General Tips for Eating Moderately

Pay attention when you eat. It's easy to overdo when you're unaware of of how much you're taking in.  Don't eat mindlessly in front of the television, computer or in the car.  Before you know it, you've eaten a whole bag of chips or cookies.

Eat 10% less.  Eat 10% less of everything except raw or steamed vegetables and fruit.

Learn to eat moderately. High-fat and high-calorie foods can be slipped in now and then -- just don't overdo the portion sizes.

Eat less and savor more. There's no reason to make some foods completely off limits.  If you crave chocolate, your new eating plan may not last long if you forbid yourself from eating it.  A forbidden food may turn into one you binge on.  But try just a small taste every day if it keeps you on track.

Don't worry about wasting food.  Contrary to what you may have heard from your mother for years while growing up, it's okay to leave some on your plate.  Some experts even say that leaving a small amount of food on your plate is symbolic of having control over your food.

Eat three meals a day.  This will keep your blood sugar more even and your moods more even.  That will prevent "lows" that might lead you to turn to food and binges due to hunger from skipping meals.

Develop a taste for lower-calorie, lower-fat foods.  Eat as much as you want of most vegetables, for example, as long as they aren't fried, creamed or smothered in butter.  It may take a few weeks for your taste buds to become accustomed to less fat in your diet, for example, but after a few weeks higher fat foods will taste too greasy.

Don't be afraid of eating meat.  Lean meat contains lots of healthy nutrients.  Just take small helpings, trim the fat and don't have it at every meal.

Click here for how to reduce portion size of food at home.  After you're
       done use the "Back" button on your browser to return to this spot.
Click here for portion control tips when eating out.  After you're done use
       the "Back" button on your browser to return to this spot.