{pic c/o here}1. You aren't getting enough magnesium: If you don't have enough "magnesium rich" foods in your diet you should ask your doctor about taking a supplement. These types of food include: leafy greens, veggies, nuts, beans, etc.
2. Stop drinking soda: Replace soda with water or tea and you will have just significantly changed your diet. Soda is empty calories being stored in your body. If you are bored with drinking water add a slice of lemon or berries to your drink.
3. Do the 5 day on-2 day off plan: I read about this in a magazine and am so excited to try this. You eat healthy and carefully for 5 days a week, and then pick 2 days of the week that you allow for treating yourself. This does not mean you go crazy in those 2 days...it simply means you allow yourself things you wouldn't normally the rest of the week. {A piece of cake at dinner, a cupcake, a cheeseburger and fries, milkshake, ice cream, etc.} It is completely unrealistic to deprive your body of any and all cravings, which is why the 5 day on 2 day off plan is a realistic diet that can last a life time. The two days should be spread out. The 2 days of the week can be flexible based off your schedule. If you know you are going away for the weekend with friends, you should pick your splurge days to be Friday and Saturday. If not, they should be spread out. (Ex: Monday and Friday, Tuesday and Saturday, Wednesday and Sunday)
4. Decrease your alcohol intake. Drinking goes directly to your stomach and thighs.
5. Drink Green Tea: Dr. Oz claims that drinking green tea has been directly connected to burning fat cells. And if Dr. Oz says it's true, then it must be...
6. Lay off the dairy: Dairy products tend to cause bloating that can last up to 3-5 days in some people.
7. Exercise 3-5 times per week.
8. Snack all day long: The only catch is...the snacks need to be healthy. The method behind this madness: Eating food all day stimulates your metabolism and makes it speed up. If you just eat 3 big meals a day this will lead to a very slow metabolism. These snacks can include: granola, yogurt, carrots, cucumbers, celery, peppers, peaches, liquorice, nuts, bananas, etc.
9. Get more sleep and relaxation: Increased stress levels lead to stubborn body fat.
10. Take a multivitamin: A multivitamin will cover the ground of any and all important supplements you are lacking in your diet. Each and every vitamin and nutrition is critical to a healthy diet and fast metabolism.
