Beautiful Basics

So it’s 2009 now, and we’ve all made resolutions, but now that the New Year’s Day Hangover has passed and the smoke has cleared – it’s still winter and we still crave comfort food and cozy hibernation. We want to make 2009 the year of Goal Weight Achievement or Maintenance, but it’s a long, cold 4 months until Bikini Season Hysteria. 

Let’s start off simply: make easy, small changes that will pay off in spades by the time April rolls around. The Pink Patch is a great way to do this, because it’s designed for steady, safe weight loss. By wearing the Pink Patch, and putting the following simple diet tips to use, you’ll greet the warm weather excited to try on all the new styles or bring out the “skinny” classics you’ve been saving! Don't forget to check out the Pink Patch 7 Day Meal Plan as well - it's got great-tasting, easy recipes and more easy-to-follow diet advice.

Below is the round-up of what’s basically the Pink Patch Blog’s greatest hits. Simple, easy ways to lose weight get healthy that won’t break your heart.

* Try to make water your only beverage, other than coffee or tea. It’s the simplest change you can make, and the results - less cravings, clear skin, good energy - simply can’t be beat. PLUS: we often mistake dehydration for hunger. Before you gaze longingly at a cheeseburger, drink a tall glass of water. Then decide if it’s really worth the thousands of calories and fat grams. 

* Avoid mixed alcoholic drinks, and try to stick to wine. You’ll eliminate a ton of sugar from your diet, plus you’ll get some amazing heart health benefits. 

* Try to stick to snack foods that are low-fat or fat-free, low sugar, high in fiber or a good source of protein, such as fat-free, low sugar yogurt; any fresh fruit; instant plain oatmeal (made with water and honey); dried fruit like apricots or cranberries; almonds, walnuts or pecans; or 100-Calorie-Pack Mini Rice Cakes. 

* Whole grain or whole wheat bread are musts. They’re low in carbs and high in fiber. 

* Stick to safe spreads like mustard, low-fat mayonnaise, hummus or Neufchatel cheese (a.k.a. low-fat cream cheese). 

* Grilled, baked, steamed, broiled, or poached. These are the words you need to look for. Any item prepared in these manners will be healthier than other options because they don’t require much (or for some) any added fat. 

* Cure your desire for sweets with fat-free, low sugar puddings; any fruit-flavored sorbet or Italian Ice; sugar-free hard candies; fat-free or low-fat frozen yogurt; Fudgesicles; frozen fruit; or low-sugar jello. 

* Do at least 10 crunches every day. It’s simple, and you’ll find you can easily do 10 more.