My Secret Weight Loss Weapons, Part 2

I don't mind working out, but I really, really hate dieting. I don't like denying myself my favorite foods and I don't like feeling hungry when I go to bed at night. Here are some strategies I use to trick myself into eating fewer calories without feeling deprived.

1. Divide meals in half. - I've already shared that I sometimes rely on frozen dinners for lunch, but for dinner I eat the same meal I prepare for my family. The difference is, I only eat half of what I would have normally eaten. If we're having Mexican casserole, I eat a small portion of casserole and 1 serving of tortilla chips (I actually count them). I sometimes serve myself on a salad plate so my plate looks really full. My stomach is already adjusting to the smaller portions and I feel full more quickly.

2. Eat dessert. - Sometime after I had my second child, I developed a sweet tooth. I still eat dessert, but now I have 1 cookie instead of 5. I remind myself that we're not in the midst of a famine. I can always have another cookie tomorrow, so there's no reason to hoard.

Here's My Secret Weight Loss Weapons, Part 1. I'll share more tips next week...