11. One change a week …

Don’t think you’re going to get up Monday morning, eat totally healthy, run six miles, and lift weights for an hour before bed. You’ll burn out in a week or two… or if you’re like me, a day or two. Instead, make one change a week. Want to start running and lifting weights? Add running this week, and start weight lifting next week. Then, add a healthy breakfast the week after. Adding one new habit a week gives you time to get used to it instead of getting overwhelmed.

12. Buy smaller plates …

We all know our portion sizes are out of control. One major reason for this is that our dinner plates have increased in size dramatically in the last thirty years. So, go out and buy an eight inch wide dinner plate… this was the most common size in the 1960’s, and back then we weren’t as fat! If you’ve got less room to load up your plate, you’ll automatically eat less.  Read more about how the right plates can help you eat less in 7 Fastest Ways to Lose Weight …

13. Don’t ever banish a food …

Don’t ever tell yourself, “I’ll never eat that again.” What does that do? It automatically makes you think and obsess about getting that food any way you can. Instead, tell yourself, “I’ll eat cake only at birthday parties,” or “I’ll have a chocolate milkshake once I’ve lost 15 pounds.” This way, you can still enjoy your favorite foods but on your terms.

14. Shop with a full tummy …

Don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Every tempting snack and convenience food will magically jump into your shopping cart. Instead, go to the store when you’re full of healthy foods and not tempted to pick unhealthy snack things. You’ll make a lot better choices when you aren’t motivated by hunger.

15. Eat three squares a day …

If you skip meals, you’ll make it up somewhere. Don’t think that skipping a meal will help you cut calories. Instead, your metabolism will drop into “Don’t starve me!” mode, and you’ll just pig out at your next meal. Instead, eat three healthy meals each day and add a few smart snacks in there, too. You’ll feel better and lose weight faster, too!  Check out 4 Tips on Eating More Often and Losing Weight … to find out why eating more often is good for your diet.

14. Turn off the TV and sit at the table …

If you eat while you watch tv (or do anything distracting, for that matter), you’ll eat more. Instead, focus on what you’re eating and really enjoy it. Don’t zone out and let your mind wander while you’re eating, or you’ll be prone to eat more than you intended.

15. Don’t eat family style …

Family style eating means bringing all the food to the table in big bowls, and this is a proven way to encourage overeating. Instead, leave the extra food in pans on the stove. Serve portions (small portions, by the way) on each person’s plate and take them to the table. This makes it a lot harder to keep grazing on food once you’re full.

16. Make dinner your last bite …

Make a commitment not to snack after dinner. It isn’t good for several reasons. Number one, you really don’t need it… chances are that you’re pretty much done burning calories for the night, so you don’t need the fuel. Also, the food will just sit in your belly and not process very well, and you’ll be more likely to store it as fat. Instead, be satisfied with your dinner and stop the late-night snacking.  Check out these useful tips on How to Cut Calories in the Evening.

17. Eat more protein …

Protein, like fiber, fills you up. Know that satisfied feeling that you get when you eat a great steak? It is the full feeling you get from proteins in your belly. So, add healthy protein to your meals and snacks whenever you can. Looking for good sources of protein? Beyond the obvious beef and chicken, consider peanut butter, lowfat yogurt or cheese, or a handful of nuts.

18. Healthy breakfast = less calories all day long …

Starting your day with a healthy breakfast will help you eat less all day. When you start your day feeling full and satisfied, you are free to make better food choices because you aren’t hungry. If you’re like me, and you’re already pressed for time in the morning, it can be hard to find time to fix a big breakfast. It doesn’t have to be complicated… a breakfast sandwich, a healthy bowl of cereal, or an egg white omelet are all great choices.

19. Don’t confuse hunger with thirst …

A lot of times, I think I’m hungry, but I’m really just thirsty. I don’t drink enough water, so I’m often dehydrated, and that’s not a great way to try to lose weight. Drink more water, and you’ll automatically feel more full and less hungry. But, if you’re feeling really ravenous, drink a big beverage and weight twenty minutes. If you’re still hungry, go ahead and eat something… but I bet you’ll find yourself feeling full a lot of the time.  By the way, did you know that drinking or not drinking water effects your looks? Read 6 Beauty Effects of Drinking More Water … for the details! 

20. Clear your cabinets of temptations …

If you’re surrounded by the foods you can’t say no to, it is only a matter of time before you eat them. If your honey loves potato chips and ice cream, but you can’t control yourself around them, you’ve got to compromise. Maybe he could keep those things at work instead, but you don’t need them in the pantry. Your willpower can’t be that strong all the time, so make sure to limit your temptations.

Recommended Posts:

• 10 Most Popular Diets – Have You Been on One ..?
• 10 Easy Weight Loss Rules You Must Know …
• 12 Delicious Low Calorie Foods …
• 10 Delicious Desserts with Least Calories …

I hope these tips and tricks can inspire you to get on the weight loss train! If we try some (or all) of these ideas, we’ll be looking hot and short-shorts ready by the time the weather warms.

Do you have other great ideas? I’m sure we’d all like to hear – and try – them, so post them in the comments section!

Photo Credit: ::reflecting truth::