Eat Your Way Slim

By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief

Grab your fork: Filling up on healthy foods is the best way to say sayonara to those stubborn 5, 10 or 15 pounds. A few years ago, when I complained about the extra luggage I was carrying, a trainer told me, "That's between you and the bread basket." And she was right.

I went on to lose about 25 pounds without counting calories or cutting meals, but rather by reducing refined carbs such as pasta and bagels and increasing the amount of fruit, veggies and lean protein on my plate. Science helps me understand why: Studies suggest that we absorb 6 percent fewer calories when we follow a diet with at least 34 grams a day of fiber (which is chockablock in produce). We also know our bodies expend more energy digesting protein than fat or carbs, and eating at least 50 grams of protein a day can delay hunger pains and boost energy.

Try these other tips from our Jump Start Diet to whittle your middle and achieve the healthiest weight for you.

Ruin your appetite: If you only eat three squares a day, you might be getting too hungry between meals, causing you to overeat when you finally sit down to dine. Treat yourself to two 150-calorie snacks a day to keep your blood sugar stable and rein in hunger. Try a string cheese with an apple or lowfat yogurt and fruit.

Supersize your eats: Sometimes bigger really is better. Selecting a high-volume version of the food you want can help you eat less. People who had cheese puffs for a snack ate 21 percent fewer calories than those given denser bites, researchers at Penn State University at University Park found. Because the food looks bigger, you’re happy and satisfied with fewer calories. Try rice cakes, popcorn or puffed cereal instead of chips when you want a snack. SELF has more ways to trade up to healthier treats.

Don't fear frozen meals: Eating an entree out of your freezer isn't something you want to make a daily habit, but once in a while it can be a smart way to refresh your memory on sensible serving sizes. Choose ones with about 350 calories, at least 3 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fiber and no more than 1.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 calories. Put it on a plate and snap a mental picture of it before digging in. This will help sidestep portion distortion in the future.

Plot your path: When you map out your meals for the day, you’re less likely to stumble on diet setbacks such as unhealthy takeout or king-size treats from the vending machine. Take a moment to jot down what you plan to nosh for the next few days, and check back to see how you did. This will help you pinpoint trouble spots (such as a few unplanned scoops of ice cream in front of the tube) and allow you to celebrate when you help yourself to healthier fare.