
scale can be a great motivator. What’s more, research shows that people who keep a food diary, even if they’re not consciously eating less, lose weight. “If you write it down, you know if you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables or if you can eat an extra snack,” says Nelson.
8. Bounce back.
One holiday blowout doesn’t ruin your chances for successful weight loss. And an extra piece of cake is not a mandate to polish off the platter. Everyone gives in to temptation once in a while — the trick is to gently guide yourself back on track. There are no “bad” foods, and there’s no point in beating yourself up for succumbing to some high-calorie treat. The more consistently you make wise food choices, the better you’ll feel and the quicker you’ll reach your goal. Just remember that controlling your eating is not an all-or-nothing proposition. It’s calling the shots for yourself every day of your life.