by Lindsay Fahey

Created on: January 06, 2008   Last Updated: March 13, 2009

How busy women can stay in shape

Women can exercise until they are blue in the face, and they won't get anywhere unless they decrease food intake. That's the truth. I don't believe in fad diets, detox, or any other crazy idea people have about dieting. It's just not true. There are a few things that all women with jobs and children should know before trying to lose weight and keep in shape!

1. Use smaller plates! This gives the illusion of having more food on your plate and will make you feel more full.

2. Eat a salad with everything! If you take a small bowl, some fresh greens, (I prefer romaine lettuce), tomatoes, a little cheese, croutons, and bacon bits, and add some low fat dressing, that should be around 100 to 150 calories. It's filling, good for you, and delicious! If you eat a salad at the beginning of any meal, it really helps you eat less!

3. Add lemon to your water! It has been scientifically proven that adding lemon or lemon juice to your water before you drink it decreases appetite. Try to drink a whole glass and have a salad and be halfway full before you even start your meal!

4. Eat breakfast! This will make you eat less throughout the day! I suggest a protein bar, carnation instant breakfast/slimfast, a rice cake or anything else small and less than 300 calories. Trust me, when nutritionists say to eat breakfast they aren't kidding! It really helps!

5. Exercise in the morning. You can put in a cardio tape for 20 minutes, get on a treadmill for a half hour, walk around the block, jump rope, etc. Whatever is your exercise of choice, as long as you do it in the beginning of the day, you won't have to worry about making excuses later as to why you didn't exercise! Wearing a pedometer is a great idea too, so you can count the steps you take.

6. Do the little things you usually avoid! Take the stairs when you could take the elevator, walk your dog, take a walk on your lunch hour, etc. It's the little things that help and burn calories when you don't even know it!

These are just a few tips to get you started! Just remember to watch portions, and do what you can to decrease your appetite! Good luck!

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