i read an article this morning on Yahoo! Health about simple ways to stay slim without trying.  Lucy Danziger, the author, says, "I believe it's not about counting calories or fixating on how much fiber or fat is in your diet. Instead, the key to eating healthy (and even dropping some weight) is making smart choices."

hmm. i don't know about that quote because while eating healthy is essential to losing weight and keeping it off, i think counting calories and the like is important.  i think when you are trying to lose a massive amount of weight like i am, then keeping track of what you eat and being aware of everything you are putting in your mouth is pretty important.  food journals and/or calorie counting becomes your best friend.

even though i don't completely agree with her philosophy on dieting and eating healthy, she did have some pretty good pointers.

1. go for home grown - fruits and veggies are great choice.  a healthy choice since they are fresh and natural.  people who eat veggies with a meal consume 20% less calories than a person who doesn't eat a meal with veggies.

2. choose crunch - carrot sticks, apples, and nuts.  oh my!  eating healthy crunchy foods (we aren't counting potato chips here) will cause you to chew longer and give you more time to realize when you are full.

3. read the fine print - check the ingredients.  if an ingredient is hard to read, more than likely it's sometime artificial and not good for your waistline.

4. forget about feasting - unless it's a holiday, that is.  otherwise, you don't need to spend the other 360 days of the year stuffing your face. controlled portions + smaller bites = smaller waistline

5. eyball servings - knowing that a serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards will keep you from having to carry around measuring cups and a kitchen scale.

6. park yourself at the table - turn off the tv, get away from your desk, get off the couch and go eat at the table.  (this is something i'm so guilty of!)  by eating at the table with no distractions, you'll know when you are full so you don't overeat.

7. skip sugar sips - things like vitamin water can be misleading.  you think water with vitamins, right?  wrong.  vitamin water actually has 130 calories and is loaded with sugar.  stick to the basics like water, milk, coffee, and tea.

8. fill up in the morning - don't skip breakfast.  in fact, make it the biggest meal of the day.  you'll have more energy throughout the day and you'll keep from overeating at night.

9. quit the clean plate club - if you're full, stop eating.  save what is on your plate for tomorrow's lunch or give the dog a yummy dinner.  it's not a crime to leave food on your plate.

10. cut yourself some slack - you can have a cookie or two on occasion.  if you crave it, eat it (in moderation).  otherwise you'll just overeat later.  enjoy your treat and then get back to eating healthy.