75 % of my struggle was overcome with a healthier eating regimen. It’s important to remember that foods that usually seem like they are good for you probably are. I began putting together foods that worked for me, developing my own plan helped me the most. I learned that if you pick the right foods to eat you will be able to eat bigger portions.

Style your Eating for YOU!

• Small portions are the best portions
• Eat fruit for breakfast and snacks, the fresher the better
• Buy fresh fruits and take one to work or school everyday. If you know you have fruit it will be easier to make a decision when you want a snack
• When you’re shopping don’t give in to temptations; if you don’t buy bad foods they wont be around when you crave them (and dont go to the store hungry)
• Make a list – buy only the things included, this will eliminate impulse buys
• It’s a great idea to pick a time to not eat after. I suggest a few hours before you go to bed, like 7 or 8 pm
• DRINK LOTS OF WATER. I can’t express this more strongly. Filling your self up with something that contains nothing is a great way to stay full. I carried around a water bottle for months constantly refilling (Plus it’s great for your complexion)
• Drink fat free or skim milk (personally i’m starting to really like Soy milk as well)
• It’s OK to eat healthy cereals, just pay attention to portion size (I LOVE Honey Bunches of Oats)
• Buy whole grain breads, pastas, and rice (you’ll get use to it)
• Drink plain tea or hot lemon water between meals
• Eat all the fresh green vegetables you can (i suggest steamed)
• If you are a slave to fast food covert yourself to fast-food salads. Almost all of the major fast-food chains offer a healthy menu, but eventually you will want to cut out all fast food
• Don’t eat to fill yourself up, eat to keep your energy up – eat to live don’t live to eat!
• It is ok to have dessert every once in a while (I suggest once a month, and a small portion). It’s something to look forward to. After you see results you may not even want it!
• On holidays DON’T take leftovers home. If you must eat a bigger meal make sure it ends with that day.
• Eat yogurt for a snack – i prefer greek, it has a healthy dose of protein – your body needs this
• Try other methods of cooking fried foods. Try broiling, baking or grilling
• Let’s just not fry anything at all!
• Buy skinless chicken or cut the skin and fat off before you cook
• Buy leaner meats – they are more expensive but it’s worth it
• Don’t buy or eat microwave dinners; a lot of them have saturated fat and are high in calories, I stay away from anything in a box all together
• Replacement shakes are OK; they give you the nutrients you need
• A great plan includes a diet diary – write down everything you eat everyday along with times. This will allow you to watch your list shrink as you progress. There are PLENTY of calorie counter apps available.