When trying to follow a weight loss program there are always things you can change in your eating habits that will help you reach your weight-loss goals. Here are a few tips that will help you along the way making it easier and stress free.

Say No to Diet!

When you first decide its time to get serious and lose that weight you've been wanting to get rid of, don't start it off by saying "I'm going on a diet". Make it happen by making a life time change not a temporary diet change. One of the reasons so many people gain weight back after losing, is because of a bad mind set. Forget the word diet even exists and start with making small changes in your diet. If you continue with this new mind set you will take off the weight and keep it off in the long run.

Switch to Water

When it comes to beverage of choice nothing is better than pure refreshing water. In fact your body prefers it to anything else. It is said that you need at least 8 glasses of water a day. Trying to drink that much water a day can be hard but it can be done. Start with a glass of water first thing in the morning before anything else and then throughout the day when ever you eat ending with the last one before bedtime. When it comes to liquids, your body doesn't read it the same way it does food so taking in too many extra calorie when drinking soda or juice usually means more calories turning to extra fat storage that you don't want. If you find yourself wanting something other than water then try diluting your juice with water to cut the calories.

Slow Down and Take 20

Another cause of over eating is eating your food too fast. Studies show that it takes your body atleast 20 minutes for it to even get the signal that it is full. By slowing down, you will give your body the time it needs to know when it has had enough. If after 20 minutes you are still hungry then have a little more until satisfied but not overly stuffed and uncomfortable. Did you know that over eating is also the reason for feeling tired and wanting to sleep after a meal?

Enjoy Your food!

Just because you want to lose weight doesn't mean you have to give up all of your favorite foods. In fact... giving them up is one of the big reasons a lot of people find themselves giving up and thinking that they failed. If you combine the rule above "Slow down and take 20" and eat smaller portions it will actually help you to lose even more weight in the long run while still satisfying your cravings for some of the sinful indulgences.

Eat Fresh fruits and veggies

If you want to find a way to lose weight and keep it off while feeling satisfied at the same time, then eating raw fruits and vegetables is the key to your success. By eating RAW more often you will find that you will be able to eat a lot more. The most common reason one gains weight is because of an imbalanced diet where wrong foods are eaten in portions that are way to big and not enough exercise is done to compensate for the extra calories. When you eat more calories than your body can metabolize your body will have no choice but to store it as fat. By eating more raw veggies and fruits you will also help your body to properly digest your food, reduce risk of cancer and diabetes. There are so many varieties to choose from that you will less likely become board with your diet. Beyond your basic veggies to choose from there are grains, sprouts, seeds, seaweed and nuts.

Exercise daily

By exercising everyday you can crank up your metabolism so you can burn those extra calories necessary to lose weight. Not only will it help you to lose fat but it will give you energy you didn't even know you had that will last throughout your day. Prove me wrong!!!!!

Some exercise ideas are:

1. Take a run or walk on the sand at the beach for a difference in scenery and added work for your muscles. It's a lot harder to run in the sand with less impact on the knees then it is on the road.

2. Jumping rope or running up a few flights of stairs is a great work out that will burn a ton of calories while toning your leg muscles at the same time.

3. Hill walking while carrying a weighted backpack will burn calories and shape your butt.

4. weight training is the ONLY way to get that fit and trim body we all want. A workout without iron will only leave you to be smaller but flabby in all the areas you want to be firm. Weight training is what will make that bikini or sundress look great! Make sure you do this at least 2-3 days a week while continuing to eat healthy. Try to do weight training exercises that will use your full body such as lunges with curls and squats with presses and you will burn even more calories in the same amount of time.

All of these tips are given to use because I know that they work. I use them myself to stay motivated while reaching my personal goals in life. I hope they help you too!

Some healthy tips to remember when making smart food choices:

1. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies

2. Choose low fat or fat-fat when choosing dairy products like milk and cheeses.

3. Shop from the outside aisles and the grocery store- That's where all the healthy stuff is kept

4. Oil and fat is not all the same- choose canola and olive oils

5. Limit the less healthy foods that are high is sugar and fat. You can still enjoy them in small doses.

6. Choose leaner meats and share your protein needs with beans and lentils