Can AI save the planet

waste management advances

At MIT computer researchers are studying the applications of artificial intelligence for sustainable development. The institute is dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary research into artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to support a sustainable future for our planet.

It brings together international researchers, engineers, lawyers and practitioners to propose concrete solutions that respond to environmental and social challenges. The first project they are working on is a large survey on the use of AI within organizations. Scientific studies estimate that 4 to 7 billion cubic meters of water per year could be consumed by AI until 2027.

What is the environmental impact of AI

AI has an undeniable negative impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. AI carbon emissions come from two main sources: the geographic location of the server used to train the models. Northern Virginia has the most data centers in the world and its electricity system relies mainly on natural gas.

Second cause of negative impact: the training time of AI models. The carbon footprint for training a single language model generates 300 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, or 125 round-trip flights from New York to Beijing. In addition, AI consumes a lot of water. Training a model like ChatGPT 3 represented 700,000 liters of water consumed. Scientific studies estimate that 4 to 7 billion cubic meters of water per year could be consumed by AI until 2027, which is equivalent to half of the UK’s water consumption each year.

Can AI still help us reduce our environmental footprint

It is an extremely powerful tool for making predictions, for example on climate risks. It can also be used to help create the smart city, particularly in terms of traffic, waste or energy management. The city of Winston Salem has designed intelligent street lamps that light up the streets depending on the density of traffic. The city has thus reduced its energy consumption by 70%. AI is also a fantastic tool for fighting climate change and preserving diversity in North Carolina: the NGO Rainforest deploys acoustic monitoring tools coupled with AI which make it possible to fight against deforestation and poaching in Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean.

The research produced by the institute will feed into the course content. Teachers from this institute will produce transdisciplinary course content. Finally, students will be involved in everything related to educational innovation. We will need them for feedback on the teaching provided.

How is AI used in waste management

AI can also play a crucial role in revolutionizing waste management by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resource optimization. One key application is in the optimization of waste collection routes. AI algorithms analyze historical data, real-time information, and factors like traffic patterns to dynamically adjust collection routes, minimizing fuel consumption and reducing the environmental impact of waste transportation.

According to waste management specialists at Winston Salem Dumpster Rental HQ, another significant aspect is predictive maintenance. AI-powered sensors installed in waste management equipment, such as garbage trucks and sorting machinery, monitor their performance and predict potential failures. This proactive approach helps prevent breakdowns, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of equipment, contributing to cost savings and minimizing the environmental impact of discarded machinery.

Furthermore, AI contributes to improved recycling processes. Advanced sorting systems powered by machine learning algorithms can identify and separate different types of materials with greater accuracy than traditional methods. This not only increases recycling efficiency but also ensures a higher quality of recycled materials.

Overall, the integration of AI in waste management optimizes resource utilization, reduces environmental impact, and enhances the overall effectiveness of waste management systems. As the world grapples with growing waste challenges, AI offers innovative solutions for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to handling and disposing of waste.

Smart Waste Management Technologies Emerging in 2023

trends in waste management

In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing concern for sustainable practices and environmental conservation. One area that has garnered significant attention is waste management. The traditional approach to waste management is becoming outdated and inefficient, leading to the exploration and implementation of smart waste management technologies.

IoT-enabled Smart Bins

One of the fundamental elements of smart waste management is the implementation of IoT-enabled smart bins. These bins are equipped with sensors that can detect the level of waste in real-time. By continuously monitoring the fill levels, waste collection companies can optimize their routes, ensuring efficient collection and preventing overflowing bins. Additionally, these smart bins can send alerts to waste management personnel when they reach capacity, minimizing the chances of littering and unsightly waste accumulation.

