When calories attack

• Dieting • Aug 12, 05

If you’ve cut out junk food, increased the exercise, ditched the salt shaker and still 10 pounds cling, it may be because ...

You’re eating too fast. Gobbling means that by the time your brain gets the “whoa!” signal from your gut, you’ve crammed in too many calories.
You’re too hungry. Slashing too many calories, especially protein ones, makes your body seek its energy from muscle tissue, which you need to keep metabolism rev-ving. So eat your protein, and don’t dip below the minimum calories you need to get through the day.
You’re eating too white. Bread, rice, potatoes, sugar — if they’re white, they carry a high glycemic index, which means they raise your glucose level fast. And over time, that’s a ticket to diabetes, stroke, heart disease and eye, kidney and nerve diseases, too.
You’re not sleeping enough. Lack of sleep not only stimulates the hormone that spikes your appetite, it also lessens the one that tells you you’re full. It also makes insulin levels spike, and insulin loves to help a body store fat.
You’re dieting or exercising. That is, one or the other, not both. You need both.
You’re not drinking enough. Not booze — water. It flushes waste, transports nutrients and helps you feel full.

You’re not cooking enough. Learn to broil, saute’, shred salad, cook oatmeal and make small portions.