In Search of My Abs

March 2, 2009 1:14 pm

Last night I had dinner with a friend and he looked half his size. He proclaimed, "I lost 30 pounds."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I know I have abs and I would like to see them."

Good enough reason. It got me thinking, when's the last time I had a six pack, or really just an ANYTHING pack? Too long to remember. Being slim and being fit are two different things, but they go hand in hand. This friend of mine has been seeing a nutritionist regularly to change his eating habits and cut the fat in his diet. Not to one up him, but at Behind the Burner we've got an array of experts at our finger tips, so I let my fingers do the dialing. Here are a few of the tips that I came up with:

Movies Without the Munchies
Sunday night is movie night. Along with it comes popcorn, Sprite and candy that can add extra hours to your gym time. This weekend, instead of splurging on that box of Buncha Crunch, try bringing a bottle of water and a pack of almonds in your purse. Try not to alert the theater with your contended munching!

Water Yourself Down
Think of yourself as a flower. The human body needs at least 8 servings of water a day to survive properly, so the more consumed the better. Despite the constant trips to the bathroom, water fills you up between meals and stops you from reaching for fatty snacks. If you can't think of having another "glass of water", add fruit slices such as orange, lemon or lime, or pour a Crystal Light packet of flavoring into a large bottle of water. Cherry Pomegranate is delicious!

Revisit Kindergarten
Pack your own lunch! You know how mom used to make your lunch by throwing in a sandwich, banana, juice box and a note of love? Well, do the same for you! The bagged lunch is making a huge comeback. Not only can you pack yourself a nutritious meal, but you KNOW you'll be sure to love it. Rather than indulging in a grease laden slice of pizza or a cheesetastic burger at Mickey D's, fill a Thermos with your favorite low-sodium soup, two pieces of fruit or a bag of veggies and a 100 calorie pack of cookies. Hit the nearest park and enjoy. Mom would be so proud!

Say No to Dough
With Mardi Gras recently passing and Lent coming into full swing, avoiding bagels, donuts and pastries is a "piece of cake" for some, but for the rest of us who don't follow the holy orders walking past the sweet smell of a bakery can be torture. When you feel like you might cave in and slip into Magnolia for a red velvet cupcake, step back and consider this: "Will it make my life any better now than it already is?" If not then take your fine self to your favorite store and treat yourself to something small, like a new scarf or even a pair of shoes. Your wardrobe will grow as your waist line shrinks.

V8 Is Great
Every person I've talked to seems to have an aversion to the little cans of veggie juice sitting in the supermarket, waiting for someone to drink them. V8 has a serving of vegetables in every little can which means a super vitamin boost. In an attempt to prove them wrong, I found the perfect concoction to make the slurping of V8 an incredible taste adventure.

-A few dashes Worcestershire sauce

-A sprinkling of celery salt, garlic salt or any spice you think might give it a kick

Stir up and tada, a serious beverage that can be consumed with celery sticks or carrots for extra oomph. If you're a fan of Bloody Mary's, this is the perfect substitute if you're cutting the pounds.

Eating healthy does not always mean nights alone at your apartment hiding from the decadent dishes you're trying to avoid. Grab a friend and go dancing, take in a show, or spend the early evenings walking the streets, taking in the sights. Make the world your meal and take it in one bite at a time. Good luck!

Divya Gugnani