Don't Deprive Yourself

One of the things that discourages many people wanting to lose weight is the thought of giving up their favorite foods. For those that follow through and give up those items, it sets the stage for a fall off the wagon. Dieting doesn't have to be synonymous with deprivation.

Even so-called "bad" foods can be included in a healthy diet. The key is moderation. Instead of depriving yourself of the food until the cravings get too much and you overindulge, plan ahead. There are a few ways you can do this.

Let's consider that you are on a 1,200 calorie a day meal plan. This is spread out to three 350 calorie meals and three 50 calorie snacks. You want to go out to eat for a dinner that is 600 calories.

Option #1-Reduce breakfast and lunch to 300 calories per meal and drop all three snacks for the day. This frees up 250 calories, which can be added to your dinner calorie allotment. You stay within calorie limit for the day.

Option #2-Spread the calories over a few days. Drop one snack for five days. Even though you go over calories the day of your splurge meal, the 250 reduction in calories over the five days balances it out.

Option #3-See if the restaurant offers a child or appetizer plate of the same meal. This can reduce your calories by as much as half. Then combine with a healthy salad or vegetable side and you have stayed within your calorie range for the day.