1. Always use your head before your eyes or your stomach! Think of the consequences and if it is worth eating it. You'll be surprised at what you can talk yourself out of when you realize how many minutes on the treadmill it will cost you! LOL
2. Use light, fat free, or sugar free versions of your favorites. They can save you tons of calories. Most recipes you can substitute light ingredients with very little difference in taste and save you calories.
3. Buy bite-size or single portions of foods when available so you know exactly how many calories you are getting. I enjoy quiche so I buy those bite-size tarts and I am not tempted to have too large of a piece and I know exactly how many calories each one has.
4. Always treat yourself to dessert. Fresh fruit and Lite cool whip, sugar free angelfood cake, Light Ice Cream bars, and frozen fruit bars are some of my favorites.
5. Make salads out of your favorite foods. Cheesburger salad is my favorite!!! Grill a turkey (or lean ground beef) burger and top with 2% sharp cheddar cheese. Cut into bite size pieces. Make a salad out of your favorite veggies. Make a dressing out of 2 TBS Light Mayo, 2 TBS relish, and 1 TBS dijon mustard. Add dressing to greens and top with cheesburger meat. Delicious and you never miss the bun or fries!
6. Use a calorie guide when you go out to restaurants. Look on the Favorite Helpers page for the one that I use.
7. Exercise at your own pace. If you over-do, you will dread it and you'll likely give up. Exercise at a convenient time as well. Work it into your schedule and not work your schedule around exercise.
8. Most importantly choose a plan that works into your lifestyle and not a plan that your lifestyle works around. I believe that is why most diet plans fail. If it is too difficult or time consuming it is easy to give up on.
9. Weigh yourself once a week.
10. NEVER EVER GIVE UP! If I can do it, anybody can!!!