If you go to the trouble of getting on board with any diet plan, you'll want to commit to it for the duration of however long it takes to reach your goal weight. This isn't always easy, even with Weight Watchers, which is known as one of the most sensible diet plans. In addition to following the program, there are some tips and tricks that will help you achieve your ideal weight. Because you don't want to put all those pounds back on afterward, remember these tips for maintenance.
Write it Down
Before you begin the program, jot down the reasons you may want to lose some pounds. Keep the list in your pocket or purse so when you're tempted you can pull it out and remind yourself.
Before you go grocery shopping, make a list. Then resist the temptation to pick up a few extra items. Have the list on paper will deepen your resolve to avoid unhealthy snacks and foods that will sabotage your diet.
Begin a daily food journal. Write down every single thing you put into your mouth, no matter how small it is--even foods you taste while cooking. This will give you a better idea of where your calories are coming from.
Start Meals with Appetizers
Start every meal with appetizers. This can include low calorie vegetables, salads with low-calorie or no dressing and broth-based soup. This will fill you up before you're tempted by higher calorie proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Nibbling and Snacks
Keep snacking to a minimum, but when you feel that you must have something between meals, keep the calorie count to around 100. Buy packages of 100-calorie snacks or pre-measure them and store a week's worth of them in individual size serving plastic bags.
Resist the urge to nibble off other people's plates because even those calories count. This includes trying your spouse's food at a restaurant or finishing off those last few bites your child refused to eat.
Stay Hydrated
Sometimes when you think you're hungry, you might be thirsty. Drink plenty of water--ideally at least eight 8-oz. glasses each day. Keep a filled water bottle beside you throughout the day to make it easy to get the fluids you need. Drink a full glass of water before you eat, and you may find that you're not as hungry as you thought you were.
Positive Attitude
Find ways to maintain a positive attitude. Do non-food related things you enjoy. Smile often. Spend time chatting with friends and acquaintances about things you enjoy. If you need motivation to stay on your diet, attend meetings where you're held accountable in a positive environment.
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