Always see your doctor before following any advice given here or beginning a diet plan. Start slowly by following these simple diet tips and soon a healthier you will blossom!

1. Make a formal commitment to yourself
On a 3×5 card write out a commitment then place it in a prominent place where it will be seen every morning. An example: I will not eat “forbidden food”, just for today. I will have a positive attitude toward healthy eating choices, just for today. I will look in the mirror and see the healthy, beautiful, energetic person that is beginning to emerge. I will be true to myself and enjoy who I am becoming, just for today.

2. Never, ever eat in your car
This will stop that quick dash to the fast food drive-through on the way home to gobble down that quick burger and shake on the run.

3. Always eat at a table with food attractively served on a plate in pre-measured servings
If your work schedule doesn’t allow time for a scheduled lunch break during the day to refuel your body properly, please have a chat with your manager. This is a serious health issue and you must take the initiative here to speak up and take care of your body’s basic nutritional needs. And please, try to sit at the table at home…I know it’s difficult with children. Make eating a calm, pleasant event. Digestion will be better and food will taste better. On the go Mom’s have to plan ahead. So, if there’s soccer practice for instance, pack nutritional sandwiches, munchies and fruit, then tailgate with the kids at the soccer field just before practice begins.

4. Keep a daily diary of EVERYTHING you eat
Write down everything you eat as soon as you eat it. Waiting until the end of the day will cause you to conveniently forget that piece of chocolate picked up on your way back to your desk or the extra spoonful of peanut butter, so carry your diary everywhere you go. Your diary will keep you honest and be your own personal buddy. Keeping an accurate daily diary will help you calculating your calories, carbs, fats, etc. when evaluating your daily strategy.

5. Start a new hobby or rekindle an old interest
Leave no room for boredom or wondering how long it will be before the next meal is scheduled. Keep hands and mind engaged in something you’re interested in learning more about. This is a great time to take up an active hobby or interest and get some great exercise at the same time.

6. Drink a glass of cool water 15 minutes before eating
Drinking cool water is believed to increase your metabolism. The theory here is your body has to work a little harder to process the cooler water. And drinking water before you eat will make feel full sooner. Hey, give it a try. Can’t hurt!

7. Brush your teeth immediately after eating a meal or a snack
Not only will you benefit by having good oral hygiene and great smelling breath, but this will be your signal that you are finished eating until you prepare and sit down at the table for your next meal. No more munching all morning on a bag of chips or dipping into the candy bowl.

8. Replace soda or tea with cool water
Most diets suggest that increased water intake is essential to successful dieting. You need at least 6-8 8 oz. glasses of pure water each day. Your body is made up of mostly water, so it’s important to stay hydrated. The benefits of drinking water are endless.

9. Eat 6 smaller meals each day and rev up your exercise routineAccording to an article in the March 2008 Family Circle, eating the right foods more often and increasing your muscle mass by exercising will increase metabolism causing you to burn more calories. Building muscle helps increase your resting metabolic rate which means even after you complete your exercise, your body will continue to burn calories.