10 Real Life Diet Tips for Americans

Are you tired of diet tips that seem tailored for those with unlimited time and resources? For many of us, it’s just not practical to spend half of Sunday preparing perfectly portioned meals for the week or to buy all our food prepackaged. And weighing food for the 'optimal portion sizes' can be daunting. Here are ten real-life diet tips for the rest of us.

1. Dining Out: Restaurant portions are often large, and we tend to eat what's in front of us. If possible, order from the kids' menu for more reasonable portions.
2. Keep Healthy Snacks Accessible: Have a bowl of fruit on the kitchen table, a container of celery or carrot sticks in the fridge, or a couple of cans of fruit salad at your desk. This way, you'll likely grab something healthy when hunger strikes.
3. Opt for Frozen Over Canned Vegetables: Canned veggies are high in sodium and low in nutrients. Instead, buy economy-size bags of frozen vegetables with zip closures for easy single servings.
4. Invest in a Vegetable Steamer: Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook vegetables, preserving most of their nutrients and enhancing their taste, making you more likely to eat them.
5. Avoid Eating Standing Up: Treat eating with respect. Fix a plate, sit down, and eat properly. This helps prevent mindless eating.
6. Spread Out Your Meals: Eating three large meals can make your body store excess calories. By grazing – eating smaller meals throughout the day – you keep your metabolism active and prevent overeating.
7. Choose Juice or Flavored Water Over Soda: Soda is full of empty calories and sugar. Opt for 100% fruit juice or water with a splash of fruit instead.
8. Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. When dieting, you might need more to help with digestion and to stay hydrated.
9. Can’t Afford a Gym?: Make a pact with friends to exercise together. Meet at least three times a week for activities like volleyball, walking, or any exercise you enjoy.
10. Skip the Potato Chips: Chips are high in unhealthy fats and calories. Instead, grab dried fruit or a cup of yogurt for a healthier, equally satisfying snack.