Diet Tips for Success

Try Googling, “Weight Loss” and check out just how many hits you get. There are all sorts of “fitness experts” with tips on how to lose weight, build muscle, tone up, etc. In reality, there is a VERY easy equation for weight loss: eat less and exercise more. The following article by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD gives the 15 best diet tips ever.

• Drink plenty of water and calorie-free beverages: don’t sabotage your weight loss journey by drinking your calories!

• Add to your diet, don’t take away: many people “fall off the wagon” because they just can’t deny themselves their favorite foods. Look at things you can add to your diet to improve your daily food intake: vegetables, protein, etc.

• Consider whether you are really hungry: is your stomach really growling? Make sure your tank is really empty before choosing to eat. It is easy to confuse thirst with hunger. Boredom can lead to unneeded snacking too.

• Be mindful about what foods you select to be your nighttime snacks: there are varying opinions about nighttime noshing…if your tummy is complaining EAT SOMETHING! Don’t starve yourself! Make a good choice though…air-popped popcorn instead of a bag of tortilla chips and queso.

• Enjoy your favorite foods: Denial often leads to over-indulgence. If you want a piece of cake…has a piece of cake but keep in mind that portion size is important. Have half a piece and savor each bite rather than full-size piece, shoving it in your mouth to keep from having to share it with your kids (can you tell I have kids ).

• Stock healthy convenience foods in your kitchen: we all have busy lives! If you plan for those times when you only have 20 minutes to change clothes, eat and get back to work by having a healthy and quick meal available you won’t have to eat the cherry poptart left by your kid on the kitchen counter because you need to dine and dash. You can throw a small, vegetarian burrito in the microwave and be out the door almost as quick AND feel better about your choice.

Read on for the rest of the tips to dieting. Remember, your goal is not to “diet” just to get the last 5 pounds off. You want to change your eating habits for life!