Design a diet plan that will work for you and your lifestyle. It takes a dedicated plan, but by designing your own diet, you can take control over your eating habits and find great success in your weight management goals.

Examine your current eating habits, including what you eat and your preparation methods. Keep in mind the amount to time you want to devote to preparing your meals as well as planning them. While eating healthy make take a bit more planning and prep time, you will also want to come up with quick eating solutions for those times when you are on the go or in a hurry.

If your goal is to lose weight, I have found that the best diet for losing weight is to eat every 21/2 to 3 hours. Eating frequent, small meals will help to keep you from overeating at any meal and from making unhealthy food choices. Avoid going for long periods of time without eating, which causes your metabolism to all but shut down in an effort to conserve fat and energy. A slower metabolism burns less calories.

The secret to success with this diet is to plan your meals each day. If you work away from home, pack a lunch with healthy snacks of fruit, vegetables, cheese or crackers. Make sure you are getting enough protein, too. When eating up to five times per day, be sure to keep the portions small. You can weigh each serving or estimate your portion by the size of the palm of your hand.

The key to portion control is to stop eating when you are full. Learn the language your body is speaking. Don’t take another bite past that satisfied feeling. Keep in mind that your next meal is only a few hours away.

The real secret to adjusting your portion size is knowing you will be eating again in less than 3 hours. Give it a try. Nutritious food, in sensible portions, eaten several times a day really will keep your hunger satisfied and help you to lose those excess pounds.