How to Diet Without Driving Yourself Crazy

You've committed to a diet. Aside from eating healthy, you have another challenge: not going nuts with your diet plan. This will help you diet successfully without going crazy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Put yourself in the mindset that you want to eat healthy foods, but you aren't locked into anything. If you're constantly thinking about dieting, you're going to fail, because you'll drive yourself crazy, and you may fail at your diet because all of the thinking about dieting may make you want to eat more.

2. Allow yourself breaks. If everyone at a party wants to order pizza, feel free to have a slice. However, keep it limited. Eating five slices of pizza is obviously less healthy than eating one slice.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for alternatives. If everyone at a party wants to order pizza, don't be ashamed to ask if you can throw in a few extra dollars for a side salad for yourself. Pizza and salad is healthier than pizza...and more pizza...and more pizza. Plus, it's just as filling.

4. If friends or family want to go to a restaurant for dinner, suggest one that you know has delicious, healthy choices. This way, you'll be happy choosing the salad bar option and won't feel cheated by not getting a fattening meal.

5. Don't deprive yourself. Allow yourself one bite of dessert, or a very small dessert, if necessary. One Hershey's Kiss won't be terrible for your diet - but eating the whole bag will be.

6. Choose low fat options. Have fat free milk and low fat cheese instead of the full fat versions. Choose low calorie, whole grain breads instead of large, calorie filled rolls.

7. Keep portion sizes limited. You can eat a small amount of a side dish which isn't super healthy, but make sure to have a healthy main dish to go with it.

8. Exercise as a part of your weight loss plan. You'll have a bit more freedom when it comes to eating if you're constantly burning calories. Exercise doesn't even have to be difficult. A nice walk with a friend is a great way to burn calories.

Resources

• How to Not Overeat at Restaurants

[ElizabethLeigh]

on 11/30/2008 This could definitely be needed after the holidays!

[cynvela]

on 11/30/2008 Great tips to help stay on the diet track. 5*

[Butterfli]

on 11/30/2008 Great and timely advice! Thanks! 5*