Diet Tips

Weight loss is all about calories in vs. calories out. But sometimes it's not that easy. The tips in this section were submitted by readers, and include a few of our own favorite ways to stay on a healthy weight-loss plan. Check back often for new and fresh ideas to jumpstart your diet, or help you get through those little hurdles along the way. Have a tip to share? Send it to us!

BRUSH!

Whenever you’re feeling a snack attack coming on, brush your teeth. You won’t be hungry anymore and your teeth will thank you.

Weigh yourself when tempted

If faced with a tempting treat that is not within bounds of your diet, go to the scale and weight yourself. Pat yourself on the back for maintaining your weight goals. You will be less likely to give in after that.

Be in control

Never say “I can’t have that” but rather say “I don’t want that.” This puts you in control of your choices.

Bypass temptation

If driving past McDonalds everyday is too tempting, go a different route.

5 A Day – Not as much as it sounds!

If the idea of fitting 5 servings of vegetables and fruits in your diet seems impossible, remember that official serving sizes are small. A large apple, a cup of broccoli or lentils, or a medium sized salad each count as two servings!

Taming the Aspartame Fears

We’ve all read the internet rumors about the dangers of aspartame. However, this sweetener has been studied more intensively than almost any other food additive. The FDA, WHO (World Health Organization) and the American Medical Association have confirmed its safety. The only proven danger is for people with phenylketonuria, a rare genetic disorder. Labels of products containing aspartame include this warning.

Calcium – A little at a time

If you take calcium supplements, don’t take more than 500mg at a time. The body absorbs larger amounts less efficiently. Also take it with a meal for better absorption.

Makin’ Bacon

If you like bacon, consider Canadian bacon for a healthier choice. A once ounce serving of Canadian bacon has 50 calories and just 2 grams of fat. An ounce of regular bacon has 165 calories and a whopping 14 grams of fat. But don’t forget that both are high in sodium.

Heartburn

As if we need another reason to lose weight – Are you bothered by heartburn? Studies show that being overweight can bring on heartburn or make it worse. When people lose weight, they are less likely to suffer from heartburn.

Lose 10 without noticing

If you cut just 96 calories a day, which is about a slice and a half of bread, you will lose 10 pounds in one year without ever noticing. You’ll gain the same benefit if you increase your activity a little to burn 96 extra calories a day.