitanis are. So, how about having a really grand breakfast, medium lunch and smaller dinner portions? Just by implementing this routine, you’ll be able to maintain your weight and indulge in your foodie desires all at the same time.
REPLACE FAT-INDUCING INGREDIENTS
Our breakfasts are notorious for oily parathas and fattening white bread. You can still enjoy your breakfast by replacing these foods with less-fattening substitutes. For example, instead of oil, use desi ghee to replenish your paratha, which would give you better taste and lesser calories. Instead of white bread, use bran bread; this would lower your fat-intake. Such minute changes can go a long way if you wish to maintain your physique.
SHAKE IT UP A LITTLE
Make sure that you change your diet after every week. If one week you have parathas for breakfast, next week you can have smoothies with scrambled or boiled egg.
DO’S AND DON’TS OF DINNER
Try to have dinner till 8’o clock. This would help your metabolism. Don’t have any carbs for dinner; by that I meant no roti or potatoes. Your dinner should be as light as possible. Also, try not to lie down immediately after meal; this too would facilitate the breakdown of food.
DON’T HAVE JUNK FOOD EVERYDAY
It is better not to have junk food frequently; once or twice a week is fine, but not more than that. Try to have natural things, avoid unnatural foods as they are nothing but a waste of money.
DIVIDE YOUR MEALS
Don’t have just three big meals in a day. Try to have six to seven smaller ones. In this way you, will never feel very hungry.
WATER IS YOUR ELIXIR OF LIFE
Drink plenty of water but try not to drink water immediately after your meal. Drink at least two to three glass of water early in the morning, on an empty stomach. Never drink cold water in between of your meal, lukewarm water is highly recommended.
USE ICE CUBES FOR OILY FOODS
If you have something really oily, add an ice cube in it and remove that ice cube after sometime; it will absorb a lot of oil. Keep the meal in the oven and eat it after reheating.
WHAT TO AVOID
Avoid white flour, have whole wheat instead. Avoid having deep fry food; you can always shallow fry. Never eat haphazardly, always chew your food slowly and properly. Avoid watching television while eating; concentrate on your food completely.
PORTION YOUR MEAL
Always control your portion. Try to eat in a small plate and always divide your food.
These measures may appear to be really difficult and you might think it is worthless but trust me, it’s not that difficult. In order to get anything, you need to be determined. Nothing in the world is magical until and unless you put your efforts in it. These tips would definitely help you maintain the physique you have worked tirelessly to obtain.