Top Ten Diet Tips For February 2007

So, how did the January Top Ten Diet Tips go for you? Post a comment and let us know. Share your success and your frustrations!

Top Ten Diet Tips For February 2007

1. Buddy Up
Find a friend to diet and exercise with. Some people find that dieting with a friend that is skinny is a great way to learn "skinny" habits. Other's find that too intimidating and judgmental, so they pair up with a friend that also wants to lose weight. Whichever you decide, you will have more success with a diet buddy.

2. Locate A Resource Online
Find an online resource to help you lose weight. These memberships can offer all the same benefits of an "in person" membership but are often easier and less intimidating. Even if you go to a real world weight loss group, an online group can help you feel connected during the week. Participate in their forums and connect with others on the same road as you are.

3. Convert High Fat Recipes To Low Fat Recipes
Make a list of your favorite full fat recipes and then convert them to low fat recipes.

4. Make a list of "conversion" comfort foods
Make a list of easy convenience foods that are low in sugar and fat. This list can get you through the cravings with ease.

5. Listen To Music While You Exercise
Listening to music makes exercising easier and more enjoyable. Use your exercise time as "your time". In other words, enjoy this time and teach yourself to look forward to it. Music makes the experience a positive one.

6. Eat Half
Let's face it we live in an "eat out" society and much of what we do socially centers around restaurants. So when you go out to eat, don't just look for the healthiest choices, eat only half. Consider sharing an entree with someone else. Restaurants offer huge serving sizes. By eating half, you keep your portions under control.

7. Trade Soda For Water Or Very Low Calorie Drinks
Full sugar sodas have a ton of calories and sugar. Even diet sodas have large amounts of sodium making it hard to lose weight. Switch to water. Or if you really need a little flavor consider drinks like Crystal Light.

8. Chart Your Progress
Chart your progress weekly. This gives you both a reality check and a pat on the back when you make progress. Both are essential for long term success.

9. Measure, Don't Weigh
For the first two to three months, measure your body, don't weigh it. If you are eating to gain muscle, or lifting weights to gain muscle, you will lose a ton of inches but not as much, (if any)weight. Don't be discouraged. The more muscle you have the higher your metabolism will be. That is VERY important. Gaining muscle is vital to your long-term weight loss goals. So measure for three months, do not weigh.

10. Eat Almonds

Almonds have nutrients in them that actually aid in the weight loss process. One small handful a day can help you lose weight faster. They are also very high in fiber.