10 chic ways to make friends with the scale
By: Emily G. W. Chau
Wearing black can make you look 10 pounds slimmer, but believe it or not, dressing in certain clothes can help you drop actual weight. Turns out that shapewear, colorful belts, and a perfect pair of jeans can encourage you to move more and eat less. Check out these 10 fashion and beauty tricks that help you slim down while still looking good. (While you're at it, pick up Dr. Oz's manual to inner and outer beauty!)
5 Ways to Dress 10 Pounds Thinner
Make your lips pop with zesty coral, red, or fuchsia hue. Not only is bright lipstick very on trend right now, it can keep you from eating sugary or messy foods since you won’t want to wipe and constantly reapply, says Sari Greaves, RD, nutrition director at Step Ahead Weight Loss Center in Bedminster, NJ. Plus, you’ll be more inclined to eat daintier or slower to keep your makeup from smudging.
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If you’re going to a party, carry a clutch instead of a hobo or shoulder bag, says Marisa Moore, RD, an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. It keeps your hands full, making it more difficult to hold both a drink and a plate.
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Shapewear like Spanx helps you suck it in and eat less. Sure, flowing dresses and pants with loose elastic bands are more comfortable to lounge in, but slight pressure on your stomach will make you less inclined to overindulge.
Quick Fixes for Binge Eating
Rather than mindlessly munch in front of the tube, give yourself a DIY mani-pedi. Polishing plus dry time can get you through an entire (nail-biting) Game of Thrones episode without reaching into the chip bag.
Print out this tongue-in-cheek poster for extra motivation to stick to your diet.
“If you’re trying to lose weight, set up a reward system that isn’t related to food,” says Moore. She suggests putting aside $5 for every pound that you lose that’s specifically designated for buying a new outfit.
6 Ways to Reward Weight Loss Success—without Using Food
Kick your look up a notch and accessorize with a belt. Wearing one defines your waistline, and serves as a warning to stop eating when it begins to feel too tight at the dinner table.
Wacky Weight Loss Tricks That Actually Work
Slide into your favorite pair of dark-wash jeans this Friday. People who wear denim to the office take 491 more steps a day than those in suits, according to a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse study.
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Trying to decide what to wear? “Put on your favorite color,” says Greaves. “If you’re feeling good about how you’re dressing, it’s a constant reminder that you want to look and feel great.” You’ll be more mindful about taking care of your body.
If you commute by public transit, save your high heels for when you’re actually in the office. A pair of commuter sneakers makes getting to and from work more comfortable, and also provides you the option to fit in a quick jog during your lunch break.
Inspire yourself the old-school way: Hang up photos, magazine tearouts, and fashion spreads of outfits that you’re looking forward to fitting into in visible areas around your house like your bathroom mirror or fridge. Or create a fashion inspiration board on Pinterest. (We love pinning. Follow us on Pinterest!)
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