I'm Dieting. I'm not Deprived.

Dieting and feeling deprived does nothing to improve my attitude. That kind of diet is short lived and ends in failure and see-saw weight loss and gain.

It is possible to change your diet, in order to lose weight, without feeling deprived. This involves  “fat-causing” habits--exchanging them for habits that cause weight loss and weight stabilization.

Use these tips to lose pounds and maintain stable  weight.

Recognize what makes you over-eat and work to change those habits

• Stress eating – Feeling stressed? Occupy yourself with a something healthy until the temptation passes. Take a walk, exercise or simply drink a bottle of water.
• Emotional eating – Do you have a problem with ‘comfort’ foods? Grab a healthy snack or a bottle of water--load your refrigerator of cupboard with them. 
• Do you eat when you are sad? Take control. Walk or exercise and drink water.
• Do you eat when you are bored? See all of the above. Find a time and mind consuming hobby. – Books, Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, beading, exercise, etc.

Often hunger pains are nothing more than dehydration. Before you eat, try drinking water first. Buy bottled water by the case and always have a bottle available

Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals may slow your metabolism. It saps your energy and  increases the risk of eating the wrong things like grabbing a candy bar or a  fast-food cheeseburger on the run.


Plan ahead to eat four smaller meals throughout the day.


Cut out 'white' - bread, cereal, rice, pasta. Eat only 100% whole grain!


Eat well-balanced meals. 
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains offer large portions for a small amount of calories. A meal should include:
Large serving of vegetables
Lean Meat
Whole grains
Fat Free Milk
If you need a desert, eat fruit


Healthy Snacks
Apple
Orange
Small bowl of grapes
One ounce of Nuts
Baby carrot sticks

• Don't go to the grocery store hungry. Eat a healthy snack and make a list.