 |
|
|
How do I get the most out of using the Diet Plate? Is there anything else I should consider?
The following are some hints and tips on using The Diet Plate ® effectively as part of your portion control slimming plan:
- Follow the visual rules on the plate and trust them - they're correct if you want to lose weight.
- The calibrations (tape measured areas) are intended to act as a guide to measure portion size.
Volume --> Weight --> Calories. This is exactly how and why the plate works so well!
- Pile food as high as you usually would on a normal plate, but don't allow it to cascade over the tape measured sections.
- Fill any empty space with salad, vegetables or fruit. Remember there are no limits on these, except for the starch based ones such as bananas, peas, corn, potatoes, etc.
- Only serve one portion of protein and one of starchy carbohydrate.
- Avoid frying or adding fat to anything. Think about the 1" cube rule (15g or 1/2oz weight) which means butter will contain 126 calories.
- Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day - more if you want.
- Always use The Diet Plate®, even if you are just having a sandwich or light snack.
- Read the affirmations around the plate as these will help strengthen your resolve.
- Don't forget to exercise. Just getting your body moving a little more than usual will increase the amount of calories you burn.
- Follow the dietitian's advice!
- The only true way to lose weight is by adjusting your energy balance. EAT LESS. EXERCISE MORE. Less calories taken in and more pushed out equals the perfect recipe for weight loss.
- The Diet Plate ® is only effective if used as part of a calorie controlled diet.
Here are some tips gathered from various dieting advice sources to help you become a successful slimmer with the help of your Diet Plate ®.
- Avoid missing meals as it results in your metabolic rate lowering and causes your body to adjust the rate at which it processes calories. This is similar to the body surviving famine for as long as possible. If it can slow down on the use of its available energy supply (food and calories) then it will do so. It is important to keep our metabolism going while we try to lose weight, so eat breakfast, some fruit mid-morning, lunch, some fruit mid-afternoon and dinner at a reasonable time - not 10.00pm! Think Portion control at every meal!
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day - particularly hot, as it is said to help detox the system. It also fills you up and takes the edge off your hunger. If you do not drink enough water then your body may retain fluid. Little and often is the key - think about how you water a plant. If it is dry and you add a litre of water then chances are it will run out of the bottom of the pot, whereas if you keep it moist it will flourish.
- Drink white wine rather than red or, even better, turn it into a half pint drink by mixing it with soda or slim line tonic. Choose a small white wine which has only 70 cals, rather than a large one which can contain 125 calories! Once again "Portion Control"!
- Stick to low calorie mixer drinks and sodas.
- Eating lots of cucumber, celery or peppers will help reduce fluid retention. Additionally pineapple and melon are fat cutters.
- Protein can help speed up your metabolic rate and help slimming. Try eating the protein part of your meal first i.e. a little piece of chicken before the vegetables. If you hit the fridge before bed then choose a small piece of protein rather than toast.
- Be sure to eat a balanced diet of protein, mineral salts, carbohydrates and vitamins for the optimum healthy eating and weight loss plan. This is a simple one - just use The Diet Plate ®, as it follows the balance of good health anyway!
- Exercise as much as possible. It does not have to be strenuous as long as you enjoy it. This can include, horse riding, walking, dancing, rock climbing, along with sports and running. One of the best exercises that can be sustained for hours is good old fashioned walking. Buy or borrow (with permission) a dog if you need company.
- Try eating a small portion of protein before you go to bed. This can speed up your metabolism while you sleep. I've mentioned this before and think it was Nora Lane who gave me this valuable piece of advice.
- For those hungry moments in between meals fill up on homemade soups, that don't contain any thickener. If you have a cup of soup before each meal, you will feel satisfied with less food.
- Chocolate Mad? Buy that containing 70% cocoa solids such as Green & Blacks, then break the bar into strips of three cubes, individually wrap in foil and throw into your freezer. Only get one out to reward yourself - not comfort yourself. By the time it has defrosted a taste is all you need. Additionally you have made the decision that it is a little reward and so not enough to undo all the good you have done.
- Cake Mad? Buy multi-packs of the little fun muffins (not huge chocolate chip ones), sold as a portion for one person, but containing over 600 calories! The little ones contain much less, so wrap them in foil and freeze them for the odd treat. The same goes for anything like scones or pancakes - we all need a treat! What is so difficult is these fresh morning goods have a short shelf life - if not eaten on the day they go stale and not eating them seems like a waste of money. So Portion Control with your freezer's help!
- Don't worry if you have a 'bad' day and your portions double again. We all occasionally slip. Don't think of it as a diet - you are managing your weight using The Diet Plate, which is the beauty of owning one. It is always there like a trusted friend.
- Keep a picture of your favourite outfit or of you when you were slimmer on your kitchen cupboards, fridge or near to places that you keep your favourite snacks. This will help act as a reminder when you are tempted to cheat.
- Set yourself realistic targets for slimming i.e. don't set yourself drastic targets that are almost impossible to achieve. Try losing weight in stages and at the end of each stage, when you have met your targets, really treat yourself. Perhaps to a new outfit or lipstick, or even a Diet Plate or Bowl, if you haven't already got one - it will be a great asset!
- Lastly, if you have a good tip that has worked for you, please email it to us and we will add it to this page.
| Remember You Have Nothing To Lose But Weight |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
