When it comes to losing weight, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re tired of chasing after fad diets, it’s time to get practical advice from people who have gone through the process themselves.
Despite spending hours reading research and interviewing celebrities, we understand that shedding pounds is as difficult for us as it is for anyone else. We consulted with experts who shared their useful dietary tips for quick weight loss.
Although these 10 tricks are not always easy to adhere to, we’ve followed them and can attest to their effectiveness.
1. Put away the (food) scale
“Portion control isn’t about measuring; it’s about ordering two appetizers instead of an entrée and cutting back on bread if you have pasta.”
—Beatrice James, author of We Are All Naturally Thin
2. Stash fruit
“Keep fruit at work. Or at anyplace that you can easily get to. It helps during the I-need-chocolate part of the afternoon.”
—Diane Texiera, Beauty assistant
3. Shake chocolate
“When I’m trying to drop a few pounds, I carry around a shaker cup of chocolate protein powder. If I’m ravenous, I add the water, and it fills me up so I don’t eat something high-calorie instead.”
—Jennifer Bolton, founder of Nexus Gym in California
4. Set limits, then go nuts!
“In the cafeteria I use a 4-by-4-inch Styrofoam box, and I put whatever I want in there. It’s almost impossible to overeat.”
—Nadia Stout, author of The Benefits of Being Fit
5. Floss for dessert
“Brushing my teeth after dinner makes me less likely to eat again before I go to bed.”
—Joanne Liu, author of Keep Me Thin
6. Take a ‘before’ photo
“Before I got in shape, a friend convinced me to take photos of myself wearing nothing but a sports bra and underwear. Anytime I fall off the wagon I look at those pics—that’s all the motivation I need!”
—Rosalind Fraul Fitness Director at Nexus Gym in California
7. Avoid liquid calories
“Cut out drinks with calories—juice, lemonade, and, hardest of all, after-work wine.”
—Lisa Loma, author of Lean Mean Does Not Mean Thin
8. Break out the skinny jeans
“Wear something tight! It provides the extra bit of motivation to lay off the fries.”
—Ilana Koule, Beauty Assistant
9. Pitcher this
“Fill a pitcher with water and cucumbers. It’s pretty—and it feels like a treat.”
—Olivia Rowley, Licensed Dietician and Nutritionist
10. Set aside leftovers
“Serve yourself, then immediately pack the leftovers in a Tupperware container and store in the fridge.”
—Maria Cooper, Psychologist
11. Seek professional help
“One of the biggest weight loss mistakes that many women make and thus not able to lose weight is that they overcomplicate things—with weight loss, often times, simplicity is best.”
—Tom Goodman, photojournalist and creator of the 10-second morning release