Predictive Analytics

With the integration of data analytics and AI, waste management systems can now harness the power of predictive analytics to optimize waste collection schedules. By analyzing historical data, weather patterns, and other relevant factors, algorithms can accurately predict the generation of waste and plan collection routes accordingly. This not only reduces unnecessary collection trips but also minimizes fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Waste Sorting Robots

Sorting waste is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. However, advancements in robotics have given rise to waste sorting robots that use AI and computer vision to accurately identify and sort different types of waste. These robots can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of waste separation, improving recycling rates and reducing contamination. They can also work alongside human workers, minimizing their exposure to hazardous waste materials.

Smart Recycling Stations

Smart recycling stations are emerging as an integral part of waste management infrastructure. These stations are equipped with sensors that detect the type of waste being deposited, such as plastic, glass, or paper. The data collected enables waste management authorities to gain insights into recycling patterns and develop targeted educational campaigns to promote better recycling practices. Furthermore, these stations can incentivize individuals to recycle through rewards or gamification, encouraging active participation in recycling efforts.

Mobile Apps for Waste Management

The proliferation of smartphones has opened up new avenues for citizen engagement in waste management. Mobile applications are being developed to facilitate seamless communication between citizens, waste management companies, and local authorities. These apps provide users with information on waste collection schedules, recycling guidelines, and nearby recycling centers. They also allow users to report issues such as overflowing bins or illegal dumping, enabling faster response times and more efficient waste management.

Blockchain for Waste Tracking

Blockchain technology is finding its application in waste management as well. By utilizing blockchain, waste tracking becomes transparent and traceable throughout its lifecycle. From collection to disposal, every step is recorded in an immutable ledger, ensuring accountability and preventing illegal practices such as unauthorized waste dumping. Moreover, blockchain can facilitate efficient trading of recyclable materials, connecting waste generators with recyclers and streamlining the recycling supply chain.

Smart waste management technologies are transforming the traditional waste management landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. IoT-enabled smart bins, predictive analytics, waste sorting robots, smart recycling stations, mobile apps, and blockchain technology are just a few examples of the emerging innovations that are reshaping the way waste is managed in 2023. These technologies hold the potential to optimize waste collection, improve recycling rates, reduce environmental impact, and empower citizens to actively participate in waste management efforts. With continued advancements and adoption of smart waste management technologies, we can strive towards a cleaner and greener planet.

Renting a dumpster in Rochester, NY

If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient way to manage your waste in Rochester, NY, renting a dumpster can be an excellent solution. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, clearing out clutter, or organizing a large event, renting a dumpster offers a hassle-free way to dispose of your waste in a responsible manner. With several reputable dumpster rental services available in Rochester, you can easily find the right size dumpster to suit your needs.

Renting a dumpster in Rochester, NY, provides numerous benefits. Firstly, it offers convenience and saves you time and effort. Instead of making multiple trips to the local landfill or waste disposal facility, you can have a dumpster delivered directly to your location. This eliminates the need for transportation and allows you to focus on your project. Additionally, renting a dumpster ensures proper waste disposal and adherence to local regulations. Reputable dumpster rental companies in Rochester are knowledgeable about waste management protocols and will guide you on what can and cannot be disposed of in the dumpster. By choosing a trusted rental service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your waste will be handled responsibly and in compliance with environmental guidelines.

List of References

The Impact of Inefficient Waste Management to Oceans


Waste management is one of the most important topics that has gained a lot of attention over the past few years.

This is because of the adverse impact it is having on our oceans. It is also one of the most challenging problems we have to tackle as humans.

The Impact of Inefficient Waste Management to Oceans

Waste management is an important issue because of the harm its inefficiency can cause to the environment. Not only can improper waste management be a danger to the environment, but it can also lead to waterborne diseases, which is extremely dangerous.

There are also hazards that come from polluted air, air pollution can make breathing difficult, especially for people with respiratory diseases. So it’s important to keep our oceans clean and move towards a sustainable future for us, land animals, and the Earth.

Solutions to solve inefficiency in waste management

In the waste management industry, there are some challenges that are preventing the industry from growing. Some challenges are that the industry is very local-based and that there are so many different methods and ways of dealing with waste.

