Starting a diet isn’t always easy, but there are times when something in our lives propels us forward and we begin a diet program that is fast and effective. However, after a while, our motivation begins to wane causing our resolve to weaken, paving the way for us to fall temptation to some of our old ways of eating. I find when that occurs it always helps to hear some new diet tips. If not new, perhaps a different twist on an old one.
1. When dining out, eye out half of your meal and bag the rest. A typical restaurant entree has 1,000 to 2,000 calories, and that doesn’t even count the bread, appetizer, beverage, and dessert.
2. If you want dessert, share one with someone, usually just a taste will do.
3. Eat your meal on a salad plate instead of a dinner plate.
4. Never eat out of a bag or jar, always put your food on a plate and eat it from there. It’s important that you see the food that you are eating in order to mentally satisfy your appetite.
5. Eat an apple and drink a glass of water before going out to eat, this will keep you from eating all the bread in the bread basket.
6. To lose an easy 5 pounds per year, switch from whole milk to 1 percent.
7. Juice has as many calories as soda. Set a limit of one 8-oz glass of fruit juice a day. If you just love to drink juice, try pouring half water and half juice.
8. Get calories from foods you chew, not beverages. Have fresh fruit instead of fruit juice.
9. Keep a fitness journal. It will make a big difference in your success.
10. Remember the Chinese saying: “Eat until you are eight-tenths full.”
11. Substitute mustard for mayo.
12. Eat more soup. It’s a comfort food that fills you up. Choose non-creamy varieties that have less calories.
13. Avoid or reduce high calorie drinks like soda, sweet tea, lemonade, etc. If you cut out sodas, you could lose up to 25 pounds in a year, from that one change alone.
14. Take your lunch to work. You can control portions and contents.
15. Sit when you eat. This helps to satisfy your appetite much more than standing to eat. You are relaxed and better able to focus on your meal.
16. Resist the urge to add salt to your food. If you can, eat a few bites first before choosing to add salt. This gives your taste buds a chance to adjust to the different flavors in your food.
17. Drink 8 glasses of water each day. Water helps to wash the toxins from your body and helps to fill up your stomach, slowing your appetite somewhat.
18. Eat a lunch comprised mostly of veggies at least three times a week, be sure to include protein with every meal.
19. As often as possible, eat your meals from home. This way you have control over how the food is prepared and of your portion.
20. Avoid entirely or limit drinking alcohol to weekends, only.
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