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| Sara Patton, High School Chemistry Teacher, lost 22 pounds in 2 months |
1. It’s not about weighing how much you eat
“Put away the food scale. Portion control isn’t about measuring; it’s about ordering two appetizers instead of an entrée and cutting back on bread if you have pasta.”
– Sally McGuiness, Homemaker, lost 36 pounds in 5 months
2. Keep a stash of fruit handy
“Keep fruit at work. It helps during the I-need-chocolate part of the afternoon.”
– Jill McRae, Receptionist, lost 28 pounds in 8 months
3. Protein shakes
“When I’m trying to drop a few pounds, I carry around a shaker cup of chocolate protein powder. If I’m ravenous, I add the water, and it fills me up so I don’t eat something high-calorie instead.”
– Paula Lee, Real Estate Broker, lost 43 pounds in 12 months
4. Set realistic limitations
“In the cafeteria I use a 4-by-4-inch Styrofoam box, and I put whatever I want in there. It’s almost impossible to overeat.”
5. Brush your teeth right after dinner
“Brushing my teeth after dinner makes me less likely to eat again before I go to bed.”
Christine Polk, Homemaker, lost 24 pounds in 4 months
6. Take a before photo
“Before I got in shape, a friend convinced me to take photos of myself wearing nothing but a sports bra and underwear. Anytime I fall off the wagon I look at those pics—that’s all the motivation I need!”
– Hattie Quinlan, Zoo Keeper, lost 26 pounds in 4 months
7. Cut out all liquid calories
“Cut out drinks with calories—juice, lemonade, and, hardest of all, after-work wine.”
– Amanda Lupin, Banker, lost 40 pounds in 10 months
8. Wear something tight
“Wear something form fitting! It provides the extra bit of motivation to lay off the fries.”
– Kayla Manzani, Retail Assistant, lost 21 pounds in 3 months
9. Can’t go wrong with cucumbers
“Fill a pitcher with water and cucumbers. It’s pretty—and it feels like a treat.”
Lisa Mancini, Programmer, lost 29 pounds in 5 months
10. Pack leftovers before you eat
“Serve yourself, then immediately pack the leftovers in a Tupperware container and store in the fridge.”
– Sam Guardia, lost 39 pounds in 18 weeks