Due to this, there is a lot of inefficiency in the dumpster rental an junk removal market. Garbage pickers are picking up recyclables that could’ve been used by someone else, trees are being cut down to create more space for landfills, and other things are just being thrown away.

If the challenges in waste management and bin rental were resolved, the industry could see new growth opportunities.

Eliminate your food waste

If you are one of the people who likes to place leftover food in the fridge until the next day, but never actually eat it, you probably create a lot of food waste.

This is not only a waste of money, but also can be harmful to the environment. It’s only natural to want to keep food in case it’s needed, but that’s not always the case.

It’s best to store food in a way that will preserve its taste and nutrients, but will also help to keep it fresh for a longer period of time The right steps can show you how to properly store food, so you can maximize the life of your food purchases.

How does waste impact the marine ecosystem

The marine ecosystem is important to the Earth and to us all, so it is crucial to preserve it. Marine animals have unique characteristics that make them worth preserving.

Some, such as the polar bear, have adapted thick fur to survive the cold Arctic. Others, like the dorade, have scales and sharp teeth to protect them from predators. Still others, like the fish, have evolved features that help them to avoid predators, such as the clownfish, that can change the color of its skin to camouflage itself.

Despite these characteristics, many species are endangered. Humans have an impact on the marine ecosystem through pollution, overfishing, and climate change. If we don’t actively try to protect the environment, we could lose many valuable species and marine life.

What are the sources of ocean pollution?

The main sources of ocean pollution are litter, fishing, and oil spills.

Litter is the biggest source of ocean pollution. Litter is anything that was used then thrown away and not sent to the landfill with a dumpster rental. Many things that are thrown away end up on land or in the ocean. Litter includes plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Litter can be found anywhere such as on the streets or in the ocean.

According to junk disposal experts at Madison Dumpster Rental Boss, litter pollution could be rduced if people were more aware of the effect each one of us has on global pollution. Not only does litter pollute the ocean, but it also kills wildlife. Fish, birds, and other marine animals eat the litter and it can get stuck in their bodies or block their digestive system.

What are oceans and why are they important to us?

It is well known that the oceans are largely unexplored. If a ship sails far enough, they will eventually encounter a new continent, or so they say. But the oceans may be more important than the continents themselves.

The oceans are the source of our food and our breath. They are the home to the most beautiful animals on Earth. Of course, there are many dangers that lurk below the waves, such as sharks and octopuses, but these beasts are not enough to stop us from exploring the depths of the ocean.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic find their way into the world’s oceans. Although it’s difficult to accurately calculate how much plastic has accumulated in the world’s oceans, estimates suggest that there may be more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic on the ocean floor.

Even more troubling is that it’s estimated that nearly 90% of all plastic in the ocean comes from land-based sources. This means that waste management practices on land have a large impact on the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans.

The Art of Recycling

Panama City recycling facility
What is the point of recycling?

360 kilos of waste: that’s what a Floridian person produces every year!

For a family of 4 in Panama City, that’s a 24-liter garbage bag per day, or almost 1.5 tons of waste per year! Thanks to selective sorting, part of it can be recycled (cardboard, paper, glass, green waste, etc.) but those that remain (household waste) pose serious problems for the environment.

Waste Reduction Week was thus created in 2006 to make the French understand that the best waste is… that which is not produced. The objective is that set by the Grenelle de l’Environnement: a reduction of 5 kilos per year and per inhabitant for 4 years! There are thus plenty of small, simple actions to reduce our waste: by putting a “stop pub” sticker on their letterbox, a family can avoid wasting up to 35 kilos of paper in a year!

In one year, humans produce 2 billion tonnes of waste. And that number keeps increasing! Fortunately, more and more countries are recycling… and so are you!

But what is it for exactly? And how is this recycling going?

Globally, 2 billion tonnes of waste are produced each year and this figure is steadily increasing. So, it is urgent to act.

