You’ve been exercising dutifully and monitoring your fat and calorie intake. You’re so close to your weight loss goal that you can almost taste it, but you’re stuck on those last 10 pounds. Maybe you don’t need to lose a lot of weight, 
but your jeans are feeling a little tighter than usual.
We have some easy tricks that will help you lose those few pounds. These tips are easy to do. Make these small changes in your diet and you’ll see the results!
Blot it! If you’re having pizza, use a paper napkin to blot the fat off. Think about it: If you blot a teaspoon of fat off a slice per week and you have a slice once a week, that’s more than a whole cup of fat you won’t eat (or wear!) this year. Make sure that the slice isn’t so hot that you blot off the cheese; let it cool for a few minutes.
Got milk? Fact: Consuming 1,800 milligrams of calcium a day could block the absorption of about 80 calories. Try drinking skim or one percent milk – put it in your coffee, tea or bowl of cereal. Wary of trying skim milk? Gradually go down from what you’re drinking (think whole milk to two-percent to one-percent to skim), so it’s not such an extreme change from what you’re used to.
Cut it up. You’re more likely to munch precut veggies, so buy them already cut or do it yourself! So instead of grabbing chips, grab veggies.
H2O. Drinking water burns calories. Yes, it’s true! A German study showed that drinking water burns calories: Two cups of cold water (no warmer than 72 degrees) uses up around 25 calories. Do the math: Drink a liter a day and you could lose five pounds a year! Drinking a liter is easier than you may think. Keep it at your desk, take it to the gym and replace sugary sodas.
Drink healthy. Another way to skip the sodas is by drinking tomato juice. Create your own drink of veggies and fruits with a food processor. There are plenty of recipes on the web for creating a delicious and healthy drink.
Go smaller! Instead of a big dinner plate, opt for the salad plate. Studies show that putting your portions on a small dish means you’ll eat less at a meal.
Power snack. We’re not talking about power and energy bars! Mix three different kinds of beans with low-calorie Italian dressing and enjoy.
Pay attention. Turn off the TV, put down the newspaper and get away from the computer. With all those distractions, you tend to eat more than you really need. Focus on what you’re eating and you’ll make healthier, more conscious choices.
No more mindless snacking. Instead of constantly grabbing potato chips out of the bag while you surf the web, chew a strong-flavored gum or suck on a piece of hard candy.
Tighten your belt. When you think a craving is coming on or you’re reaching for that third slice of dessert, tighten your belt a notch – it will remind you of the size you’d like to be.
Have a healthy holiday season!
