1. Do the Math

Just because something says "light" or "fat-free" does not mean it's calorie free. Take a minute to stop and add up the calories per serving size. You may be able to eat a whole mini-pizza on your own, but that doesn't mean it's one serving size. Don't forget, drinks have calories too! Calorie counts are based on a single serving, typically 8 oz for a beverage. Read all labels carefully and calculate costs before you stuff your face. You may be surprised by what you realize you've been scarfing down!

2. Don't Clean Your Plate

We're all told as little kids that we have to clean our plate before we can get dessert. This of course, is good for us when we're little! We need to grow strong and healthy and not fill up on sweets entirely! But as adults, this habit carries over into our eating style-and not always in a good way! When the food looks and smells delicious, our eyes can be bigger than our stomachs and we end up heaping on-and scarfing down- more than necessary to fill our tummies. These added calories pack on the pounds! Dining out especially aggravates this habit because our mindset is "well, I paid for it, I better eat it all!". And serving sizes always seem to larger portions than what you might cook and eat at home. So don't clean your plate! stop eating when you feel full and you'll reap the benefits!

3. Buffet Boo-Boo's

An all-you-can-eat buffet doesn't mean you have to eat it all! I know it's tempting to have a little taste of all that glorious food you see, but DON'T! Remember, you are on a diet! If you find yourself at a buffet, be it a restaurant or a family birthday party, here's what to do. Remember, moderation is key. You don't have to starve yourself, or sit in the corner and watch every one else eat. Stick with healthy foods, and small portions. Salad, steamed veggies, fruits, and grilled or baked meats are all good choices! Steer clear of pastas, breads, casseroles, and other fat-loaded items. Decide to have your food but don't let it have you! You'll stick to your diet and still feel satisfied and full, and you'll wow them all!

4. Fast-Food Flub's

There's always going to be that day when you don't have time to pack a lunch. That doesn't mean you have to resort to a cheeseburger or a bag of chips. If you have to make a dash into McDonald's for lunch next week, order a salad with grilled chicken. Then use fat-free dressing and have water with it. Other healthy, diet- worthy choices include Yogurt and fruit, burritos, and veggie wraps. look over the menu before ordering. Most fast-food restaurants will have a weight-watchers or a dieters section to choose from!

5. Scoring Samples

You know those freebies they have at the mall? The cookie samples, the smoothie shots, chicken tasters and mini-cheese bites that are all so yummy and too good to pass up can give you an extra few hundred calories a day. Although it's hard, resist the urge! A polite "no-thank you" and you can keep trodding on toward your desired weight goal with no extra baggage!

6. Eat Your Meat

But not just any meat! Chicken, beef and fish are the best meat choices for dieters. You don't have to forego meat entirely just because you're on a diet! Meat has protein, which is a metabolism booster! Just avoid any fried meats. They are dripping with fat! Baked or grilled are the best way to go. And you generally want to keep portions under control. A good plan is to have fruit and cereal or granola for breakfast, a light salad at lunch, and a meat and veggies at dinner. However, tuna sandwiches are great choices for lunch meat when dieting!

7. Stick It out

The Number One mistake dieters make? Not Sticking it through till they reach their weight loss goal! It's understandable that life sometimes gets in the way, but as soon as you get past whatever you're dealing with that interferes with your diet, you should jump right back in there and pick your diet up where you left it! Dieting isn't easy, but then, nothing in life is easy. Don't be discouraged if you feel like you aren't making much progress. Your efforts will all pay off in the end and you will be feeling and looking fantastic!

Now that you know the 7 most common mistakes made by dieters, you will be able to avoid them and your next diet should be a breeze! Focus on losing that weight and nothing else! You will feel so great about yourself for accomplishing your goals and making it! Are you ready to get started?