10 Easy Changes to Your Eating Habits for Losing Weight

Weight loss doesn’t have to be grueling, depressing or discouraging. It can be easy, fun, painless and permanent.

41 percent of Americans claim to be on a diet at any given time. But people who lose weight slowly are more likely to keep the weight off. Most people try drastic fad diets that they grow tired of quickly. Actually losing weight slowly is healthier and easier.  If you are looking to lose weight the right way, start eating some healthier snacks instead of your usual crisps and chocolate, having some pumpkin seeds, various nuts as snacks will fill you up and is also very tasty. Clearspring have some of the healthiest, tastiest snacks on the market. Incorporate these changes to your food method.

1. Eat breakfast, and eat smaller meals throughout the day

A healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating small, healthy meals throughout the day (rather than the standard three large meals) keeps your energy up and your metabolism going.

2. Greens

Greens are packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, C, E and K,. Be adventurous with your greens and branch out beyond bright and dark green lettuce—kale, mustard greens, broccoli, Chinese cabbage are just a few of the options.

3. Go for the Grain

By substituting whole grains for refined grains like white bread, cakes, cookies, and pretzels, you add much-needed fiber and will fill up faster. Choose whole-wheat breads and pastas, brown rice, bran flakes, popcorn, and whole-rye crackers.

4. Downsize your portions of protein

Most people in the U.S. eat too much protein. Try to move away from protein being the center of your meal. Focus on quality sources of protein, like fresh fish, chicken or turkey, tofu, eggs, beans or nuts. When you are having meat, chicken, or turkey, buy meat that is free of hormones and antibiotics.

5. Cook with nonstick pans and spray

Make every meal in a nonstick pan, and you’ll automatically save 100 calories every time by eliminating the butter, margarine or oil used to grease the pan. When sautéing or frying, simply coat nonstick pans with a spritz of vegetable oil cooking spray (0 calories).

6. Eat with others whenever possible

Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits—particularly for children—and allows you to model healthy eating habits. Eating in front of the TV or computer often leads to mindless overeating.

7. Take time to chew your food and enjoy mealtimes

Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors, so reconnect with the joy of eating.

8. Listen to your body

Ask yourself if you are really hungry, or have a glass of water to see if you are thirsty instead of hungry. During a meal, stop eating before you feel full to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly.

9. Mine sweep for calorie bombs

Losing weight is not about discipline or willpower, it’s about taking charge of your environment. So get rid of all that high-fat, high-calorie junk in your kitchen and replace it with healthful, low fat fare.

10. Think smaller portions

Serving sizes have ballooned recently, particularly in restaurants. When dining out, choose a starter instead of an entrée, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything. At home, use smaller plates, think about serving sizes in realistic terms and start small.