1.  Have a big glass of water a few minutes before eating, it’ll help you to feel fuller.

2. When eating out order water with lemon instead of sugary drinks or alcohol.  The lemon is refreshing, and will help your body process the fatty food you’re eating.

3. When ordering Chinese food, get steamed rice instead of fried rice.

4. If you want to go to an expensive restaurant or buffet, go for lunch, you’ll enjoy the same quality of food at a much lower price.  You also will have that big meal earlier in the day.

5. When at social gatherings or during the holidays it can be challenging not to fall off the wagon.  Some people actually eat more because they are stressed–there is a chemical reason for it.  Do some deep breathing, stretching, take a walk, to try listening to your favourite song to try to get those stress-hormone levels down before you surround yourself with food.

6. If you’re out and drinking alcohol, always alternate one alcoholic beverage for a glass of water.  This will help to keep your bar tab down, keep you from making an ass out of yourself, and help keep the aforementioned body part from getting any bigger.

7. When at meeting don’t double fist drinks or food.  Leave one hand free to shake hands and hug your friends.

8. Use smaller plates.  If you feel the need to fill your plate, you’ll be eating much less food.  If you want seconds then you don’t have to feel guilty.

9. If you’re trying to lose weight, try eating 4 to 6 smaller meals instead of 3 including a big dinner.

10. Have an orange or some grapefruit after your meal for dessert.  This will also help to cut the fat you just ate.

11. Make a conscious effort to have at least one serving of fruits and or veggies with every meal and snack.

12. Eat before you go grocery shopping to avoid the impulse purchases of a starving person.

13. By completely cutting out fizzy drinks you’ll save money and can lose an unbelieveable amount of weight over time.

14. Keep your car free of garbage, don’t let last week’s McDonald’s bag send you a subliminal message to stop for an unnecessary snack or meal.

15. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed time, this way you’re not going to bed on a full stomach.

16. Eat breakfast every day.  Once you get into the habit, it’s not that hard to do.  If you need to start off by making it easier on yourself and buying transportable things like yogurt cups, then go for it.  The earlier you start eating in the day, the sooner your metabolism starts working, and the less likely you are to crave large amounts of high calorie food later in the day.

17. Try to make sure you eat or drink something with some protein in it right after you exercise to help your muscles recover.

18. Make a conscious effort to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

19. If you fall off the wagon with your healthy eating plan, jump back on! It’s never too late.

20. If you’re trying to break a habit or establish a new routine, I’ve heard it takes 30 days to break a habit.  If you can make it 30 days with whatever your goal is, you’re almost there!