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The 5 strangest weight-loss tricks

1. Sniff a banana, apple, or peppermint
You may feel somewhat foolish, but this method actually proves effective.

During a study conducted by Dr. Alan R. Hirsch at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago with 3,000 volunteers, it was discovered that individuals who sniffed food more often experienced reduced hunger and lost an average of 30 lbs. One hypothesis is that the act of sniffing food deceives the brain into believing it’s been consumed.

2. Hang a mirror opposite your seat at the table.
Research has shown that dining in front of mirrors can decrease food intake by nearly a third. It appears that facing your own reflection can evoke personal standards and goals, serving as a reminder of your weight loss motivations.

3. Surround yourself with blue
The scarcity of blue in fast-food restaurant decor has its reasoning: the color blue actually acts as an appetite suppressant. So, when dining, consider using blue plates, wearing blue clothing, and placing a blue tablecloth on the table. In contrast, steer clear of red, yellow, and orange in your eating spaces, as studies indicate these colors may promote eating.

4. Shoot your food
Instead of jotting down everything you consume, capture it in a photo and organize these images on your phone or computer by date. Visual documentation of your eating habits can assist in managing your portion sizes. “Taking pictures and reviewing them later prompts individuals to reconsider before they indulge,” says nutritionist Joan Salge Blake. You don’t need anything fancy; your smartphone will suffice. Imagine yourself at the salad bar loading a plate with veggies. But hold on for a moment; a quick shot of your overflowing plate may reveal that you’ve added cheese or fried croutons,” warns Joan. A visual prompt could serve as a helpful pause before you opt for that blue cheese dressing again. — Joan represents the American Dietetic Association. Explore more healthy eating advice in her book, Nutrition & You.

5. Tie yourself up
You might experiment with fitness expert Valerie Orsoni’s technique, “Le Petit Secret”: “Several French women wear a ribbon around their waist beneath their clothing during dinner outings. This keeps them aware of their midsection—especially if the ribbon starts to feel tighter as the night progresses!”

However…if you tightly bind yourself, cooking and eating will become extremely challenging. Consequently, you might achieve your desired weight loss. It’s important to remember that overeating is a common reason behind weight gain.

by Susan Floyd

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