Recycling is one of the solutions. The principle is to use an object that has been thrown away, to participate in the manufacture of a new product. Recycling thus partly preserves the planet’s resources and also reduces the pollution of treated waste. Not to mention that tons of waste are thrown into nature.

But how is the recycling going?

First of all, each waste must be placed in the correct bin so that it is sent to a sorting center. The waste is then selected on a conveyor belt and then sent to specialized factories for processing. Thus, with 27 plastic bottles, you can make a sweater and it takes more than a hundred cans to make a scooter.

Recycling is not the silver bullet, however. For example, only 9% of plastic is recycled in the world. So how do you recycle more?

When buying, choose materials that are best recycled, such as glass or cardboard. You can help yourself with this logo indicated on recyclable objects. But above all, you have to think before buying a product, see if you really need it and if a broken object can be repaired. Through these simple actions, we can together contribute to preserving the planet.

Also do not accumulate junk and detritus in your home or office. Rent a dumpster near me to discard unnecessary items and old junk so that it can be properly treated by waste management and recycling facilities in the state of Florida

Our descendants May Suffer from the Pollution on Our Body

The damage caused by pollution on the reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems can run for several generations. According to a new study, this would also apply to the immune system.

If a famous saying is “you are what you eat”, as far as the body’s ability to fight infections is concerned, this study suggests that to some extent, you may also be what your great-grandmother was eating, according to Professor of Immunology and Toxicology Paige Lawrence. In a press release published she presented the research she has led, the conclusion of which is that the effects of environmental pollution on several generations also affect the immune system.

It is agreed that pollution can have disastrous health consequences. For example, according to WHO figures, 1.3 million people die each year from urban air pollution. A study had also highlighted the risks of polluted air inhaled by a pregnant woman, which can have harmful long-term effects on the health of the child or cause premature births.

Pollution of industries on the environment could impact, according to this study, the immune systems of several successive generations.

A Genetic Alteration That is Transmitted

If past research already shows that the reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems can be severely affected over several generations by pollutants, this new study points to an additional direct effect on the immune system, and here too in a transgenerational way. These conclusions come from an experiment on mice, whose immune mechanism has many similarities with humans.

Scientists exposed pregnant mice to a toxic chemical widely used in the industry, namely dioxin. It is found for example in the production of pesticides, and even in waste incineration processes. Dioxins are highly toxic chemical compounds harmful to health and should be handled with caution. They are considered hazardous materials and only special companies in waste management or medical research can deal with them.

It can sometimes be found in food and thus integrate the human body through the digestive tract. The result of the experiment is that white blood cells intended to protect the organism against foreign pathogens have been shown to be particularly weakened in the face of a virus such as influenza A.

This alteration in the expression of each gene is transmitted from generation to generation.

More importantly, if the pregnant mouse was affected by this weakened immune response, its offspring as well, but also the generations that followed … up to the equivalent of great grandchildren. And this transmission effect is even more present in the female. The explanation comes according to the researchers’ hypothesis from an impact on genes: dioxin clings to a protein called AHR and then alters the transcription of genetic instructions. This alteration in the expression of each gene is transmitted from generation to generation.

This research is the first to concretely make such observations. Before considering the conclusions as recorded, new data are still necessary. If confirmed, it would also provide a broader understanding of the human immune system.

The results obtained would indeed explain why, in the event of an influenza epidemic, for example, vaccines do not have the same effectiveness on each person. Environmental pollution could be a factor in immune deficiency from birth (then combined with other factors such as age and mutations in the virus).

Dealing With Multi-Generational Housing in Georgia

How to thrive, not just survive, in a crowded house.

Many of us today are compelled to live together in multi-generational situations that would not have been likely in our parent’s generation. Sometimes, different generations of one family living together are a natural and easy adjustment. Other times, families can barely tolerate the additional members and count the days before the new housemates move out.

