Simple Tips to Slimmer Waists

Everyone knows that eating right and exercising are the keys to weight control.  But not everyone knows these tips to make your efforts pay off faster:

• Eat breakfast - It's true - regular meals and occasional low calorie snacks help prevent the famine-then-feast syndrome.  For a great start, fill up first thing with high fiber cereal, whole grain bread, and fresh fruit.
• Bite into a pickle or lemon - the advantage? Neither has any calories to speak of, and the sour taste will curb your appetite.  Don't have or like either one?  Try brushing your teeth.
• Post a list - put small projects on your refrigerator.  Then, whenever you are bored and tempted to snack, tackle an item from your list.  The result is that you should be able to ride out your craving attack.
• Serve yourself half the amount you usually eat if you tend to eat whatever is in front of you.  Using a smaller plate will also help you eat less.
• Exercise in the morning.  After fasting overnight, two-thirds of the calories burned will come from stored fat, which contains more calories than carbohydrates - the main energy source in an afternoon workout.
• Keep calories burning with aerobic exercise like biking, swimming, or rowing.  A single session burns calories during the workout and for several hours afterward.
• Take your time.  It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to receive the signal that you're full.  So gulping food quickly may lead to overeating.  Strategies to try include setting your silverware down between bites, chewing slowly, and savoring each flavor and texture.  And play soft, soothing music in the background which tends to slow the meal down.