Top 20 Diet Tips that Work

Everyone is looking for a short cut to lose weight. Although I prefer people not live on diet tips alone, diet tips can definitely help jump-start weight loss.

A few years ago Steve and I were teaching a fitness and nutrition class to our local Sheriff’s office. In this class I gave a few applicable diet tips that could be used in the workplace and at home. A few months later I ran into one of the employees in the grocery store and the man introduced himself and said, “remember the tip you gave about using salad plates instead of dinner plates? I’ve lost 40lbs so far” he boasted. I was simply blown away. I couldn’t believe that simple tip helped him to lose so much weight.

A random diet tip is not always a perfect match to every dieter. The very same tip that helped that man may not help someone else, but it is can sure help someone who overeats. Other people may have a bigger issue with what they eat or how often they eat. Whatever your struggle is, here are my top 20 diet tips for losing weight. Maybe a few of them can help you!

1.) Serve meals on small salad plates instead of large dinner plates.
2.) Use Stevia instead of sugar, honey or other sugar substitutes.
3.) Share a meal, or put the other half of your meal in a to-go box, when eating out.
4.) Limit processed foods like pasta, breads, cereals and instant rice.
5.) Drink one large glass of water before each meal.
6.) Limit casseroles and other multi-ingredient meals.
7.) Don’t eat more than the size of your fist at any one sitting.
8.) Limit, or eliminate, alcohol and sodas.
9.) Limit meals to 350-450 calories
10.) Try to keep snacks between 150-200 calories
11.) If you are splurging, don’t eat in one sitting what you can’t burn in one hour. (Usually about 500-700 calories)
12.) Aim for getting a third of your calories from protein.
13.) Count calories for the learning experience.
14.) Choose low-fat foods over fat-free options.
15.) Eat more dark green vegetables than white vegetables and grains.
16.) Choose only one high-calorie item on salads (like cheese or nuts).
17.) Eat 5-6 small snacks or meals a day
18.) Keep meals and snacks to 2-3 hours apart. Another words, don’t eat a meal & be tempted to snack 30 minutes later.
19.) Reduce carbohydrates and increase good fats. Fats like avocado, nuts, olive oil and fish oil help keep you energized and feeling full.
20.) Read labels paying close attention to serving size.