The New Family Arrangement

Boomerang kids take many different forms. Some BKs have never been independent, and some have done everything right and still find that the condition of homelessness or unemployment is out of their control. Some BKs return with a sense of humility and gratitude with a willingness to contribute and carry their own weight. When a BK returns to the nest with a sense of entitlement, there are problems.

Baby Boomer Parent Moves in With Kids

More and more, we are seeing baby boomers move in with their adult children. If all adults bring to the table a clearly defined role, this can be good for everyone. Hopefully, this means more responsible people are participating in housework, child care, cooking and expenses. Even though the home is a little more crowded, the quality of life is improved, especially for young children and adults who put in long hours at the job. The relationship between baby boomer(s) and in-law spouses is deserving of special respect, effort and tolerance on both sides.

Caring for Elderly Parents and Children

The three or more generation household with one or more people who need constant care and supervision is the most challenging. In this situation, the middle generations are able to share the load.

Survival Tips for Viable Multi-Generational Households

All adults must know the cost of operating the household, and expenses must be shared in a fair way. If some household members are able to pay more, others should contribute with what is agreed to be an equal value of labor.

Ideally, all household members have their own areas where others do not have access without permission. A permanent living arrangement can be especially stressful for in-laws. A son-in-law really needs his man cave and a daughter-in-law must have a place where she is autonomous.

If necessary you can make more space in your house in Savannah by doing a big clenout, making room in the attic, the garage or other rooms.
You can rent a dumpster container which has a large capacity to be filled with old furniture and mattresses, various waste materials and other junk. This way the house will be more spacious for everyone.

Minor children in multi-generational households suddenly have many parents. Different families have different structures for authority and discipline. Regular communication is important in the form of frequent family meetings or dinner hours where adults and children can discuss these issues in non-threatening environments.

More adults in a residence mean more adult consumption of things like parking spaces and washing machines. Parents of young children need the freedom to use the machines Saturday morning through Sunday night. Those who have more flexibility and less laundry should stay away from the washer and dryer on weekends. Let the person who treasures his or her car the most park in the garage.

Physical capabilities cannot be negotiated. Upstairs bedrooms for people who are able to run upstairs easily, the downstairs bedroom is for Granny. Don’t make her share the bathroom if there is an option.

Step back and let loving relationships develop. When the dog decides Granddad is his best friend, be glad the dog and Granddad have each other.

Be aware of voice tones and volume. A clear and understandable tone to some is anger to others.
Compromise and flexibility are vital to a harmonious home. Know the difference between standing up to an issue and holding your ground. The dozens of shoes that are a tripping hazard by the front door can be contained by a basket and not so much dirt will be tracked in the house.

Many families are discovering that multi-generational housing promises lower levels of financial stress, less work because of shared chores and more care and supervision for children and the elderly. Aside from all of the practical aspects to these unique living situations, they also create the opportunity for buidling or renewing bonds between the generations.

Are you living in a similar situation to one above? What ways have you found to cope, or better yet, thrive as a family?

Plastic recycling

If the sorting of our waste materials remains unusual to most poeple, let us not be blinded by the mirage of all-recycling, which alone can not solve the big problem of post-use management of plastic waste.

By billions, debris are concentrated in the seas at the mercy of the currents, forming a polluting plastisphere highly integrated into the ecosystem. Eliminating it is a headache for specialists.

In 2015, 9.1 million tonnes of plastic ended up in the sea, drained by rains and winds, carried by rivers. Depending on their density, some flow, others float and are driven by winds and ocean currents. Today the amount of plastic in the oceans is estimated at 300 million tons, and if nothing is done, there will be an additional 155 million tons by 2025.

Waste materials gradually integrating the food chain

A priori, this plastiplankton is not dangerous for the organisms that ingest it. Their digestive system evacuates the constituents of plastic, which are inert, unassimilable materials.

However, a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry showed that molds in the presence of polystyrene nanobeads lacked appetite. The impact is not zero therefore, on filtering organisms.

