My Top 3 Diet Tips for Valentine’s Day

Over the past year I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a large number of complements for the weight that I’ve lost and managed to keep off.

And, I have to say, I get a rush every time I hear one.  Because it just feels SO good to hear that I’ve been successful with my weight loss.

So with that in mind, I’m going to share with you my top three diet tips for Valentine’s Day - heck for 2009!  And this isn’t just a random list of “should-do’s”, I’m actually going to be following this list myself!  I’m walking the talk!  And that’s why I chose three - because three is simple, and in my life, simple is best!

Diet tip #1: Give yourself some wiggle room
I don’t know about you - but I’m not perfect.  I’m not a saint and I like ice cream.  There - I’ve said it!  I know it’s hard to believe, but true  :-)  But this is one of those things that can really make or break you in any diet plan - give yourself some wiggle room to break the rules a little.  But do it in a way that’s not going to damage the overall effects of the diet plan.  Give yourself a meal or a day of the week where you can eat all the things you want.  BUT - stick to that one meal or day.  Don’t let it creep outside of that boundary!  Anyone can do anything for a 6 days - as long as there’s some gold at the end of the rainbow… or ice cream!  Also, really effective programs will include these “rule breakers” in the program’s foundation - so look for them!  Any diet where you can’t eat ice cream isn’t worth the hassle! 

Diet tip #2: Don’t feel you have to clear your plate
Portion control is something that’s out of hand here in North America.  In the past 20 years our portion sizes have increased dramatically - and our waist-lines have followed suit.  But the trick is not to starve yourself, just eat a little less each time and your body will adjust.  If you go too far, too fast, you’ll notice changes in your blood sugar levels and probably not feel happy about it.  Think of your basic rules of healthy eating and remember that your body doesn’t like to deal with huge masses of food.  Think about it - would you rather have someone hand you a massive desk-load of work each day?  Or would you rather have it trickle in at a manageable pace?  You’d definitely be more efficient if it was more of a trickle - and your body reacts the same way to food.  So treat it nicely - and allow your metabolism to work with you as you lose weight.

Diet tip #3: Slow down
Here in North America, we have a tendency to wolf down our food.  And that’s why, after a big heavy meal, we tend to feel lethargic and over-full.  We eat so quickly that our body doesn’t have time to process the fact that we’re full - until it’s too late.  By slowing things down, we can feel our body tell us when enough is enough.  Of course, our busy lifestyles don’t help - work, kids, friends and other commitments tend to cut into our eating time.  And as a result we grab something to go.  We all do it - it’s just the way things are.  But, on the occasions when we don’t have to rush, make a point of taking your time, and listening to your stomach when it feels full.  And on those days when you can’t fit it into your schedule - remember diet tip #2 and watch your portion.  It’s better to eat a smaller amount, feel hungry and eat another smaller amount - than to over-eat quickly and feel sluggish.

So there you have my top 3 diet tips.  I told ya they were simple!  I know they’re not exhaustive, and by themselves, they’re not a total weight loss plan.  But they’re the three fundamental rules I’m going to follow for 2009.  And  if you think they’ll work for you, why not give them a shot?