While some of us are trying to lose weight, others are trying to avoid putting it on. Fortunately, a lot of the same tips that can help you lose weight can also help you maintain your lean physique. The following ten tips are all you need to manage your weight better and stay fit.
1. Grocery Shop on a Full Stomach
Don’t go into the grocery store when you’re hungry. Doing so can result in impulse purchases of high-calorie, high-fat foods. Have a meal beforehand so you don’t hungrily browse the aisles. Better yet, have a men’s whey protein shake. The protein in a men’s whey protein shake will help fill you up fast and prevent overeating. “What is a Men’s Whey Protein Powder?” offers more details on this supplement’s many benefits.
2. Portion Control
Play tricks on your mind by using taller, thinner glasses and smaller plates to eat less. Also, don’t eat too fast. Eating too fast won’t give your body enough time to signal that it’s full; this can cause you to overeat and gain weight. Slow down, savor the food and stop eating when you’re full – not when your plate is empty. “How to Eat Less” offers more tips on managing hunger pangs.
3. Eat Up to Six Small Meals a Day
Eating six smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big ones is an effective way to reduce your appetite and prevent weight gain. By eating a small meal every 2-3 hours, you’ll have food in your stomach to ward off hunger and keep you from consuming too many calories. Trail mix or a men’s whey protein shake are good meal options to consider. “Healthy Snacks for Men” lists other snacking suggestions to try out.
4. Include More Fruits and Vegetables
The fiber in fruits and vegetables helps fill you up and keep your digestive system running smoothly. Try adding a serving of vegetables or a piece of fruit to each mini-meal. Eating more fruits and vegetables also increases your antioxidant intake; antioxidants are nutrients that can fight free radicals and may help reduce aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines. Avoid fruit juices because they contain tons of sugar and almost no fiber. For a quick antioxidant boost, you may also want to check out a men’s antioxidant supplement.
5. Don’t Skip Meals or Starve Yourself
Make sure you make time for every meal. This keeps your metabolism up and helps fight the urge to overeat later during the day. If you don’t have time to cook a full meal, you should rely on a healthy snack – something is better than nothing. For an even bigger metabolic boost, you may want to consider a men’s thermogenic formula that can encourage calorie burn all day long. “What is a Thermogenic Formula for Men?” lists more benefits of this nutritional supplement for men.
6. Hydrate with Healthy Drinks
Sometimes, thirst can be confused for hunger. If you’re feeling hungry, drink some water before reaching for some food. This may be enough to fill you up and save some calories. Chances are you aren’t getting enough water to begin with – the old recommendation of eight glasses a day is moot. Most experts nowadays recommend closer to 11 glasses and even more if you’re active. “9 Hydration Tips for Men” suggests some ways to increase your water intake.
7. Exercise at Least Three Times Week
Work out at least three days a week doing a mix of cardio and strength training. Focusing on just cardio won’t do much for muscle growth, and just doing strength training won’t do much for your cardiovascular health – you need both. Regardless of what exercise you choose, make sure you take a men’s pre-workout supplement and men’s post-workout supplement. The former will help boost your energy for more intense workouts and the latter will speed up muscle recovery and reduce soreness. For a list of other workout supplements that can help you reach your goals, read “The Best Workout Supplements for Men.”
8. Take Breaks
Take a day off each week or so to enjoy your favorite pizza, wings for the big game, or a day at the movies complete with snacks. Taking time off will help you stay on track with your weight maintenance program by keeping you sane – you don’t want to totally deprive yourself of comfort foods. Just don’t overdo it – try to limit your indulgences to one or two meals.