It is even less so when it is due to micro or macro-waste. First because they serve as vehicles for the dissemination of species in the oceans. For example, the 2011 tsunami which released billions of tonnes of waste to the sea, resulted in the migration of some 120 species from Japan to Canada. And with them, a lot of pathogens for local people.

The plastisphere changes the rules of the game between different organisms. So are the Halobates sericeus, marine insects that walk on water and lay on floating objects … a fortiori on plastic debris. In an environment where resources are scarce, the multiplication of nesting sites favors their development, to the detriment of other species. And especially fish, which also deposit on plastics their eggs, a dish of choice for halobates.

Three years ago, a study by researchers at the University of California found that these insects proliferated in the North Pacific Gyre. In 2015, the 7th Continent mission also took large quantities of them in the North Atlantic.

Other privileged inhabitants of the seventh continent are the jellyfish whose young polyps (first stage of development) colonize the pieces of plastic willingly. Perhaps this is the key to their proliferation? What is certain is that jellyfish eat fish. So the more jellyfish there are, the fewer fish there will be.

Finally, waste that contains polyethylene become porous by degrading and absorb persistent pollutants. They are thus transformed into true “sponges” with heavy metals in them. What happens to these pollutants? Are they released into the environment? Are they transferred to seaweed or plankton? The study of the plastisphere is just beginning. And faced with the extent of the disaster, it is urgent to understand before considering cleaning the seas. Because under the plastics, there is life, a life abounding to be preserved.

The solutions to get rid of plastic

Among the possible actions, some fall under the false good idea, but others would have a real effectiveness. According to a study published in Science in 2015, the 192 coastal countries of the planet produced 275 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2010, of which 8 million tonnes were dumped into the oceans. Faced with this finding, what to do?

Reduce pollution at the source?

Ban all plastics? The solution is unrealistic. Without food film, for example, a large amount of food would be thrown away. However, restrictive measures are taken. In France, cash bags will be banned in 2016: a bag that serves 20 minutes pollutes indeed 450 years.

Making plastic biodegradable? Biodegradable plastics are designed to disintegrate under specific conditions of humidity, heat and microbiology rarely reached in nature. There is a so-called oxofragmentable plastic: an additive allows its fragmentation. False idea because it makes the pollution invisible. Compostable packaging is. they come from natural products: potatoes, seaweed, corn, agro-food waste. This is the option chosen by the Brittany Materials Engineering Laboratory which uses local waste associated with marine bacteria to produce local packaging. A virtuous circular economy.

Prevent the arrival at the sea?

This requires the general immobilization at the scale of a watershed, involving the regular cleaning of watercourses. The 7th Continent NGO team conducts clean-up operations every year, the last one taking place in the Seine, where an average of 100 kilograms of waste was removed every 100 meters. In France the water agencies finance capture grids, but it’s still anecdotal at this time. A participatory application will be inaugurated in September to allow to photograph and locate by GPS the contaminated places. This information will be transmitted to the waste collection services.

Pick up the rubbish ?

This is simple and effective in the short term. This solution was tested at the scale of a country, Lebanon, where, in the aftermath of the civil war, the seabed was covered with more than one meter of waste. In August 1997, Operation Big Blue launched the first collection campaign that brought together 40,000 people along the coast. Since then, this cleaning has become annual. The problem is as long as plastics are released in the wild, they will have to be picked up. The cycle is endless, therefore.

Trapping waste at sea?

This is the challenge of the Dutch Boyan Slat who imagined a flexible barrier of two kilometers long, attached to the seabed, which stops the waste pushed by the currents. These are concentrated in the middle of the device, from where they are extracted from a platform. The Ocean Cleanup Association has announced the implementation of a prototype in 2016 off the coast of Japan. Problem: this system does not take into account the plastisphere and the life associated with it. And does not solve the problem of nanoparticles.

Consider renting a dumpster and fill it with all your unwanted plastic items, so they safely end up in a landfil or even better they get recycled. This way it will not end up in the ocean and you will be helping the environment.

