• TIP #1: Cut the Sweets (Sugar) – This is a surefire way to drop a few pounds but not many are strong enough to give it up. When I say give up the sugar, I don’t just mean candy, cakes and pastries. I mean juices and soda too. If you want to shed pounds bad enough, you will find a way to change your habits. Start by removing one item from your diet first. Do not try to do it all at once. That’s a recipe for failure.
• TIP #2: Drink Lots of Water (with mint and lemon) – Drinking water keeps you “regular”. Your body needs water to clear out the waste. They say that drinking ice-cold water can increase your metabolism because your body has to work harder to warm up the water. I think that’s a bit of a stretch. I do know that drinking a bunch of water will will prohibit you from eating a lot of food. Your stomach will be full so you eat less. That’s one of the ways I manage my portion sizes. Portion sizes will be discussed below. Lastly, drink water (… just regular old water. Don’t go out buying SOBE Life Water talmbout “This is water”. No. Just drink water.) adding lemons or mint to your water can also help for those, like myself, with digestive problems. Below are some of the benefits of adding mint and/or lemon to your water:
  • Lemon water:
    Helps with digestion
    Reduces Inflammation
    Cleans your system (antioxidant)
    Boosts your immune system
    Keeps skin blemish free
    Helps lose weight
  • Mint water:
    Promotes digestion
    Soothes stomach inflammation
    Treats bad breath

Drinking a combination of both mint and lemon water has been a lifesaver to be. I am all about the organic ways to treat health issues. The fact that it is helps manage my weight is just an added bonus.

• TIP #3: Hit The Squats (100/day) – Ladies! This is a MUST. 100 Squats a day keeps the cellulite away! You better do some squats. Especially, my curvy ladies. By committing to 100 squats per day, you will get yourself into the habit of exercising. This simple activity will train your mind to be conscious of your efforts towards getting in shape. I guarantee you will be adding on to this routine after 2 weeks. Trust me. Once you see your results you will become addicted. I challenge you to add weights if you can.
  Sauces and Cheeses and Carbs oh my! – Put them down I say! Just know that breads are the devil… It had to be said. If you must have 5 rolls of bread with your dinner. That’s fine. Just know you are feeding those 5 rolls in your mid-section. Sauces and gravies with a cream base do not help either. Cheese is my kryptonite. I’ll admit that I still eat cheese but I have to consume in moderation. If you have this problem with going cold turkey with either of these items, start by moderating your intake. Try cutting back to once a day or once per week.
• TIP #4: It’s all About the Portions – I saved the best for last. This is my favorite way to cut a few pounds quickly! Just eat half of what you normally eat. Simple, right? For instance, if you normally eat a whole Chipotle bowl… eat only half. This takes some serious mind-over-body strength because your body will tell you it is still hungry. Don’t listen to it. Wait 45 minutes to an hour before considering eating again. I promise you the feeling of hunger will subside. Do this at every meal and your appetite will shrink. Soon you will feel full after a half of a Chipotle bowl. The only side effect is an increase metabolism. You will eat smaller portions but more often. Don’t let that fool you, though. You will see the pounds drop and your waistline slim. Thank me later.