Healthy Lifestyle – Seven Tips for Healthy Dieting

Every diet that comes along promises “quick weight loss” or “loose fat now”. And, no matter which diet you choose – in the short term, many of these diets can be successful at fulfilling their promises. But, maintaining healthy eating habits in our society is a life long challenge, not a three-month program. Its a challenge in which the payoffs are well worth the effort.

So, once you’ve started your diet and exercise program, how can you make sure that in the long run, you keep your weight down to where you want it? Well, here’s some simple tips to help you accomplish this!

1. Get organized. Plan snacks ahead so when the urge to eat hits you there is something "good and easy" to reach for.

- Peel carrots, cut celery or cucumbers ahead of time so they are handy.
- Place no more than 10 (50 calories) pretzels in a baggie for a snack.
- Drink water, ice tea, V-8 when you feel like snacking. Tell yourself if you're still hungry
when you finish the drink that you'll have a snack.
- When the urge to snack hits you, go out and walk around the house five times.

2. Get rid of all (or most) junk food in the house or ask a family member to hide it.

3. Don't let yourself use the old excuse at the grocery store, "The cookies are for the kids. They're not on a diet." Remember if they end up in the house, they will probably end up in your mouth.

4. If you blow it at lunch, don't write off the rest of the day.

5. Try to plan your meals at least one day ahead. The more decisions you leave to the last minute, the more chance you have of grabbing something quick and fat.

6. If you find yourself becoming very hungry mid-afternoon, or in the evening, eat a bit more nutritious food at mealtime, or anticipate the in-between-meal hunger and plan a nutritious snack.

7. Don't be too hard on yourself. Occasionally, feel free to reward your hard efforts with a treat once in awhile - one treat here or there won't be the end of you. Just be reasonable!