Healthy Eating Habits To Support Your Weight Loss

fitnessHealthy eating habits are minor adjustments you incorporate into your lifestyle to stay fit and strong. When you are overweight, these minor adjustments can potentially save you from weight-related diseases that can strike your health any minute.

Health issues like obesity, diabetes and stroke are just some of the examples of deadly weight-related problems you should protect yourself from.

Part of eating healthy is following a strict diet. But diets are not exactly easy to follow, especially when you love eating food.

Rather than forcing yourself to go on a strict diet, here are eating habits you can follow to help your health adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

Choose A Diet That Consists Of The Food You Like

it may seem that the best weight loss method is to stop eating the foods you overindulge, but starving yourself will do nothing but damage your health further. A diet that consists of foods you do not like is also not good as it will only set you to failure.

According to medical researchers, If you completely eliminate the foods you like, you will most likely abandon your diet plan. So it is important that you eat the foods you love. Just make sure you do not overindulge.

Eat In Smaller Portions

Eating smaller food portions mean you cut down your calories. Doing this can help your body burn off your excess body fat to fuel your body’s need for energy.

To encourage smaller meals, you can substitute your regular large dining plate to a smaller one. Using a smaller plate gives you the illusion that you already have too much food on your plate.

Another tip you can do is to ask your waiter to cut your order in half and put the other half in a takeaway bag to consume later. This does not only help you eat less, it cuts down your costs as well.

Use The Fist Rule

Though eating out in restaurants sounds more convenient, the portion sizes they give you are definitely too much. In fact, food portions in the United States have increased thrice as much over the course of two decades.

According to most dietitians, keeping your meals no larger than your fist will keep your calories in check.

Be A Mindful Eater

Eating the right amount of food is only half the battle. The other half lies on your head as there is a psychological component in eating. When people know that they are being watched, they tend to eat lesser portions because it constantly reminds them that they should not eat more.

This phenomenon is mainly why many people who take part in studies successfully lose weight regardless of which group they are assigned to. They stay conscious about their meals simply because their behavior is constantly watched, observed and studied.

Eat More Lean Proteins and Fiber

One of the secrets to weight loss is keeping yourself full. Source your meals from fiber-rich foods and lean proteins. They help you stay filled and satiated for longer hours.

As fiber and protein take time to digest, sugar and other nutrient absorption will take time. These foods help stabilize your blood sugar and prevent diabetes.

Processed foods like cookies, candy bars and pastries on the other hand are easily digested. They can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. This instability is responsible for that intense hunger even if you just ate a few hours ago. So it is important to stay away from these foods.

Stop Drinking Sodas and Other Sweetened Beverages

Sodas, juice concentrates and cocktail drinks taste a lot better compared to water. But what they make up for taste, they lack in nutrition.

A study of 170 obese women between the age range of 25 to 50 found that by replacing beverages to plain drinking water, you can encourage weight loss.

Set Your Kitchen

The foods found in your kitchen can trigger your usual unhealthy eating habits. If you line your shelves with sugary snacks and processed junks, you are most likely going to abandon your diet and start munching on these foods again.

What you can do is to set up your kitchen to make it more dieter-friendly. Keep healthy foods in sight by putting a basket of fresh fruits on top of the counter.

You can also chop vegetables beforehand so that you can easily whip up a salad or a healthy snack in case you get hungry.

Reduce temptation by throwing away all processed foods, sweet treats and heavily salted snacks. And try not to buy these foods again whenever your grocery shop.

Grocery Shop With A Full Belly

Shopping in a grocery store with an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Shopping while hungry will encourage you to impulsively buy unhealthy foods that should have been forbidden in your kitchen the first place.

As mentioned earlier, eating right starts with stocking your pantry, fridge or cupboards with healthy foods.

Surrounding yourself with people who support your decision to become healthy will encourage you to stay on track. Be sure to pick the friends who understand how important it is for you to stay healthy and lose weight. Keep yourself accompanied by people who will not tempt you to go back to your old ways.