Twenty Tips for Dieting Success

1 First of all, one needs to set herself up for dieting success in losing weight and keeping it off long-term. Positive self talk is very enlightening.Tell oneself that she is capable and deserving of attaining healthy goals, then proceed to create new changes needed that will lead to a way of healthy eating for life, not a quick fad diet. Keep a positive attitude as much as possible and use the tools one needs to do so.

2 Priceless tools are the support systems that exist all over the world for over eaters, addiction, etc. Anonymous groups are fluent in the US. They also have hot lines, mentors, sponsors, meetings, and more available at any time, day or night, all free.

3 Do not anticipate a miracle overnight. Be realistic.Thirty pounds are not going to come off in a day and it took longer than a day for the fat to turn to mush. One needs a pat on the back for any efforts she has made to better her health today. Remember to be patient with oneself.

4 Lower the temptation to eat what one does not need by making a plan, in writing, a schedule that one can follow easily. Keep a food journal and write out any plans pertaining to the new diet. One will know what to expect to eat at each meal. This is important for staying on track with the healthiest of foods and not becoming discouraged. Have a plan, even if it not followed perfectly, at least it was implemented and worked on. Never give up hope or trying because one is always worth every effort!

5 Try to make the scheduling when one can eat meals, snacks, and exercising as a familiar routine. It takes 21 days of practice to make a habit. Knowing what time to expect food or drink will let one look forward to each part of the day. Little bit by bit, it will become second nature.

6 Fast foods are usually not a good choice, but restaurants will be better for one to choose low fat foods for a heart healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and all the good stuff. Never get fried, deep fried, or breaded foods. Choose more green salads, adding almonds, cheese, peppers, onions, tomatoes and whatever one wants in a salad.Try stuffing pita bread with it.

7 Know what a portion size really is, not what one wants it to be. Weighing food can be valuable as well. Get to know food like never before. Soon it will be a part of the healthy eating plan that one has chosen to follow.

8 Do not give up because a candy bar tricked one into wolfing it down, binging. Remember that each moment is a new beginning, then start again, just do it. Changes do not just happen, they must be created. Tell self that one is human and humans do err. The freedom is always there to choose again. Do it just for today. For right now. That is all one must deal with. Tomorrow is but a dream and a hope that may never come. So waste no energy on this one. Forgive oneself and go on with the journey of learning how to eat better for life.

9 Move! Do something with physical action involved. For example, walk in place while doing dishes, step up the first two stairs and back down, back up, down again, doing about 10 to start, or do push ups while watching TV. Dance to music, jump rope, get that energy built up. Create new ways to move as often as one can every day then practice. Make fun exercise part of life every day. Eat less, exercise more and lose weight for long-term.

10 It is normal to think about eating all types of foods that are not on the list of good foods. One can tell herself that she does not have to act out on that thought because it will pass. Ride it out by going for a walk or have a nice hot bath to sooth the cravings for food. Call someone, draw, write, read, exercise, or do whatever it takes to not act out on the obsession.

11 Drink at least 64 oz of water every day to rinse out toxins and feel more energized. Feel better emotionally as well. Also, drink water when cravings for foods hit.

12 Make time for stress relief every day. Stress can cause weight gain, especially around the middle. Do stretching exercises, yoga, massage, spend time with family, garden, paint, or whatever relaxes oneself.

13 Stop buying the unhealthy foods that one does not need. If family members are in the way, make sure to label and store ones foods in a place that is all hers alone. One does have a conscious choice in which she can say no! Do not allow off limit foods to be put in one's path.

14 Eat slower, allow foods to digest, and use a small plate for ones food. Put down the fork between bites and chew ones food very slowly. Give the brain time to catch up.

15 Latest research read in the Readers Digest magazine, the January 2009 issue, gives brand new facts about fat cells, sleep, viruses, genes, and much more, in relation to fat. For example, sleeping well is immensely important to lose fat.

16 Try new ways of looking at a diet. Call it a food plan or healthy eating, whatever works, but be careful in letting that "die-it" word step in, letting it defeat oneself.

17 It is important to be mindful of how much drinking one does. Caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods tend to bloat. Too many juices are not good either. Alcohol is not a good choice, except for wine on occasion.

18 Choose to eat fruits, vegetables, soups, and cooked whole-grain rice and pasta. These foods can make one feel fuller.

19 Do not get weighed any sooner than every two weeks, preferably a month. That x number on the scale does not prove ones worth or value. Focus on learning to eat the basics of low fat, healthy foods that enable weight loss long term and maintaining the weight once goals are met.

20 Writing is of the utmost importance to ones success in dealing with feelings, thoughts, and goals. To see it in black and white is to accept self and the weight issues as best one can, just for that moment, just for right now, just for today.