9 Eating Tips to Lose Weight ...

1. Make Simple Swaps

Most of the time, eating tips to lose weight sound complicated or bothersome, but in reality, making a few simple swaps can make a world of difference. For example, if you want the taste and health benefits of dairy (like cheese or yoghurt) without the added calories from fat, switch to low-fat or skim dairy rather than whole fat. You could also ditch the soda for all-natural, no sugar added mixed fruit juices, and change from bland, flimsy white bread to wholesome, fiber-rich whole grain bread. Even just making these three simple swaps can spell the difference between an unhealthy diet and one that’s definitely on the right track.

2. Learn Serving Sizes

One of the trickiest eating tips to lose weight is about figuring out how MUCH to eat in a meal. Let’s start with dinner — a baked chicken breast and some whole grain pasta with fresh tomatoes and squash. Sounds diet-conscious, right? But how big should each of those servings be? The chicken ought to be about the size of a deck of cards, and a side should fit in the cupped palm of your hand.

3. Count the Drinks, Too

Did you know that one Starbuck’s venti mocha contains more calories than a hamburger from McDonald’s? It’s shocking, but true! It’s okay to indulge in a dessert-drink once in a while, but take careful note of this healthy eating tip, and count the calories in them, weighing them against a potentially more valuable source of those calories.

4. Ditch the Condiments

You would be surprised how many calories from sugar and fat are lurking in your favorite dressings and condiments. There are 15 calories in your ketchup, 90 calories in your mayo, and a whopping 180 calories in your fave buttermilk ranch salad dressing. Either enjoy your salad without the dressing, or use a lighter, more health-conscious vinaigrette.

5. Color Your Plate

This is perhaps one of the easiest eating tips to lose weight: the more colorful your meal, the healthier it probably is! This doesn’t include Rainbow Cake, of course, but think about it. All the healthiest foods are brilliant hues, from deep purple eggplant to bright red tomatoes and gorgeous leafy greens, and everything in between!

6. Speaking of Plates…

Speaking of plates, this eating tip to lose weight has nothing to do with food, really — it’s about your plate! Using a smaller plate will make your proper servings look more like the extra-large servings you’re used to eating, which sounds odd, but will actually trick your belly and your brain into feeling fuller. I’m not making this up; it really does work!

7. Aim for 5

Your mum was right: you need to eat your veggies! And don’t forget about the fruit, too. The USDA recommends we women get about 5 servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day. Think about it, though. If you’re eating all these healthy veggies and fruits, you won’t be hungry for junk!

8. Eat More (Often)

How can eating more be an eating tip to lose weight? It’s all about how often you eat. To keep your metabolism in high gear, try eating five small meals a day, rather than three bigger ones. This constant munching will also keep you from feeling hungry and deprived.

9. If You’re Craving Something…

Not every healthy eating tip to lose weight is about deprivation. In most cases, it’s more about moderation. Go ahead and indulge in a bit of cheesecake, but don’t eat the whole cake in one go! And one cookie is fine… but four? Not so much.

See, sweetie? Not a single eating tip to lose weight that has anything to do with deprivation or even hard skimping. I even said you could have a cookie… who doesn’t love cookies? Which of these eating tips to lose weight do you like best, and why? Or do you have another idea to share?

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