Swap to green tea
For a healthier brew, you just need to switch from your regular cuppa to green tea.
The drink, preferred most by China, is one of the healthiest in the world.
And it may have weight loss benefits, a review by Canadian researchers found.
People in studies who have drunk green tea over 12 weeks have lost between 0.2 to 3.5kg more than those who don’t.
After reviewing all the evidence, researchers said the extra weight loss was “not significant”.
However, green tea contains a number of compounds like caffeine and EGCG, which can have powerful effects on metabolism, Healthline reports, making it easier to burn calories over the day.
Treat yourself
Before diving into a diet at the most difficult time of the year, consider that it is, in fact, the best time to let go a little.
Elizabeth Huggins, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Hilton Head Health, told Eat This Not That: “If your health-related goals include weight loss, I recommend parking your weight loss expectations during a time of year that is historically tough on most of us for sticking to the original plan.
“Instead, strive for weight maintenance.”
Drink enough water
Have you ever heard someone say you’re probably not hungry, but thirsty
Chances are, if you fail to drink enough water, they are correct.
Dehydration can make you feel tired, groggy and lacking consternation – all things that may drive you to eat more food.
Leading dietitian Susie Burrell writes in her blog: “The simple act of starting each day with 300-500ml of water is one of the easiest daily rituals you can adopt.
“Not only to rehydrate after the night’s rest but to help get the digestive system moving.
“Ice cold water, in particular, has been shown to increase metabolic rate slightly after consumption.”
Have a balanced breakfast
It doesn’t require too much effort to make a good breakfast, especially if you get into the habit of making it in advance.
Experts say the best breakfasts are those which are balanced and incorporate a bit of protein, fat, and carbs.
These will keep you fuller and satisfied for longer.
Susie says: “Good options at breakfast time include vegetables or sliced fruit served with your eggs; high protein, lower carb breads that are generally made with fibre rich wholegrains and seeds and a serve of bran, oats or fresh fruit which you can add to smoothies or Greek yogurt.”
