Diet hacks!

Dieting is a pain. Plain and simple. You want to lose weight but you're HUNGRY and craving sweets. Well lucky for you I've got some tricks that work for me and make dieting much easier. Enjoy and let me know what you think in the comments or if you have any other tips!

More meals throughout the day:

Okay so this isn't really a "hack" but a lot of people are unaware that you should be eating 5-6 small meals a day rather than 3 large ones! This is especially important when cutting. In order to not lose muscle and keep your metabolism going you need to be eating every 2-3 hours. This will also keep you sane so although you are eating fewer calories you are eating more often throughout the day.

Carbonation:

Carbonated waters and diet sodas may make you feel/look bloated for a little but they really help to fill you up when you are hungry in between meals. Instead of reaching for a snack that could put you over your macro goals, opt for a carbonated drink to fill you up until your next meal.

My faves: Diet Mt. Dew

Zoats!

Hold up... what did she just say?

Zucchini is your friend when you are dieting! It is low carb and high volume meaning it will fill you up! Yes, you can eat zucchinis the normal way by steaming them or baking them, or you can get creative to keep things interesting.

Zoats: Zucchini in oatmeal. No it is not gross- I actually like it better than regular oatmeal! When cutting, your carbs might be low, so instead of having a typical full portion of oatmeal you may only opt for half in order to not go over your macros. But how satisfied will you be off of a half a serving of oatmeal? Probably not at all. The zucchini adds volume so you are actually full after your meal.

Directions:

1. Put half serving of oats into a bowl

2. Add proper amount of water

3. Grate about half a zucchini into the bowl

4. Stir

5. Microwave on 60% power for 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally and add more water if necessary.

6. Optional: I suggest adding in 1 scoop of protein powder, Stevia, or almond butter (or all 3) to enhance the taste.

7. Enjoy!

1 carb protein pancake (or waffle) recipe:

What you need:

• Protein powder (I like PEScience Snickerdoodle)

• Egg whites (or 1 egg)

• Baking powder

• Water

• Cooking Spray

Directions:

1. Mix 1 scoop protein powder with either 1 egg or 2 egg whites

2. Add water to desired thickness

3. Lightly mix in 1/8 teaspoon baking powder

4. Pour over skillet (or waffle maker if you're fancy) pre-heated to medium heat & sprayed with cooking spray

5. Wait about 30 seconds-1 minute and check the bottom of the pancake

6. Flip over once it is a golden brown

7. Wait for the other side to cook through (should be about another 30 seconds-1 minute

8. Top with whatever you like! I like sugar-free syrup and spray butter on mine :)

9. Enjoy!

Sugar free gum:

Ugh, I go through gum like crazy when I am cutting. I crave sweets so much so I like to be chewing tasty gum if I'm not eating or drinking something. Obviously this doesn't fill you up but it keeps your mouth busy which can keep you from snacking and also gives you a sweet taste for a little bit.

My favorites: Any Trident Layers and 5 Strawberry Flood