Lose the Weight and Not the Energy
Cynthia Sass

Lose the Weight and Not the Energy
Lose the Weight Not the Energy

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects my clients face when starting a diet -- and it can lead directly to the “I’m-too-tired-to-care-what-I-eat” binge. But cutting calories doesn’t have to drag you down. You can maintain high energy and a stable mood while you lose weight if you avoid common mistakes. Here are four smart diet strategies that have worked for my clients:

Instead of Cutting portion size dramatically

Try:

Increasing your portion sizes of foods with a high water content (think fruits, veggies, salads and non-creamy soups). These foods are naturally lower in calories by volume, so they’ll fill you up while providing essential nutrients that give you energy.

Instead of Forgoing evening snacks or late dinners

Try:

Giving yourself permission to eat up to one hour before sleep, especially if you’ve had an active day. Going to bed hungry can interfere with a good night’s rest, leading to next-day fatigue and even 3 a.m. snacking.

Instead of Skimping on food before a workout

Try:

Fueling your physical activity. Enjoy a small, balanced pre-exercise snack, such as a few whole grain crackers with low-fat string cheese. If not, you could become more fatigued during exercise and have to cut your workout short.

Instead of Drinking coffee all day long

Try:

Energizing with green tea. I recommend that my clients sip green tea for a boost with extra benefits. In addition to delivering caffeine and other stimulants, green tea is packed with catechins, antioxidants that speed metabolism and aid in weight loss.

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