8 Tricks that cut calories and Can help your business as Well!!!

We see it all the time- lists and lists of ways to cut calories and lose weight. Here is another list, but this time with a different twist. This is a list of something I read the other day that is very good advice on losing weight- here are 8 tips for cutting calories to our diet. I have added a little twist- each tip will also help you run your business better! Enjoy-

Tip#1 Take Note
Diet Tip   A study found that those who kept daily food logs lost twice as much as those who didn't. Many people lowball how much they eat- seeing it all in black-and-white can be a reality check.
Management Tip   If you are in sales, keep detailed notes of how much time you actually spend going after new business. If you manage other people, keep track of how much time you actually spend training and helping your employees. You may be shocked!

Tip#2 Find Balance
Diet Tip   Experts say that people with a lot of pounds to lose get overwhelmed by couting calories and give up. Keep it simple by divvying your plate into thirds: 1/3 protein, 1/3 vegetables, and 1/3 whole grains.
Management Tip   Managing a group of people while still handling all of your responsibilities is sometimes very overwhelming. Just like losing calories, remember to keep it simple: Prioritize your own projects, and spend time each day training your employees. Sharpening "their tools" will pay more dividends in the long run.

Tip#3 Swap Smart
Diet Tip    Restricting foods can increase your cravings and lead to off-the-wagon binges. Jonesing for a cookie? Have it, but swap it for your afternoon caramel macciato or pretzels.
Management Tip   Budgets for your business are sometimes very difficult to manage. Sometimes we can make cuts that are more detrimental to our business in the long run than the expense itself. Before cutting an expense, ask yourself this question- if I no longer have that expense, will it cost me in sales and/or profits? If the answer is yes, then you might want to rethink that decision.

Tip#4 Scale Back
Diet Tip   Serve dinner on a salad plate and pour cereal into a mug rather than a bowl. Experts say you'll think you're eating more than you actually are.
Management Tip   Do you need to drive a new car every year, just for the tax break? Sometimes we can fool ourselves into believing anything is good for us, can't we?

Tip#5 Slow Down
Diet Tip   Sip water and set your fork down after every bite. There's lag time between your stomach feeling fool and your brain getting the message.
Management Tip   Take time to explain what you really want from your employees. Many times we assume that they understand us by "reading our minds". Going too fast sometimes leads to costly mistakes.

Tip#6 Nosh Often
Diet Tip   Eat small amounts every few hours. It can help your body burn calories instead of holding on to them.
Management Tip   In managment terms, taking on too much or asking an employee to take on too much is termed "drinking from the fire hose". Remember, the only way to tackle a big project is one part at a time just like the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time!

Tip#7 Pick Protein

Diet Tip   Protein keeps you feeling full longer, burns calories as it digests, and helps your muscles recover.
Management Tip   Protein is the building block for your body. Without it, everything else doesn't matter. What is the "Protein" for your business? In almost every case, it's your people! Remember, people matter!

Tip#8 Beat Bloat
Diet Tip   Avoid excess salt, limit food like broccoli and beans, and add lemon to your water (it acts as a natural diuretic).
Management Tip   Avoid employees that cause "bloat" to your business. Good hiring practices will keep those types of employees from invading your company. Also, make sure to have a good return-to-work program in place before you hire. Just like lemons, the return-to-work program will act as a nautural "diuretic" to your business, getting rid of the "bad" employees!

Bobby Bland PWCA, CIC
Vice President
Commercial Risk Service