These simple eating strategies make it a cinch to shave calories, curb cravings and drop major pounds
By: The Editors of Women's Health
Enhance your weight-loss efforts by following these diet tips from Leslie Bonci, R.D., M.P.H., director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and coauthor of Run Your Butt Off!
Related: Put your food longings on lockdown with these diet tricks
A study found that those who kept daily food logs lost twice as much as those who didn't. Many people lowball how much they eat—seeing it all in black-and-white can be a reality check.
Discover the eating plan that can help you lose up to 15 pounds in 32 days!
Experts say that people with a lot of pounds to lose get overwhelmed by counting calories and give up. Keep it simple by divvying your plate into thirds: 1/3 protein, 1/3 vegetables, and 1/3 whole grains.
Search: How to eyeball calories
Restricting foods can increase your cravings and lead to off-the-wagon binges. Jonesing for a cookie? Have it, but swap it for your afternoon caramel macchiato or pretzels.
Video: Snacks that won't pack on pounds
Serve dinner on a salad plate and pour cereal into a mug rather than a bowl. Experts say you'll think you're eating more than you actually are.
Bonus: The Smartest Weight Loss Tricks Ever
Sip water and set your fork down after every few bites. There's lag time between your stomach feeling full and your brain getting the message.
Opt for a broth-based soup as your appetizer. It can curb cravings and also help prevent overeating during your meal.
Eat small amounts every few hours. It can help your body burn calories instead of holding on to them.
Lose weight with these decadent 400 calorie meals that won't make you fat!
It keeps you feeling full longer, burns calories as it digests, and helps your muscles recover. Include it at every meal.
Avoid excess salt, limit foods like broccoli and beans, and add lemon to your water (it acts as a natural diuretic).
Next up: 5 Ways to Make Any Meal a Belly Flattener
Copyright© 2013 Rodale Inc. "Fitbie" is a registered trademark of Rodale, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction, transmission or display is permitted without the written permission of Rodale, Inc.