Tips on Dieting

Tips on Dieting
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Starting a new diet is not as difficult as sticking to a healthier eating plan. Once you lose the weight, you must continue eating low calorie and low fat food options to avoid regaining the weight. Avoid fad diets when you are looking to lose weight. Instead, choose a calorie controlled meal plan that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy. Speak to a physician before making any dietary changes.

Types

When you are trying to diet, it is important to not deprive yourself completely of your favorite foods. Instead, allow for small indulgences and reduce the portion size of treats. For instance, only have a handful of chips instead of an entire bag. Eat a mini candy bar instead of a full sized version. Also, consume snacks that sate your salty or sweet tooth without adding in a lot of extra calories. Some low calorie suggestions include a bag of chocolate covered pretzels with only 130 calories, two sheets of graham crackers contain 100 calories and 3 oz. of frozen yogurt has 100 calories.

Features

The way that you eat also affects your success at dieting. Chew your food slowly and eat with others whenever possible. To stay sated throughout the day, eat small meals every couple of hours instead of three square meals. Never skip a meal since this can lead to overeating later. Eat your vegetables first before moving on to other food groups. For dessert, consume fruit instead of sweets.

Significance

Your beverage choice can make or break your diet. If you continue to drink soda, fruit juice and coffee drinks with whole milk, you may find weight loss difficult. Make water your main choice to quench your thirst over the course of the day. Additional low calorie beverages you can enjoy include black coffee, unsweetened teas and lemon flavored water.

Considerations

Following a diet when you eat out can be difficult. To keep portion sizes under control, order an appetizer or side item as your main entrée. If you do order a main entrée, you should save half of the food for a later meal. Choose vegetable based entrees off of the menu, such as salads and stir fries. Ask that the restaurant holds the bread bowl and places all salad dressings on the side.

References

Article reviewed by Melanie Zoltan Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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