Excerpted from "A Year of Health Hints"
365 Practical Ways to Feel Better and Live Longer
It's not always what you eat that determines whether or not
you lose weight. Sometimes, small changes in the way you
eat can help eliminate those extra pounds. Try these suggestions.
Eat smaller
amounts of food more often, and eat at least half of your intake
earlier in the day (to
increase your
metabolism). You'll burn off more calories that way. (Eat no more
than six times
a day--including
snacks--however.)
Use small plates,
so portions look larger.
Put less food on
your fork or spoon, and take smaller bites.
Chew slowly, and
pause between mouthfuls.
Wait 10 minutes
before snacking. (The urge might pass.) Don't prepare snacks for
other people.
If you feel like
bingeing, put on tight clothes--it will discourage you.
Choose more
high-fiber and high-water foods like celery, watermelon, and
plain popcorn. (You
get more to eat
without eating very many calories.)
Mentally imagine
yourself thinner--it'll keep you going.
Keep low-calorie
snacks easily available.
Never skip
breakfast.
Don't eat anything
after dinner.
Brush your teeth
after every meal. (You'll be less inclined to continue nibbling.)
Eat only if you
feel relaxed to avoid "nervous munching."
Take the light
bulb out of your refrigerator--it will cut down on
"search-and-consume" forays.
Drink lots of
water every day, to suppress appetite.
Never starve
yourself all day in order to eat a special dinner. (You'll be
more likely to overeat.)