Things You'll Need:
- A little common sense and self-control!
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Step 1
1. An "all or nothing" mentality is your mortal enemy. If you have to have that brownie at the office, you don't necessarily have to eat like a fiend for the rest of the day. Have the brownie but JUST the brownie. Don't let it open the door to an all day food binge.
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Step 2
2. Make sure what you're eating is worth it to you. If you take a bite of that delicious-looking cheesecake and discover it's not as good as it looks, THROW IT AWAY! Don't waste your calories on something that isn't absolutely delectable. Your scale will thank you later.
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Step 3
3. DON'T wear your elastic waist pants to a dinner party or buffet. In fact, tighten your belt a notch. If you're a little uncomfortable when your stomach is "comfortably" full, it's a nice little reminder that it's time to STOP EATING.
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Step 4
4. Weigh yourself daily. Every diet I've ever been on actually recommends AGAINST doing that but I've found it to be a really good weight maintenance tool. I know it sounds a little obsessive compulsive but if you're trying to maintain your weight, you need to be aware of even the slightest nudge upward. Two extra pounds can be the beginning of something ugly. If you discover that you've gained a pound or two overnight, it's probably just water weight but it's a good motivator to try and eat a few more fruits and veggies and a few less cookies for a day or two. Don't freak out but do take notice.
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Step 5
5. Think big picture. I was recently at a Christmas party and I REALLY wanted that third cookie. I thought to myself, "In ten years, I won't even remember skipping that cookie, much less regret it, but I WILL be very sorry if I've gained 10 pounds". Suddenly, the cookie seemed unimportant and much less tempting.
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Step 6
6. DON'T deprive yourself. What did I say? That's right, DON'T. If you want an order of fast food fries, by all means, eat them. Try having a medium order instead of a large and maybe you forgo the burger or milkshake but EAT what you're craving in a reasonable portion. If you don't, you'll get fed up and binge later.
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Step 7
7. Don't beat yourself up. If you eat "like a pig" one day or even for a week, don't spend all your energy hating yourself and even punishing yourself by deprivation. Decide to make one change per day until you're back into a healthier eating pattern. For example, drink one more bottle of water one day. The next day, drink that bottle of water and have an apple instead of a bag of chips. Rome wasn't built in a day and nobody's perfect, so cut yourself some slack.
