Women often ask each other, “How can I lose weight?” Well, the truth is, there isn’t one magic solution that works for everyone. But if you’re tired of trying every fad diet out there, it’s time to get some practical advice from people who have been in your shoes.
We know it can be tough to shed those extra pounds, despite all the research and celebrity workout secrets we come across. That’s why we reached out to some experts who shared some simple diet tips that actually work. And we can vouch for them since we’ve tried them ourselves!
Of course, sticking to these tips isn’t always easy, but the results are worth it. My friend Tanya, who used to weigh over 200 pounds, lost 10 pounds in just one week by consistently following these tips. In fact, she lost a total of 55 pounds in a year! And the best part is, you don’t have to do any crazy exercise or follow a restrictive diet.
So let’s dive into these 9 diet tricks that will help you lose weight quickly and safely.
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. 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
6. 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
7. Break out the skinny jeans
“Wear something tight! It provides the extra bit of motivation to lay off the fries.”
—Ilana Koule, Beauty Assistant
8. Pitcher this
“Fill a pitcher with water and cucumbers. It’s pretty—and it feels like a treat.”
—Olivia Rowley, Licensed Dietician and Nutritionist
9. Set aside leftovers
“Serve yourself, then immediately pack the leftovers in a Tupperware container and store in the fridge.”
—Maria Cooper, Psychologist