Dont wait for the first hot day of the year to realize last seasons bathing suits and shorts are too snug. Be happy about the way you look and feel by starting an Awesome April routine. I call this The Buckle Down Diet, because it requires hard work and dedication and it isnt easy.
April is the perfect time to start. It gives you a good two months to slim down and get into shape before Memorial Day weekend. The weather is good enough to lift your mood and energy, but not SO good that you want to slack off and grab a few cocktails while lounging outside.
Following these instructions for the next two months will make weight loss achievable and should help you drop two pounds per week. Bring food from home and avoid eating out as much as possible. You dont need to be a cook, but you can assemble ingredients, pack them up and go.
TIP #1: CALORIES
Newsflash: Not all foods are created equal! You can eat more food for fewer calories, or less food and more calories. The choice is yours. A calorie is a measurement of heat. Everyone burns a different amount of calories based on their height, weight, sex and activity factor. The goal is the same for all who want to lose weight: eat fewer calories than you burn. Im not saying to eat less food, just less calories because calories arent all equal. Just one slice of pizza can be 350 calories. A big bowl of tossed salad with cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, peppers, mushrooms, grilled chicken, half of an avocado and vinaigrette dressing can also be 350 calories. Maximizing your intake without maximizing your calories is the best way to keep weight off. Hunger makes us go off our plan. The following food combinations are essential for staying full.
With the protein from the yogurt and fiber from the berries and cereal, its a sure way to stay full or hold you over a few hours until lunch. Fiber One can be dry on its own so give it a little natural sweetness by adding berries.
LUNCH: 100-CALORIE WHOLE WHEAT TORTILLA WITH TOMATOES, 1/2 CUP OF BLACK BEANS AND 3oz OF GRILLED CHICKEN
Protein from lean grilled chicken, plus the fiber provided in the tortilla and beans will be satisfying. Most takeout places that have wraps and burritos are 350-400 calories and hardly any fiber in just the wrap/tortilla alone. Instead of fatty sour cream, slice of an avocado and mash it in. You want the satiety and flavor from the avocado, but eating more than of the fruit will make this meal higher in calories. Other good dressings for your wraps are mustards, low fat mayo and salsa.
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An ‘Awesome April’ plan for shedding pounds
